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Now we all talk to ourselves, it's a natural human trait. I certainly do. But here's the thing.... What does it sound like that inner voice? Is yours kind, loving, supportive... your biggest fan? your cheerleader? OR is yours the kind of inner critic I like to call THE GREMLIN? Hmmm... good question hey? Well the best way to tell is to listen to the words yours is using.... Are there words such as... You can, You're good enough, Go for it, I've got your back..... OR can you hear... Don't be stupid, you can't, you're not good enough, who do you think you are? you're going to make a fool of your self. Let's hazard a guess, if you had to say which shows up more, I'm going to bet it's your inner critic... that nagging little Gremlin... am I right? In this instance to really want to be proved wrong. However, in my experience we all give way to that inner critic from time to time, that doubting Thomas that stops us really fulfilling our true potential. This little blog is a subject matter I often talk about in my talks.....I wonder... just how long have you given head space to that little critter? I hope you're charging it a good rent, because I can't think of any other positive reason to give it any head space for so long, can you? Maybe it's time to give your inner critic the heave -ho .... lets call it an eviction from the big brother house that is your head. It's 3.44pm in the big brother house and the inner critic is being evicted.... How about imagining that little critter as a cartoon character and giving it a name... you can see it now can't you? When you look at it now... well it just looks kinda funny really, that cartoon character with that silly name. Well its time that little fella ( or gal) took a long, long holiday. After all its never had a holiday has it? not for any length of time..... that's a long time to go without having a break in my opinion.... So in truth your doing it a favour... giving it a gift no less... You're so generous after all ! That's it you can see it, bags packed, little passport in hand, waving as it takes its little sabbatical to go aggravate, berate, niggle, doubt and moan to itself to its little hearts content. As we know, when a key member of the team ( no matter how detrimental they are) is off on a break, we have to get in a replacement, a bit like getting a substitute teacher ( a good one) to cover the class... after all life is one big humongous class room and every day we're on this Earth is a school day. So guess who's coming to cover? YOUR BIGGEST FAN! Oh how exciting, your biggest fan is well.... just like a cheerleader, they'll be cheering you on from the sidelines, high fiving you at every opportunity ... I know you're picturing them right now aren't you? Take a good look at them, maybe they represent someone you admire, or someone you know, or perhaps some super hero... after all they are a part of you and we absolutely know YOU ARE A SUPER HERO! (Enter soundtrack to Wonder woman or Super man right here) I wonder how is your life different now that your biggest fan is in residence? What will you be, do and have now that you no longer have that little gremlin that you used to shack up in your loft space? Wow... the World's your lobster my friend! Anything is possible now, 'cause your biggest fan is the teacher and well that's going to make one heck of a difference. Just think of all the CANS....... No... not that sort of cans..... I mean CANS instead of CAN'TS ! As we know success comes in cans...... not can'ts. I urge you to take a moment now and consider the language your biggest fan is using. What pictures are you making in your head? Imagine the possibilities, they're limitless... the future is bright the future is ...... Oops in my excitement I got carried away there with word association.. of course other mobile networks are available :) Although I could talk here about the health benefits of vitamin C... of which there are many... but we'll talk about that in a later blog..... Seriously, your vision of the future will be so much brighter with your biggest fan in the CEO post. Life is about to get loved up, miraculous and a whole lot more positive without the neg head, energy drain that was your inner gremlin. Oh, and if it should try to return... He/ she who shall not be names... like a very undesirable character from Harry Potter... just remind it... YOU'RE ON HOLIDAY! MY BIGGEST FAN HAS EVERYTHING COVERED !!!!!! And then give yourself a big hug... be sure to keep it going for 20 seconds so all those juicy feel good vibes dance around your body ! Until next time, Make every moment count, Lisa xxx
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"The future is something which everyone reaches at the rate of 60 minutes an hour, whatever he does, whoever he is". C. S. Lewis I was thinking this morning of just how busy my life has been just recently. The days and weeks have been pretty full, I've been working with my gorgeous man on project planning for Get the Edge (our training and consultancy business)At times in the past couple of weeks I became aware of a feeling of not having enough time to fit everything in. Which of course simply isn't true, we're all give the same amount of time in every 24 hour period, its how we spend that time that counts. And I should know, I train this stuff! It's amazing what some time away from the desk can do for you, yesterday we took a walk along the lane , what a tonic. Fresh air and being totally present seemed to have the effect of slowing time down.... really it's true, I felt like time had expanded, which indecently is a huge sign that I'd dipped out of being completely present. I found that I noticed the details of life around me, i became much more in tune with myself and with the World around me. I know better than to get caught up in busy work for busy sake... but hey, I'm human.... I can get caught out just like the next person. I also know when I'm present, in the moment I can achieve anything in that moment, I become limitless. All it takes is to be present, to be in the moment, to breathe and be. When we are present in our experience the World seems sharper somehow, brighter, everything sounds clearer and our awareness is heightened. I wonder then, what causes us to be in trance most of the day?... sleep walking in truth. We get caught up in our head, in our busy stuff doing busy things and the eternal "To do" list. So if you're finding that your dreams and goals seem to be on the back burner... way out into the future where you feel you cannot reach them, then maybe its time to stop, take a deep breath, be present and realise you can do anything..... but not everything. And then just let all of those insignificant tasks just drop away. Which reminds me of a question that's really useful to ask yourself if you start to feel that there's just not enough hours in the day or you feel overwhelmed.... Will this really matter when I'm on my deathbed? It kind of cuts through the crap doesn't it ? Things only have meaning, when we give meaning to them! So take time... it will pass anyway......and simply Make every moment count! Lisa xx
I was having one of those "in the wide awake club" moments at 2.30am this morning, this song kept repeating in my head... it just popped right on in there and just wouldn't stop playing on a loop.So I acknowledged the message.(one of several over a 24 hour period) and committed to writing about it in my blog this morning. Thankfully having made such a pledge I was soon blessed with blissful slumber once more. So here am am listening to the song on You Tube trying to understand the message! I guess it started yesterday on the 11th of September. Admittedly a date etched on everyone's memories for the terrible atrocities of the Twin Towers and 9/11 ( as the Americans would put it) back in 2001. But I also had an additional memory of the 11th September, mine was from 2004. The 11th of September 2004 was the fist day of my life as a self employed business owner, it was the day I opened "Calma - Natural therapies"( it would become known as The Calma Wellness Centre later on) along with my then business partner Yvonne. It was the birth of something very special as it would turn out. About 3 - 4 months after opening, sadly Yvonne became ill and pulled out of the business. But already it was set to be a sanctuary, a little bit of peace in a busy World. When I think back to that time I was full of excitement, I was full of that "anything is possible" energy, there was no fear, no question, just absolute joy at what was unfolding. Now anyone who knows me or has done any work with me will know that I'm an optimistic kinda gal, but even I would love to bottle the amazing energy and feeling I had back then... it really was pure magic! Over the years Calma grew, it won national awards and the wonderful team of therapists expanded to cover all types of therapy and spiritual services. Calma truly had a life and energy of its own. I remember one day having a discussion with my then co-op business partner ( the business changed through many forms over the years) that it was such a blessing and honour to walk along side our clients on their life journeys. Be it through conception, pregnancy and birth, or at the end of their life and everything in between.And that's just as it was, many of our clients became firm friends and still are to this day. It was the place you could simply just pop in for a cuppa and over the years I dare say hundreds did. I smile to myself now as i recall that many a person found themselves in the little Calma shop area, without really any idea how they had got there in the first place, it really did weave its magic in that way! It was a sanctuary for all, for all ages all backgrounds, men, women and children... I remember one week treating a 3 week old baby and a 93 years young lady! I posted on facebook about the fact it had been 9 years since the birth of Calma, and there were so many comments saying how much it was now missed, how people had such fond memories of their time spent there. So how does this link to the song playing in my head at 2.30am this morning you may ask.... Well sometimes I believe we need a reminder, where we have come from, to where we are now. Where our journey has traveled , and a reminder of our roots. Its good to reflect from time to time. I sent out the latest news update for Get a Life! yesterday. I asked "How's your harvest?" As its at this time of year as we harvest the crops we can see nature nudging us to do the same. To recall what seeds of intent we planted way back in the Springtime and to now harvest the fruits of our growth. As I asked yesterday I'll ask you here too: What seeds of intent did you sow back in Spring? What have grown to fruition? What seeds hit on rocky ground and didn't put down roots? What have you harvested? I really love this time of year, as the season begins its turn into Autumn, the trees give us our lead. The leaves beginning to turn to golden brown hues, as the bows prepare to release and to let go. The days may not be so bright and balmy—yet the quiet and melancholy that linger around them is fraught with glory. Over everything connected with autumn there lingers some golden spell—some unseen influence that penetrates the soul with its mysterious power. ~Northern Advocate The trees don't try to hang on to their leaves for fear of lack, for fear that no new growth will come again. They trust that there is a time for new growth, a time for coming into fullness and a time for letting go to make way for new. But.... and this brings me back to where I started, they always go back to their roots, to where they began, to their foundation,its their roots that sustain them - always. So, as I reflect on my harvest I can indeed feel blessed and abundant. I also, just like the trees preparing for Autumn,can recognise where I need to go back to my roots, to feel happy to let go of what has now come to fruition and can now be left behind. Our paths in life may sometimes hurtle along like a motorway and at other times meander like a stroll along a country lane. But if we can learn to follow nature's lead, all the clues are there. (And it means that perhaps you don't need to be woken at 2.30am with a song playing full blast in your head) So I urge you today to consider: What no longer serves you? What has played it's part but can now be let go? By letting go, we can trust that just as the trees, new growth will come..... I Wonder.....what would happen if the trees tried with all of their might to hang onto to their withering and dying leaves, if they expended all of the energy from their very core, from their roots, to hanging onto the old and worn out leaves? And yet how often do we hang on to things , situations, people, jobs, contracts that we have out grown, or have come to their fruition or that simply no longer nurture us on our onward jouirney? I urge you today to reflect on your harvest, to consider your roots and if need be.... just to let go . Until next time make every moment count, Lisa xxx  I heard the title of this blog in a film I was watching just the other day. I believe the original quote comes from Dr Seuss. I liked it so much I even shared it on my Facebook page. It kind of captures all of what I'm about I guess. I was stimulated to write about it today for a couple of reasons. This morning I visited my daughter who's just completed her second year at University, doing a media production degree, she wanted help with writing an essay ( the title question of which I can't even recall, it was so memorable) It struck me as we were wading through texts, theories and quotes how pointless it really seemed. I'll add at this point, I'm not being negative, not anti- education or anti- university degrees... just that in the real world, as a vibrant young human being, what was discussing the boundaries of horror ( that's the abridged version) really bringing Sarah my daughter? I did find myself asking the "So what?" question.... a lot this morning. Ok, I do get that it shows that she can take in lots of information, that she can format her thesis, can articulate herself on paper... all great skills..... but what is it really bringing her? You could say a sense of accomplishment, of satisfaction, or even increased knowledge. But how is it truly feeding her soul? It has certainly caused her a great amount of stress as she tries to discuss her ideas and struggles with her tutors. Their replies have been helpful I'm sure in their own eyes, but to me have simply been the use of intellectualized ,academic gobble de gook, and how you can get as many incomprehensible words into a sentence. It's almost as though they themselves have been institutionalised. In truth it just makes me feel sad.....sad that our youngsters are pressurised to take the Uni route to "fit in". It's become what they're now expected to do.They truly are fed the "If you want a good job , or any job for that matter you have to have a degree" This is simply not true. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure that there are lots of Uni Students who are having a great time , learning, growing and developing skills beyond just those of their chosen course. So, pondering this thought, I was driving back home listening to the local BBC radio station, discussing the local "A" levels results, that have been published today. The radio presenter was interviewing a head teacher from a local school who's results had been the best in ten years. I'm delighted for the school, the staff and the students, what a great result. ( I do have to say though, the measurement in itself is another way of making everyone fit in to a certain criteria of what good looks like) The discussion then went onto the topic of university applications versus apprenticeships and other options. Although it was said that more students were taking more time to consider their options and not rushing into things, the university applications still seemed to be taking the lions share of next steps..... what really concerned me was the head teacher said that the students where perusing university as there was a desire to fulfill their potential... he said this several times. Hmmm, is that what we're drilling into our teenagers? You can only fulfill your potential by taking the University route? So are we saying that by "Fitting in" following the crowd, going to University getting a degree (any degree it would seem) is the way to fulfill your potential? And what is an individual's potential anyway? is that purely about academic ability? Please don't misunderstand me, for some people its absolutely the thing to do, it is fulfilling their ability to really stand out from the crowd, but when it becomes what's considered the "Norm" and "The way", as in this is the way we do things around here, then it just becomes an exercise of trying to make people "Fit in". The Sunday mail magazine recently ran an article on the subject of was going to university a waste of time, along the lines of was it worth it. Interestingly most of those interviewed felt it really hadn't made a difference to their work prospects.Many of which, if they had their time around again they wouldn't have gone. So, I guess what I'm trying to say is....And believe me when I say I am making a positive point here....... Lets encourage the next generation to stand out, to be themselves - their authentic self. If that means they choose to go to University to allow their true magnificence to shine, then great! If its to take off to a far flung part of the World to save endangered animals, then that's great too ( I know someone's going to tell me you need a degree to do that) If it's to be entrepreneurial and start something for themselves ( think Lord Sugar or Sir Richard Branson) , or even if it's to... dare I say it , start a job...... lets support them to stand out, blaze their own trail...... not blend in. Which reminds me of a t-shirt I saw at the Feel good show at the weekend, printed with a great quote from my wise friend Taz Thornton...which said something like. " Be yourself, Be authentic, don't wash out the colours of the rainbow just because some prefer beige"  Until next time, make every moment count, colour outside the lines and stand out in the crowd. Lisa xxx How are you enjoying the beautiful summer sunshine? As I sit here typing this month's newsletter the golden rays of warmth are streaming in through the window, the garden is in full bloom and my spirit feels lifted by such a beautiful day. Each day the forecast has claimed it it be 'The hottest day of the year' and we're told that the sunny spell is here to stay for a while. Its amazing just how a sunny day can shift your feelings don't you think? No matter what's going on in life, a little sunshine brings brightness and illumination. I took a walk along the lane at the weekend with my gorgeous man and as we walked and looked around me at the wild flowers growing amoung the wheat and instantly I was reminded of the long hazy days of summer as a child. The long six weeks holiday in my memory, was full to the brim of hot sunny days, walking through the fields, playing on the tree swing with my friends, days full of joy and laughter,making secret dens and spending hours and hours outdoors, drinking in all that vitamin D. Back then, summer lasted for what seemed a lifetime! Isn't it funny when you're a child time goes on and on, yet when you're an adult, weeks are gone in the blink of an eye and months fly by and you find yourself; wondering where all those years went .From being that child running through the wheat fields and paddling in the brook to the adult with responsibilities and tasks to be done- for many, a life full of a series of 'to do' lists and bills to pay. I urge you now today, to reconnect with that childlike wonder. Savour those juicy sunny moments. Enjoy the moment, in every moment, instead of living for the latte, waiting for the weekend, or putting your joy on hold until all the work is done.What better time than now? You know I realise that I'm so blessed to have lived most of my life in the countryside and I do truly appreciate the gifts and opportunity that has given me. No matter if you live in the countryside yourself or in a town or city, getting out into nature, be it your local park or any area of greenery, I'd really urge you to get outside, it really does soothe the soul and its good for your health.Exposing skin to sunlight may help to reduce blood pressure, cut the risk of heart attack and stroke - and even prolong life studies have shown. Its also our source of Vitamin D, which is essential for healthy bones, we get most of our vitamin D from exposure to sunlight.Sunlight helps lift our spirits, by stimulating the synthesis of endorphins (good-feeling hormones).The sun even helps us to sleep more soundly. Daytime exposure to sunlight increases the melatonin production during the night. This hormone helps regulate the sleep. So even if you've spent the day cooped up in the office or inside at work, then take a few minutes this evening to walk in the sunshine, feels its warmth against your face and simply smile with childlike wonder at the beauty of the hazy summer days! Be really present, notice all the gorgeousness of summer around you. I mean really notice. Yes, it will soon be the weekend again,the week will have flown by again, unless you put down the 'To do list' and make the moment count. I'm sure for at least a few moments it can wait. Until next time, make very sunshiny moment count! Lisa xxx
Did you know that the Sole is a reflection of the Soul? “To humble oneself by kneeling before another and being in service to his or her body, mind and spirit is a great gift” How we feel about and care for our feet is a direct reflection of how we feel and care about ourselves.It’s true – ask someone to describe how they feel about their feet and they will be describing how they feel about themselves.Our feetcarry us through our journey of life; they really do deserve our love and attention. As a reflexologist and Solestry practitioner, I find the feet fascinating. The feet are an amazing reflection of the person, for me it’s just as though I’m looking at the pages of a book, reading the details of the person’s life, loves, aspirations and soul purpose. An individual’s personality and how they cope with life physically, emotionally and spiritually is all reflected on their feet. A person’s history is etched on their feet, the feet are in fact a metaphysical diary and tell us a lot about the journey we have trodden in our life and in some cases previous lives ( if within your belief system of course) Everythought, every event and its spiritual and emotional impact on us are recorded on our feet. So often I hear people, especially women say “My feet look like this because of the shoes I used to wear” There is a message in that statement. If you constantly wear shoes that hurt, what is that saying about your soul’s longing? Where are you trying to “Fit” into a way of being that isn’t truly your heart’s desire? In my practice I come across people who never give their feet much in the way of any care and attention at all, but you know our feet do an amazing job for us,carrying us through life and giving them the thought and attention they deserve is crucial. It will pay dividends. If how we think about our feet reflects how we think and feel about ourselves, then nurturing the feet is truly nurturing ourselves and our soul. Our feet can give us an accurate gauge of our health, state of mind, our history and how it may be effecting us today, as well as our overall wellbeing. In some cases our feet can give us a little glimpse into the future, a window through which to view our options and opportunities. When was the last time you really looked at your feet? Have you noticed how they have changed throughout your life? Your feet are your autobiography, your daily journal of the path you have walked. So just what is Solestry ( Pedomancy or Podomancy) ? Solestry – also known as Podomany or Pedomancy is relative to palmistry. It has a long history in Iran, formerly known as Persia, and has also been a popular form of divination in China for centuries. The reading of the feet is based on the theory that your body holographically records the story of your life. In other words your thoughts become things! Or as King Soloman said “As man thnketh, so shall he be” Reading the feet is simply an observation of your thought forms manifest on your feet. Caring and focusing on the feet isn’t new, from ancient times the ritual of foot washing has been carried out in many cultures, all over the world. Giving great love, care and attention to honoring the feet has been a part of life for many centuries. To hear more about the Sole as a reflection of the Soul, I will be speaking at Grayshott Spa on the evening of Tuesday 11th of June , with private one to one consultations available to book on Wednesday the 12th of June. Or you can book a private one to one consulation for reflexology and Solestry with me at Holly House or in Chelsea here Until then, Love your feet and make every moment count. Lisa x  Happy April fools day! I hope that your day so far has been full of fun and laughter.In today's blog I thought i'd look back, to where it all began and found that April fools day actually began in sixteenth-century France, where the start of the new year was observed on April first. Which is interesting when you consider the energy of the fool ( read on) In 1562, Pope Gregory introduced a new calendar for the Christian world, and the new year fell on January first. There were some people, however, who hadn't heard or didn't believe the change in the date, so they continued to celebrate New Year's Day on April first. Others played tricks on them and called them "April fools." They sent them on a "fool's errand" or tried to make them believe that something false was true. Now of course we play small tricks on friends and strangers alike on the first of April. Whatever the trick, if the innocent victim falls for the joke the prankster yells, "April Fool! " Of course if a trick is played after midday the trick is on the fool. But what is the deeper symbolism of this character we call "The fool"? Many will have seen many depictions of the fool in divination systems such as the Tarot. I love the symbolism of the fool, the key words associated with this being: New beginnings, innocence, spontaneity, and being a free spirit . If we look a little deeper the Fool is numbered 0, the number of unlimited potential. Everything and absoluteness, All. 0 is the number of Pluto;ruler of Scorpio.The 0 stands for all that was before Creation, for the God/ creator/ universal power in all of us. 0 symbolizes Eternity – the God/creator/universal source before Manifestation, which is pure Spirit.In Numerology the 0 is important as it stands for potential and/or choice.It represents everything, being Infinity. It is the totally Mystical Symbol, indicating the degree of Spiritual mysticism that is available, but rarely developed in the individual. It represents wholeness, oneness and continuing cycles. It is the Alpha and Omega References:http://numerologythenumbersandtheirmeanings.blogspot.co.uk If we look at the image of the Fool he is shown at the beginning of his journey with unlimited potential. The sun rising up behind him represents the beginning of his journey. He is facing north-west, the direction of the unknown. He is looking upwards, toward the sky, or Spirit. He is about to step off a cliff into the material world but is he prepared? He has all the tools and resources he needs in the bag on his staff but he has not opened the bag yet. In many images he is shown with a white rose in his left hand representing purity and innocence. He has a guardian in the little white dog who will protect him throughout his journey but who will also push him to learn the lessons the Fool came here to learn. The mountains behind the Fool represent the realms of Spirit that he has just left and will spend his life trying to regain. The Fool is a depiction of potential, new beginnings and innocence,showing the highest potential for your life, reaching a state of renewal and new beginnings, where each day is an adventure and each moment is lived to the fullest. This is a sentiment I would share in all of my work, as you know I always sign off with "Make every moment count", my own way of inviting you to live life to its fullest. The Fool represents the beginning of all creativity and a desire to accomplish new goals (or to, at least, start the process of working towards those goals). The Fool indicates that anything can happen and the opportunities are just waiting to be taken advantage of. Or as I often say, miracles are within every moment, and every moment holds the possibility of a miracle. So the fool showing up today on April fool's day, represents the need to set forth on a new journey, one that is completely unknown and will take you to uncharted territories. The Fool is all about new experiences, personal growth, development and adventure. The Fool asks you to take a ‘leap of faith’ today and to trust in the Universe in that if you begin a new journey, you will find success. This Fool lives a carefree life, free from worry and anxiety. He does not seem to mind if he does not really know what lies ahead. A reminder to not sweat the small stuff, to get into the flow and trust. The Fool may represent a choice to be made—one of vital importance. However, there are always many different options available and the choice must be made wisely. If you are facing a decision or moment of doubt, the Fool encourages you to believe in yourself and follow your heart no matter how crazy or foolish your impulses may seem. This is a time when you need to truly ‘believe’ and have faith in where the Universe is taking you. The Fool is an excellent symbol to meditate on if you are experiencing a lot of fear in your life. The Fool enhances courage, risk-taking and the creative expression needed to open up new areas in your life. The Fool is always whole, healthy and without fear. He is the spirit of who we are, the spirit expressed and experienced as wonder, awe, curiosity and anticipation. We never know what is in the future but like the Fool we must blindly go forward. You need to trust that you are a spirit born into flesh to enjoy life and grow in experience. References from http://www.biddytarot.com/tarot-card-meanings/major-arcana/fool/ So today I'd urge you to consider the role of the fool in your life. Where is there new life and new beginnings available to you? Where do you need to take that leap of faith in your life and lighten up, have fun and laughter and get into the innocent, childlike wonder of creativity? Its a Bank holiday here today in the UK, for most a time to allow the time for the energy of the fool to enter life. To be playful, imaginative, and free spirited. Today is the opportunity for a juicy, fresh new start.......How will you use yours? Until next time, Make every moment count! Lisa x  “A good memory is one that can remember the Yesterday I was asked into the studio of BBC Radio Lincolnshire, to comment on the UK's 2011 census, in which one question asked was ‘How is your health in general?’ In the East Midlands the results were as follows: "General Health in England and Wales, 2011 and Comparison with 2001" compares 326 local authority areas. The worst ten include: · East Lindsey (worst in the country with 73.5% reporting good health) · Bolsover (4th worst with 74.3% reporting "good health") · Mansfield (9th worst with 75.8% reporting good health). This compares with 88.1% in good health in the "best" local authority area, Hart. Now of course demographics play a part, with a higher number of older people living in East Lindsey than there are in Hart. But is there something more at play I wondered? How much do your thoughts affect your health? In Dr David Hamilton's blog 5 Ways that Positivity and Happiness can Protect you from Illness and even help you Live Longer we can see without any doubt that positive thinking has a direct impact on our health and well-being. This I can also corroborate, from not only my own personal experience, but also from my as a therapist who has for many years specialised in the areas of stress, anxiety and depression. When clients shift their thoughts even a small amount towards a more postive viewpoint their health also improves. Dr Hamilton make's the following point: 3) Counting blessings improves happiness This is backed up by a comprehensive study. So I urge you ( along with those living in the low scoring districts of the East Midlands) to take a moment each day to count your blessings and not your worries. It's all too easy at the end of the day to lay in bed at night, just before drifting into what you hope to be a peaceful slumber, with your thoughts running over and over your worries. In this extract from WebMD we can see that worrying, has no positive effect on solving issues, but does have a detrimental effect on our daily lives: "Worrying is feeling uneasy or being overly concerned about a situation or problem. With excessive worrying, your mind and body go into overdrive as you constantly focus on "what might happen." Not only this, our subconscious mind cannot distiguish between fact or fiction, so when we run through our script of all the things that can go wrong, it stores this information as real.... and then you wonder why you wake in the night, in a cold sweat from a nightmare? How about thinking about just how great things are and will be? How about as you lay in bed tonight, just before drifting into that peaceful slumber, your recall all of the blessings from the day? Tonight I urge you to count your blessings, name them one by one and say thank you! When we show gratitude for the blessings in our life do you know what happens? We notice more and more blessings to be grateful for. Imagine what that will do for your health and wellbeing? Here's another to tip. For anyone who's been to one of my talks recently, you may have heard me say "A hug a day , keeps the doctor away!" Lots of us take our mental and physical health seriously and we try to improve our daily lives with exercise, a good diet, even supplements. But theres one simple treatment that is often over-looked and its been shown through scientific studies to be an effective way to keep our heart and mental health on target. The power of the simple hug. In fact, studies show that folks who are regularly hugged by their close friends and family have reduced heart rates, lower blood pressure, increased nerve activity and more upbeat moods. A survey of successful marriages even showed that hugging and touching (not sexual intercourse), were the key factors in keeping the relationship long-lasting. Plus, a loving hug in the morning, researchers say, can keep you buoyant throughout the day. Just a brief hug or 10 minutes of handholding with a romantic partner greatly reduces the harmful physical effects of stress. Loving contact before a tough day at work "could carry over and protect you throughout the day," says psychologist Karen Grewen with the School of Medicine at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill who conducted the study. So what are you waiting for? Get hugging! ( an oldie but goodie- Free hugs campaign) Until next time, Make every moment count! BIG ((((((((((HUGS)))))))))) Lisa x  October gave a party; The leaves by hundreds came - The Chestnuts, Oaks, and Maples, And leaves of every name. The Sunshine spread a carpet, And everything was grand, Miss Weather led the dancing, Professor Wind the band. ~George Cooper, "October's Party" I dont know about you, but I just adore the Autumn, the colours are so vibrant as the trees mark the turning wheel of the year, their once green hues becoming a blaze of flaming colour. As all of nature flows with the change of season, so do we. Have you noticed that your energy is slowing down, that as the nights draw in you wish to retreat to hearth and home? The long high energy days of the Summer have long since passed and now is the time for letting go. Autumn is the beginning of the yin cycle in traditional Chinese medicine, when the daylight lasts less than twelve hours. It’s a time of harvest and gathering. Think of the symbols of Autumn and you'll probably see a picture Pumpkins and falling leaves in your minds eye. In autumn we have the opportunity to learn more about ourselves, than in any other season. If we look at Nature having provided the harvest, it now makes everything bare. In this season Nature lets go of its abundant creation of the past year in a grand final flaming display of abundant colour. Autumn marks the end of the growing season - a turning inward, a falling away of outer-directed energy. Leaves turn colour and drop. The old leaves go back to the earth, enriching it to promote the coming of new leaves, a new harvest. Nature shows us our own cycles of creating and letting go: Trees in autumn don't stubbornly hold onto their leaves because they might need them next year. Yet how many of us ignore the cycle and try with all of our might to cling onto what we've produced or collected, for fear of lack - those decayed leaves, those old out worn beliefs, or negativity? How can we hope for a harvest next year unless we let go of the old and start afresh? The energy of this season, more than any other, supports our letting go of what we no longer need, the old and stale in our lives, those things, ideas and thoughts that no longer serve us. If we are able to flow and allow the fullness of the energy of Autumn, we can allow ourselves to be receptive to the new, giving us the gift of a true insight of who we are at heart . Autumn returns us to our true selves, moves us to let go what we no longer need, revealing what is most meaningful in our lives. So today I ask you to consider.... Where are you hanging on to what can now be let go of? How can you notice the messages that Autumn is bringing forth to you? The colours of Autumn also share a meaningful message with us. Orange combines the energy of red and the happiness of yellow. It provides emotional energy that you can give to others, including compassion, passion and genuine warmth. Remember that feeling of home and hearth? Brown is the color of our earth and is associated with all things natural or organic. Brown creates a warm, comfortable feeling of wholesomeness and dependability, family-life, loyal friends. Brown gives you a feeling of relaxation and home coming. Brown makes you feel cosy, safe and warm. Reminding us to go within, to retreat and reflect. Gold is associated with the Sun which is a symbol of happiness, success, attainment, prosperity and true friends. Obstacles fall away in the light of joy. It brightens all things in its rays adding a sense of optimism and good cheer. Reminding us to celebrate our harvest and be grateful for our bounty. Red is the color of physical energy, passion, and desire. It symbolizes action, confidence and courage. Determination to go after your dreams and the power to achieve goals Red is powerfully linked to our most primitive physical, financial, and emotional needs of survival and self-preservation. Reminding us to set the seeds for the future, to sow that we may reap at the next years harvest. Purple is the color of Spirituality. It urges us to find our power within, not the kind of power that needs to control or dominate others, but power rooted in connection to Spirit.purple is associated with imagination and inspiration. Reminding us in our time of inner reflection we find our spirit's inspiration. So I urge you to observe the colours and energy of Autumn... What message does Autumn whisper to you? Notice the colours that you are drawn to, then allow the colour to infuse you with its energy and purpose. Finally I found this wonderful guided meditation for you, allowing the energy of Autumn. Until next time, Make every moment count! Lisa x 
Last night I had the pleasure of watching the wonderful film "The Shift" with Dr Wayne Dyer. A three stringed story that unfolds simultainously to show the shift from ambition to meaning ( which was the original title of the film).
The Shift as Wayne Dyer talks about it has been researched in both men and women. In both the film and the book of the same name, Dr. Dyer explores the process of moving away from an aimless life, directed by our ego and its lies, to one filled with meaning and purpose. As he explains, "The shift begins in the process of halting the momentum and self-importance of the ego. This doesn't mean we lose our drive; rather, it signifies that our drive is realigned with a life based on experiencing meaning and feeling purposeful." He points out that, unfortunately, many people reach the end of their life without ever making this "u-turn" from ambition to meaning. So, what exactly does this shift look like? Characteristics of The Shift According to studies, Dr. Dyer says that the top values for men and women, before and after making a shift in the direction and motivation of their lives, are as follows: For men... Before making the shift, the top values for men are:
Before making the shift, the top values for women are:
I can recognise this in both myself and those around me, both those who have made the shift and are in the "afternoon" of their lives and those who are still in the "Morning" of their life as, Wayne Dyer puts it. What struck me was a reference Wayne made to a book he had been given as a young man. Leo Tolstoy's "The death of Ivan Ilyich" there's a clue of the ending in the title, but in the story as Ivan is lying on his deathbed he says "What is my whole life has been wrong?" and then dies. Imagine that? Living your whole life and then at the end in the very last moment, reviewing your life in that way? We all have a song in our heart that is our reason for being here, the gift, unique to us that we bring to the World. “If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as Michelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music, or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well.” Martin Luther King Jr. It matters not what your gift is,you may be a street sweeper, a poet, a manager, housewife... No, what what matters most is that your song is not left unsung, that your promise is fulfilled to the World. That you do not deny us of your individual service. What's your heart's song as yet unsung? What's your gift as yet not shared? Everybody matters, everyone is unique, everyone can serve by sharing their own heart song, and in doing so not only help themselves but help the whole. So look and listen to those around you, encourage them to sing their song. And today I urge you to listen carefully to your own heart, do you have a song as yet unsung? Are you in the morning of your life mumbling through life , or have you made your shift into the full bloom of the afternoon of your life? Until next time, Make every moment count, Lisa xx 
Well what a week it was last week, talk about contrasting emotions. As any other person, I experience the full range of emotions in my life, but rarely can I claim to have felt them all in the same week! For followers of my blogs and posts, I think it would be fair to say that I always look at life with a half full, rather than half empty view point. And this week would be no exception. There were moments in the past week though, as any other spiritual being having a human experince, where even I had some ups and downs on the roller coaster of life. Sometimes it does all come at us at once and at speed, sometimes we are on that roller coaster with no choice but hang on and go along for the ride. Now we can do so with fear and trepidation, with screams and tears, or we can just take a deep breath and accept what comes to us along the ride and do the best we can at any given moment. My week began with the first sight of the cover of "Get a LIfe!-the guide book" and a publishing date of the 30th November this year. Wow I cant begin to express the excitement and the sense of achievement to know that this piece of work , this out pouring of my heart and soul would very soon be a tangible object, that can be held in your hands and read by many. It's certainly a tick marked against my bucket list,it holds a real sense of meaning and purpose for me. A feeling of total elation is how I would describe it! So musch like the excitement of the roller coaster you could say. So what else happened in my roller coaster week you might ask? Well you know sometimes you decide to do something on the spur of the moment? Well I did just that! Don't get me wrong I love spontaneity, but in this case I probably made a bit more work for myself than I truly had the capacity to deliver ( note to self, learn just what you can fit in, in one week!) I decided along with my gorgeous man Jon to decorate the sun room/ utility room, which sounds simple and straight forward right? Well it pretty much was, except that was in addition to fitting a new carpet, building new seating in the pergola in the garden, organising a 50th Birthday party for Jon, shopping for said party, carrying out our normal working week... oh and did I mention the trip to Glenfiled hospital for my beautiful daughter Sarah to have heart surgery??? So much like realising you're on the roller coaster, the attendant has secured you into your seat.... and there's absolutley no chance at this point you can get off! Yes, you did read that correctly, my daughter Sarah had heart surgery on Friday, (It was at this the point of the roller coaster ride I truly did want to scream and cry and very much wish I could get of, I felt completely in the hands and control of the driver or in this case surgeons, but all I could do was take that very big breath and wait the three hour long surgery to see her come back to me)..... and yes,thankfully she did and is making a good recovery. I then had a house full of guests on Saturday for a birthday BBQ which fast became rendition of "You will always find me in the kitchen at party's" for all of our guests due to the unseasonal drenching of the new said garden seating arrangements in the garden pergola! Now I know we are all super heros in disguise, but maybe sometimes, just sometimes we have to recognise that we're not superhuman. This I now recognise... thanks universe for that little lesson. Sarah's surgery was a huge success I might add,and the bonus of her being alowed home the very next day, despite her wobbling around still no doubt under the influence of heavy anesthetic she's making an amazing recovery.Epic bruising aside its absolutely amazing!And for that I'm truly grateful. The party went wonderfully well, and Jon celebrated his half century surrounded by family friends and a mighty fine cake ( thanks to his dad) All in the kitchen ,but still it was a very lovely view of the new garden seating area! I even, in between all this managed to fit in cutting the grass ( which is no mean feat on sodden grass ) around Holly House, and fit in all the normal house hold chores, oh and try to keep up with the emails and messages! Don't get me wrong I'm not moaning or complaining, just recognising that sometimes life is full, fit to bursting, it can be challenging to fit it all in, to find the balance..... oh yes nearly forgot, did I mention I also fitted in writing and delivering a talk/ speaking engagement to a group of wonderful business women from WiRE on "Finding your balance" aptly enough..... I'm just recognising that sometimes we have to know when to stop, when to be still and when to say no. A bit like realising that maybe the roller coaster was just a bit beyond what you had planned for. Just like anyone, I sometimes miss that point, I go hurtling past it and then ( As i did this morning, weary and tired, emotional and everso slightly overwhelmed) I realised, I just needed to stop, apply my own oxygen mask and ask for help. To stop and to get back to my own point of balance. In order that I could replenish my own petrol tank of energy, to be able to support others. So why do I share my roller coaster week with you? Well, to say just this..... It's perefctly ok to stop, its ok to be still, its ok to give yourself permission to give yourself time to find own balance. And it's perfectly ok to recognise you're a human being and experiencing the full gammut of emotion is part of that life experience, even if it does come at you all in the same week! So remember to fill up your own tank, to apply your own oxygen mask, before you can helpothers.Give yourself some TLC, because you're worth it! Until next time, Make every moment count, Lisa xxx  As many of you know I was at the "Women inspiring women" awards ( run by Damsels in success) on Saturday night, where the Minister for inspiration Richard Wilkins was MC for the evening, during the evening he made mention of how important it is to share your story, not about what you "Do", or what you've done, but about you, about your journey and how it made you
feel..... It struck a chord with me, It made me think..... Now for those of you who know me well you will possibly already know my story, its not unusual, its not so different from many people out there, but I thought it worth sharing... so that you may know where my journey has taken me and how I have got to here..... Get a Life! came to manifestation as a result of an intent I put out sometime ago. In order to bring it to fruition I have been on a long journey to Get a Life! myself. You see, in order to bring Get a Life! to life... I had to wake up! That’s right, wake up! Maybe you’ve done it yourself, you’re drifting along through life, day after day, and showing up to life just as you did yesterday. Then it happens.... sometimes it’s a gentle nudge, a fleeting thought... “There must be more to life than this” or “Is this it? Is this all there is?” or for others it hits like a sledgehammer or demolition ball... shaking you to your very core. For me it was I guess a few nudges to begin with, but I simply didn’t listen, I kept on doing what I did in the same way I’d always done, thinking that’s just what you do.I held down a high powered, high stress corporate career, in fact I was probably the streo-typical, driven, career woman.But when the universe calls to your spirit and you don’t listen, then it calls again and if you still don’t listen; as was the case in my journey, then its shouts at the top of it’s voice for you to wake up. My shout came in the form of severe post natal depression after the birth of my beautiful daughter Sarah, over 19 years ago. This totally debilitating illness was like carrying around the biggest black cloud above my head every where I went, even getting dressed and making a cup of tea was a challenge back then, but still I soildered on, went back to work and continued pushing hard in my career, but the universe kept on shouting, until I simply had to take notice......culminating in me being diagnosed with M.E. (myalgic encephalomyelitis) Crazy but true...... It took a debilitating illness to make me wake up to my spirit’s call! Many years down the line, I have been on a long and life transforming journey since that time,of which I’m truly grateful, I might add. My journey has taken me through the wonders of complementary therapy,recognising my soul's calling and letting go of my old corporate career,at times having lots of money,at other times having no money,but recognising abundance beyond the material. Years of developing my spirituality,with that experiencing challenges of my beliefs, going on to train as a therapist myself, opening a nationally award winning an holistic centre, and then several years later letting go and closing the holistic centre,in order to move into the next part of my journey. Experiencing a painful and sad divorce from my daughter's dad, who had been part of my life's journey since I was 15. Experiencing life threatening illness in my close family,and the serious life threatening illness of my daughter last year, which as a mother I can say is one of the hardest things to bare. So why share my story? My journey isn't so very different from many, many people I know..... basically there have been many ups and downs and rounds and rounds, until I was ready to Get a Life! myself and in having experienced the range of human emotions, the good times, the challenging times ( all of which are lessons to be appreciated and savoured) in turn I am able and ready to help others. I'm not a guru, I'm not superhuman,(although we're all super heros in disguise as Richard wilkins will tell you!) I share my story so that you can understand this. I share my story that you may see that have found my way through all the twists and turns of the journey, and what an amazing one it's been so far! I've learnt how to make every juicy moment count and to never waste a moment. So as I share with you today, I’m wide awake, in perfect health, blissfully happy with myself and my life. I'm blessed to have manifested into my life the most wonderful man, my twin flame and the love of my life; Jon. I am abundantly blessed and filled with love for my beautiful, witty and intelligent daughter Sarah (who has taught me so much and continues to do so, she is well now by the way and under went heart surgery in July), my loving family (now much extended to include Jon’s lovely girls Olivia and Rachel and his family) and my wonderful,amazing, uplifting friends ( you know who you are, I love you all x) I have become a very different human being to the old Lisa. I have evolved. Before I was all about “doing” now I’m about “Being”, about appreciating life and all it brings. About living through gratitude for my many, many abundant blessings. The gift I was given ( I do see every experience as a gift), my wake-up call, allowed me to follow my true calling. In order that I can now live on purpose.You could say I Got a Life! I hope that this blog/ website and my work may bring you great pleasure, bring you a smile, some inspiration and allow you to wake-up gently, bringing your true spirit to light. Namaste Lisa x  This dropped into my inbox this afternoon, I think I may have seen it before, but felt it was worth sharing! Sound words indeed from Erma.
Review your life today - Where are you sweating the small stuff ? Are you rushing through life trying to get to the destination without trully saviouring the journey? What can you learn from Erma's wisdom...... take stock now, in this moment... don't waste another moment ! Make every moment count, Lisa xxx TO LIVE OVER - by Erma Bombeck (written after she found out she was dying from Polycystic kidney disease). I would have gone to bed when I was sick instead of pretending the earth would go into a holding pattern if I weren't there for the day. I would have burned the pink candle sculpted like a rose before it melted in storage. I would have talked less and listened more. I would have invited friends over to dinner even if the carpet was stained, or the sofa faded. I would have eaten the popcorn in the 'good' living room and worried much less about the dirt when someone wanted to light a fire in the fireplace. I would have taken the time to listen to my grandfather ramble about his youth. I would have shared more of the responsibility carried by my husband. I would never have insisted the car windows be rolled up on a summer day because my hair had just been teased and sprayed. I would have sat on the lawn with my grass stains. I would have cried and laughed less while watching television and more while watching life. I would never have bought anything just because it was practical, wouldn't show soil, or was guaranteed to last a lifetime. Instead of wishing away nine months of pregnancy, I'd have cherished every moment and realized that the wonderment growing inside me was the only chance in life to assist God in a miracle. When my kids kissed me impetuously, I would never have said, 'Later. Now go get washed up for dinner.' There would have been more 'I love you's' More 'I'm sorry's.' But mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute.look at it and really see it . . live it and never give it back. STOP SWEATING THE SMALL STUFF!!! Don't worry about who doesn't like you, who has more, or who's doing what Instead, let's cherish the relationships we have with those who do love us. Maybe we should all grab that purple hat earlier. Please share this with all the phenomenal women in your life today in celebration of Beautiful Women's Month. If you do, something good will happen--you will boost another woman's self esteem. Warning these may hurt!
1. If you want more than you have got, you must become more than you are. 2. Most people set goals for themselves that are outrageously safe.They keep within limits that are embarrassingly small and so lead marginal lives. 3. Too many people die at 40 and get buried at 80, living half lived lives and going to their graves with undiscovered and their best music in them. 4. If nothing changes, nothing changes. 5. If you work hard on your job you make a living, if you work hard on yourselves you can make a fortune. 6. You cannot earn an above average income, secure an above average position or receive above average recognition until you become an above average learner, an above average performer and an above average person. 7. You must either magnify your skills or modify your dreams. 8.Success is a few disciplines practiced daily, Failure is a few errors in judgement repeated daily. 9. Successful people become successful long before they are recognised as a success. They become successful during their daily routine.. 10. The danger comes when we look at a day we have squandered and believe there has been no harm done. 11. Don't get "through" your day, get "from" your day. 12. Unless you change how you are, you will always have what you have got. 13. The time will come and go anyway, so why not put it to the most constructive, productive use! 14. Being broke is a temporary condition, being poor is a state of mind. 15. If you think you can play it safe and succeed in a big way, you are sadly mistaken. 16. Most people live in a world of "Lack", lack of knowledge, lack of belief, lack of courage, lack of discipline. Lack of enthusiasm, lack of faith, lack of get up and go, lack of hope, lack of inspiration, lack of motivation, lack of action, lack of energy - Stay away from the "Lackers" their contagious! 17. It's never too late to become what you might have been. 18. The past does not equal the future. 19. If you face your fears then the death of fear is certain. 20. I am your greatest companion, I am your greatest helper or heaviest burden. I will push you onward or drag you down to failure. I am completely at your command, half the things you do you might as well turn over to me, and I will be able to do them quickly and correctly. I am easily managed, you must be firm with me, show me how you want it done, after a few lessons I will do it automatically. I am the servant of all great men and women, and alas, of all the failures as well. Those who are failures I have made failures, take me, train me, be firm with me, and I will place the world at your feet! Be easy with me and I will destroy you..................................who am i?..........I am habit. Written by Jon Davies Get a Life ! PS Want to know the Secret to bringing these alive.................. www.getalife-uk.co.uk |
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