Little Peaces blog

Your Battery

I wonder how many times a week or day our phones, laptops, fit-bits or other devices need charging. I expect all of these things beep, go red or just turn off if we don't plug them into electricity sharpish. Once we do, they sometimes take a while to get back up and running. So why do we think our bodies and minds are any different?

When we sit or lie down or go to sleep, we can imagine an invisible cable linked up to a huge power supply. But we can also get some more bars (no, not of the drinking kind) by walking in nature, getting a massage, changing our scenery or routine etc. I say this a lot, but we're human BE-ings, not human DO-ings.

We don't get a choice. As I'm writing this, my laptop is flashing at me because it's gone down to 20% battery. I can't say "Hang on, it's not convenient right now. If you wait an hour then I'll plug you in." We try to push through life like this though and then wonder when we fall down exhausted and can't function at all. If we listen to our device's needs, they're clear. We need to be clearer with ourselves. For instance, I'm feeling at 30% right now so after my call this afternoon, I'll go for a walk. I know this brings up my energy levels.

So, yes, it is our NEEDS charging when you think about it. Please do something about yours when you see the warning.

A Calming Workshop for Fellow Writers

Last week I had the absolute pleasure of giving my first 'Writer specific' workshop on stress, at my favourite Derbyshire retreat - Swanwick.

Yes I was nervous, but a few minutes in, I got into the flow, felt the energy and was able to really enjoy it. I can't tell you how much fun I had putting the material together for the talk. It was, what's becoming, my usual mix of informative chatter and silly props. This time with tailored prompts to get the creative juices going and help my participants to help themselves.

I was blown away by the positive feedback after the event. All the lovely people coming up to me to say thank you for a great hour, and letting me know how much it helped them understand their habits better.

I never had anything remotely resembling confidence until I was in my mid 20s. If you told me any time before then that I'd be giving workshops to 30+ people, I would have either laughed at the sheer fantasy or be shaking with anxiety. I'm so glad I feel the fear, try not to overthink it and do it anyway.

The moral of this story, and that of my workshop, is we can't magically rid ourselves of stress and anxiety but we can find ways to rise above it and soar.

Recommendation: Happiful Magazine

I discovered this gem of a magazine when I became a member of Hypnotherapy Directory. Naturally I was delighted when my latest copy arrived this morning and was quickly flicking through it with wonder. Covering all things health, wellbeing, relationships, food, culture and more, there's always so much to read, learn and use - with even a few positive quotes and puzzles thrown in.

I'm generally quite a slow reader, as it can take me longer to process written words but, honestly, this couldn't be easier to read and I can get through the whole issue in a matter of hours. The articles and sections come in short digestible bursts (much like this blog I hope) and as you probably know, one of the five ways to wellbeing is Keep Learning. Well you can certainly get your fix here!

I'm a subscriber to the paper copy but you can just as easily read it online. Click here if you're old school like me. It's also that bit kinder to your eyes!

I hope we can be more like sunflowers!

A very short post today. As I saw someone earlier wearing a dress with sunflowers on it, not only was I reminded of how much I love sunflowers but also of the image below (could we call it a meme or does it have to be funny?)

Humans are like this, we can definitely lift each other up emotionally if someone close to us is having a tough time, or grey day. It's just another example of nature letting us know how to improve our wellbeing. I hope you can take something from this.

Gratitude: The Short Film by Louie Schwartzberg

I wanted to share this short as it's both unwinding and uplifting. I was first introduced to it at a writing conference in 2019, by it's other name 'A Good Day'. To me, it's a genuinely beautiful film which touches on many things, including mindfulness. I don't know how you feel about gratitude (as it can be a bit of weighted word) but it's an important factor in my life, appreciating what I have on a daily basis.

• I find the moving images used absolutely breath-taking and awe inspiring. They are also really relaxing to watch.
• I love the idea of living your life like each day is your first and your last - full of curiosity and wonder, with no regrets.
• It's about positive mindset in life. Like the little girl says at the beginning 'It could be beautiful.'
• It's a celebration of human beings and the gifts Planet Earth has for us.
• It says a lot in so little time.
• I've seen it many times and still get something new from each watch.

Note: Sadly this version isn't as good as the original in terms of quality, and it comes with subtitles. I couldn't find the one I saw three years ago. I also believe it's remixed with an important speech but I don't have a source for that.

You can watch the film here. I'd love to know your thoughts. Gratitude: The Short Film by Louie Schwartzberg