...It will be easy. Seriously. It won't take hours of effort and weeks of planning. It will fall into your lap when you least expect it and it will flow beautifully from start to finish. Yes, there will be a few speed humps along the way, but this is life after all - we can't expect everything to run smoothly all the time!
Relationships
The tougher it is, the less it is meant to be. The most beautiful, honest, working relationships are those that simply happen and both partners make it work, without it being a HUGE effort. The minute a relationship is more hard work than pleasure, it is just not meant to be I'm afraid.
Career
If you are in a job where you feel that every day is like running UP a treadmill on a 100 degree incline, it is not meant to be. Get out and go and do something that feels a little easier. I am not saying that success comes from sitting on your butt all day, but I feel it's important to mention that if you are barking up the wrong tree, you will know it! No matter how hard you try for that promotion, for some reason, it will always seem out of your reach.
Life
People tire themselves out trying to be someone else's version of perfect. If you are not meant to be skinny, you never will be. If you are not meant to be CEO of a company, you won't be. So try to be YOUR version of perfect - decide what makes you tick and then let it happen. The universe will hear you the first time, so picture your dream life and then get on with reality. Chances are that if you are meant to have what you wish for, you will.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Perfect Imperfections
It is in the imperfect that we find true beauty.
We are all searching for our own measure of perfection - to lose those extra kilos in order to flaunt a 'perfect' body, to refrain from saying how we really feel in order to maintain the 'perfect' relationship, to dye our hair the 'perfect' colour in at attempt to hide our true roots, to have the 'perfect' career so that we can have the 'perfect' life with the 'perfect' car and the 'perfect' family.
In nature, it is the imperfections that make us stop and stare - the rugged rocks alongside the picturesque lake, the lone daisy in amongst a field of daffodils, the vulnerable tree with half its leaves missing - revealing how even inanimate things seem to have feelings.
And isn't it strange how we are drawn to the runts of the litter - the puppy with the crooked ear and toothy grin, the kitten with the oddly shaped tail, lost in her own world. These beautiful, imperfect creatures are the ones that bring us the most joy, whose spirit shines through and whose character far outshines their beautifully manicured, perfect brothers and sisters.
We have all been blessed with our own imperfections - big ears, freckles, some extra curves, a shapely butt, short legs, a long torso, nose hair, moles, dark eyebrows, mis-shapen teeth. All of these beautiful imperfections are what make us even more lovable and what set us aside from everyone else.
Next time you are about to judge yourself or someone else on what you have been told by society is an 'imperfection', stop and think twice - could it actually be something beautiful, something that makes that person sparkle with individuality? I'm sure you could think of a few aspects of yourself that make you the person you are, rather than make you less perfect.
Start today - look for the perfect imperfections everywhere you go and in everyone you meet. I guarantee your life will become more magical by the minute.
We are all searching for our own measure of perfection - to lose those extra kilos in order to flaunt a 'perfect' body, to refrain from saying how we really feel in order to maintain the 'perfect' relationship, to dye our hair the 'perfect' colour in at attempt to hide our true roots, to have the 'perfect' career so that we can have the 'perfect' life with the 'perfect' car and the 'perfect' family.
In nature, it is the imperfections that make us stop and stare - the rugged rocks alongside the picturesque lake, the lone daisy in amongst a field of daffodils, the vulnerable tree with half its leaves missing - revealing how even inanimate things seem to have feelings.
And isn't it strange how we are drawn to the runts of the litter - the puppy with the crooked ear and toothy grin, the kitten with the oddly shaped tail, lost in her own world. These beautiful, imperfect creatures are the ones that bring us the most joy, whose spirit shines through and whose character far outshines their beautifully manicured, perfect brothers and sisters.
We have all been blessed with our own imperfections - big ears, freckles, some extra curves, a shapely butt, short legs, a long torso, nose hair, moles, dark eyebrows, mis-shapen teeth. All of these beautiful imperfections are what make us even more lovable and what set us aside from everyone else.
Next time you are about to judge yourself or someone else on what you have been told by society is an 'imperfection', stop and think twice - could it actually be something beautiful, something that makes that person sparkle with individuality? I'm sure you could think of a few aspects of yourself that make you the person you are, rather than make you less perfect.
Start today - look for the perfect imperfections everywhere you go and in everyone you meet. I guarantee your life will become more magical by the minute.
 |
| Did I hear someone say perfect? |
Thursday, May 5, 2011
We all need different things. Physically, we trust our bodies to tell us what we need to eat to remain healthy. Mentally, we trust our minds and the knowledge around us to keep us wise and in tune. Emotionally, we try as much as we can to listen to our hearts and be honest with ourselves and others.
Sometimes, however, we are not completely sure of how we feel and we struggle to express it. This is when we need those around us to read our emotions and figure out what will propel us into a positive space. When we are feeling low, we may struggle to see the light - we cannot tell anyone what we need, as we ourselves, are completely unsure and confused. As a result, we feel inadequate and this causes a chain reaction of negative emotions.
How many of you have heard yourself shout this phrase when someone has tried to lend a helping hand: 'You just don't understand!' Next time, stop and think twice before you respond. That person probably does understand - in fact, they may have experienced exactly what you are going through. The only difference is that their band aid is different to ours.
Gary Chapman wrote an extremely insightful book into the various languages we each speak when it comes to love and affection. What we need from those around us to feel optimistic and loved is completely different to what our partner / friend or family member may need. Here's how Chapman differentiates our languages:
Sometimes, however, we are not completely sure of how we feel and we struggle to express it. This is when we need those around us to read our emotions and figure out what will propel us into a positive space. When we are feeling low, we may struggle to see the light - we cannot tell anyone what we need, as we ourselves, are completely unsure and confused. As a result, we feel inadequate and this causes a chain reaction of negative emotions.
How many of you have heard yourself shout this phrase when someone has tried to lend a helping hand: 'You just don't understand!' Next time, stop and think twice before you respond. That person probably does understand - in fact, they may have experienced exactly what you are going through. The only difference is that their band aid is different to ours.
Gary Chapman wrote an extremely insightful book into the various languages we each speak when it comes to love and affection. What we need from those around us to feel optimistic and loved is completely different to what our partner / friend or family member may need. Here's how Chapman differentiates our languages:
- Acts of Service – When our spouse / friend / family member helps with daily activities such as cooking, cleaning, feeding the children, mowing the lawn, washing up.
- Receiving Gifts – When our spouse / friend / family member gives us tangible contributions such as love notes, presents from a business trip abroad, perfume, flowers, rugby tickets.
- Quality Time – When our spouse / friend / family member wants to spend time with us, doing something together or simply chatting and listening.
- Physical Touch – When our spouse / friend / family member willingly gives us hugs, kisses, and wants to hold hands or be intimate.
- Words of Affirmation – When our spouse / friend / family member gives us a constant supply of positive comments congratulating us on a job well done or simply saying how wonderful we are.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Cosmic Intervention
The universe is a lot closer to us than we think. In fact, the universe is what leads us to a better existence - it is our mentor, our friend, our companion and our constant guide. If you have ever asked a question and received the answer you wanted, you have encountered a cosmic intervention.
When in doubt or struggling to find an answer that is just not there, try to stop analysing, hypothesising and formalising and instead ask the universe. Write down your question or think about it once or twice before you go to bed and then STOP thinking about it. Set your intention and let it happen.You will soon find the answer comes to you in a way that you never expected: a book that contains the guidance you need will end up in your hands, a messenger will bring you news to guide you to where you need to be, your dreams will suddenly start speaking to you.
No matter how you receive the information, the universe will provide you with the signs you need to take you down the right path. You play the part of the receiver - keep your mind and heart open, listen to the signals you are given and you will not go wrong.
This process can be used for absolutely anything that is going on in your life:
Keep your heart open, go with what is presented to you and listen well. If you are able to do that, you will always have someone to rely on and will always manage to tailor-make your life in exact accordance with your true needs and desires.
When in doubt or struggling to find an answer that is just not there, try to stop analysing, hypothesising and formalising and instead ask the universe. Write down your question or think about it once or twice before you go to bed and then STOP thinking about it. Set your intention and let it happen.You will soon find the answer comes to you in a way that you never expected: a book that contains the guidance you need will end up in your hands, a messenger will bring you news to guide you to where you need to be, your dreams will suddenly start speaking to you.
No matter how you receive the information, the universe will provide you with the signs you need to take you down the right path. You play the part of the receiver - keep your mind and heart open, listen to the signals you are given and you will not go wrong.
This process can be used for absolutely anything that is going on in your life:
- You want a new job, but you are not sure of what you want to do
- You need to move house, but you don't have the money
- You want to take a brerak from your relationship, but you don't know if you should
- You want to travel, but are worried about your career
Keep your heart open, go with what is presented to you and listen well. If you are able to do that, you will always have someone to rely on and will always manage to tailor-make your life in exact accordance with your true needs and desires.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Sofas and Headboards
There are some things in life that just make you feel like jumping out of your skin - that sense of happiness that bubbles through your veins and explodes into a smile that plants itself on your face and refuses to budge.I get that feeling when I see toddlers trying to walk and when friends laugh so much that they cry. It's like a whirlpool of warmth swirls in my gut and makes me feel fuzzy all over.
Luckily enough, this weekend was one of those full of warm fuzzies. Despite the cold that crept through Jozi on Saturday morning, the warmth of all things beautiful made every day feel like rainbows and sunflowers. A wine-induced family dance off, romance in the rain, laughing until my tummy hurt, pub grub with friends, the success of London marathon-ers and of course sofas and headboards.
Shopping for a new home can become an arduous task, especially when living in a concrete jungle. You end up spending more time in your car than you do in the shops and with so many options, your brain goes into overdrive as you try to find the best deal. However, undertaking this mammoth task was anything but arduous thanks to a very special person in my life. Whoever knew lying on a hundred different beds (in public) could be so much fun!
Anyway, to the point of today's blog: Make the most of eveything you see and everything you do. Enjoy every minute. Savour every second. Laugh with your whole heart, love with your whole soul, be spontaneous, dance in the rain, eat popcorn for breakfast, go shopping for something you don't need! Every task that is presented to you can be the most fulfilling of your life if you let it, so smile through it and make memories worth remembering.
Luckily enough, this weekend was one of those full of warm fuzzies. Despite the cold that crept through Jozi on Saturday morning, the warmth of all things beautiful made every day feel like rainbows and sunflowers. A wine-induced family dance off, romance in the rain, laughing until my tummy hurt, pub grub with friends, the success of London marathon-ers and of course sofas and headboards.
Shopping for a new home can become an arduous task, especially when living in a concrete jungle. You end up spending more time in your car than you do in the shops and with so many options, your brain goes into overdrive as you try to find the best deal. However, undertaking this mammoth task was anything but arduous thanks to a very special person in my life. Whoever knew lying on a hundred different beds (in public) could be so much fun!
Anyway, to the point of today's blog: Make the most of eveything you see and everything you do. Enjoy every minute. Savour every second. Laugh with your whole heart, love with your whole soul, be spontaneous, dance in the rain, eat popcorn for breakfast, go shopping for something you don't need! Every task that is presented to you can be the most fulfilling of your life if you let it, so smile through it and make memories worth remembering.
Friday, April 8, 2011
For the Love of My Country
Today I learnt, once again, about the tragic effects of misused power.
A man who had the courage to stand up for his country, to protest against acts of violence and oppression, to ensure that others would not have to endure what he had to - this man was seen in the eyes of those in power as the bad guy. And what these people do to bad guys is truly appalling.
Abducted with his wife and son-in-law, this man was tortured and beaten to the point of death. Suffering from severe head injuries, brain damage, broken ribs and extensive trauma, he managed to survive for 2 years after the vile attack, but this week he could hold on no longer and passed away.
My blog today is dedicated to this man and all others who have fought for what they believe in, in spite of the horrendous circumstances. Thank you for being so brave.
For the whole story, go to:
http://www.thezimbabwean.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=38742%3Azim-farmer-who-took-mugabe-to-court-dies-of-his-injuries&catid=69%3Asunday-top-stories&Itemid=30
To Mike Campbell, age 78.
A man who had the courage to stand up for his country, to protest against acts of violence and oppression, to ensure that others would not have to endure what he had to - this man was seen in the eyes of those in power as the bad guy. And what these people do to bad guys is truly appalling.
Abducted with his wife and son-in-law, this man was tortured and beaten to the point of death. Suffering from severe head injuries, brain damage, broken ribs and extensive trauma, he managed to survive for 2 years after the vile attack, but this week he could hold on no longer and passed away.
My blog today is dedicated to this man and all others who have fought for what they believe in, in spite of the horrendous circumstances. Thank you for being so brave.
For the whole story, go to:
http://www.thezimbabwean.co.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=38742%3Azim-farmer-who-took-mugabe-to-court-dies-of-his-injuries&catid=69%3Asunday-top-stories&Itemid=30
To Mike Campbell, age 78.
Monday, April 4, 2011
Curiosity and the Cat
Curiosity. It didn't actually kill the cat. And if it did, so what? The cat had another 8 lives ahead of him anyway!
Being curious is an essential aspect to living an interesting and fulfilling life. Being curious allows us to seek adventure, to learn more about the world around us and to understand the intricacies of the human psyche.
My curiosity has led me on a multitude of adventures - I have explored places, learnt languages, tried and failed, picked myself back up again and made connections with people that I never knew were possible. Curiosity is no detrimental trait, in essence it is the key that opens the door to opportunity.
When meeting someone for the first time, be curious - ask questions about them, listen and respond, don't just nod your head and let your mind wander. Be fully engaged and let your curiosity take you down a path of human connection. Watch how your relationships explode with love and laughter as you become more and more curious.
This doesn't only apply to those you have just met, it applies to all relationships in your life - when your partner comes home to tell you a story about their day, stop what you are doing, sit down, look them in the eye and allow your curiosity to uncover the little nuances of what they are saying.
Become curious in your job - if you are bored with what you do every day, ask your boss how you can expand what you are doing. Ask questions, do some research, be proactive. Make every day that little bit more exciting by using the inquisitive part of your mind.
Curiosity can take you on travels all over the country and the world. Get curious about your surroundings - take road trips, book lunch at a new place in town, go on a hike, take photos of interesting landscapes, jump into your car and drive until you find somewhere you would like to explore.
The fear of the unknown is often the hurdle that stops us from being curious. Knock it over, get curious and start living.
Being curious is an essential aspect to living an interesting and fulfilling life. Being curious allows us to seek adventure, to learn more about the world around us and to understand the intricacies of the human psyche.
My curiosity has led me on a multitude of adventures - I have explored places, learnt languages, tried and failed, picked myself back up again and made connections with people that I never knew were possible. Curiosity is no detrimental trait, in essence it is the key that opens the door to opportunity.
When meeting someone for the first time, be curious - ask questions about them, listen and respond, don't just nod your head and let your mind wander. Be fully engaged and let your curiosity take you down a path of human connection. Watch how your relationships explode with love and laughter as you become more and more curious.
This doesn't only apply to those you have just met, it applies to all relationships in your life - when your partner comes home to tell you a story about their day, stop what you are doing, sit down, look them in the eye and allow your curiosity to uncover the little nuances of what they are saying.
Become curious in your job - if you are bored with what you do every day, ask your boss how you can expand what you are doing. Ask questions, do some research, be proactive. Make every day that little bit more exciting by using the inquisitive part of your mind.
Curiosity can take you on travels all over the country and the world. Get curious about your surroundings - take road trips, book lunch at a new place in town, go on a hike, take photos of interesting landscapes, jump into your car and drive until you find somewhere you would like to explore.
The fear of the unknown is often the hurdle that stops us from being curious. Knock it over, get curious and start living.
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