Currently we're running through a Z-A of activities to try, in order to manage stress and anxiety and support self-care.
Personal Celebrations
As we celebrate Queen Elizabeth's incredible 70 year reign this week in the UK, I want to remind you that it’s completely acceptable for us to rejoice in every single win we have in life. This can be anything from getting out of bed in the morning, cooking a meal, getting the answer right on a quiz or receiving a compliment - to landing a new job or celebrating a wedding anniversary. It can literally be anything you deem to be a good thing. It isn’t about what others have that we don’t, it’s about us as individuals. Our personal achievement might not mean anything to anyone else. They don’t know the hard work that went into it or if it’s something we’ve never had before that others take for granted. Whatever the wins are, congratulations. Not only did you achieve them but you have acknowledged and owned them. That makes you pretty awesome in my book!
Some of my recent wins I’d like to share with you (and there are many others not listed here…)
Work
Personal
My 'Non Negotiable Self-Care'
Self-Care, a wonderful and nicely overused phrase, means something different for everyone. 'Me-time', looking after yourself, focusing on goals or the things that matter to you - it covers a lot. There are many layers and types, and I love hearing about how each of us views it.
This week I want to share with you what I see as my 'Non Negotiable Self-Care' and how it improves my mental and physical wellbeing. I do many other things I consider to be caring for myself, but other than eating, sleeping, showering etc, these are the things I will not go without/ do not get pushed aside unless in emergency situations.
Most days I like to do something that's a little bit outside of my comfort zone too, because that kind of achievement gives me a real boost.
Meditation
I give myself 5 minutes of this - usually doing one from my Headspace app, which I absolutely love. If I have more time then I'll do a longer one or find something else online. It's good to mix it up sometimes.
Walk
I like to get out every day, even if it's only a 10 minute stroll around the block. This adds a natural break from the screen or between appointments and is my daily dose of Vitamin N (Nature - fresh air)
Essential oils
Anyone who knows me, knows how much I love my do Terra oils. They've been part of my daily routine for years now. I put a drop of On Guard on the bottom of my feet for immune support and some Zengest on my lava bead bracelet to help with my digestion.
Rest time
This now goes in my diary as though it's an appointment with a client. At least one night a week, I schedule to do next to nothing - although as I find sitting still on its own quite hard, I usually watch a film or something on TV.
Quality connection
I don't mean the internet (although that is always welcome too,) but spending time with friends and family. I do this in a variety of ways - phone, Zoom etc but you can't beat face to face obviously.
Creative time
This is usually writing related. I've had to give myself a talking to about this. Words don't magically get written without me making it happen. I love writing. It's such a big part of who I am so I want to make time, in a similar way to rest (see above.)
Exercise routine
After years of 'getting by' but hating exercise, I'm proud to say I do this twice a week for at least 40 minutes. I now have my own routine which suits me, made up of pilates, strengthening/weights etc, and the bit I love most - random dance. I can't dance, and that's OK, but I just move freely to my favourite tunes and it feels amazing. I actually look forward to it!
Thursday 26th May, 2:31pm
R.I.P Worries, Concerns & Anxieties
As it's Creativity and Wellbeing week, I'd like to share with you a little coping strategy I've developed recently.
I've had a rather unfortunate 10 days. Some personal issues - bad news, needing to support some of my nearest and dearest and a few 'you couldn't make it up' type scenarios have happened. I've had a coffin shaped cardboard box in my Making Box for some time now. (It was the vampire obsession before you ask.) Now is the perfect time for resurrection, as I've found a daily use for it.
If something is playing on my mind causing me upset in any way - in or out of my control - it gets written down on a piece of paper and placed in the box. This really helps me to acknowledge and let go so I can rest in peace.
If you like this idea, you might also want to take out the paper and burn it or simply rip it up -whatever works for you. I know some of us find this a really cathartic process.
On a side note, you can find some really funky shaped boxes in Hobbycraft!
Thursday 19th May, 4:07pm
Uplifting Film: The Secret Garden
This is not a review, it's more of a response. Views are my own. Please note this post may contain spoilers. Watching the film in order to read and respond to this post is encouraged. Watching the film for intended enjoyment is strongly encouraged!
The Secret Garden (1993)
I saw this film as a child and absolutely loved it, unfortunately then forgot about it for many years and put the DVD away in a cupboard. Recently I came across it and popped it on to see whether it was worth keeping. DEFINITELY! What a magical film with some lovely imagery, themes and metaphors scattered throughout. These are the reasons I find this film so uplifting:
Loneliness vs Connection
Mary, Collin and Lord Archibald are all lonely in their own way at the start. Mary’s parents aren’t attentive of her in India. Although Collin is surrounded by servants, he desperately wants his father’s company and Archibald goes away for long periods of time to wallow. When they all come together, they fully embrace their connection. Rejection and acceptance goes hand in hand with this.
The garden was unwanted before Mary came to the estate. She brought it and them ‘back to life’ as Archibald wonderfully points out to her.
Friendship, of course
Mary and Dickon encourage Collin out of his room and to use his legs. Martha doesn’t take any of Mary’s nonsense at the beginning and teaches her kindness.
Which leads me onto the limiting belief that Collin is ill. They all try so hard to protect him from the ‘dangers of fresh air’ when that is exactly what he needs to thrive.
Curiosity
That lovely childish trait - Mary goes in search of the entrance to the garden she can’t get to. Colin wonders what life will be like outside of his bedroom.
Magic
The power of nature. The way Dickon has learnt to communicate with the birds and animals and knows so much about the garden.
The garden is seen and shot as this absolutely beautiful, dream-like place - perfect in every way.
I love this exchange between the children. Collin: Are you making this magic? Mary: No, you are.
It shows us the joy they are getting by just spending time together.
Visualisation and Manifestation
Collin closes his eyes to imagine the garden before Mary shows it to him. In some ways he dreams it into being.
The chant that speaks to Collin’s father/Mary’s Uncle, Archibald, and brings him back to be reunited with them.
A change of perspective
Mary and Dickon find a way to pull off the shutters on the window to let the light into Collin’s room. He is upset at first but soon starts to see the benefit, and what’s beyond his room more clearly.
And this fab quote from Mary below, how lovely!
“If you look the right way, you can see that the whole world is a garden.”
Thursday 12th May, 11:00am
Radio Gaga
I had the privilege of being invited on the radio (Marlow FM) earlier this week to talk about my work as a Solution Focused Hypnotherapist. It was such a surreal experience but wonderful in every way. I was really nervous but was able to use the many tools in my box to keep myself feeling calm and comfortable.
Fab host Pat Capp made me feel at ease and it was much like having a cup of tea with her. It makes me happy to get my word out there so people can seek help having some prior information and facts about the processes. (Although the word processes makes it sound a bit boring and it's not!) It's also great for everyone to see that I'm a human being, just trying to navigate life too.
Check it out www.marlowfm.co.uk/listen-again (Good Morning Marlow, Tue May 03 10:00)
Thursday 5th May, 2:43pm