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.

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."

    Image courtesy of freeimages.com

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!

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

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. 

Looking for a way to beat stress? 

Try BANTER - here are just a few benefits:

• it sparks your imagination
• has you laughing in hysterics
• allows you to be truly yourself
• lets you get away with outrageous accusations
• and it's just good fun

And then there are those like me, who'd prefer a much later sleep in but get woken by a small child hellbent on seeing the sunrise every day.

Top o' the morn to ya

Here's a few ideas:

1.   I will commit to spending more time with family and friends

2.   I will praise my children more often

3.   I will smile at strangers

4.   I will remain calm during times of stress

5.   I will try one new thing a week (e.g. a food, sport, venue etc)

6.   I will BELIEVE in myself at all times

7.   I will tell my partner I love them every day

8.   I will compliment others

9.   I will listen whole heartedly

10. I will exercise regularly and enjoy feeling fabulous

11. I will take more time out for myself

12. I will eat more healthily

13. I will laugh till my tummy hurts

14. I will be grateful

May 2014 bring happiness, peace, love and laughter into your lives. May you be blessed with good health and abundant opportunities.

For me, I have declared 2014 the year of "celebration". 

What will 2014 be for you?

Whatever it is, may it be GRAND!!!