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!
Monday, 28 March 2011
Monday, 21 March 2011
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.
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.
Wednesday, 9 March 2011
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!
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!
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