I just ordered a coffee at a well known coffee chain. Yes I know I am shallow and paying too much money for an experience, but hey ho, at least I know that.
But the bizarre thing is what I ordered. It made no sense.
I ordered a decaffeinated cappuccino with skimmed milk (or rather skinny milk - as cool people call it) and I added 1 sweetner!!
When did I get so New York??
What happened to having the real deal.
Why did I feel the need to take the fun out of EVERYTHING in my coffee!!
At least I ordered it in a real cup and not a to-go paper cup!
Seriously????????????? Have I really lost the plot!
Showing posts with label society. Show all posts
Showing posts with label society. Show all posts
Claim every year
There is something about getting older that I love, being over 40 rocks. In fact I cant wait to know what if feels like being 50. And 60 is the new 40!
However the years seem to blur into each other. I don't find myself thinking, wow my 42nd year was amazing or when I was 41 I did something remarkable.
The years seem to fly by and are boundary less.
This saddens me and I am left thinking that I need to claim each year.
So what will being 43 bring. What will make this year memorable or remarkable?
How am I going to claim every year?
Anybody got any techniques and tactics to share?
However the years seem to blur into each other. I don't find myself thinking, wow my 42nd year was amazing or when I was 41 I did something remarkable.
The years seem to fly by and are boundary less.
This saddens me and I am left thinking that I need to claim each year.
So what will being 43 bring. What will make this year memorable or remarkable?
How am I going to claim every year?
Anybody got any techniques and tactics to share?
Good bye to some wonderful memories
It was a regular Thursday evening and I got home at around 6.30. I knew the family would be out, as they had had to nip out last minute for something.
I did my usual thing on entry and called out to them as I entered just in case they were back. Nothing. Still and quiet. As I got into the living room, the door to the garden was open, it was a little unusual but given the kids run in and out all the time, I just cursed them under my breath and closed it over.
I quickly got on with my planned call and thought nothing of it. Pottering and chatting away down the phone for the next half an hour. The family arrived back shortly after and the evening began.
Hubbie was less tolerant of the door being left open and set to find out who and why this had happened. It quickly transpired that no one had been out. Oh well I thought, another one of those things with no explanations. However Hubbie smelt a rat. After going out into the garden, he found footprints from the fence into the house. Someone had broken in.
I was shocked. Must have been kids, breaking in but they had took nothing and there were no footprints so we had gotten off or?
Well a quick look into the drawers, cupboards and secret hideouts confirmed, we had been burgled. Anything of any value had been taken. Although they had disturbed nothing, infact so much so I had not noticed. They had left PC's, iPads etc, and gone straight for sources of money and jewelry. And bingo they had found it. Why oh why were my valuables in such obvious places.
To cut a long story short, they had clearly been careful and purposeful and had not wanted us to notice they had been in, however I guess I had disturbed them, hence the door being left open. Wow! It also transpired they had only had 23 minutes to conduct their business.
So whilst we are deeply saddened with the event, they had not trashed our house, took everything of value. They even left my wedding ring on my night desk. My naivety thought it was them being nice (yeah right) but someone quickly pointed out that it was engraved thus not of interest to such professional thiefs. Well whatever the reason, I am thankful for them leaving that.
So what have I learned.
1. Take photos of your valuables so the police have a chance of finding them.
2. Do not store your valuables in your bedside cabinet.
3. If there is something suspicious, don't ignore it, trust your instincts.
4. It is "only" money. They did not hurt us.
So on wards and upwards and hear is hoping, that they got what they wanted and now will stop...........
I did my usual thing on entry and called out to them as I entered just in case they were back. Nothing. Still and quiet. As I got into the living room, the door to the garden was open, it was a little unusual but given the kids run in and out all the time, I just cursed them under my breath and closed it over.
I quickly got on with my planned call and thought nothing of it. Pottering and chatting away down the phone for the next half an hour. The family arrived back shortly after and the evening began.
Hubbie was less tolerant of the door being left open and set to find out who and why this had happened. It quickly transpired that no one had been out. Oh well I thought, another one of those things with no explanations. However Hubbie smelt a rat. After going out into the garden, he found footprints from the fence into the house. Someone had broken in.
I was shocked. Must have been kids, breaking in but they had took nothing and there were no footprints so we had gotten off or?
Well a quick look into the drawers, cupboards and secret hideouts confirmed, we had been burgled. Anything of any value had been taken. Although they had disturbed nothing, infact so much so I had not noticed. They had left PC's, iPads etc, and gone straight for sources of money and jewelry. And bingo they had found it. Why oh why were my valuables in such obvious places.
To cut a long story short, they had clearly been careful and purposeful and had not wanted us to notice they had been in, however I guess I had disturbed them, hence the door being left open. Wow! It also transpired they had only had 23 minutes to conduct their business.
So whilst we are deeply saddened with the event, they had not trashed our house, took everything of value. They even left my wedding ring on my night desk. My naivety thought it was them being nice (yeah right) but someone quickly pointed out that it was engraved thus not of interest to such professional thiefs. Well whatever the reason, I am thankful for them leaving that.
So what have I learned.
1. Take photos of your valuables so the police have a chance of finding them.
2. Do not store your valuables in your bedside cabinet.
3. If there is something suspicious, don't ignore it, trust your instincts.
4. It is "only" money. They did not hurt us.
So on wards and upwards and hear is hoping, that they got what they wanted and now will stop...........
Love is in the air
It must be the draw up to Christmas, but love is in the air.
I am feeling and hearing a lot of gratitude and appreciation for the work people are doing and for the contribution they are having. Be it through Christmas cards, thank you notes, group dinners, love is present.
Anyone else noticing it too?
The cynical part of me, says why do we have to wait til the end of the year to express our thanks to the people around us, and then I think, who cares?
Isn't it wonderful that we do it at least once a year?
So what have you heard from others about what they are grateful to you for? Have you been listening to the positive words people are saying about you? Or did you brush it off? I have a tendency to brush compliments off, but now and I again, I pause and listen and realize that the person giving the gift of gratitude is also getting something from the exchange and me brushing it off, is not very considerate!
This allows me to indulge and be gracious in the receiving of it.
Another question. Have you been showing your gratitude? Is there anyone left that you still need to reach out to and acknowledge their impact on your life?
There is still time.
So if you do nothing else today, grab a pen and paper, draft that email and go thank someone for something wonderful. Go on, do it right away.
It feels great and its contagious.
Go spread the love.
I am feeling and hearing a lot of gratitude and appreciation for the work people are doing and for the contribution they are having. Be it through Christmas cards, thank you notes, group dinners, love is present.
Anyone else noticing it too?
The cynical part of me, says why do we have to wait til the end of the year to express our thanks to the people around us, and then I think, who cares?
Isn't it wonderful that we do it at least once a year?
So what have you heard from others about what they are grateful to you for? Have you been listening to the positive words people are saying about you? Or did you brush it off? I have a tendency to brush compliments off, but now and I again, I pause and listen and realize that the person giving the gift of gratitude is also getting something from the exchange and me brushing it off, is not very considerate!
This allows me to indulge and be gracious in the receiving of it.
Another question. Have you been showing your gratitude? Is there anyone left that you still need to reach out to and acknowledge their impact on your life?
There is still time.
So if you do nothing else today, grab a pen and paper, draft that email and go thank someone for something wonderful. Go on, do it right away.
It feels great and its contagious.
Go spread the love.
2.5 lies a day?
I was listening to my podcast this morning and it was an article on lying.
It says the average person lies 2.5 times a day, although older people lie less with around 1.5 lies.
Does that sound familiar?
Of course one can debate, well what exactly constitutes a lie, but surely just by asking that question, we are actually suggesting we do lie, but only slightly.
So I guess if I text someone to say "on my way", when the reality is that I am brushing my teeth just before I leave, this is actully a lie, so maybe 2.5 lies a day is actually not bad at all.
The article suggested women lie, in general, to ensure harmony and social living, whereas as men tend to lie as an exaggeration or a form of bragging. Truth in that?
So today I am going to watch my lies, lets hope I keep under the 2.5!!
It says the average person lies 2.5 times a day, although older people lie less with around 1.5 lies.
Does that sound familiar?
Of course one can debate, well what exactly constitutes a lie, but surely just by asking that question, we are actually suggesting we do lie, but only slightly.
So I guess if I text someone to say "on my way", when the reality is that I am brushing my teeth just before I leave, this is actully a lie, so maybe 2.5 lies a day is actually not bad at all.
The article suggested women lie, in general, to ensure harmony and social living, whereas as men tend to lie as an exaggeration or a form of bragging. Truth in that?
So today I am going to watch my lies, lets hope I keep under the 2.5!!
Asking for help
A few years ago, I was struggling with a personal issue and it was dragging me down. I remember feeling alone and helpless. A colleague noticed this and would not let me off the hook, she sat with me until I told her what was going on and then she insisted we found a solution together. And you know what I learned from that? Help is out there. You just need to look for it.
I was too proud and too shy to ask for help. I thought I needed to do things on my own. I thought no one could help. I felt I had to own and solve my own problems.
The brainstorming we had at that time changed everything. We came up with new ideas and do you know what, one idea turned the situation around.
The best thing is, that 4 years later, that solution still helps. That idea lives on and the concept that we co-created could not have been found alone. Innovative and sustainable.
So why I am telling this story, well many years later I find myself in a similar situation. My husband and I feel helpless but know we can not just sit there and let life take its course. So remembering the brainstorming back then, we underwent a similar exercise together and came up with many ways to approach the problem.
We decided to try everything, engage everyone, enlist help and persist until things change.
Right now we are in the thick of it, but you know what it feels good. We are in control and helping to find the right outcome. We are not accepting no for an answer and we are not giving up when one door closes.
I feel lucky that I had that colleague (now friend) and I feel lucky that this time I am not letting pride get in the way. I need help and until I get it, I will not give up.
I was too proud and too shy to ask for help. I thought I needed to do things on my own. I thought no one could help. I felt I had to own and solve my own problems.
The brainstorming we had at that time changed everything. We came up with new ideas and do you know what, one idea turned the situation around.
The best thing is, that 4 years later, that solution still helps. That idea lives on and the concept that we co-created could not have been found alone. Innovative and sustainable.
So why I am telling this story, well many years later I find myself in a similar situation. My husband and I feel helpless but know we can not just sit there and let life take its course. So remembering the brainstorming back then, we underwent a similar exercise together and came up with many ways to approach the problem.
We decided to try everything, engage everyone, enlist help and persist until things change.
Right now we are in the thick of it, but you know what it feels good. We are in control and helping to find the right outcome. We are not accepting no for an answer and we are not giving up when one door closes.
I feel lucky that I had that colleague (now friend) and I feel lucky that this time I am not letting pride get in the way. I need help and until I get it, I will not give up.
Hibernation
Just like my tortoise, I feel the need to hibernate.
She has been slowing down over the past few days, the night temperature has been dropping and she has been eating less, so all signs that she is ready for a winter snuggle down. So she was measured, photographed and weighed and placed in her sleeping chest in a bed of straw, locked down for the next few months.
I can't say I have been eating less, but I do feel the need to pull the blanket up earlier and closer in the evenings. I feel the pull of the cosiness more than usual.
Maybe humans are meant to hibernate too?
I hope mine is more of a transition to Autumn, but I am feeling a slowness and tiredness as the Summer closes out and the Winter draws in?
Anyone else feeling like this?
Any tips?
She has been slowing down over the past few days, the night temperature has been dropping and she has been eating less, so all signs that she is ready for a winter snuggle down. So she was measured, photographed and weighed and placed in her sleeping chest in a bed of straw, locked down for the next few months.
I can't say I have been eating less, but I do feel the need to pull the blanket up earlier and closer in the evenings. I feel the pull of the cosiness more than usual.
Maybe humans are meant to hibernate too?
I hope mine is more of a transition to Autumn, but I am feeling a slowness and tiredness as the Summer closes out and the Winter draws in?
Anyone else feeling like this?
Any tips?
Unconsious learning
I was watching a kindergarten class this morning being taught by a policeman how to cross the road. It was very cute. They were being taught to stop, look and listen, before they stepped onto the zebra crossing. It brought a smile to my face.
This is a life skill in so many ways.
It then reminded me of a presentation I saw yesterday, when someone was talking about all the unconscious learning they had had in their lives, for example growing up with parents and grand parents from different nationalities and how that had taught them the value of inclusiveness and sport how it teaches you resilience and patience, along with the actual performance skill aswell.
So every day we are exposed to some form of learning, be it conscious or unconscious.
It is when we are playing an instrument, talking to our kids, reading a book. Learning is everywhere. We just dont always see it.
Those cute little 5 year olds were consciously learning this morning.
Have a think, what did you consciously learn today?
What have your unconscious learnings helped you be good at today?
This is a life skill in so many ways.
It then reminded me of a presentation I saw yesterday, when someone was talking about all the unconscious learning they had had in their lives, for example growing up with parents and grand parents from different nationalities and how that had taught them the value of inclusiveness and sport how it teaches you resilience and patience, along with the actual performance skill aswell.
So every day we are exposed to some form of learning, be it conscious or unconscious.
It is when we are playing an instrument, talking to our kids, reading a book. Learning is everywhere. We just dont always see it.
Those cute little 5 year olds were consciously learning this morning.
Have a think, what did you consciously learn today?
What have your unconscious learnings helped you be good at today?
Top Tips for 4 weeks off
This Summer I decided that I would like to take four weeks of holiday with my family.
A few times I have taken 3 weeks, but usually I plump for 2 weeks and spread out the other weeks throughout the year, yet this year I decided to take 4. Not all travellng, just 4 weeks away from the office.
It was inspired by a few things. The first was that my friend took 4 weeks last year and said it was amazing and encouraged me to do the same. I also was granted an extra week of holiday just for this year as it was 10 years of service, and also I felt I needed to reconnect with my family.
So as I come back, all relaxed and calm from the wonderfully long break, I thought I would share with you my top tips for making this happen.
BBBs tips of taking a month off work
1. Communicate your intent often and to many. This starts to confirm the plan in your own head and with each declaration you actually believe it is true and start to committ.
2. Book 5 weeks off in your work calendar. This allows flexibility to change one of the weeks if work needs you for some days, you can always offer them week 1 or week 5.
3. Ensure you plan your workload so that the big stuff is done before you go.
4. Nominate someone to back you up, so that if something comes up and work need you, you can delegate to someone you completely trust
5. Committ to yourself that you are going to do it.
I don't think I would add more than that, but these 5 things definitely helped me.
So the big question, will I do it again? I think I might!
A few times I have taken 3 weeks, but usually I plump for 2 weeks and spread out the other weeks throughout the year, yet this year I decided to take 4. Not all travellng, just 4 weeks away from the office.
It was inspired by a few things. The first was that my friend took 4 weeks last year and said it was amazing and encouraged me to do the same. I also was granted an extra week of holiday just for this year as it was 10 years of service, and also I felt I needed to reconnect with my family.
So as I come back, all relaxed and calm from the wonderfully long break, I thought I would share with you my top tips for making this happen.
BBBs tips of taking a month off work
1. Communicate your intent often and to many. This starts to confirm the plan in your own head and with each declaration you actually believe it is true and start to committ.
2. Book 5 weeks off in your work calendar. This allows flexibility to change one of the weeks if work needs you for some days, you can always offer them week 1 or week 5.
3. Ensure you plan your workload so that the big stuff is done before you go.
4. Nominate someone to back you up, so that if something comes up and work need you, you can delegate to someone you completely trust
5. Committ to yourself that you are going to do it.
I don't think I would add more than that, but these 5 things definitely helped me.
So the big question, will I do it again? I think I might!
Waiting rooms and kindness
Sitting in a hospital emergency waiting room is thank goodness a new experience.
All is well now so I feel very comfortable posting this.
It makes me realise that my life to date has been very blessed. I have not had to spend time in hospital waiting rooms at all. What a gift I have had.
There is plenty of time to think and observe and for people like me to write down what I notice.
The first big thing is that it is calm here. Despite the TV hospital dramas it's not all adrenalin and noise here. It's calm and composed. The medical staff walk at a normal pace, so while purposeful in their steps, they are not running around in a panic.
The second thing I notice is that everytime the door to the "Shock" room opens, all eyes look up. Everyone is expecting someone or something. We are all hoping for news or status updates.
I am thankful for the fact that there is a water machine providing cold sparkly water and next to it a vending machine which has not only the usual goodies, but also salads and yogurts.
I am greatful for every single person who passed us today and offered to help. We were flooded with kindness and support. I hope I would have done the same.
I am also greatful that I live in a country with exceptional health care, something I have always known and valued. And today have been the benefactor of.
Thank you for these moments of reflection and good recovery to all those tucked up in hospital beds.
Domesticity rocks
A cake in the oven, washing on the line, peeling potatoes and listening to Morning Glory by Oasis on a CD! Heaven!
I like this life.
This life of domesticity.
I look out of the freshly cleaned windows and enjoy the garden.
Could I do this longer? Absolutely.
Much longer? Possibly.
I think I could.
So what would I miss?
The high heels and nice dresses. The coffee chats and office gossip.
The feeling of being someone, beyond wife and mother.
The deadlines and presentations.
The interviews and decisions.
Could I trade it in?
Right now I say yes.
But could I really.
Probably not.
I am good in the office, navigating the political playground and helping decisions be made in the benefit of the people.
So whilst I enjoy the final few days, I dream a little of another life, but it is a dream. One that I enjoy right now and know it is just a dream. Well for now at least.
Gossip
I would love to overhear what people say about me and my wig and hats.
"See that girl over there, she is bald?"
"Do you know her, she is wearing a wig"
"What does that girl in the gym, wear a hat?"
"Is that a wig?'
"Does she have cancer?"
I will never get the pleasure of overhearing these comments as that is the nature of gossip and whispering about strangers, but I do have a curiosity about what people say.
Do you ever wonder what people say about you?
"See that girl over there, she is bald?"
"Do you know her, she is wearing a wig"
"What does that girl in the gym, wear a hat?"
"Is that a wig?'
"Does she have cancer?"
I will never get the pleasure of overhearing these comments as that is the nature of gossip and whispering about strangers, but I do have a curiosity about what people say.
Do you ever wonder what people say about you?
Craving routine?
I seem to crave routines?
It sounds a little pathetic doesn't it?
Doesn't it sound like more fun to be spontaneous and go with the flow?
Yet somehow I seem to like looking forward to certain things, for example I like the idea of looking forward to my ice coffee at 3pm on holiday, my pre-dinner cocktail or beer on holiday. Even my morning swim before breakfast on holiday.
I really look forward to doing the same thing every day, even if it is the same thing for only 7 days.
Why is it for my Summer break I also need to have a routine. Shouldn't it be enough to have this for the other 50 weeks of the year?
Clearly not!
I think once I have a simple flow of the day established I can begin to relax and enjoy the moment, I seem to get a lot of pleasure out of anticipating the next few hours activity.
Am I planning my life away or just finding pleasure in the small things?
What about you?
Are you a go with the flow tye of person, or someone who likes a little bit of the same each day, even when it is not required?
Do tell.......
It sounds a little pathetic doesn't it?
Doesn't it sound like more fun to be spontaneous and go with the flow?
Yet somehow I seem to like looking forward to certain things, for example I like the idea of looking forward to my ice coffee at 3pm on holiday, my pre-dinner cocktail or beer on holiday. Even my morning swim before breakfast on holiday.
I really look forward to doing the same thing every day, even if it is the same thing for only 7 days.
Why is it for my Summer break I also need to have a routine. Shouldn't it be enough to have this for the other 50 weeks of the year?
Clearly not!
I think once I have a simple flow of the day established I can begin to relax and enjoy the moment, I seem to get a lot of pleasure out of anticipating the next few hours activity.
Am I planning my life away or just finding pleasure in the small things?
What about you?
Are you a go with the flow tye of person, or someone who likes a little bit of the same each day, even when it is not required?
Do tell.......
What do you need?
I need to sleep.
A lot.
I mean nine hours would be my wish each night.
I believe it keeps me healthy and balanced
I believe it keeps me healthy and balanced
What do you need?
How do you ensure you get it?
How do you ensure you get it?
Tortoises and Hedgehogs
Our back garden is turning
into a zoo! And how cool it is becoming.
For now we enjoy it and at least it has put the decision of a dog off for a while longer!!
It all started with the
regular late night visits of a hedgehog and later its family. We would sneak
into the garden at night and listen to hear any snuffling. Inevitably at one
point, our prickly friend the hedgehog would appear. Very cute.
It resulted in my youngest
daughter doing her school project/presentation on the subject of hedgehogs, where we researching and learning
about hedgehog pregnancies, hibernation and general eating habits. Fascinating I tell you!
From this grew the interest
in garden wildlife and low and behold we now have a pet tortoise. She has been
christened Tina, but we don’t actually know if she is a girl or not.
She has a wonderful area in
the garden which has now become the centrepoint for all visitors. Everyone is
intrigued and enjoys watching her pad around and stick out her tongue to get her
food. What I have enjoyed the most is watching the kids sit in her compound and
talk to her. I think she has become the family therapist. Can't wait for my turn!
There is indeed something
very soothing about watching her plod around, purposeful and determined.
For now we enjoy it and at least it has put the decision of a dog off for a while longer!!
Places of energy
At book club this month, the following question was posed.
"Environment is important. Some houses, offices and other places are better to avoid. Places can hold energy, good or bad, and it can rub off on you - this is a powerful truth and not to be treated lightly"
When have you experienced a place with good energy?
We all had thoughts on this and you could see when we named places we felt had good energy, you could see the expressions on peoples faces that they really beleived it. Places like Prague, Rome were mentioned. Faces lit up, smiles cracked, shoulders dropped, it was visceral. You know a place of energy when you expereince it.
My place of energy is my sofa.
It may sound lazy and strange and possibly counter energy, but I beleive it to be true.
Its not the sofa itself. It is where the sofa is, what I can see from there, what I expereince when I sit or lie on it. Its a safe haven for me and one I equate with all that I strive for. Family, wellness and being content.
My sofa is my energy, although Paris aint bad either.
What place have you found energy?
Changing the question?
I am fascinated by the subject of work life balance.
I enjoy hearing how people manage their time and learning what techniques work for them.
Mainly it is by talking to other women I hear about these insights, but its increasingly a dialogue with my male friends too.
Let's be clear it is a topic for everyone if we are honest. But some people are more vocal than others on their struggles and successes.
On reading a book about how one particular lady set up her business, she introduced the reader to a concept. It was a new concept for me and I liked it.
She said, calculate how many hours you have allotted to your work this week, then ask the question "what will be the best use of my time this week?" If you are anything like her or me, the question you typically ask is " What do I need to do next?".
The first question forces us to look at the big picture, examine the strategic things that need doing and other question is more like, what do I need to first on my to do list, my list of doing everything.
I think I am going to try this.
I tend to go about my day by ticking things off my list and with a similar frequency, adding things on. I have to also admit, I quite like making lists and imortantly I get a kick out of crossing items out. However I am possibly missing the point here. Or maybe the things I write down should be bigger and bolder and less tactical.
Do any of you do this?
Any other ideas?
Do tell.....
Does anyone really know you?
Does anyone know all parts of you?
Yesterday as a friend and I were putting the world to rights, we were discussing exactly that question.
Does anyone know all of you?
We kind of ended up with a 70% number.
We felt that many people knew lots about us and together they possibly knew everything, but due to how relationships had been formed, the type of things you knew about each other varied.
For example your neighbour from home is someone you would usually talk to about school days or parents, whereas your current work colleagues might be more likely to know about your work struggles and career aspirations.
What about the friends from University/college, they most likely know about the crazy stuff you have done and your big dreams, but do they know about your challenges in raising children?
Same again with the people you meet as a young parent, possibly at the ante natal classes or the park in the early years, these people will know plenty of things about your choices of nappies, baby food and your thoughts on travelling with kids, but do they know about your siblings?
What about your spouse, what do they know? What don't they know more interestingly?
Is there someone who knows everything?
We didn't think so?
Does the 70% number resonate?
We felt it was a bit like a flower. The petals over lap but are separate, yet the middle (which is ourselves) the petals all come together.
Is it OK that we are only known and loved for 70% of us?
Why do we only share 70%?
Do we like being secretive?
Or do we just talk about things that are relevant?
Thoughts anyone?
Yesterday as a friend and I were putting the world to rights, we were discussing exactly that question.
Does anyone know all of you?
We kind of ended up with a 70% number.
We felt that many people knew lots about us and together they possibly knew everything, but due to how relationships had been formed, the type of things you knew about each other varied.
For example your neighbour from home is someone you would usually talk to about school days or parents, whereas your current work colleagues might be more likely to know about your work struggles and career aspirations.
What about the friends from University/college, they most likely know about the crazy stuff you have done and your big dreams, but do they know about your challenges in raising children?
Same again with the people you meet as a young parent, possibly at the ante natal classes or the park in the early years, these people will know plenty of things about your choices of nappies, baby food and your thoughts on travelling with kids, but do they know about your siblings?
What about your spouse, what do they know? What don't they know more interestingly?
Is there someone who knows everything?
We didn't think so?
Does the 70% number resonate?
We felt it was a bit like a flower. The petals over lap but are separate, yet the middle (which is ourselves) the petals all come together.
Is it OK that we are only known and loved for 70% of us?
Why do we only share 70%?
Do we like being secretive?
Or do we just talk about things that are relevant?
Thoughts anyone?
Camping - passing on the tradition
For about 30 years, camping has become a tradition.
It started with a group of school boys being dropped off by their parents at a field.
The field belonged to one of the parents and was in the middle of a beautiful forest by a river. Idyllic, remote and beautiful.
As the years went on, these school boys were allowed a crate of beer for the weekend, then they came themselves on mopeds, beer attached to the back. At some point girlfriends came too, and the crowd grew.
I went along for the first time around 1994, yup thats 21 years ago. And we have been going ever since, year after year. We even had our children christening on the field.
I remember being the first one with a mobile phone, about 15 years ago, however there was no connection in the field, but still I had my motorola brick with a pull out antennae. As the years went on, girlfriends became wives, some even ex-wives, the first child came and then there were more, and more, and more of them. Tents got fancier, equipment became more sophisticated and cars got bigger. Dogs are now also part of the event!
Yet some things stayed the same.
The core group of boys (now men!) remains the same, the fact that meat is grilled whilst we sit round the fire remains the same, cooling beer in the river remains the same and the love of the event stays the same. It is a huge event in the calendar.
It has been an event and a tradition that has accompanied lifes journey.
And what is starting to happen is that this tradtion seems to be passing on to the next generation. This year getting a seat near the fire was a challenge as the many pre-teens were hanging our there, telling jokes and stories.
What traditions do you have with friends?
What is it that keeps them going?
What is it that makes them fall apart?
Do tell.........
It started with a group of school boys being dropped off by their parents at a field.
The field belonged to one of the parents and was in the middle of a beautiful forest by a river. Idyllic, remote and beautiful.
As the years went on, these school boys were allowed a crate of beer for the weekend, then they came themselves on mopeds, beer attached to the back. At some point girlfriends came too, and the crowd grew.
I went along for the first time around 1994, yup thats 21 years ago. And we have been going ever since, year after year. We even had our children christening on the field.
I remember being the first one with a mobile phone, about 15 years ago, however there was no connection in the field, but still I had my motorola brick with a pull out antennae. As the years went on, girlfriends became wives, some even ex-wives, the first child came and then there were more, and more, and more of them. Tents got fancier, equipment became more sophisticated and cars got bigger. Dogs are now also part of the event!
Yet some things stayed the same.
The core group of boys (now men!) remains the same, the fact that meat is grilled whilst we sit round the fire remains the same, cooling beer in the river remains the same and the love of the event stays the same. It is a huge event in the calendar.
It has been an event and a tradition that has accompanied lifes journey.
And what is starting to happen is that this tradtion seems to be passing on to the next generation. This year getting a seat near the fire was a challenge as the many pre-teens were hanging our there, telling jokes and stories.
What traditions do you have with friends?
What is it that keeps them going?
What is it that makes them fall apart?
Do tell.........
How to be a beginner
I am not a yogi, nor do I practice yoga. Well maybe once a year at most, just to test it out, but absolutely no committment or no plan!
Yet I am very interested in it. I love talking to people who practice to hear about their experiences, especially understanding what they get out of it. I also enjoy reading about it. Various kinds of books, ones with the traditions and history explained or ones where the corporate executive becomes enlightened and leaves her million dollar job behind to set up a yoga school to spread the word and enlighten others.
Behind yoga there is a steep history and it is very rich. The learnings seem so simple yet somehow incredibly hard.
Its all about breathing and being kind to the body.
It seems to be about understanding your limits and respecting them.
It seems to encourage strength building in the mind and the body. At the same time. Harmoniously.
One excerpt of the book that particulary resonated as I was reading it last night, was about learning or more precisely how to learn.
This is how it read:
How to be a beginner:
1. Try not to assume. Unpack your expectations. Some days are better than others. Be content with your practice that day.
2. Focus on the important things: your breath, your attitude, and how you feel.
3. Be greateful there are still some things you are not good at. Hurray for learning!
4. Be comfortable with what you don't know, because there is a lot more of it.
These 4 tips were all associated with yoga, yet they clearly apply to all aspects of life.
I have printed these out and put them on my desk where I can see them. I woudl like to remind myself of these principles. I know I am not very kind with myself. I can be very unforgiving of myself when I am not meeting my expectations or standards. If something does not go to plan, I can be very harsh and being greatful in these incidences, seems a long way off.
I also believe I should know everything about what I do, but here it reminds me to be comfortable with not knowing and even more so, accept that there is a ton more I dont know and that is a good thing.
So a long way to go for me?
What about you?
Does this resonate in any way?
Do you see the application to yoga and to life?
Do tell...........
Yet I am very interested in it. I love talking to people who practice to hear about their experiences, especially understanding what they get out of it. I also enjoy reading about it. Various kinds of books, ones with the traditions and history explained or ones where the corporate executive becomes enlightened and leaves her million dollar job behind to set up a yoga school to spread the word and enlighten others.
Behind yoga there is a steep history and it is very rich. The learnings seem so simple yet somehow incredibly hard.
Its all about breathing and being kind to the body.
It seems to be about understanding your limits and respecting them.
It seems to encourage strength building in the mind and the body. At the same time. Harmoniously.
One excerpt of the book that particulary resonated as I was reading it last night, was about learning or more precisely how to learn.
This is how it read:
How to be a beginner:
1. Try not to assume. Unpack your expectations. Some days are better than others. Be content with your practice that day.
2. Focus on the important things: your breath, your attitude, and how you feel.
3. Be greateful there are still some things you are not good at. Hurray for learning!
4. Be comfortable with what you don't know, because there is a lot more of it.
These 4 tips were all associated with yoga, yet they clearly apply to all aspects of life.
I have printed these out and put them on my desk where I can see them. I woudl like to remind myself of these principles. I know I am not very kind with myself. I can be very unforgiving of myself when I am not meeting my expectations or standards. If something does not go to plan, I can be very harsh and being greatful in these incidences, seems a long way off.
I also believe I should know everything about what I do, but here it reminds me to be comfortable with not knowing and even more so, accept that there is a ton more I dont know and that is a good thing.
So a long way to go for me?
What about you?
Does this resonate in any way?
Do you see the application to yoga and to life?
Do tell...........
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)