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!
Tuesday, 31 May 2011
Friday, 20 May 2011
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.
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.
Monday, 9 May 2011
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.)
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.)
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