Latest news with #Gratitude
The Hindu
6 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
This urban gardener by day and baker by night dreams of turning Chennai into a sunflower city
What began as a modest experiment in a few pots on a rooftop at Rutland Gate in Nungambakkam has now grown into a full-fledged movement. Home baker and urban entrepreneur Shefalii Dadabhoy initially planted a single patch of sunflowers without any grand ambitions, but today, schools, organisations, and even apartment complexes across the city are following her lead. 'I only started with pots and tubs as a tiny experiment on my terrace, and then moved to a mini field in my front garden,' says Ms. Shefalii. For this gardener, sunflowers bring irrefutable joy, and she believes even the smallest patch can light up someone's day. 'My experience with starting this on the terrace is exactly why I believe it can work in every urban home. What once started as a hobby is now a larger community,' she says. And she is not alone in thinking that. Today, over 175 people are part of a 'Chennai Sunflower City' WhatsApp group, following in the footsteps of Ms. Shefalii. They often share snaps of golden-yellow blooms that have grown in their terrace gardens and request sunflower seeds. 'Seeing this is very heartwarming, as they grow their own patch of sunshine,' she adds. Donning the baker's hat By day, she digs into soil, but by night, Ms. Shefalii begins another passion project in her kitchen, which has now turned into a beloved full-time home bakery. Baking and gardening might be different worlds, but they are both extensions of creativity, she says. 'Baking took root during the pandemic, and it was also my way of sharing joy. It began with a small bag of Gratitude granola, then moved to floral brownies and pavlovas, and over time, it's become a much-loved home bakery,' says Shefalii. 'Both require patience, lots of experimentation, and a major skill — that is, attention to detail. And they are both about nurturing,' she says. Trial and error Of course, it has not all been smooth. Chennai's intense sun, fickle rains, and bouts of water shortage have made gardening a tightrope walk. However, with a little bit of practice and experimentation, anything is possible, says the gardener. 'I've had to experiment with watering schedules, types of soil, organic pest control, and choosing the right sunflower varieties,' adds Ms. Shefalii. So far, Ms. Shefalii has distributed over 10,000 sunflower seeds and grown over 5,000 sunflowers in three cycles at her home garden. 'It is already a large community now, but I hope to scale the Sunflower City initiative into a citywide greening movement. I want to collaborate with more schools, neighbourhoods, and even civic bodies,' says Ms. Shefalii, who is also planning to return to curated dining experiences when it comes to baking. 'At the end of the day, both should be rooted in connection and care.'
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
15 Things You Let Slide That Slowly Destroyed Your Marriage
Marriage is full of ups and downs, but sometimes the little things you don't pay attention to can build up and slowly chip away at what you once thought was unbreakable. It's not always the grand gestures or dramatic fights that cause the most damage; often, it's the small stuff you overlook. Spotting these can mean the difference between a thriving marriage and one that quietly fizzles out. Here are 15 things you might be letting slide that could be causing more harm than you realize. 1. Never Saying Thank You To Each Other Gratitude is one of the easiest emotions to express, yet it's often the first to be neglected. In a long-term relationship, you might start taking each other for granted, assuming your partner knows how much you appreciate them. But when you skip those two simple words — "thank you" — you begin to erode the sense of connection and appreciation that underpins your relationship. Dr. John Gottman, a renowned relationship expert, emphasizes that daily affirmations of gratitude strengthen the bond between partners. It's about recognizing the small acts of kindness your partner does and acknowledging them consistently, helping to build a positive environment in your marriage. Not voicing gratitude can lead to resentment over time. Your partner might feel their efforts go unnoticed, while you might not even realize you're neglecting to appreciate them. This lack of acknowledgment can create a subtle but growing rift. It's important to remember that gratitude doesn't have to be grandiose — a simple, heartfelt "thank you" can be more than enough. It's about the sincerity of the gesture and the recognition it conveys. 2. Ignoring The Other's Emotional Needs Emotional needs can be easy to overlook, especially when life's distractions get in the way. You might assume that a roof over your head and financial stability are enough, but that's rarely the full picture. People crave emotional connections and validation from their partners, and when this isn't met, dissatisfaction quietly builds. In a marriage, ignoring these needs can lead to feelings of neglect and loneliness. It's essential to check in with your partner regularly to ensure their emotional needs are being met. Ignoring emotional needs isn't just about not having deep conversations. It's about being emotionally present and available to your partner. When your spouse comes to you with concerns or feelings, dismissing them or making them feel unimportant can lead to long-term disconnect. This can foster a sense of isolation, where they might feel they're going through life's challenges alone. Emotional support is a cornerstone of any strong relationship and should never be underestimated. 3. Not Carving Out Personal Time In the hustle of maintaining a marriage, you might forget to carve out personal time for yourself. While marriage is about partnership, it's also crucial to nurture your own identity. According to Psychology Today, balancing personal time with togetherness can enhance marital satisfaction. When you neglect this, you risk losing sight of your individuality, which is an integral part of what attracted you to each other in the first place. A little "me time" can actually bring you closer by ensuring you each retain your personal growth. Ignoring personal time can lead to burnout and resentment. When you spend all your time focusing on the needs of the marriage, it's easy to feel like you're losing yourself. This can create tension, especially if one partner feels the need to disconnect to recharge while the other clings to togetherness. It's about finding a balance that works for both of you, where each partner feels they have the freedom to grow individually while still nurturing the relationship. Respecting each other's personal space can make your time together more valuable. 4. Letting Difficult Conversations Fester Conflict is a natural part of any relationship, but avoiding difficult conversations is often the easiest trap to fall into. You might think that by not addressing certain issues, you're keeping the peace, when, in reality, you're allowing resentment to build. These are conversations about finances, future plans, or even things that bother you — the kind you might sweep under the rug to avoid confrontation. When issues go unaddressed, they don't disappear; they linger and grow. Over time, this can create a chasm between you and your partner. Avoiding these conversations can lead to misunderstandings and assumptions. If you don't communicate openly, you're left to guess what the other person is thinking or feeling. This can lead to misaligned expectations and growing frustration. The key is to approach these conversations with a mindset of understanding and resolution, rather than blame or criticism. It's not about winning an argument; it's about finding a solution together. 5. Not Making Intimacy A Priority Intimacy is the glue that holds a marriage together, but it's often one of the first things to suffer when life gets busy. It's easy to assume you'll get around to it, but ignoring this fundamental aspect of your relationship can create a deep disconnect. Dr. Laura Berman, a sex and relationship educator, advises that prioritizing intimacy can significantly improve relationship satisfaction. Intimacy isn't just physical; it's about fostering a deep emotional connection that makes both partners feel valued and loved. Neglecting intimacy can result in feelings of rejection and insecurity. When one partner feels that the other isn't interested in maintaining a close connection, it can lead to doubts about the relationship. This isn't just about sex; it's about touch, affection, and emotional closeness. Intimacy should be a priority, not an afterthought, as it reinforces the bond that keeps your marriage strong. It's vital to make time for each other, even when life is hectic, to ensure that this aspect of your relationship remains healthy and fulfilling. 6. Letting Technology Take Over Technology is an integral part of our lives, but it can subtly wedge itself between you and your partner. It's easy to get caught up in screens, whether it's work emails, social media, or streaming another episode of your favorite show. This can lead to less face-to-face interaction, which is crucial for maintaining a strong connection. When technology becomes a third wheel in your relationship, it can create distance. It's important to set boundaries with technology to ensure it doesn't overshadow your relationship. Letting technology take over can lead to feelings of neglect. When one partner feels like they're competing with a screen for attention, it can sow seeds of resentment. It's about being present and giving your full attention when you're together. Establish tech-free zones or times where you can focus on each other without distractions. This not only bolsters your connection but also shows your partner that they are a priority. 7. Putting Financial Discussions On The Backburner Money might not buy happiness, but financial strain can definitely cause friction in a marriage. Many people avoid talking about finances because it's uncomfortable or they fear conflict. However, according to a study published in the Journal of Marriage and Family, financial disagreements are a significant predictor of divorce. When you overlook these discussions, you're setting the stage for misunderstandings and potential conflict. It's crucial to have open conversations about spending habits, savings, and financial goals to ensure you're on the same page. Ignoring financial discussions can lead to a lack of transparency and trust. When one partner feels left out of financial decisions, it can create an imbalance in the relationship. This isn't just about big purchases; it's about everyday spending and financial planning. Being open about finances fosters a sense of partnership and trust. It's about working together towards common goals and ensuring that both partners feel secure and informed. 8. Failing To Set Boundaries With In-Laws In-laws can be a wonderful support system, but failing to set boundaries can lead to complications in your marriage. Whether it's unwanted advice or frequent visits, not having clear boundaries can create stress. It's important for you and your partner to discuss what you're comfortable with and present a united front. When boundaries are not set, it can feel like your marriage is being intruded upon, leading to tension. This can cause resentment not only towards your in-laws but also between you and your partner. Failing to set boundaries can create a loyalty conflict. You might feel torn between your partner and your family, which can cause strain in your marriage. Setting boundaries is about respecting your relationship and prioritizing your partner. It's important to communicate openly with your in-laws while making sure your partner feels supported. Doing so can help prevent misunderstandings and preserve both your marriage and family relationships. 9. Not Sharing Responsibilities Equally Marriage is a team effort, and sharing responsibilities is key to a balanced and harmonious relationship. When one partner feels that they are shouldering more of the workload, it can lead to frustration and resentment. This isn't just about household chores; it's about emotional labor, planning, and decision-making. When responsibilities aren't shared, one partner might feel overwhelmed and unsupported. It's important to communicate and distribute responsibilities in a way that feels fair and manageable for both of you. Not sharing responsibilities can lead to burnout. When one partner is constantly taking on more than they can handle, it can lead to exhaustion and dissatisfaction. This imbalance can breed resentment, not just towards the partner, but towards the relationship itself. It's crucial to check in regularly to ensure both partners feel supported and that responsibilities are equitable. Working together can foster a sense of teamwork and strengthen your bond. 10. Forgetting To Have Fun Together Life can be serious, but marriage should also be about enjoyment and companionship. Forgetting to have fun together can lead to a dull and stagnant relationship. When you stop making time for fun and laughter, you risk falling into a routine that lacks joy. It's important to remember the activities and interests that brought you together in the first place. Taking the time to engage in fun activities can help keep your connection lively and strong. Neglecting to have fun together can lead to disinterest and boredom. It's not just about going out; it's about finding joy in each other's company. When you stop prioritizing fun, you might find yourself feeling more like roommates than partners. Regularly spending quality time together doing things you enjoy can keep the spark alive. It's a reminder of why you fell in love and what you enjoy about each other. 11. Not Listening To Each Other Properly Communication is a cornerstone of any relationship, but it requires active listening from both partners. Not actively listening can lead to misunderstandings and feelings of being undervalued. When one partner feels like they're not being heard, it can create a sense of isolation. Active listening is about more than just hearing words; it's about understanding the emotions and concerns behind them. It's important to engage fully when your partner is sharing, showing that you value their thoughts and feelings. Failing to listen actively can cause communication breakdowns. When you don't fully engage, your partner might feel like their feelings are invalid or unimportant. This can lead to frustration and disconnect over time. It's crucial to make eye contact, ask questions, and provide feedback during conversations. This not only helps avoid misunderstandings but also strengthens your emotional connection. 12. Holding Onto Silly Grudges Holding onto grudges can be toxic in a marriage. When you don't let go of past grievances, it can lead to a cycle of blame and resentment. This can prevent you from moving forward and growing together. It's important to address issues as they arise and work towards resolution. Holding onto negativity can overshadow the positive aspects of your relationship and prevent you from enjoying the present. Grudges can create a toxic environment. When you hold onto past hurts, it can cloud your judgment and affect how you interact with your partner. This can lead to ongoing tension and distance in your relationship. It's crucial to practice forgiveness and let go of past grievances. Doing so can help foster a positive and supportive environment in your marriage. 13. Failing To Appreciate Your Differences Differences are a natural part of any relationship, but failing to appreciate them can lead to conflict. When you don't value your partner's unique qualities, it can create feelings of inadequacy and frustration. It's important to recognize that differences can complement and strengthen your relationship. Appreciating these qualities can help you grow together and learn from one another. It's about embracing the things that make you each unique and celebrating them. Failing to appreciate differences can lead to misunderstandings. When you don't value what makes your partner unique, you risk creating unnecessary conflict. It's important to approach differences with curiosity and acceptance rather than judgment. This can help you better understand each other's perspectives and foster a more harmonious relationship. Appreciating differences can bring you closer and enrich your partnership. 14. Neglecting Your Own Self-Care Taking care of yourself is crucial for a healthy marriage. When you neglect self-care, it can affect your mood, energy, and ability to be present in your relationship. It's important to prioritize your well-being to maintain a positive and supportive environment. This isn't just about physical health; it's about emotional and mental well-being too. Self-care allows you to recharge and be the best partner you can be. Ignoring self-care can lead to burnout and dissatisfaction. When you don't take time for yourself, it can create feelings of resentment and overwhelm. This can affect how you interact with your partner and the quality of your relationship. It's crucial to prioritize activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Doing so can help you maintain balance and foster a healthier relationship. 15. Taking Each Other For Granted Taking each other for granted is a common pitfall in long-term relationships. When you stop appreciating each other, it can lead to feelings of neglect and undervaluation. It's easy to fall into a routine and forget to show appreciation for your partner's efforts. Regularly expressing gratitude and acknowledgment can help prevent this. It's about making your partner feel valued and cherished. Taking each other for granted can create distance and resentment. When you don't appreciate each other, it can lead to a lack of connection and intimacy. It's important to regularly show appreciation and remind each other of your love. This can help maintain a positive and supportive environment in your marriage. Making an effort to express gratitude can strengthen your bond and keep your relationship thriving. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Carrie Underwood gets emotional on ‘American Idol,' says it can be ‘difficult' to share your faith
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Generate Key Takeaways As 'American Idol' prepared to name the contestant who would round out this season's top 24, Carrie Underwood got emotional. But the 'Idol' judge's emotions had more to do with the performance she had just heard than it did the pressure of the situation. Carrie Underwood tears up during worship song on 'American Idol' With the final spot in the top 24 on the line, contestants Breanna Nix and Rylie O'Neill had taken the stage to perform a duet of worship singer Brandon Lake's 'Gratitude.' So I throw up my hands and praise You again and again 'Cause all that I have is a hallelujah Hallelujah And I know it's not much but I've nothing else fit for a King Except for a heart singing hallelujah Hallelujah Backstage, meanwhile, country star Jelly Roll — who is a mentor on 'Idol' this season — FaceTimed Lake so he could listen to the performance. 'That was the most gorgeous version of 'Gratitude' I've ever heard,' Lake, who has previously collaborated with Jelly Roll, told the two contestants. Underwood was visibly touched by the performance — and for the contestants' willingness to share their faith on such a large platform. 'I know how difficult it is to come into the entertainment industry and bring your faith with you. It is a brave thing to do because there are a lot of outside forces that are going to tell you not to do that,' she said with emotion, as fellow 'Idol' judge Lionel Richie placed his hand on her back. 'I want to tell you that I'm proud of you guys.' In the end, though, only one contestant could advance to the top 24. The judges pushed Nix, a 25-year-old stay-at home-mom from Denton, Texas, through to the next round. Nix successfully auditioned for 'Idol' with Underwood's No. 1 hit 'Jesus, Take the Wheel.' Faith has been featured prominently on this season of 'Idol.' Baylee Littrell, son of Backstreet Boy Brian Littrell, recently performed his original song 'Hey Jesus.' Canaan James Hill, a 17-year-old aspiring preacher, auditioned for 'Idol' with the gospel song 'I Need Your Glory' and earned a coveted platinum ticket from the judges. On April 20, 'Idol' is celebrating Easter Sunday with a three-hour program that will feature the remaining contestants performing songs of faith, according to a TV listing. The episode will also feature performances from all of the 'Idol' judges, Jelly Roll and Lake, and CeCe Winans, a 17-time Grammy-winning gospel singer. Carrie Underwood's faith Underwood has long been vocal about her Christian faith. When the country music superstar came through Salt Lake City on her 'Denim and Rhinestones' tour in 2022, she transformed the large Delta Center into an intimate church as she performed 'Jesus, Take the Wheel' and 'How Great Thou Art,' as the Deseret News reported. The singer released her first gospel album, 'My Savior,' in 2021. The album includes several hymns she grew up singing in a small Baptist church in her Checotah, Oklahoma, hometown, as the Deseret News previously reported. 'I grew up on this music. It's such a pillar of who I am as a person but also as an artist,' Underwood told the 'Today' show at the time. 'Now as an adult, they hold such a higher purpose and deeper meaning for me, singing these lyrics.'
USA Today
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
'American Idol' determines Top 14 singers: Here's whom the judges saved from elimination
'American Idol' determines Top 14 singers: Here's whom the judges saved from elimination Show Caption Hide Caption Carrie Underwood admits it's 'difficult' to be open about her faith During 'American Idol', judge Carrie Underwood was visibly emotional after contestants Breanna Nix and Rylie O'Neill performed Brandon Lake's worship song 'Gratitude'. unbranded - Entertainment "American Idol" is swiftly whittling down the competition. In two consecutive episodes, the ABC competition show shed 10 contestants. After viewers picked their 20 favorite singers from the Top 24 in the April 20 episode, the contestants learned who made it into the Top 14 – including who would need a lifeline from the judges – on April 21. Kyana Fanene, Grayson Torrence, MKY and Penny Samar were shown the door on April 20, during the "songs of faith" episode. Based on these Easter Sunday performances, "Idol" viewers cast their votes for the Top 14, and judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Carrie Underwood had the opportunity to save four singers who'd found themselves in the "danger zone." Here are the contestants who will remain in the competition and who didn't make it into Season 23's Top 14. Who went home from the 'American Idol' Top 20? Six singers didn't make the cut after they failed to receive a save from the judges. Isaiah Misailegalu Drew Ryn Olivier Bergeron Baylee Littrell Zaylie Windsor Victor Solomon Here's who is in the 'American Idol' Top 14 These singers will sail into the next week after the audience voted based on their "songs of faith" performance. Kolbi Jordan Thunderstorm Artis Filo John Foster Mattie Pruitt Canaan James Hill Breanna Nix Jamal Roberts Slater Nalley Gabby Samone Here's whom the judges saved:
USA Today
15-04-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
'American Idol': Josh Groban praises his 'extraordinary' fan's 'Wicked' cover
'American Idol': Josh Groban praises his 'extraordinary' fan's 'Wicked' cover Show Caption Hide Caption Carrie Underwood admits it's 'difficult' to be open about her faith During 'American Idol', judge Carrie Underwood was visibly emotional after contestants Breanna Nix and Rylie O'Neill performed Brandon Lake's worship song 'Gratitude'. unbranded - Entertainment The "American Idol" Top 24 have shown off their chops, and it's time for viewers to have their voices heard, too. Monday night's episode rode the wave from Sunday night and brought out the second half of the Top 24 performers. Now, for the first time this season, it's up to "Idol" fans to determine who makes it through after next week; votes can be cast at Highlights from night two of the Top 24 performances included spot-on feedback from Broadway star and multi-platinum singer Josh Groban, who was a guest mentor alongside artist-in-residence Jelly Roll; a high-energy cover by Desmond Roberts that would give Stevie Wonder a run for his money; and a Kelly Clarkson-esque rendition of an Avril Lavigne song by Drew Ryn. Last night: Luke Bryan, Jelly Roll admit song covers are better than their versions Meanwhile, Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan again took a step back from critical feedback in favor of uplifting each singer and encouraging viewers to vote. Here are some of the best moments from Episode 9. Amanda Barise flirts with Josh Groban, puts a new spin on 'Defying Gravity' For the Top 24, seasoned performer Amanda Barise, who fancied herself as the underdog in this competition, chose a song she felt "embodies my time on the show." She and the band came up with a unique, upbeat and slightly tropical-themed arrangement for "Defying Gravity" from "Wicked." During rehearsals, she mentioned more than once that Groban was her first crush, and in turn, he revealed her singing videos had come up on his Instagram feed. He came away from the rehearsal saying, "Amanda is a vocal technician. There's very little she can't do." Amanda, showcasing her newfound confidence, was barefoot on stage as she seemingly hit every note known to mankind in delivering her rendition of Elphaba's famous solo. The song's dramatic climax was something that must be heard to be believed. Though the judges all shared their compliments, Groban's was by far the most effusive: "Everything you do is extraordinary. I'll be your fan and I'll be watching from the sidelines and I'll be cheering you on every step of the way." Luke Bryan jumps on his seat in excitement over piano man Josh King Josh King has only gotten better since finding himself some main character energy in the first round of Hollywood Week. The airport piano performer officially earned the "most improved" award by donning a white blazer and matching pants and breaking out some impressive footwork while performing "I'm Still Standing" by Elton John. As he walked around toting the whole mic stand, he got the judges dancing up on their feet. There was no trace left of the guy who had his butt firmly on a piano seat during his "Over the Rainbow" audition. If you recall, Bryan's criticism at the time was that "you can't dance to the way you're playing," and Underwood wasn't willing to advance him through the competition (he got by with yeses from Richie and Bryan). Weeks later, Josh is kneeling on the ground, whipping out a harmonica and charismatically engaging with the crowd. Bryan, who had bragging rights for seeing Josh's promise from the beginning, was left jumping on his seat as Underwood alluded to it being a "perfect performance." She added, "If you had told me on your first audition that you'd be here right now just crushing it, I probably wouldn't have believed you." Richie was in shock over Josh's dexterity. "You are a showman on top of being a great singer," he said. Carrie Underwood gets emotional: Country singer on the difficulty of being vocal about faith Mattie Pruitt takes on 'iconic' Katy Perry song As it turns out, this isn't 15-year-old Mattie Pruitt's first "Idol" journey. It's revealed that her mom, Sara, was pregnant with Mattie when she auditioned for the show more than a decade ago. After producers used some "Disney magic" to surprise Mattie with an appearance from Sara during rehearsals, the two did a sweet cover of "At Last!" It was immediately clear where Mattie got her singing chops from. The Tennessee high school student appropriately donned a cotton candy-colored tiered gown as she took on "Wide Awake," which Underwood called "an iconic monster of a song." It was too bad Katy Perry was no longer around to hear it. Mattie's now-signature came through as she sang "wish I knew then what I know now," and her pitch-perfect delivery had Richie exclaiming "oh my god!" midway through the soaring performance. Later, Richie told Mattie, "I'm telling you, if this is how you start your career? Oh my god, the future is yours." Bryan, though complimentary, accurately pointed out Mattie could do more with her stage presence: "Get in that rockstar mode. Get in what you see Carrie Underwood do when she gets on stage." 'American Idol' 2025 Top 20 reveal The four contestants who were eliminated via the season's first audience vote will be revealed Sunday, April 20, during the three-hour Easter special. CeCe Winans, Season 22's Roman Collins, The Brown Four, along with Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Underwood, will take the stage. So will the Top 20 contestants.
