Author: credo2014

Community Spirit -think public

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Yesterday, I was fortunate to attend two events that demonstrate the real meaning of people working together for the greater good.

The first; a chance for people from church to socialise and as a thank you for the Superb 100 Christmas Tree Festival held at St Saviours church. This event is enjoyed by many but wouldn’t be possible without all the people working behind the scenes for the week, providing all the technical support and catering to name but a few. I had my own tree in memory of my mother, just outside the lady chapel (healing chapel) which she would have loved.

The second; the brilliant pub quiz in aid of The Redbourn Care Group. At a time when there are so many national and global charities needing funds it is good to see so many people turning up to help raise funds for a small local charity. My team didn’t win but we did have fun..it’s the taking part that counts and that goes for being community spirited and thinking public! Thanks to The Cricketers pub for holding this event.

Thoughts on mindfulness   by Annie Manning MASC (CBT)

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Adopting the theory of mindfulness within CBT as believed and practiced by Buddhists is about learning to live positively in the moment. Making every day count and not living by dwelling on past negative experiences and/or living in fear of what terrible fate awaits one in the future but focusing on the here and now. Half of our deep seated worries will never come to fruition and the other half ….do not actually exist!

Shelford Chandler M.D. of Giant Steps Create (who run collaborative problem solving workshops) and I recently discussed the benefits of mindfulness and possessing a positive attitude and how these contribute to one’s innate creative ability, (we all have it apparently!)  It may be a cliché but ‘people buy from people’ we agreed anything one can do to improve how we interact and communicate is a bonus.

One can be aware of something without the necessity of allowing it to become all consuming, but opt to moving on to the next thought process to dilute its importance.  Standing back, reflecting, accepting and thinking ‘In the scheme of things’ one could soon realise the concerned thought is in fact trivia and not worthy of the time and mind space or level of anxiety.

‘The Buddhists believe that one should speak to the little imaginary bird sitting on one’s shoulder and ask everyday ‘Am I leading the life I want to live?’ Which I believe to be an excellent way of putting on the breaks and reminding us that life is short and each day should be treasured and enjoyed for what it brings as part of life’s rich tapestry.

Mindfulness is extremely useful for people suffering with perhaps depression or panic attacks in combination with learning breathing exercises and meditation. Clients are encouraged to try adopting a ‘here and now attitude’ and swapping misplaced fears and anxieties by initially acknowledging the thought, then choosing to distract themselves, remain calm and hopeful and not revert to an automatic state of being depressed, frightened or apprehensive.

Mindfulness is particularly successful for people with CBT issues which include; addictive behaviour and anxiety disorders –it works as a positive distraction switch and prevents the client from slipping back into old/habitual ways which are both harmful emotionally and physically.  A problem is only a problem if you chose to recognise/label it as such.   ©

Brilliant minds -Dr Bob Lomas

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I am at my happiest when I have just read something amazing or discovered somebody who is.

I recall many years back a client, and one that helped me become disciplined in business writing used to say how sexy the mind of an intelligent woman was. So true but this is equally so of a man with a brilliant mind.

There are some writers that not only write inspirational works but go on to inspire generations of scientific minds and this must be said of Dr Roberts Lomas BSc PhD (Salford) MIEE.  Now he is intellectually sexy! Knowledge is indeed power and for many an aphrodisiac but this particular writer known for his wonderful books on masonic theories also helped inspire the DaVinci Code!

Wow and Cool just two words two younger relatives with enquiring minds have used to describe him this week. Come on kids we can do better than that surely?

Loyal friends

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If you have managed to keep a few special friendships through the madness of life you are indeed fortunate.

Those fab ones; that stay the test of time, see you through the bad times and are genuinely happy for you when things go well or you have something new to discuss.

You don’t have to see them every day, week or month but when you do you just engage instantly, have fun, can share confidences as though you were continuing a conversation…which is of course true…the laughter and chatter never ends.

They love you for who you are, are rarely shocked or judgemental and will join in your latest crazy idea with dangerous enthusiasm. These are the ones that like you are still 18, in their heart…at times to the embarrassment of their teenage children!

If you are reading this…you know who you are Mrs.C.

The value of research

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I try where possible to help with research whenever I can at my hospital of excellence UCLH. It is a teaching hospital and research is a valuable part of their every day work.

I have just had an article published on this subject within the UCL BioResearch Newsletter -link to follow.

Where possible I would encourage others to consider donating blood or urine samples to help with research it is so vital to the crucial work these amazing professionals do and just think this research could be helping someone you love some day.

Please bear this in mind and help where you can.

Become an organ donor

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Today the newspapers, and TV, indeed all forms of media are full of the amazing story of the youngest recorded organ donor. The parents of baby Teddy the twin of brother Noah who has now made such an impact and positive response to encouraging others to become donors must be so proud.

As one TV doctor remarked how if you would like to think you would receive a donor if you needed one, then you should be registered as a donor.

It can be a daunting decision for loved ones/ parents to make this decision at what is quite likely to be one of the most devastating times in their life, but if the family member/spouse has a donor card it can make it easier and make a difference to many lives.

My next of kin is fully aware that I have a card not just for organs but for tissue too. I am active in helping my London hospital with research and writing about encouraging others to do the same – I will write about that in another blog.

If you do one thing to day, and are not on the register, please give it some thought and do so now.

Telephone Scamming

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We all are so tired of being the subject of telephone scams and the attitude of the individuals making these calls really does take the biscuit.

Short while ago I had a series of calls, same guy day after day -didn’t get much time/change from me..finally I said ‘these calls are being recorded by the Police’ to which he replied ‘your Police do nothing’. Worrying!

A good friend of mine received one at her place of business; the caller pretended to be bailiffs and was coming to collect goods to the value of. Fortunately she did not fall for this but found it upsetting as they were very convincing. She reported this to the Police who said they had been targeting businesses in the area -a similar scam was reported in last weeks ‘Daily Mail’ wherein sadly one woman did fall victim and parted with money.

Most of us know to put the phone down but it does concern me that vulnerable people, especially the elderly can fall into the trap of parting with cash and/or giving over bank details. I know that many do much to their families surprise, but as I said these tricksters are very convincing and persistent. We have to keep reminding the elderly not to be taken in.

What a shame that people are no longer safe in their own homes. 

Election Madness

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There is no escaping from it, and a fellow brave woman campaigning this year reminded me of the fun I had running in a local election.Talking at times through letterbox…lamb to a slaughter and even chased by a dog!

All joking aside it saddened me then, as it does now just how many young people were abstaining from voting, and as my own daughter has the joy of casting her first vote this year – I have no idea what advice to give her it has become a fiasco for sure.

Knowing I have always been active politically I believe she values my opinion but this time I am at a loss, they all promise, some even plan to deliver….but!

What amused, if not at times infuriated me during my experience was just how many people will confuse national and local politics and just vote blue/red/yellow or any other team because it’s what they always do.

Whereas, locally please, please, please vote for the candidate that will really work for the good of your community rather than take credit for what others do and love a photo opportunity…yes we all know who they are.

Misspent youth I voted conservative, moved to lib dems, now locally I chose to place my time with the independent team as they have no hidden agenda or party line to tow but just get on with it. If I am honest the older I get I think I belong to the Raving Looney Party!

 

Sensitivity

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Trip to the dentist  went well, no treatment but confessed to having sensitive teeth, so was handed a handbag size of toothpaste especially for sensitive teeth…’is this a sign of getting old ?‘ I asked. A wide grin showing gleaming white perfect teeth was the only response!

The English language is so funny at times especially for those that  adopt it as their second language. Writers however, have great fun in playing on words, it’s part of my quirky sense of humour and gets my agent laughing…at least…having sensitive teeth does that mean best not to be rude to them but treat them well?

We both decided today that these quips are sometimes really useful and I should perhaps seek employment as Title woman…as I so often joke ‘that would be a good title for a book.’

Meanwhile finding a title for next my project ‘Kissing’ is proving more difficult, but the research is so much fun. Found out today that; ‘kissing actually helps reduce oral plaque as it produces saliva –my dentist recommends it. lol’ 

The giggle factor

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Life at times can be very difficult and some days there appears that there is nothing to laugh about. I guess I am quite lucky as I am able to laugh at myself and that in turn cheers people up.

There’s nothing quite like the sound of hearing a good friend chuckle down the phone or even make monkey like noises as they try to stifle the start of what you know is a belly laugh waiting to escape.

My first meeting of the day was with my Accountant who always makes me laugh -mainly as this is also my older brother and he has the job of ensuring I don’t do any daft…or too daft!

My second was with a wonderful man who will know who he is when reading this blog. He is one of the beautiful people that now and then one is fortunate enough to meet and restores one’s faith in mankind…literally.  He is also a monkey impersonator who makes me giggle.

As my mentor used to say laughing is as good as a tonic, true friends can make you laugh and are happy to let you cry, and can equally make you cry with laughter.

Off to the dentist for some laughing gas.