What happened to the hippy man?

What could you spend all day talking about?

‘Four heavily armed Palestinian terrorists storm a Pan Am jumbo jet as the passengers embark. The pilots escape, the terrorists shoot a passenger and throw his body out of the plane. They collect in passports and call Michael John Thexton to the front of the plane as the next hostage to die’ – extract from Mike Thexton’s hostage survivor story.

When my husband Col casually mentioned that one of his football team happened to be a hijack hostage survivor, I knew I had to meet him. My opportunity came along a few weeks back when needing advice about publishing books, Col suggested speaking to his team mate to put me on the right path. An offer I couldn’t refuse.

I wasn’t quite sure what to expect when meeting Mike, when you’ve been through something as terrifying as what Mike had experienced – how does a person cope afterwards, how does it shape you as a person - I was very curious.

Meeting Mike was like chatting to an old friend, such a down to earth and easy going guy. It felt like talking to someone who had been there, done it. I felt I could open up to Mike immediately, obviously someone who holds very little fear and is comfortable in his own skin.

In fact we talked mainly about writing books and publishing, rather than the hostage experience. I felt completely captivated by our conversation. When Mike decided to write his hostage experience, it took him on an interesting path of how to publish a book and get yourself known as a writer. Not an easy task but his wealth of experience was extremely helpful and much appreciated. It gave me the missing jigsaw pieces I needed to get me writing that book I keep promising myself.

The time flew by, I never knew I felt so passionate about writing and could easily talk about it all day. If only I had discovered this interest at school!

So, what hidden talents do you have? What really interests and excites you? How could you be putting those talents to good use?

Life’s no rehearsal, there is no time like the present. Perhaps try something creative, there could be a hidden talent in there itching to come out. Even speaking to someone inspiring can be a huge lift to your day, so thank you Mike for giving up your time. Looking forward to the next pub outing.

By the way, if you would like to read Mike’s story. It’s certainly worth the read, helps to put life back into perspective!
www.hippyman.com

Dreams do come true

How big are you dreaming?

I got the news recently I've wanted to hear for a while, my favourite well-being magazine offered to print one of my articles. I was really delighted. I have kept pursuing them with my work for a couple of years. Hearing those magic words was like music to my ears. Not only that, it may lead to something more regular. So, I get to try out new alternative therapies, write about my experience and then share with others out there. A dream come true!

While I am on a roll, other positive things seem to be happening as well. After our attempts at trying to sell our property, we decided to take a different direction which means we can still move and have the house we have been longing for. So Windsor here we come - many thanks to the Queen for making it happen!

I have learnt on both occasions that persistence and flexibility are key. If something isn't working, it's worth looking at a different way to achieve it. Funny enough, the Plan B route was meant to be as it was so easy to make happen. So, as we pack our belongings this week, we feel proud of what we have achieved. Although slightly sad at leaving lovely Putney and the amazing friends we have made here.

Whilst de-cluttering the flat, I found my vision board that my life coach Eileen had suggested I create some time ago. At the time, I cut out pictures and images that represented how I'd like my life to be in the future. Funny enough, I realise that I am completely on track! There are some pretty crazy wishes on there but I know one day they will come true.

So, what are your dreams today? How big are you dreaming? What would make a difference in your life?

Remember, we are the only ones that hold us back from achieving great things. If nothing comes to mind, when you are next on holiday or feeling extremely relaxed just let your mind wander. Allow yourself to dream and keep holding that image in your mind every day.

Dreams really do come true.

By the way I was joking about the Queen making it happen, however will definitely be visiting her when exploring our new town!

See the person not the behaviour

How can we see the best in others?

I recently put my name down to become a mentor to young people. An organisation called Connexions were asking for volunteers to help teenagers aged between 16-18 years. Mentoring aims to give a little guidance and career help to get them on the right path.

I’ve fancied doing something like this for a while now, so felt grateful when this opportunity was presented to me. I decided to jump straight in without thinking about it too much, otherwise sometimes I can talk myself out of things before I even try them!

Friday morning a few weeks back, I turned up for my mentoring training. I felt excited about the prospect. I had no expectations just would take it as it comes. Dianne, a lovely caring lady who had worked with young people for many years was running the session. I was really inspired all day by her and the work her colleagues do.

I looked around the room at the other volunteers, I actually felt one of the oldest there! It was wonderful to see so many people wishing to help others. In a way I felt that by helping others it would help us too.

The day was a real eye opener for me, just listening to the circumstances of teenagers the organisation help - their backgrounds and upbringings. Often they lack good role models and do not have someone they can rely upon or will listen to them in a positive way. Some of them can’t even afford to pay for a pair of trousers when they go for college or job interviews. That part really brought a lump to my throat.

I started to look back at my own upbringing and felt grateful to my parents/family for the privileged life I have had up until now. I couldn’t imagine life being any other way. Some of these teenagers are also carers for their parents, so have responsibilities at such an early age.

One thing that stood out for me during the day was a phrase ‘See the person not the behaviour’ when talking about how to handle the young person during mentoring sessions. It was a lovely reminder of how sometimes we forget the true character of a person and see only the behaviour at that time. After all, we can’t be perfect all of the time.

I can’t wait to get started! In the meantime it has made me much more aware of social problems out there and made me want to understand teenagers better. After all I was once one myself!

If you would like to find out more about the wonderful work Connexions do, please have a look at their website http://www.connexions-berkshire.org.uk/.

Laughter is the best medicine

How often do you have a good laugh with friends?

I remember laughing and giggling so much as a teenager, then over the years finding myself becoming more and more serious.

A good friend of mine once told me about a laughter club she used to belong to in Sydney. Each week, a group of people would meet on a beach just after sun rise and just practise laughter exercises. The combination of beach and laughing certainly stuck in mind even after many years of hearing about it!

The other week by chance, I discovered a laughter session here in London. I decided to give it a go. I booked myself in immediately, it was taking place on a Sunday afternoon on the other side of London but knew it would be worth the trek!

Finally the day arrived and the weather couldn't have been worse - wet, windy and torrential rain.

All day I found myself trying to talk myself out of going, even the London underground system seemed to be against me but I managed to get myself there just as the session was starting.

On arrival I was feeling slightly apprehensive. After all those years of wanting to do this, I had no idea what was going to come next. Charlotte, the organiser got down to business quickly. We sat in a circle, she explained what we would be doing for the next hour - a combination of laughing and relaxation exercises. So far so good!

I looked around at the group, just women present... I wondered why no men wanted to join! Just as I commented on this to the group, a funny looking guy turned up. Our group was complete. Charlotte said 'just fake it until you make it'. Apparently whether we laugh for real or not, the brain doesn't know any different and it still releases endorphins throughout the body. It was suggested that we try out different types of laughs, experiment during the session, lose our inhibitions!

So the session began..... it felt strange at first walking up to complete strangers and just laughing at nothing. I did feel self conscious and kept thinking what I am doing here... I was feeling a bit of an idiot. After a while though, my body seemed to relax, the laughter felt much more natural and it was very liberating to just laugh at nothing.

I didn't feel particularly stressed before the session but I could feel the changes throughout my body. My mood seemed to lighten and lots more positive thoughts were being sent to my brain. I was feeling pretty damn good actually.

We did some silly exercises, like pouring a pint of beer into an imaginary glass then throwing it over the nearest person. Followed by walking around with an imaginary box that once opened contained the funniest thing you've ever seen.

The session was making quite an impression on me. By the end I felt connected with the group, without knowing their names or anything about them. It was very liberating!

I tried out lots of different laughs, it was something I had never experimented with before. I felt great as we finished the session and already planning a fun evening for my husband Col and I.

So, how often do you laugh in your day? What fun activities do you do and how often are you doing them?

Charlotte mentioned that even a bit of fake laugher (whilst in the shower!) first thing in the morning can make us feel great at the start of the day. Fake it, until you make it! I am sure my neighbours are probably wondering what's going on in our flat these days. Although I have to add my husband is a first rate comedian so he keeps me entertained a lot of the time!

I am so glad I attended the session, it has raised my awareness of my mood and also how to change it quickly especially if I am having one of those days.

We can't control everything in our day to day lives but bringing more laughter into our lives is a great stress buster and also helps us to see what's really important (and not to worry about the small things).

So, laughter is the best medicine and just what the doctor ordered.

Give yourself a break

How high are your expectations of yourself?

It’s been a funny old couple of weeks. Certainly testing my patience and levels of positivity!

Like many people out there I am trying to juggle quite a lot at once – looking for my ideal job, trying to sell our flat so that we can buy our dream home plus managing regular hospital visits – all have felt exciting and stressful little journeys.

I kind of laugh at the situation I find myself in. Why do we take on so much and expect a lot from ourselves? Is it today’s society expecting it or is it just our own expectations? I guess I like to be busy and achieve things constantly but isn’t that putting a lot of pressure on when things don’t go as you expect or as quick as you would like them to.

This is new terrority for me. Always been goal driven and gone for what I wanted. Generally felt in control and able to make things happen, waiting around feels totally alien.

In saying all of that, this is also a great opportunity to see the positive things that are happening too.

Found myself having wonderful conversations with friends/family and complete strangers, inspiring each other daily. I met a lovely lady whilst swimming last Wednesday who had major back problems (spent 7 months bed ridden), ended up having the most fascinating, heart warming conversation with her on how she has coped and how she always puts her well being first after that experience. I had to leave the pool in the end as I was getting cold but it was worth it!

It’s great to be living in the present more, not planning too far ahead and just enjoying what is really important. Trying to find activities that are fun and don’t cost the earth. You become really resourceful and develop great negotiation skills!

You find yourself listening more to what your true needs are and responding to them. If you can’t look after yourself, then who is going to look after you. I am still learning this but I feel much more self aware (probably because I am having to spend so much time with myself – scary!!).

So, give yourself a break if you too are expecting too much. Do something special for you this week and nurture yourself like you would your best friend.

Have a great rest of week.

Celebrating six years

What special moments do you look back upon?

Monday being a bank holiday, gave the weekend a real holiday feel about it. The day was also special for my husband Col and myself, as we were celebrating six years together. Being a bit sentimental we decided to re-enact our first date, a trip into our fair capital London town!

It started with a wonderful drive from Putney through to central London. I decided to be a tourist again, looking at the city through a fresh pair of eyes. I had to pinch myself on how amazing London truly is.

The most memorable sights were driving past the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. It had such an international feel about it, a real buzz about the place.

Once parked, we noticed the main road blocked off by a 10k fun run. Our hearts melted when we saw the variety of charities people were running for. Made me quite emotional watching the effort and commitment the runners were putting into their various causes.

It also gave me a gentle reminder about my own desire to devote some time to a charity like ‘help the homeless’ - something I've been thinking about for a while. This week I have decided to put my thoughts into action and see how I can make a difference.

The scene in front of us was electrifying. The London School of Samba were also there, dancing, singing and playing the drums. I was mesmerised, the sound was incredible. Both Col and I wanted to join in, the atmosphere just made you want to get involved.

We had to pull ourselves away and made our way over to the riverboat along the embankment where we had our first drink together. Unfortunately realising the place was closed we decided to go to a nearby vessel. The river being choppy didn’t help my poor stomach, so our re-enactment lasted about 10 minutes before Col had to almost carry me off. Very romantic I must say!

It turned into a spontaneous rest of day which involved lunch at a gorgeous pub near by. Best food ever and a lovely glass of wine to celebrate our six adventurous years. A perfect day and one I am sure we will remember for a long time.

So, what memories do you treasure most? How often do you give yourself a chance to be sentimental?

Of course it’s important to enjoy the present moment too, I am firm believer in this. However, great to also look back on the good times and be proud of what you have gained along the way.

So, have a sentimental moment and pat yourself on the back for being where you are today. You deserve it!

Mandarin, crystals and e-bay

What would you like to learn more about?

I saw an advert recently for free taster courses at my local college, so decided to investigate more. I ended up signing up to three of them, learning mandarin, crystal therapy and selling/buying on e-bay. All topics I have been curious about for months so decided to do something about it.

Walking through the college for the first time last Monday made me feel like a student again – excitement tingled through my body. It was so lovely to be in a learning environment once more, with the anticipation of what kind of experience I would have.

All three courses were very different in their own way - such an interesting week. It was wonderful to meet passionate teachers who knew their subject inside out, plus meet an interesting bunch of people from all walks of life.

Reflecting on my week I have finally made the step to learn mandarin, feel inspired to use e-bay, plus it has whet my appetite for learning more about a new therapy.

I also discovered the hair and beauty salon at the college, as students are perfecting their skill they are in need of clients to practise on. A great way to be pampered at a low cost, whilst helping someone at the same time. I’m there!

What have you always wanted to learn more about? Which topics or areas are you passionate about or most interested in? It’s such a great way to open up your creativity and get your brain stimulated in a different way.

I felt full of energy after my courses and also connected with some great people who I plan to see again. Can’t wait to do some more!

So enjoy your learning experiences whatever they are, it’s never too late.

A stoll near Brighton pier

What could you challenge yourself to do next?

One day last week I decided on the spur of the moment to head down to Brighton. I had no plan but knew one would evolve as the morning unfolded. It was a glorious day and I felt the desire to have a lovely stroll along the promenade.

I could feel the excitement tingle through my body as I arrived at the station. I loved days when anything could happen and also where I could spend some time to myself.

As I walked along the sea front I was amazed at the international feel of it. It was like being in a mini London but with the added bonus of the sea.

I stopped to take it all in and found an empty bench which I could have all to myself. I sat down, closed my eyes and started to really unwind. Next minute, someone sat next to me, a retired gentleman who seemed very friendly. Although I wasn’t quite anticipating chatting to someone, I decided to engage in small talk with him anyway.

He asked me whether I had been in the sea recently. I’ve never been a strong swimmer, let alone swim in the sea, but smiled politely and said no. The man then mentioned he had set himself the challenge of swimming in November, December, January and February. He was now having a break! I couldn’t believe what I was hearing, he certainly had my attention now. Although he had only gone in for 10 minutes at a time, he wanted to prove to himself that he could.

I then asked him what his next challenge was and we ended up talking about sky diving and bungee jumping. I fondly remembered my sky dive a few years ago and really felt a sense of pride at achieving something quite challenging (especially when I have a fear of heights!). It was great to reflect back.

He then mentioned how he has met so many people along the promenade from all over the world and the fact he's set himself another challenge of speaking as many languages as possible – he now speaks 40. Well a few words of each! All self taught - by learning the phonetics through books borrowed from the library.

He was quite a character and by the end of our conversation I felt positively energised. A few weeks ago I had bought a Mandarin CD and book which has yet to come out of its plastic cover – I now feel inspired to make a start!

What could you challenge yourself to do next? It could be anything small from learning something new to taking up a new activity. What have you always dreamed of doing? What small step can you do to start achieving it?

Age doesn’t matter as this man proved to me, he had no fear. His motivation to learn languages has helped him meet (and connect to) people from all over the world plus he will never need to pay for accommodation again when he visits these countries. Good on him!

Go on set yourself the challenge and reward yourself afterwards. You will be so proud of yourself when you do!

(Please do not do anything too crazy as a bungee jump or sky jump after reading this it was just my personal example. I do want to make sure you are all safe and well! Enjoy.)

Thank goodness it's Monday

How could you get this week off to a good start?

Monday morning, boot camp. I had seen the ad in the local newsagents over and over again, so decided to give it a try. I also wanted to check out this new phenomenon that seems to have hit the exercise (& celebrity) world in recent months plus do something different from my usual exercise routine.

I was up at 5.30am, eager to sample this military style exercise. All of sudden the nerves kicked in, what happens if I couldn’t do something or came last in any of the exercises.

Then I made myself laugh by remembering a funny moment playing rounders 20 years ago. I was a fielder in one particular game and spent most of it day dreaming. At the end of the game, there was a lot of commotion and all of a sudden people were screaming out my name. Suddenly, out of the sky a ball landed on my head and toppled to the ground. It was a classic moment and not sure I’ve been the same since!

Anyway remembering that funny experience helped my nerves disappear, I then began to get excited about my Boot Camp experience ahead of me.

The personal trainer Jasyn greeted me with a high five, a cheerful South African who was very passionate about exercise and keeping fit. We were then joined by another guy Tim who was also very friendly. So far so good.

Jasyn soon put us at ease and we got into the exercises immediately, running, sprinting, press ups, skipping, weights – you name it, we did it. It took me completely out of my comfort zone and I even surprised myself on how well I did.

I almost skipped back home after we finished, it was only 7.30am and I was all pumped up with loads of energy. It turned out to be one of my most productive days for a while, I felt mentally focussed and alert all day – getting loads done.

So, how could you get Mondays off to a great start? What could you do this week to push yourself out of your comfort zone? It’s amazing how great you feel when you try something new and even better when you achieve the unexpected.

I will be definitely heading back this week, it was a great way to start the week as well as a chance to be pushed over my personal boundaries.

Bring on Mondays, I am ready for them.

(Jasyn runs his own business called Bodies in Action they can be found at http://www.bodiesinaction.co.uk/)

Lessons learnt from pigeon droppings

When do you have your switch off time?

Had a great day at the yoga retreat last weekend, although the 5.30am start was painful. The morning fatigue soon wore off though after a session of meditation, did make me wonder if feeling tired is often in the mind.

The topic of the day was ‘Finding your path in life’. I felt intrigued so went along to find out more.

After a healthy brunch mid morning, I noticed Karma Yoga on the agenda. Great, was looking forward to trying something new!

Little did I know it actual means ‘the act of doing’ which in yoga terms means the path of selfless action and selfless service or in this case helping with the chores. Damn, thought I’d got away with those for the day!

We were allocated tasks, mine was given to me last ‘Rebecca, could you clear up the pigeon droppings in the garden please’ as you could imagine my excitement soon wore off. I tried to see the positive in taking this task on but nothing much was coming to mind.

So reluctantly I prepared myself for the task ahead, being a rare sunny day I suddenly started seeing the benefit, at least my task would be outside for an hour in the sun! Things were looking up.

That hour just flew by, I actually found myself taking pride in sweeping the gorgeous garden and clearing up the unwanted deposits. Above all, it was a great way to ‘switch off’ for an hour. My head felt clearer and lots of new ideas were coming to me. Not sure how I got the inspiration but I did!

Suddenly made me feel guilty about the state of our garden back at home, here I was spending so much time perfecting someone else’s. Surely our garden was worthy of my time too….. I came away feeling inspired to get ours ready for summer.

So, how do you get your switch off time? What helps you to clear your mind? What chores help you to have some contemplation time?

I always wondered why my husband Col spends so much time washing the car (and I thought it was to get away from me!) I feel better now.

Perhaps look at how you can enjoy your household chores more, you might feel inspired now to give the place a spring clean. You never know it might help clear your mind too, it certainly did wonders for mine.

Thank you pigeons for helping me learn some valuable lessons.

Forty eight hours

What are your top priorities in life?

I had a super day at the Vitality show in London last week. I listened to a fellow life coach talk about a subject very close to my heart ‘Making time for yourself’. She posed an interesting question to the group…If we only had 48 hours left how would you spend the time? Blimey, makes you think doesn’t it.

Ideas came rushing into my head immediately, it suddenly became a really fun creative exercise. It would probably be for me something like, wake up early and watch the sun rise with my beloved, organise a fancy dress party with friends and family (always wanted to hire a venue and have a themed fancy dress party), drive to the countryside then have a hot air balloon over some beautiful landscape, eat some of my favourite meals including my mum’s delicious roast dinner followed by lots of pampering and yoga.

Fantastic, feel motivated to organise it right this minute.

So with 48 hours left what would you do? How would you spend your time? How would you make it memorable?

I found it a really great exercise to see what’s truly important in life and where our real priorities lie.

One of my aims for 2011 was to get some balance back in my life again. Although I love my work to bits I also wanted to devote more time to myself and spend more time with my loved ones. It really has paid off, I feel much more connected again and now ready for some exciting new work opportunities.

So, if life is all work and no play, how can you re-balance your priorities? What would you like to be doing more of? What friends would you love to catch up with? A good conversation over coffee, beer (a good English custom!) or dinner is great for putting everything back into perspective.

So get yourself back in the driving seat again (if you fallen into the passenger seat) and enjoy how you spend your time without feeling guilty.

You only live once!

Change is in the air

What changes would you make if you had a magic wand?

Life definitely doesn’t stand still for long in our household.

We recently put our flat on the market, started looking around for our dream home and also trying to sell our car/buy another. The last one is my husband’s idea, I have put him in charge of this task and asked him to surprise me with the results (what trust I have!). So all very exciting but slightly mind boggling at the same time.

Funny enough, as soon as we started the ball rolling on all the above I have become even fonder of where we are living and also even more attached to the car (I saw it before as a means to get from A to B, I can hear my husband gasp as he reads this).

Perhaps I am just resisting change. Maybe I have been focussing more on what we will be losing rather than what we will be gaining so decided I need to shift my perspective on a few things.

So I remembered a lovely phrase which gives me a huge boost and always makes me feel better ‘If you do what you’ve always done you will get what you’ve always got’. It has worked.

I am now determined to enjoy what we currently have (as nothing has changed yet!) but also be mindful of the exciting things to come.

So, what positive changes would you like to make? Is there anything stopping you from making these starting today? If you could never fail at anything, what would you do next?

One thing I have become familiar with is ‘change’ particularly after moving countries three times in the past few years. My morning ritual really helps me deal with whatever is going on around me and gets me in a good frame of mind for the day. I try most days to be up by 6.30am (a lot easier now the days are getting lighter earlier!) going for a beautiful run along the river, relaxing and chilling out with yoga plus a spot of creative writing to get my creativity flowing for the day.

That quality time for myself really helps me focus on the day ahead and makes me feel great in myself.

Bring on the change I am ready for it!

Acts of Random Kindness

How often do you give yourself acts of random kindness?

I watched a hilarious comedy the other day ‘Evan Almighty’. Made me laugh out loud.

The story tells of a junior congressman played by funny man Steve Carell who is chosen by God (Morgan Freeman) to build an ARK to help save the animals and people in his town. He gets there in the end but with lots of comedy moments along the way.

Ark also stands for ‘Acts of Random Kindness’ this being the main message behind the story, how lovely is that. So got me thinking afterwards how important it is to have as much of this in our day to day life as possible.

Monday last I had an appointment at the doctors. It was crazy busy. I watched in awe at the receptionist who was juggling three things at once. I could tell she was close to breaking point.

After my appointment I needed her help with something else but saw the timing wasn’t right. I instead praised her on what a great job she was doing and how I was impressed with her ability to multi task under pressure. She seemed to relax. I told her not to hurry as I had some time on my hands and I could hold on a few minutes.

The customer service I received afterwards was outstanding, she seemed to be back in control again. I asked her name and made a note to remember it for the future.

I felt great all day by putting ARK into practice and expecting nothing in return. In fact I received super service in return so that was a bonus.

Above all it reminded me the importance of applying ARK to ourselves (that means you and I) as often as possible.

So, how often do you give yourself ‘acts of random kindness’? How do you talk about yourself to others and also to yourself? Do you say nice things? Do you compliment yourself and your achievements?

The more we give to ourselves the more we can give to others. So go on be good to yourself ......starting today!

Alternatively if you haven’t seen the film and need a good laugh, I would highly recommended it.

Recharge those batteries

How resourceful and energised do you feel?

My battery has been feeling slightly depleted in recent days. After putting a lot of energy into some new exciting projects, I realise that it has left me slightly low on energy and not allowing me to be my usual resourceful self.

Help! I decide I need to re-assess priorities and put myself first. I switch off my e-mail and phone, book the day off with myself and create a quiet area at home to do some much needed meditation. I keep saying I will practice meditation more but time never seems to permit it. So I challenge myself in future to make the time.

After 40 minutes, I feel positively glowing. My mind has stopped racing, my breathing is calmer and my body completely relaxed. Better than a holiday.

On the spur of the moment I decide to go for a walk (with no plan). I end up by the river which is always so beautiful, the sunny weather made it quite breathtaking. I discover some house boats moored on the other side of the river, never really ventured that far along. I imagine what it’s like to live on one of those boats and start picturing this wonderful scene. I make a promise when my husband Col or I win the lottery, a boat will be on the list of priorities!

On the way back, I treat myself to lunch at a little Italian café I have seen many times but never ventured in. I strike up conversation immediately with the owner, we talk about everything Italian. The food was delightful, best pasta I have had in ages. Just what I needed.

I did that all in a few hours but felt like a lot longer, almost feel like I’ve had a mini holiday with myself. I realise it's quite nice being on my own and having time out. Nice to be able to enjoy one's own company.

So how full is your battery at present? What helps you to recharge it again? It doesn’t have to be much, the simple things often work the best.

Yoga and meditation seem to do it for me although it’s about finding what works for you. Having these in my life have made me more effective in day to day life and happier in myself.

So book yourself a day off and do everything you enjoy. Your body will thank you for it!

Getting out of the fast lane

How often do you just 'go with the flow?'

Our recent ghanaian experience certainly helped me slow down a notch or two.

I remember vividly our first evening after just arriving at our delightful seaside location. We settled down for a quick dinner before heading to bed, after ordering a simple meal we waited well over an hour before seeing our food. I could feel myself getting impatient and clock watching. Still very much in London mode! 'Why was it taking so long to make a salad and a bowl of soup' I kept asking my husband Col.

I realised quite early on that no-one really hurries at all, so you had to quickly get used to the 'laid back' attitude and just enjoy it. It's amazing how you soon adjust though. I also decided after a few days to ditch my watch and just go with the flow. Everyone else was.

By the end of our stay, I realised how much I had slowed down and how the 'laid backness' was rubbing off. The air con unit had broken in our room at one point, it must have been about 35 degrees that day. It was hot! We reported it to the maintenance guy, probably took about 48 hours before anyone came to look at it. I'd almost forgotten about it until we had a tap on the door however delighted when it was finally fixed.

The time away was good for many reasons, particularly a chance to reflect on life in London. I realised how busy life seemed at present, how we were filling our time with lots of activity and having little free time. I love the fact when you are holiday how you find yourself being more spontaneous and living in the moment. Good to bring that into day to day life too.

So, how often do you just 'go with the flow'? How spontaneous are you being these days? Why not take your watch off for a day and just enjoy the moment.

Who knows how much fun you will have.

Appreciating the little things

What do you appreciate the most?

We left the bustling city of Accra after a couple of days into our Ghanaian adventure and headed up north to the hills....a village called Obo.

The taxi journey was certainly an eye opener into ghanaian way of life. I loved the fact you could do most of your weekly shopping through the car window and incredible to observe how the street vendors carried produce on their heads in 35 degree heat.

Our lodgings in Obo had basic facilities, made me immediately appreciate our home comforts. No running water just a bucket of water for showering and flushing the toilet. It really was back to basics.

The biggest shock was going to a nearby fishing village the next day, probably the poorest in the area. We were taken around the local school which had recently been built. It literally was a shell of a building with chairs for the children plus a blackboard, no other resources available. As we walked around the outside, children were running up to us shouting 'What's your name?'.... 'Please come and teach us'. Four classrooms were full of children but no teacher. It was heartbreaking!

It was an impromptu moment where Col and I had to think on our feet. No curriculum and no resources, the children were mixed up depending on their ability rather than their age. Really bright adorable children who just wanted to learn! What an unforgettable experience..... we were soon known as 'Madame Rebecca' and 'Mr Col'. It was wonderful to see Col's dream of teaching Maths come to fruition! He was brilliant, the children loved him.

One thing I noticed after a few days in this fascinating country, was how happy the people were, they are still ambitious but make the most out of what they have in the present. The family unit and community spirit is strong, children can play in the street at night and they have a positive attitude about the future.

I came away with an interesting insight to life in Africa, perhaps slightly different to what I went with. I appreciate everything in my life that little more after the experience.... my upbringing, my education, my family and friends, my home and knowing that I can end each day with a good meal and a hot bubble bath.

I feel grateful I could have this African adventure and be able to share it with someone special.

Living life the Ghanaian way

How much STAR are you doing these days?

After just 12 hours in Ghana, my husband and I have been adjusting quite nicely to the new and very different culture. Lovely people, great food and very laid back attitude. I am loving it already.

The heat hit us immediately, after leaving England of -1, we are now being exposed to 35 degrees. Quite a difference! Suddenly realise how pale we are after four months of winter, hopefully that will soon change.

A real mixture of wealth here, although generally it doesn't have all the challenges of other African countries. So walking around we don't feel threatened in any way. Looking forward to talking and getting to know the locals more and really getting stuck in!

I even love the name of their beer STAR, which stands for Sit, Talk and Relax. What a great name and certainly what life should be about more. It's been great so far just spending time together doing just that. The STAR way! No Televisions and no technology (except a quick visit to the internet cafe to write my blog!).

I've started my health kick today (a bit later than the normal 1st Jan!). The food here has already inspired me to eat more fruit and vegetables. The salads are to die for, plus the coconuts you can buy on the streets as well as the mangoes are refreshing and energising.

Lets hope I can keep it up for a while! Even the mint tea has a slight difference to it by adding ginger and lime. Something I must remember to do when I get home.

Tomorrow we are off to do our voluntary work in a small village in the hills, this is going to be an experience we won't forget.