Positivity Aplenty: 2014

The best Christmas gift of all

December 01, 2014

Stop...Rest...Breathe

October 14, 2014

Today is the perfect day to heed this message:
stop....rest....breathe

YES that's you, mums, dads, workers, artists, soldiers, all and sundry.

Take the time to relax and enjoy all that is you.

Statistics show that the majority of us don't dedicate enough "downtime" to ourselves.

And yet it's so important. Spending quality time alone to stop, rest and breathe allows us to connect with ourselves on a deeper level. It also enables us to re-energise our bodies so we can continue with the busy lives we lead.

Denying ourselves this opportunity creates nothing but long term stress, anxiety and uncertainty. The darkness descends and we become ships in the night travelling from port to port bearing load after load. So take the time to unload and float in a blissful sea of calm for a while. You'll discover an expansive sky full of opportunities and dreams you never knew you had.

Believe me it works. I'm a mum and downtime is something that doesn't come easily but when recently faced with a tough life decision I took extra time to be still and relax.

Stillness creates a space around us that allows thoughts and visions to shift from the internal to the external - suddenly we become aware of things we'd never even considered before.

It was through stillness that I learnt a valuable life lesson...a lesson about what I call solitary love. We OWE it to ourselves to find our solitary space and really LISTEN. With an insight into what really matters we have the opportunity to lead an honest and valuable life.

The more we do it the more clarity we achieve and all it takes is a little downtime.

Dedicate the time to float on your blue sea of calm.
Stop....rest.....breathe.
Therein lie the answers to all you desire.

Here's another great article that reveals the importance of having time alone:
http://www.oprah.com/spirit/Why-You-Must-Have-Solitude-and-Time-For-Yourself

Image Courtesy: Getty Images

If you're interested in breathing exercises for relaxation, this article has some great tips:
http://www.uq.edu.au/student-services/counselling/relaxation-exercises

depression

An Empathetic Ear

September 01, 2014

happiness

The magic of mini-breaks

August 09, 2014

compassion

Life is like a Passing Cloud

June 27, 2014

Kindle some Kindness at Work

June 13, 2014

On this, the last day of the working week, take the time to show some kindness in the workplace.

It has been proven time and time again that a little kindness goes a long way. And luckily, extending the hand of kindness is one of the easiest and most rewarding things we can do for another and ourselves.

Taking the time to simply say “hello” as we pass someone in the hallway is not only good for others, but good for ourselves. Making someone else feel noticed and appreciated is a positive thing for all involved.

There are plenty of articles to support the theory that acts of kindness generate higher levels of serotonin and oxytocin along with improving immune system function for both the giver and receiver:

http://undergroundhealthreporter.com/act-of-kindness/#axzz34PrmPwJ8

http://drdavidhamilton.com/the-5-side-effects-of-kindness/

So when you enter the workplace today, consider how you might kindle some kindness.

Here are 10 tips to help spread the "good stuff":

make a colleague a cup of tea
ask a colleague how their night was
hold the lift (if someone is running for it)
leave a nice note in a colleagues tray
share some chocolates around your pod
invite a colleague to after work drinks
offer to collect someone's paperwork from the printer
write a thank you note or email
simply SMILE and say hello (even to strangers)
pay someone a compliment (and watch them light up)

These simple things help develop a sense of camaraderie and belonging – something that every workplace needs to function happily and productively, especially when times are tough.

So wherever you go, consider your manners. Reach out to those around you and reap the rewards.

Extending the hand of kindness, whether at work or home, is something that we should strive to bring into every day.

So make today a day to spread the love...sprinkle a little joy around your office pod and in your colleague's trays....oh go on...leave some in the lift too!!

"We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give."

Winston Churchill

Image courtesy of freeimages.com

connection

Expand your Circle of Love

May 27, 2014

Last night as I was reading one of my favourite mags I stumbled upon a quote that really resonated with me - in fact, I re-read it several times because it's impact was immense.

The article was about a single dad receiving advice from his mum regarding the raising of his children. But the sentiment of this quote is relevant to many areas of our lives, as adults also. It read:

"My mother told me that the more people a child has who truly love him or her, the happier that child will be. So I work hard to maintain and expand their circles of love."

BAM - isn't it great!!

As a child who was raised with a relatively small circle of love, a lot of things finally made sense to me upon reading those words.

As as a mother, I was filled with a powerful sense of determination, to create loving circles for my own family.

And as an individual I was suddenly aware of where my life purpose stemmed from.

These powerful words remind us of the importance of connection, whether it be with family, friends, colleagues, community members etc. These connections are all so important and relevant to our ability to feel love, confidence and happiness.

Sure a lot of it comes down to how we feel on the inside but it made perfect sense to me that if you have a loving circle of people in your life, you somehow DO feel better....happier....healthier.

So friends, let's connect with each other and our wider communities to increase our own circles of love. In the end it must surely contribute to us all forming a global connection of love and peace. And that's got to be a good thing.

If you're stuck for ideas, here are a few tips to expand your circle:

Invite a new neighbour over for a cuppa, or at least put a welcome note in their letterbox
Call that friend you haven't spoken to in years and arrange a time to eye ball each other (yes, peeps I know you're all out there)
Make a cuppa for a work colleague you don't usually liaise with
Have a spontaneous BBQ with family (no reason required)
Throw that 40th you never threw for yourself and make it BIG - create a dress-up theme for fun
Arrange to meet friends at the same time every month for that well deserved catch up.

Happy circling everyone!

Image courtesy of freeimages.com

positive affirmations

Be proud of your achievements

May 12, 2014

connection

Shine with Youth and Enthusiasm

March 14, 2014

Recently I met a 91 year old woman who didn't look a day over 65.

Her physicality, intellect and life force were in total contrast to her age.

She sat at a friend's breakfast table in a long classic gown and a glowing string of pearls.

She showered her companions with style and grace and a polished politeness rarely seen these days.

Everything about her was simply enchanting and it was astonishing to see such youthful exuberance in a person her age. She was as vibrant as the next 20 year old.

Despite the lifelong trials and tribulations she surely must have faced, she naturally spoke with such joy and enthusiasm. Upon meeting me she exclaimed, "Oh Mary, what a glorious day we have before us".

Her grand Victorian accent soothed my soul and took me on a journey back through time, and It was in that moment that I was struck by the reality of mortality and the speed at which time must surely fly.

This woman was arriving on a boat from England with her young family one minute and then living as an aged pensioner on a Montville farm the next. And yet, there was nothing "aged" about her - her vibrancy was both magnetic and iridescent.

Having survived many siblings and raised 3 children with her husband of 70 years (who is also still alive) she has gone on to live an inspiring life in retirement, remaining in her own large acreage home, tending to her magnificient sprawling gardens and travelling regularly on planes to visit family and friends.

We spoke at length about a shared passion for mountains and she enthusiastically said to me "Mary, I simply SHINE in the mountains." I don't think I'll ever forget that statement....what a wonderfully positive and uplifting outlook. No wonder she remains so youthful.

I was moved beyond measure - for here was someone who still wakes every day to the joy of life.

As I said my goodbyes I walked away reflecting upon the fleeting yet miraculous nature of life - every single moment counts - the good and the bad, the old and the new. They are all gifts to be cherished. And most importantly of all is the NOW. For some of us are here for the long haul and others are taken so very quickly (as has been the case in our community recently).

Life is grand, glorious and astonishing. Embrace every minute and relish the time you have. Aspire to be the best you can be each and every day, live for now and look ahead to a bright future with memories busting at the seams of your existence!!!!

Retain your youth - wear pearls and gowns to breakfast - I dare you!

And while you're at it, take a moment to think about what makes you SHINE!!!

Mountains and trees make me SHINE....your turn!

Photo courtesy of SXC

connection

Do you have a Banter Buddy?

February 20, 2014

Good ole Banter....there's nothing like it!!!

If you're as lucky as me, you have at least one good friend you can share silly banter with.

You know....the kind of conversation that has you clutching at your stomach as you roll around on the floor laughing. The kind where you can be completely honest and exposed and know that your friend still thinks you're ok even though she's saying "you're completely bonkers" in a jovial manner....causing you even more side splitting laughter. The kind where innuendos fly and wild sarcasm bounces off the walls around you. The kind that has conversation volleying backwards and forwards across the distance between you. It's clever and witty and insidiously playful and you love every minute of it (well I do).

Your brain is switched on and you're reaching into the creative abyss for the next bit of witty sarcasm to send across the table. It's like writing a comic screen play or directing a black comedy. It's fun, creative, honest and soul baring. And it's often these relationships we trust the most - for that very fact - that all is laid bare.

And the best part is that when it's all over, you sit back and sigh with a smile stretching from ear to ear. You've just conversed and connected in the most fun way with someone who truly gets you, teases you, rejoices and delights with you.

But even more importantly, when the chips are down, she can pick you up off the ground with her darting comments and wicked sense of humour. Before you know it, you're laughing again and your imagination opens up to all the wild and fun possibilities lying ahead for you.

It's these people we go to without fear of judgement because when it's needed this person who knows us so well, empathises and supports us during all our crazy ups and downs.

Finding compatibility in the humour department is worth all the gold in Texas, as far as I'm concerned. It can make even the most traumatic situation seem bearable....dare I say, even funny....in a warped way.

So if you haven't found yours, get out and fossick for your Banter Buddy today. It's so worth it!!!

Open up the door to imagination and share something silly with someone you love!!!

I guarantee the smiles will last a long while.

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