U is for...Up, Uplit & Utensil art
Another letter that’s also a word, U has lots to offer in terms of calm and positivity. It has earned its prominent place in the name of my business, with self-care at the heart.
What to watch: Up
Released in 2009, this is one of many Pixar gems. To me, it's a story of unexpected friendships, teamwork, living out lifelong dreams and so much more. It will probably make you laugh, cry and jump for joy. Maybe even all at the same time. The characters are as rich as the colours. And to use the words of Winnie the Pooh, "Nobody can be uncheered with a balloon."
What to read: Up-lit
A lovely trend, more so recently, 'Uplifting Literature' contains themes of kindness, compassion, optimism and community. You can find recommendations on Goodreads. Examples include The Lady in the Van, Bridget Jones’s Diary and The Dalai Lama's Cat.
What to try: Utensil art
This one is about embracing your inner child and running with it. What interesting shaped utensils do you have lying around your kitchen? What will you create? I've given some much needed colour to the grey instruments I found, (see above.)
What wonderful words:
Unbeknown
It's a fancy and quite mysterious word for 'without knowledge of'. In such an uncertain world, this could be exciting.
Unicorn
Who doesn't love a unicorn, or the idea of one? This beautiful, magical creature brings so much joy to children and adults alike.
Unique
We all have special gifts, skills and talents that make us different from each other in tiny, and huge ways. I love to celebrate individuality - whether it be that of my clients, family and friends or my own.
Universe
Such an incredibly 'big picture' we'll never be able to wrap our minds around it...but how very fascinating!
I hope the letter U is a positively calm influence on your life in June.
Thursday 13th June, 8:56pm
V is for Villages, Vision Boards & Vivo
V might stand for versus but it’s not our opponent. Here’s how it can help us find peace and joy in the present and future.
What to look out for: Villages (especially those with silly names)
I've been on a few drives across the UK over the last year or so and been taken on the scenic route. The villages I've visited along the way have been beautiful. Buildings full of character and charm. The set up of the roads and shops gives a real sense of community. You know the pace of life is slower, easier and simpler.
I wonder how many of you have lived or currently live in villages. If not, exploring them opens up the mind.
The great names of some places provide entertainment too. I've listed some of the cleaner, less rude ones below.
What to try: Vision Boards
Another great tool for manifesting your desires and achieving goals. They are also really fun to put together. Vision boards are a visual representation using words, photos, drawings etc of how you want your life to be. It can be as simple or specialised as you wish. When complete, you can put it somewhere you can see it all the time as a reminder.
What to watch: Vivo
A heart-warming animation (currently available on Netflix) which asks the question 'what difference can one song make?' Themes include the power of friendship, second chances and connection through music. I personally loved the quote 'all I have to do is sing louder than my fear.'
What wonderful words:
Vacation
The American word for taking a holiday. Taking time off is so important. Booking this time off gives us something to look forward to – wherever you go or don’t go (staycation.)
Verse
Found in poetry, songs and religious texts. This can group together powerful and soothing lines of writing – how kind of it.
Vibrant
This means full of energy and life, and feels multi-layered and rich.
Vintage
This one has several meanings but I like this the best. “Denoting something from the past of high quality, especially something representing the best of its kind.”
I hope the letter V inspires your thinking in May.
Monday 13th May, 9:17pm
W is for Waves, Wonder & Worry Dolls
There is so much beginning with this letter I could probably write 5 blog posts. W sounds like twice as much fun and it is!
What to listen to and watch: Waves
There's something almost magical about these slow rolling water specimens. No wave is the same, which reminds us that things are constantly changing. Anxiety and stress come in waves but this too shall pass. The sound alone is soothing, but watching them can feel a bit hypnotic.
You can get your fix here or hundreds of other places online.
What to experience: Wonder
Have you ever seen something for the first time and been rendered speechless? It might be the White Cliffs of Dover (me), The Mary Rose ship remains (a friend) or the Northern Lights. We sometimes don't know what will bring on a strong positive emotional response.
Seeking out awe and wonder really helps us human beings to gain a sense of perspective of our place in the world, and the bigger picture. The recent solar eclipse is a great example of this. What happens if we try to see the world through a baby's eyes I wonder...
What to try: Worry Dolls
This beautiful, centuries old, legend comes from Guatemala. Children were given worry dolls before sleep to ease anxiety. Effectively the doll would worry for them. Before settling down for the night, they'd tell the doll about their problems, stroke it (to take the pain away) and put it under their pillow. They'd wake up feeling clearer and happier.
These days adults use them just as much. It's a great way of offloading the day's stresses to allow for improved sleep. I am pleased to see there are now 'Worry monsters' available too. You can write down your woes, put them in the zip up pouch and the monster eats them. A lovely playful coping strategy!
What winning words:
Well
Connected now to 'ness' and 'being' it's about feeling good physically and mentally. It has several other meanings too, one of which a beautiful and handy collection of water.
Whimsical
Described by the Cambridge Dictionary as 'unusual and strange in a way that might be funny or annoying'. My favourite synonym for this is 'fanciful' or fickle in a good way. Flowing down the paths that life takes us.
Wiggle
Does anyone else laugh at hearing this word? Particularly when demonstrated. It's such a fun, uplifting term for movement.
Wish
A want for something to be different, this is a powerful word. I use wishful thinking with clients all the time. We have to start with a wish in order to find solutions and ways to change things.
I hope the letter W exudes magic from your April.
Saturday 13th April, 10:00am
X is an eXample of greatness
I'll confess, I'd considered combining this one with Y or W because it's really not easy to find things that begin with this letter. But I like a challenge and I've had to do things a bit differently with X.
Where it sits and what it stands for: FleXibility
There's a lot of movement for X. Pushing aside, any naughty or totally adult usage, X is such a great letter:
What to notice: Kisses
We’ve been adding Xs for kisses at the bottom of letters since as far back as 1763. We get X from the Roman alphabet which actually came from the Greek alphabet, pronounced /ks.
When we sign off a text, email, cards etc with Xs, it shows affection for the other person. It says 'I like you' and sometimes a lot more!
What to listen to: Xylophone
Just having this instrument as part of ambient background music is excellent for calm while you study or work. You can also use it for meditation. In fact, you can even play it - should you have access to one.
What lovely words, meanings and phrases:
Xenodochium
A place or reception for strangers. In medieval times this was either a hostel or hospital.
Xeriscape
A landscaping method that employs drought-resistant plants and special techniques to conserve water. Great for the planet!
X marks the spot
Refers to a specific location but creates mystery - like hidden treasure.
X Factor
No, not the reality music contest! But if you've got the X-factor, you've got a special something.
I hope the letter X wields its power over your March! :-)
Wednesday 13th March, 3:23pm
Y is for.... Yellow, Yodelling & Yoga
Y isn't just a letter of the alphabet. It's also a word that ends with the letter. Ah, the crazy English language! Here is why Y is pretty cool.
What to incorporate more of, everywhere: Yellow
It's bright, it's light, it's in your face. (Although it doesn't have to be.) This is such a mood boosting colour. Whether it's a subtle shade on the walls of your home, an item of clothing you wear or in some flowers, allowing yellow into your life will definitely have a positive impact on your wellbeing.
What to try: Yodelling
Isn't it strange and wonderful what we can do with our vocal chords? Not only is a good yodel an art form, a great way to be creative, but it sounds so funny!
Melanie Oesch from Switzerland is just amazing. Here she is on the 10th anniversary of World Yodel Day.
What to experience: Yoga
It's not just about exercise and fitness with this ancient tradition. It's about connecting body and mind. A powerful way to keep feeling calm on a regular basis. There are so many types of Yoga. All with fun names for the postures and sequences. My personal favourite is Yoga Nidra. It involves lying down flat and thinking about each muscle relaxing. If you still haven't tried Yoga, I highly recommend finding a gentle and local beginners group and giving it at least three sessions before committing. You don't even have to be good at it to reap the rewards!
What awesome words:
Yesterday
Literally meaning the day before the present day. We can never have yesterday right now but it can be a great teacher. It also means the past - yesteryears, times gone by. Plus it's a great Beatles song!
Yet
Like many others, I'm a big believer in changing 'but' into this word. "I want to do A, but things just get in the way." Becomes "I want to do A. I haven't found the space yet." 'But' can feel like excuses, giving up. 'Yet' knows the intention and keeps the goal on the radar. It's a future we have control over.
Yummy
The dictionary defines this as: very pleasing to the taste or smell; delicious. Such a simple word, with a lovely sound. Anyone else feel hungry now?
I hope the letter Y brightens up your February.
Tuesday 13th February, 8:31pm