Article: The values you hold are central to who you are as a person. They help shape your identity in many ways. One of the easiest ways to find a sense of purpose in life is to always embody the values that you hold dear. If being kind and compassionate are part of your values, then find ways to practice kindness and compassion every day. If religion is one of your values, then practice your religion regularly. If fostering a sense of community is one of your values, then get to know your neighbors and try to organize a monthly get together. If you are passionate about your job, that will make you very happy in life. If you are not passionate about your job, that's okay - you just need to find things that you're passionate about outside of work. Having something that you are passionate about can help you feel more fulfilled and it will give you a better sense of purpose. Start doing what you love, and what makes you happy (provided that what makes you happy is safe and legal). There's no reason to put off doing things that you are passionate about. Many people even find ways of building their passions into a self-sustaining job. It takes work, but it starts with finding time to do what makes you happy. If you don't have anything you're currently passionate about, find something. Look to your set of values for inspiration on things that might bring you joy. Or, pick up a new hobby. Learn an instrument, take an instructional class, or go to a hobby store and ask someone who works there for suggestions on good beginner's crafts. Some people find that spending time outdoors gives them a sense of purpose and fulfillment. There are even wilderness therapy treatments that use outdoor activities, like hiking and camping, to help people overcome psychological problems and addictions. Search online to find parks and hiking trails near your home. Just be sure to follow all the necessary safety precautions, and bring someone with you if you're new to the area or the activity. Religion is not for everyone, and it won't necessarily give everyone a sense of purpose. But some people find that faith and a religious community help them feel connected to something outside of themselves. Even secular, spiritual-based practices, like meditation and mindfulness, have been shown to have positive effects on a person's psychological wellbeing. Try using meditation to feel more centered. Keep an intention in mind, such as centering yourself or finding a sense of self/purpose. Then focus on your breathing, ignoring any outside thoughts that pop into your head. Breathe through your nostrils and concentrate on the sensation of breathing in and out. Sit for as long as you are comfortable, and try to increase the duration of your meditation every time you practice meditating. Search online and read about different religions from around the world. Each faith has its own sets of values and beliefs, some of which may fall in line with your own values. Talk to friends or relatives who are spiritual. They may have some insight and could potentially help you explore the practices and beliefs of various religions, if that is something you are interested in.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Live your values. Do something you're passionate about. Get outdoors. Explore your spirituality.
Article: Multiply the total width of the accent wall by the height of your ceiling. This tells you the square footage of the accent wall. Typically, 1 gallon (3.8L) of paint covers around 350 to 400 square feet. Divide your total square footage by 350 or 400 to figure out how many gallons of paint you'll need to cover the wall. A single gallon is enough for most walls, but keep in mind you'll probably need to do 2 coats. If there are windows on the accent wall, subtract 15 square feet from your total square footage. Then divide that number by 350 or 400. If there's a door, subtract 21 square feet before dividing by 350 or 400. Take off the outlet covers, fixtures, switch plates, and window coverings before you get started. Use painter's tape to mask off the window sills, door hinges, baseboards, etc. Protect the floor with a tarp and cover any furniture in the room. Crack a window or get a fan so that the room stays ventilated. Since the color of the accent wall will contrast quite a bit with the ceiling and other adjoining walls, it's important to get a straight, clean line where the accent wall meets them. Crooked or smudged lines will be very noticeable. Apply the tape slowly and be precise for best results. Dirt and debris will prevent the paint from adhering well to the wall, so always clean interior walls before you paint them. Create a mild cleaning solution with warm water and a few drops of dish detergent. Wipe the wall down with a sponge or cloth, working from floor to ceiling and in small sections. Let the wall dry completely before moving on. Primer isn't required, but it's recommended. It will help the paint adhere to the wall, allow for better coverage, and help the paint wear better over time. Buy an indoor paint primer and apply one coat to the accent wall with a roller or paintbrush. Let it dry completely before you start painting. Use a latex-based interior paint for this job. Start applying paint in one of the top corners, working from the ceiling to the floor in small sections. Use an angled brush to get into the corners, then switch to a roller to cover the main wall space faster. Use the angled brush anywhere you need to do detail work. Wait for the first coat to dry, then apply a second coat the exact same way. Let the last coat of paint dry completely before removing the painter's tape and replacing fixtures.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Calculate how much paint you'll need. Remove the fixtures on the wall and put down protective tarp. Use painter's tape to create clean lines on the adjoining walls. Clean the wall before you paint. Brush on a coat of primer for the best paint coverage (if desired). Apply 2 coats of your chosen paint for the best finish.
Article: Use a soft nylon broom to brush off the stones. This removes dirt and debris, along with helping dislodge weeds that may be growing between the stones. Try doing this at least once a week. Polymeric sand can be used between the stones to help maintain them throughout the season. Sand can keep weeds from growing between the stones, so you don't have to keep pulling them up every month. You can buy polymeric sand at home improvement stores. Sand can also help bugs from raising between the stones and making their way through the patio to your house. Surface protector can help keep moss and dirt from collecting on surfaces during the winter months. You can also treat your stone patio with surface protector at the beginning of the season to help keep dirt off the stone. You mix this solution with water and spray it on the stone. Follow the directions on the bottle to mix the proper ratio of solution to water. This should be done every four months. You can find patio and stone surface protector solution at home improvement stores. Fill a spray bottle with distilled white vinegar. Add one teaspoon of dish soap to the vinegar. Stir the solution to mix the ingredients. Aim the nozzle at the weeds between the stones and cover them in the vinegar spray. Use on sunny dry days. Rain, cool, cloudy days don't yield the same results.
Question: What is a summary of what this article is about?
Sweep the stones often. Use sand between the stones to protect them. Cover the patio with a surface protector during the winter months. Mix a vinegar solution to kill weeds.