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Surviving life when you feel you have no calling
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When all else fails, create your own path. Do not let society or tradition dictate what having a calling means. Find what makes you happy, what you feel your purpose truly is, and know that you can determine your own calling in life. - photo by Megan Shauri
Megan Shauri
FamilyShare
Published: Apr 27, 2015, 3:19 AM
In our society a big emphasis is put on certain areas of life. These are things such as being successful in your career, getting married, and having children. When none of these things happen for you, it feels like you missed your calling in life.

What is your purpose if you are not successful at making a living? What does it say about you if you cannot find someone to spend your life with? And who is supposed to carry on your legacy if you have no children? It's hard figuring out how to survive in a world where you feel you have no calling, but here are some suggestions.

A long, hard look

Really examine your life. Why do you feel you have no calling? Sure, you haven't checked the boxes mentioned above, but your life is not worthless or without meaning. Our experiences define us more than our success or number of children. See how far youve come, how much youve grown and what you have accomplished so far. Perhaps you moved out of your parents house, or you backpacked around Europe one summer. These are things that help define who you are.

Be critical of your life. Are you standing in your way? Is there a reason you have not achieved the success you thought you would? Are you shy, scared or lazy? These attributes may be hard to accept about yourself, but the sooner you do, the sooner you can overcome these obstacles. Set goals, create a schedule, and change your attitude. Do not rely on others to make your life great. It's your responsibility.

Be OK with leaning

When you're feeling lost, find someone you can turn to for help, love and encouragement. Let your friends and family know what you are going through. They see things in you that you do not see in yourself. Ask for help or take their advice. The people that love you the most only want what is best for you.

Rock at something

Talents aren't always super obvious. Step out of your comfort zone, educate yourself and try things you may not have thought to do. Once you have found your talent, take the time to let it grow. Get the training and education you need. Even if it feels like the journey is long, what do you have to lose?

There are enough resources for people from all backgrounds to get the support and funding you need. Lots of entry level jobs also give education credit to help with the expense of going to school.

Seek out your own calling

When all else fails, create your own path. Do not let society or tradition dictate what having a calling means. Find what makes you happy, what you feel your purpose truly is, and know that you can determine your own calling in life. Just because you do not fit societys role, does not mean you are a failure. Embrace your uniqueness and be who you want to be.
Its toxic: New study says blue light from tech devices can speed up blindness
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A new study from the University of Toledo found that blue light from digital devices can transform molecules in your eyes retina into cell killers. - photo by Herb Scribner
Herb Scribner
Deseret News
Published: Aug 13, 2018, 1:39 PM
It turns out checking Twitter or Facebook before bed is bad for your health.

A new study from the University of Toledo found that blue light from digital devices can transform molecules in your eyes retina into cell killers.

That process can lead to age-related macular degeneration, which is a leading cause of blindness in the United States, according to the researchs extract.

Blue light is a common issue for many modern Americans. Blue light is emitted from screens, most notably at night, causing sleep loss, eye strain and a number of other issues.

Dr. Ajith Karunarathne, assistant professor in the UT Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, said our constant exposure to blue light cant be blocked by the lens or cornea.

"It's no secret that blue light harms our vision by damaging the eye's retina. Our experiments explain how this happens, and we hope this leads to therapies that slow macular degeneration, such as a new kind of eye drop, he said.

Macular degeneration is an incurable eye disease that often affects those in their 50s or 60s. It occurs after the death of photoreceptor cells in the retina. Those cells need retinal to sense light and help signal the brain.

The research team found blue light exposure created poisonous chemical molecules that killed photoreceptor cells

"It's toxic. If you shine blue light on retinal, the retinal kills photoreceptor cells as the signaling molecule on the membrane dissolves," said Kasun Ratnayake, a Ph.D. student researcher working in Karunarathne's cellular photo chemistry group. "Photoreceptor cells do not regenerate in the eye. When they're dead, they're dead for good."

However, the researchers found a molecule called alpha-tocopherol, which comes from Vitamin E, can help prevent cell death, according to Futurism.

The researchers plan to review how light from TVs, cellphones and tablet screens affect the eyes as well.

"If you look at the amount of light coming out of your cellphone, it's not great but it seems tolerable," said Dr. John Payton, visiting assistant professor in the UT Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. "Some cellphone companies are adding blue-light filters to the screens, and I think that is a good idea."

Indeed, Apple released a Night Shift mode two years ago to help quell blue lights strain on the eyes, according to The Verge. The screen will dim into a warmer, orange light that will cause less stress on the eyes.