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P is for Pajamas, Pan Pipes & Papier Mache

P is a letter that promises plenty of possibility for that 'snuggle under a blanket' feeling as much as it does for playful pursuits. Here are your pickings.

What to wear: Pajamas

The epitome of comfy and cosy, especially as we descend into the winter months. Putting them on at night sends a signal to our brains that it's time to wind down, inviting rest and sleep in. For some of us, pajamas even became day-wear during the lockdowns. So many materials, patterns and colours to choose from. They're a great way to express our personalities too.

Even if you already have numerous sets, take some time to truly appreciate them this month. Can you mix and match or try out a bold new style?

My favourite PJs are pictured above. It's the hoodie top that sold it for me!

What to listen to: Pan Pipes

The sound of pan pipes is both soft and haunting. The woody vibe is a reminder of ancient times and even has a wonderful tribal feel to it. If you're looking for some inspiring background music while you work, study or play, this instrument won't disappoint. It's another one that's also great for sleep too.

And by all means, try making this beautiful noise yourself if you can get your hands on some pan pipes.

What to try: Papier Mache

This art form was magical to me as a child. Covering objects (mainly balloons) with paper and glue, then waiting for them to dry, and removing the centre. There was always a sharp intake of breath and a gasp of delight the next day. After, the opportunity to paint and decorate. It feels like many crafts in one and is fairly easy to do. Light warning though - it's very messy. In fact, the messier you get the better.

What phenomenal words:

Paradise A dream state or destination, real or imaginary. There are many positive connotations here. It could be extreme visual beauty or a relaxing escape.

Perky An upbeat and cheerful collection of letters. We all need more of these.

Phosphorescent Like its meaning, the pronunciation (and spelling) of this word makes one feel radiant and luminous.

Poppycock What a funny word for what is basically nonsense. Imagine it said in a posh accent.

I hope the letter P provides permission to prioritise yourself in November.

Q is for Quartz, Quiet time & Quizzes

The letter Q has quite the quilt of everyday and slightly mysterious offerings. It’s a chance to step out of your comfort zone or be reminded of what can (and will) work for you on a regular basis.

What to try: Quartz

I believe crystals have healing powers. Quartz is one of the most impressive varieties, occurring in many shapes and colours. It’s a good one for balancing energy and finding calm. You can wear it in jewellery, place in the palm of your hand for meditation or under a pillow to aid sleep.

What to allow yourself: Quiet time

I cannot recommend this enough. Whether it’s during moments of stress or while you're on holiday, quiet time is essential for processing emotions and life events. Be it good or bad. Inner quiet (meditation perhaps) or a physical silent space. Maybe even a mixture of both. Even if you’re a really busy person, scheduling just 5 minutes of calm will make such a difference.

What to enjoy: Quizzes

The great thing about quizzes is they keep our brains active and focused. We can watch them on TV or form teams in local venues. There’s many varieties, so something for everyone. Sometimes prizes are up for grabs too!

What quality words:

Quest

There’s nothing like a challenge or adventure to take us out of ourselves for a bit. They are also really fun.

Quill

The creative writer in me loves the idea of quill and ink. Those gorgeous feathers. The word conjures up countless scenes from period dramas and fantasy films.

Quintessential

Defined as ‘representing the most perfect or typical example of a quality or class’, this word can be a bit smug. It both sounds and looks good on the page.

Quirky

I believe we should celebrate our individuality, the quirks that make us great people. We all have them.

I hope the letter Q quenches your thirst for positivity and calm in October.

R is for Railway walks, Recommendations & Reminiscing

For a really common letter, R is rustling with a rich range of options. This month we can reflect on the past, relish the present and ready ourselves for the future. Or maybe you’ll just find this a relatable read.

What to try: Railway walks

Do you often spend large parts of a train journey staring out the window at the changing landscape? Me too! Depending on where you're travelling to or live, the tracks wind around some pretty breath-taking sights. Although we can't use the railway to reach some places anymore, the lines still exist. Walking is a much slower way to appreciate bygone journeys while observing our current surroundings. Next on my list is the, very much missed, route from Maidenhead to High Wycombe. So watch my social media posts later this Autumn.

What to make and take: Recommendations

I love overhearing folk saying "I've been listening to this amazing podcast about... and I know you'd enjoy it." When those people have checked it out themselves, there's a beautiful shared knowledge. Discussions around specific bits that stood out. I'm lucky enough to have recommendations for books, films, music and even restaurants coming from all directions. I've got to say it's hugely satisfying to be able to introduce new gems to my networks and clients too. I believe the more we share, the more we learn and it's a key way to keep a sense of youth.

What to experience: Reminiscing

Thinking back to pleasurable prior events and experiences can have a positive effect on mental health and wellbeing. This is particularly true of the elderly population. I remember my Granny's face lighting up whenever she spoke about growing up in Oxford. We can get lost in nostalgia (another lovely sounding bunch of letters), for a while, reliving and recollecting joyful times. Especially involving loved ones who may no longer be around. What made those moments so special? Are there elements that you can bring into the here and now? Smell is a powerful tool.

What rousing words:

Radiant

The great thing here is the mixing of definitions in people. Shining, bright with joy, hope etc. It's a wonderful compliment to tell someone they are looking radiant!

Realm

Could easily be interpreted as fantastical, especially in film and TV. What a fab description: "the region, sphere, or domain within which anything occurs, prevails, or dominates."

Recondite

This is quite a mysterious word, difficult to pin down in meaning because it's obscure and little known. Ha! Don't you just love it when an explanation mirrors the term?

Rejuvenate

Fresh air and a change of scenery are two common ways to restore us to a previous state or make us feel new.

I hope the letter R leaves you feeling refreshed in September.

S is for Salsa, Sandcastles & Sleep Token

The letter S was swarming with a silly amount of options, in a good way. Here is this month’s selection. Perhaps you’ll start with one and segue into another :-)

What to try: Salsa dancing (and/or Samba while you're there.)

The dancing world is full of arrangements beginning with 's' - salsa, samba, street, swing... We could even include the sashay as this can look and feel like a dance. As expected, there are absolutely loads of tutorials and routines available online, and the steps are fairly straightforward (even if you are rather uncoordinated like me.) If you're feeling brave, you can also try out a class in-person. Just the music when it comes to Salsa, can bring us joy. Samba includes moves such as 'double bounce' which both sounds and looks really fun!

What to create: Sandcastles

For adults and children alike, a perfect activity in the summer. These get interesting when it rains too, (if not much more difficult to build!) It's not just about castles and you can get really creative with it. I'll never forget resurrecting the Titanic in sand with my Dad as a child. Now that play areas are popping up in town centres, you don't even have to go to a beach to give this a go. Although it's much more fun if you do.

What to listen to: Sleep Token

A bit unusual, this one, but bear with me. Sleep Token are a metal band with a difference. They blend electronic and industrial elements, even orchestral! Plus they are British. The lyrics aren't hugely positive but I've found they don't necessarily need to be. The music still manages to feel upbeat, thought-provoking and surprisingly relaxing.

What shiny words:

Salubrious

It sounds good and it's good for our health - enough said!

Savour

Another with a few definitions. My favourite is 'the power to excite interest.' It's a lovely mindful word. Very close in spelling to saviour. Coincidence? I think not.

Serenity

This calming, peaceful state is exactly what we strive for. Perhaps not all day, although wouldn't that be lovely, but certainly on a daily basis.

Snazzy

Meaning "extremely attractive or stylish; flashy; fancy," I've possibly used the word 'jazzy' quite often when this is what I really meant. It's a quirky little positive word that I encourage everyone to use more often!

I hope the letter S sparks something for you in August.

T is for Tea, Trampolines & Trees

There is much to choose from in T-land. Not that I’m surprised. I’m sure this letter finds something for everyone. I wouldn’t suggest doing all of them at once though, as it could get a bit messy. :-)

What to settle down with: Tea

Whether it’s a herbal infusion or builders’ tea, there’s something very comforting about this brewed liquid. Perhaps it’s the way we can wrap our hands around a mug, the scent as we breathe it in, the mixture of flavours on our tongue. It might even be the sound of the kettle boiling, ready to pour. It’s probably not the visual representation, (although I have worked in a place where paint charts dictated colour preference of English Breakfast tea.) I’ll happily be proved wrong though.

What to try: Trampolining

Ever feel like channelling your inner Tigger? I loved a bouncy castle as a child (and still do if I’m honest.) It’s such a freeing feeling of weightlessness. A great use for any excess adrenaline we might have lingering around. They even have trampoline parks now. And you can exercise on them! Please be very cautious if you suffer with dizziness or high blood pressure though and consult your doctor if in doubt.

What to appreciate: Trees

Ancient and majestic, these beautiful creatures come in all manner of shapes and sizes, and provide us with so much goodness. Simply sitting by, walking amongst or hugging them can have a profound effect on our wellbeing. There’s no doubt they have an energy. Do you have a favourite near you?

What wonderful words:

Thrill

I love this dictionary definition, which speaks for itself "a sudden wave of keen emotion or excitement, as to produce a tremor or tingling sensation through the body."

Thrive

To me, if you’re thriving, that is your best self.

Tickle

Such a silly word about something even sillier. Whether it’s touching someone who is ticklish (under arms and around feet are common areas) or feeling a laugh coming on, it’s a fun experience to be a part of.

Tranquil

Defined as "peaceful; quiet; calm." This is a feeling we generally strive towards.

I hope the letter T helps you to become playfully investigative in July.