Tuesday quote by Rumi

Let the beauty we love become the good we do.

– Rumi

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Stress management tips for Friday

Here are a few tips to reduce stress that I have found in a pile of resources today. They seem worth sharing and even having a laugh over perhaps:

 States of chronic alertness result in the storage of unused adrenalin, sugar, lactate, urine and hormones
 Have a good laugh or cry
 Recall your successes, they can help you through your defeats
 Loosen your jaw, let it sag
 Let your shoulders drop
 Relax your hair and scalp
 Uncurl your fingers and toes
 Let your stomach hang out!
 Slow down your breathing. Fill your stomach with breath as if it was a frog’s.
 Set time aside each day to do something slowly and just for yourself
 Say “No” to a demand on your time.
 Take some time out for you over the coming weekend

Promoting goodness

My friend and colleague, Marian Kerr has just launched two e-books, one entitled “The Confidence Connection” and the other “Positive words are powerful” via her website and I would warmly encourage you to visit, check out the details and purchase them either for yourself or for someone you know. The two books make a wonderfully complementary self development programme.

We are both passionate about empowerment and work to support others to be who they really are and to reach their full potential.

I did some proof-reading and feedback for Marian as she wrote and formatted the e-books and found my attention to her encouraging words and non-judgemental tone meant my step was lighter, my self awareness sharper and my sense of resilience increased.

I have been thinking a lot about confidence in the past few days as I watch two people close to me wrestle with making courageous steps in their lives, asking as Marian puts it “what am I capable of?”

Each of the e-books contain quotes, personal experiences, tips, guidance, exercises to complete and always a strong positive and encouraging tone. The benefits of reading and completing the material in the e-books would include increased capability, resilience, self acceptance, growth, confidence and a richer more enjoyable life.

These benefits are too good to miss!

P.S. As a bonus, on her website Marian offers a free e-book “Empowerment: Live life your way”

Sunday quote: Laughter!!!!!!!

Make laughter your prayer. Laugh more. Nothing releases your blocked energies as does laughter. Nothing makes you innocent as does laughter.” ~Osho~

Winter gardening and personal growth

Daylight saving has just finished here and I am noticing people commenting  with little enthusiasm that winter is coming.  The clock going back is a sure signal that another seasonal change is drawing closer.

I love gardening and all the many benefits being in the garden brings me.  I have been thinking about winter and how down people feel about its approach and how we garden in the winter time.

It seems to me that winter can be an excellent time to consider what in our lives or activities could lie fallow and resting during winter, in the same way the soil does during the long dark and often cold and wet days.   What can we prune or trim that will, in time, mean a burst of new growth and harvest once the light begins to return?  What might we prune or cut out completely from our lives?  Are there things that do not serve us well that need “the chop” and will allow a space for something new to be planted, in time or when conditions improve or alter?

How can we as gardeners rest and reflect when our gardens are too water-logged and unpleasant to be out in?

What needs to be planted in the winter months that allows for something to take hold even in the dark, cold, miserable conditions?  Gardeners are advised to plant large trees, shrubs and roses in the depths of winter to ensure time for settling before the burst that spring brings.

How can we prepare for winter and the challenges it brings to us?   Do we need to feed some things, do we need to mulch for protection and potential? 

What reserves have we got to draw on through the bleaker months?

And what might the benefits be for us, on some occasions in winter, to rug up, pull on gumboots and “get out and do something” in the garden?  To draw forth our determination, our energy and creativity?

How is winter time for you?