A friend forwarded me an article which made me think.
I love those kind of articles that make you stop and reflect. Best is when they are short, to the point and thought provoking.
This particular article, was about a person who was reflecting on the "not yets" in her life.
Not just any "not yets", but those that you really and truly believe you will accomplish later on.
There could be many good reasons why now is not the right time, but you feel absolutely committed to making this "not yet" to become a "now".
I think my "not yet" is yoga.
I have visions of me in India on a yoga retreat, Omming and Umming. But there is no chance in hell that I will be doing this in the next few years.
So yoga retreats are my "not yets"
What are yours?
Wig change
This week I changed my wig.
The old one was getting tired and tatty looking.
Also I like to change my hair style after a break from work, you know after a holiday or a few days off. So just after Easter seemed like a good time.
I am lucky enough to have a stack of them in my cupboard, as I like to stock up, so I got them all out and decided to choose a new look.
One of my lovely friends was staying over and I asked her to help me pick. It's more fun with friends.
Let me explain to you the thinking process that goes into chosing a wig.
You see it can't be a drastic change otherwise people will stare.
It also can't be too long or people will get confused.
And if I get too short, its ruins my options of long styles in the future.
Also the colour change has to be considered, although let's be fair, everyone dyes their hair nowadays, so this really is a non criteria. However we did decide it was good to go lighter in Spring.
So after a walk or two of the cat walk, we plumped for a new wig!
We were both happy with my choice.
And the old one, well I keep it for a few weeks and then it gets thrown into the bin with all of the other rubbish!
The old one was getting tired and tatty looking.
Also I like to change my hair style after a break from work, you know after a holiday or a few days off. So just after Easter seemed like a good time.
I am lucky enough to have a stack of them in my cupboard, as I like to stock up, so I got them all out and decided to choose a new look.
One of my lovely friends was staying over and I asked her to help me pick. It's more fun with friends.
Let me explain to you the thinking process that goes into chosing a wig.
You see it can't be a drastic change otherwise people will stare.
It also can't be too long or people will get confused.
And if I get too short, its ruins my options of long styles in the future.
Also the colour change has to be considered, although let's be fair, everyone dyes their hair nowadays, so this really is a non criteria. However we did decide it was good to go lighter in Spring.
So after a walk or two of the cat walk, we plumped for a new wig!
We were both happy with my choice.
And the old one, well I keep it for a few weeks and then it gets thrown into the bin with all of the other rubbish!
My legacy!
Following my last post on "Your legacy", here is what I want to look back on, when I am 85.
My children were doing something they loved everyday. They felt capable, they felt rewarded and they felt loved.
That I understood my capabilities and used them fully for the good of others.
That my interactions with people unleashed something that otherwise would have remained hidden.
That I knew I was a good daughter, a good sister, a good wife, a good mother and a good friend.
And that I overcame any obstacles through focus and asking for help.
My children were doing something they loved everyday. They felt capable, they felt rewarded and they felt loved.
That I understood my capabilities and used them fully for the good of others.
That my interactions with people unleashed something that otherwise would have remained hidden.
That I knew I was a good daughter, a good sister, a good wife, a good mother and a good friend.
And that I overcame any obstacles through focus and asking for help.
Your legacy!
It's your 85th birthday and you are reflecting on your life and what legacy you have left behind in your workplace and in society. Take a few minutes to craft your legacy using the questions below as guidance.
What you accomplished that seemed impossible at the time?
How the vision had personal meaning to you?
How you overcame the obstacles when the vision was challenged?
People you touched and how it changed thier lives, people that touched you. How you involved others in your journey.
------------
PS I took this from a meeting I was at a week ago, where the head of the company asked its top 150 leaders to do it! Cool eh!
PPS I will publish mine tomorrow. That will give you chance to reflect on yours.
What you accomplished that seemed impossible at the time?
How the vision had personal meaning to you?
How you overcame the obstacles when the vision was challenged?
People you touched and how it changed thier lives, people that touched you. How you involved others in your journey.
------------
PS I took this from a meeting I was at a week ago, where the head of the company asked its top 150 leaders to do it! Cool eh!
PPS I will publish mine tomorrow. That will give you chance to reflect on yours.
The wind
A good colleague of mine and I were meeting for a regular catch up during work. As the sun was shining we decided to ditch the coffee and go for a walk. The environment around our workplace is very nice, so on a sunny day, this is a perfect way to chat.
It was however a very windy day.
As we went round one corner, a gust of wind came at us and I grabbed my hair. Luckily I was quick enough to keep it in place.
I then started laughing and saying that if it got blown off, would she be a good friend and help me catch it and put it on the right way. She thought this was hilarous.
She then said, "You know what, when I realized it was windy, I was going to propose we don't go for a walk but rather stay inside and drink coffee". However, she went on, I then realized that this was patronising and these were your decisions to make, not mine.
It was a lovely thing to hear.
1. She was looking after me
2. She was bering very thoughtful
3. She was very aware of my condition
It was another reminder of what alopecia brings you. It raises the awareness of others to the condition and it also allows others to show you that they care.
Just another windy day to most. To us, a small moment of caring.
It was however a very windy day.
As we went round one corner, a gust of wind came at us and I grabbed my hair. Luckily I was quick enough to keep it in place.
I then started laughing and saying that if it got blown off, would she be a good friend and help me catch it and put it on the right way. She thought this was hilarous.
She then said, "You know what, when I realized it was windy, I was going to propose we don't go for a walk but rather stay inside and drink coffee". However, she went on, I then realized that this was patronising and these were your decisions to make, not mine.
It was a lovely thing to hear.
1. She was looking after me
2. She was bering very thoughtful
3. She was very aware of my condition
It was another reminder of what alopecia brings you. It raises the awareness of others to the condition and it also allows others to show you that they care.
Just another windy day to most. To us, a small moment of caring.
Dreams - reality??
My little daughter bundled into my room early this morning, she was full of energy and excitement.
She hugged me and said "Thank you so much mummy!"
A little startled and taken aback, I wiped my eyes and kind of came to. I then asked what are you thanking me for?
She said for the big Easter bunny! She seemed so happy and greatful.
I was confused.
1. It was not yet Easter
2. I had not bought her a big Easter bunny!
I then asked further. "What Easter bunny honey?"
To which she said, the one in my dream.
Agh!!!!
That Easter bunny.
She was so happy.
So here is the question..........
Was she being smart and clever and emotionally blackmailing me into buying her one, or did she really have this dream and it was her reality??
Thoughts???
Either way, I think I know what I need to do later today!
She hugged me and said "Thank you so much mummy!"
A little startled and taken aback, I wiped my eyes and kind of came to. I then asked what are you thanking me for?
She said for the big Easter bunny! She seemed so happy and greatful.
I was confused.
1. It was not yet Easter
2. I had not bought her a big Easter bunny!
I then asked further. "What Easter bunny honey?"
To which she said, the one in my dream.
Agh!!!!
That Easter bunny.
She was so happy.
So here is the question..........
Was she being smart and clever and emotionally blackmailing me into buying her one, or did she really have this dream and it was her reality??
Thoughts???
Either way, I think I know what I need to do later today!
Quirky Bird
I went shopping with a friend on Saturday. The aim was simply to find a bottle of wine for the evening. The challenge was to buy a bottle of wine that suited our mood. Not just any bottle.
It was such a laugh.
We got very creative in how we interpreted the label, how we pronounced the name and especially in what the meaning of the wine's name could possibly be.
It was not only the wine's title that had to suit our mood but also the description of the delicious drops inside.
Not a simple challenge.
I suggest you go out and do the same this weekend.
Its fun and a great story for the guests.
Here is what we decided upon!
Let me know what you find.
It was such a laugh.
We got very creative in how we interpreted the label, how we pronounced the name and especially in what the meaning of the wine's name could possibly be.
It was not only the wine's title that had to suit our mood but also the description of the delicious drops inside.
Not a simple challenge.
I suggest you go out and do the same this weekend.
Its fun and a great story for the guests.
Here is what we decided upon!
Let me know what you find.
Brand new environment
Today I was put into a brand new environment.
I went with people who were very comfortable in the environment. They were like fish in water. Very natural and completely at ease.
I was not.
It was interesting to observe.
I did not know where to put my hands. I did not know what to say. I felt awkward. I was nervous.
I actually felt under pressure.
An hour or two later, I was back to my normality. My world. Safe and familiar.
I could breathe easily again.
So my reflection today is, when were you last out of your environment? What did you do to cope? How could you have prepared for it? And also, how can we help others, when they enter our environment? How can we be more senstive to their needs?
Maybe I should do this more often.
I went with people who were very comfortable in the environment. They were like fish in water. Very natural and completely at ease.
I was not.
It was interesting to observe.
I did not know where to put my hands. I did not know what to say. I felt awkward. I was nervous.
I actually felt under pressure.
An hour or two later, I was back to my normality. My world. Safe and familiar.
I could breathe easily again.
So my reflection today is, when were you last out of your environment? What did you do to cope? How could you have prepared for it? And also, how can we help others, when they enter our environment? How can we be more senstive to their needs?
Maybe I should do this more often.
Protectors
What is nice about being bald is that I have discovered I have many protectors.
You may have noticed that following my blog last week called "It is what you do not say", I received a few different comments on the blog with different opinons. I also had a swarm of texts from those of you who know me, wanting to offer their support and opinions. Thanks for them. I liked receiving them.
How lovely that I created this reaction in my readers.
How lovely that many of you want to protect me.
How lovely that you are following my journey and encourage me to continue.
The opinions on what I "should" do next are varied (remeber the "Should monkey" blog:-) ). And all of them are right. But the path I will take will be mine.
I listen to what anyone has to say then I chose my journey. I would go as far as to say that the journey choses me.
However it is wonderful to know that many of you are fiercely protecting me.
Thank you.
You may have noticed that following my blog last week called "It is what you do not say", I received a few different comments on the blog with different opinons. I also had a swarm of texts from those of you who know me, wanting to offer their support and opinions. Thanks for them. I liked receiving them.
How lovely that I created this reaction in my readers.
How lovely that many of you want to protect me.
How lovely that you are following my journey and encourage me to continue.
The opinions on what I "should" do next are varied (remeber the "Should monkey" blog:-) ). And all of them are right. But the path I will take will be mine.
I listen to what anyone has to say then I chose my journey. I would go as far as to say that the journey choses me.
However it is wonderful to know that many of you are fiercely protecting me.
Thank you.
One year on
So it is one year since we touched down.
The wheels of the aeroplane landed on the tarmac in Zurich. Early morning. April 1st 2014.
We have been back "home" now for one year.
It has been a wonderful year, full of ups and downs, mainly ups.
So what has happened since then
1. Our friends are our real friends. If anything our friendships have gotten deeper.
2. We still speak, email and laugh with our Canadian friends,
3. My husband opened a Beer Brewing club - on the very day we landed. 1 year later. Coincidence???
4. We have travelled a little around Europe, enjoying the proximity of the countries
5. I have a new job, which is my dream job, which I love
6. We have lots of plans to look forward to
7. We have seen our family a little more
8. I have given up ice hockey :-( it just didnt work here
9. We have redone the garden
10. We bought, renovated and rented another house.
11. My little girl started school
So lots of things in a year. Some big. Some small.
We are very happy to be here. Very happy to be home.
I believe a full cycle is needed to understand where you live.
One Spring. One Summer. One Autumn. One Winter.
What have you done this last year?
The wheels of the aeroplane landed on the tarmac in Zurich. Early morning. April 1st 2014.
We have been back "home" now for one year.
It has been a wonderful year, full of ups and downs, mainly ups.
So what has happened since then
1. Our friends are our real friends. If anything our friendships have gotten deeper.
2. We still speak, email and laugh with our Canadian friends,
3. My husband opened a Beer Brewing club - on the very day we landed. 1 year later. Coincidence???
4. We have travelled a little around Europe, enjoying the proximity of the countries
5. I have a new job, which is my dream job, which I love
6. We have lots of plans to look forward to
7. We have seen our family a little more
8. I have given up ice hockey :-( it just didnt work here
9. We have redone the garden
10. We bought, renovated and rented another house.
11. My little girl started school
So lots of things in a year. Some big. Some small.
We are very happy to be here. Very happy to be home.
I believe a full cycle is needed to understand where you live.
One Spring. One Summer. One Autumn. One Winter.
What have you done this last year?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)