happiness

Alzheimer’s Society

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Regular followers will know I often talk about transient reminiscent bumps which are triggers bringing memories flooding back. It is not necessarily a bad thing to release stored emotions and a trigger is indeed a release valve enabling this.

These triggers/bumps may take the form of happy memories too inspired by our senses i.e. visually looking at photographs, listening to music, smelling perfumes or even tasting a sweet from our childhood.

Recently the news has been full of exciting announcements of new drugs hopefully to  help people with dementia in the future.

For those with loved ones suffering from dementia there’s useful information available from the Alzheimer’s Society. I thoroughly recommend carers, friends and family to take a look at their website http://www.alzheimers.org.uk  and check out their vast list of leaflets.

I have just received and read: ‘Staying involved and active’ and ‘communicating’ Both offering really practical tips and extremely well written.

As I have always known writing can be very therapeutic as I found when running writers groups and having one-to-one time with clients.

 

Redbourn Auto Solutions

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Once again I am happily  recommending Redbourn Auto Solutions for car repairs. Our little car was ‘unhappy and sick’  yesterday but after a visit to the caring team and head car-doctor I am delighted to confirm all is well again. I cannot thank the team enough for swift and considerate service.

All joking aside, it is great to have peace of mind and know that only the work that is necessary is recommended and at competitive prices.

I know nothing about the workings of said car yet one is never made to feel daft or inadequate… as I know other garages often delight in making us girlies feel stupid as well as vulnerable to over charging.

Congratulations again to the best local car solutions and as their advert says they really do give:

‘friendly efficient service from people you can trust’

http://www.redbournautosolutions.com

Disappointed

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Anyone that has either worked with children or has children will know that one of the most powerful words one can use to a child is ‘disappointed’.

When trying to help our children keep and respect what may seem strict but safe boundaries  – when they have crossed the line we may find ourselves explaining how we are disappointed with their actions. I have found this has far more of an impact than any other verbal expression or ban on say computer games etc.

However, we constantly hear how teenagers are increasingly suffering from stress and interestingly Childline today were reported to reveal that they received over 1000 calls from children suffering exam stress. This was expressed as a 20% increase on last year.

Childline went on to say that children felt stressed as they didn’t want to disappoint their parents and this speaks volumes. As parents we have to greatly consider our children’s emotional intelligence and avoid applying undue pressure but replacing it with supportive encouragement.

As we know some children are more communicative about their feelings than others and it is no secret that stress related issues are sadly also on the increase and include eating disorders and self harming.

I am mindful that as we approach exam results days that many students will already feel disappointed with results and do not need parents adding to their dilemma. If they do not get their first choice options for university it may not be the end of the world.

Remember a second choice through clearing may work out better for many students.

MINDFULNESS

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Being mindful helps us to keep things in perspective and our emotions under control.It is very easy to allow stress to overtake our usual reasoning.

By taking a day at a time and enjoying that day for what it is rather than worrying about the things that may or not even happen tomorrow enables us to lead a far more healthier and positive life.

Too often I talk to colleagues as they approach an important event or something which they have been working towards i.e. giving a presentation or sitting exams and suddenly it all seems so daunting.

The reality being what we tell ourselves we sadly listen to. So the thought for today is to tell yourself you can succeed and not only that you are going to enjoy doing so. Stress…what stress?

I will leave you with one of my Grandmother’s favourite sayings:-

‘If things don’t alter they stay as they are!’

Meeting our dreams head on

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Last week I had the privilege of minding my great nephew who is a joy. During our fun time he asked if I was the wishing tree. Good question. He then asked me what I would wish for. Keeping it child friendly my list included, a giant bar of chocolate, the biggest ice cream in the world and my own animal zoo. This was met with great laughter. Seriously, there are not many things I wish for aside of good health for me and mine. I am fully aware money doesn’t in itself bring happiness but it would enable me to have that zoo.

In life it is very hard to focus and remain positive when trying to pursue our own dreams whilst, keeping a home running, supporting our children, extended family and friends, running a business and sometimes receiving a rejection no when maybe we want to hear a ‘yes’.

Even the most positive of characters are allowed to feel down sometimes. I have to confess for me today was one of those rare times. I have just made a cup of coffee, eaten a few squares from a not so giant bar of chocolate and reminded myself to feel grateful.

However, I am a grateful person and try where possible to help people if not with practical help of a physical nature I certainly do spiritually,supporting my friends, sharing advice and hopefully through my writing.

I can hear the voice of a good friend who will remind me the latest ‘no‘ was not God’s plan.. Don’t you think it would be good if we could take a sneaky look at that plan and therefore avoid time wasting exercises? and…SMILE!

I have a really brilliant weekend planned with a great friend, perfect timing. Off to a Global Women’s event to re-feed my spiritual self and hear from and be inspired by talented speakers.

Blog done now to finish that bar of chocolate and re-focus on my dreams.

 

Encouraging optimism

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Over the years I have had many a debate with colleagues about my optimistic nature and attitude towards life but I don’t know any other better way do you?

An ex-boyfriend who I sometimes accused of being negative if he threw too much water on my latest dream….would correct me and say he was just a realist.  However, on the other hand he so often congratulated me recognising that I was a great ideas person. He stood back in amazement at how in no time whatsoever I would be talking about a project and then doing it. I guess that can also be described as an ‘I can do’ ethos, maybe a  passion in believing in myself and my abilities to succeed. Then again others would say sounds like sheer madness.

Having said all this, I used to work within a legal environment so I also come from a position of preventative rather than cure… so what may appear to some as an instant decision, I will have been planning for some time and have really agonised about the risks.

So I believe what I am saying is we creative types are not completely crazy you know and more often than not our ideas do come to fruition and often help others in the process.

In life we have to sometimes just run with things and hope beyond even our own wildest dreams that things will work out. If we don’t at least try how will we ever know our own limitations? Being curious is what keeps us interesting after all isn’t it?

I strongly believe that things that are meant to be will be, however we can help our destiny along by being proactive and optimistic rather than sitting around waiting for life to happen and complaining when it doesn’t.

Tell somebody you love that you love them today

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My amazing mentor so often said the time to be good to people and show them you care is when they are here and alive.

Many of my close family members and good friends have no problem in telling one another that we love each other but not in a flippant way but just when it feels right. For the un-lovey-dovey minority using the word love doesn’t dilute it’s value… if you mean it when you say it.

Ok for some people saying how we feel and showing emotions is difficult but life can be far more difficult for us and those close to us when we don’t.

I know a friend chose ‘The Living Years’ by Mike and The Mechanics song for his father’s funeral and the words ring true about how as children we always think our parents are from another planet. The essence of this song is quite beautiful and poignant if you have lost a father and wish you had talked more.

Vic Botterill (a great after dinner speaker I know) within his training DVD   ‘Living, Loving and Stress’ reminds his audience how important it is to tell loved ones that we love them and on a regular basis. Vic is an ex Police Officer and has had to deliver tragic news to loved ones..he knows his stuff!

So my message today is tell somebody you love…just that..you love them.

Young at heart

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Part of feeling positive I guess to a certain degree is remaining young at heart. I am known for being sensible and professional when required but also know how to play and have fun.

As my mentor used to say ‘laughing is as good as a tonic’, same said lady was an expert at playing the yo yo. She could do all sorts of tricks and we were always buying her new ones and ones that lit up.

Last week I treated myself to a new wooden yo yo and had great fun last night playing with it much to the amusement of my daughter! It’s almost as much fun as blow bubbles.

Seriously, taking time out to just be and enjoy simple things in life can place us back in the moment  remembering halcyon times as a child… and, for a while, forget about whatever is troubling us.

As for the troubles…these too will pass.

I know it’s Monday but find time to smile and enjoy the day whatever it brings.

Little book of kisses

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Today is international kissing day. Kissing is important and prompted me last year to write a book on the subject.

‘A Little Book of Kisses’ is currently being considered by publishers failing which I guess I will publish it in-house as a kindle book. Little taster follows…

‘Reasons to kiss

As humans we all use this act to confirm all sorts of emotions to friends and family, meeting and greeting, congratulating, maybe giving a magic kiss for a sore knee of a child perhaps. Planting a kiss as a sign of affection when somebody is upset and for no better reason than just because it feels right.

Burning off calories

Isn’t it great when one finds a partner that enjoys kissing as much as you do then it can not only be a pleasurable experience but a great way to burn off a few calories – now there’s a thought.

Depending on which facts you go for kissing can burn 2/3 or even 6.4 calories a minute according to what internet piece you read! Go for the lower figure and give yourself an incentive to kiss for longer.

Annie Manning© ‘

 

 

 

 

Haiku…mistaken identity

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I am ashamed to say I have little time for pleasure reading these days. I recently met a fellow writer who is a really talented Haiku poet. I remembered I had a gem on my bookshelf  ‘One hundred great books in haiku’ by David Bader.

David did a truly brilliant job of writing Haiku about some of the classics for those too lazy to read them…seriously very clever work. Well worth seeking this one out.

Zarr a talented musician and song writer contributed the following to one of my charity anthologies:-

A case of mistaken identity

A snake bit

an antelope’s tail

and fell in love.

Love is blind eh?