Over the years we’ve noticed that the mention of “First Aid” – whether doing it yourself or being on the receiving end of an over enthusiastic, but well meaning, person (!) – seems to strike terror into the hearts of many people. Perhaps it sounds too “medical” or complicated. Or requiring lots of equipment and supplies. Thankfully, neither is the case. 

 

It’s usually just a matter of using whatever’s to hand – and not necessarily from a well stocked first aid box – coupled with a little common sense. Although, as one Client rather ruefully put it, the later can sometimes be in rather short supply… 

A few weeks ago we took a quick trip down memory lane thanks to a song by “Fun Boy Three with Bananarama”. If you’d like another dose of nostalgia, here’s the link. 

 

As the song so beautifully put it, “It ain’t what you do, it’s the way that you do it, that’s what gets results.” In other words, it’s not about WHAT we do, but HOW we do it, that’s the most important thing. So, the energy and intention behind whatever we’re doing, rather than the thing itself. 

 

For some reason, we often seem to miss this. Tending to focus on the visible end result – the action – rather than the energy and intention driving it. 

 

Which, if you stop to think about it, is rather backwards thinking. Why? 

Over the years we’ve noticed that this time of year sees a resurgence in the making – and breaking (!) – of many health related resolutions. True, it’s not as popular a time as at New Year, but the changing of the clocks to British Summertime always seems to give people a push in that direction. Perhaps it’s the prospect of warmer weather and lighter nights, waking people up from their winter hibernation. Or, maybe, the peeling off of some of the layers of winter clothing that have been hiding a multitude of sins for the last few months. And we’ll leave the rest to your imagination… 

 

Whatever the reason, this time of year always marks an upsurge in the number of people deciding to kick start their health programmes for the warmer months ahead. And an easy way to get things moving – literally (!) is the traditional spring clean. Or detox, if you prefer. 

It’s often said that imagination is one of our greatest gifts. The one which sets us apart from all the other life forms sharing this beautiful planet with us. However, like all gifts, it’s a two edged sword and can be used for good or ill. To help us or harm us. To speed us on our way, or to hold us back; if not send us in completely the wrong direction. 

 

Regardless of how we choose to use it – and, yes, it is a choice; more about this in a minute – imagination is the spark that sets EVERYTHING in our lives in motion. And you may want to read that last bit again. Let it sink in. Imagination really is the spark that sets EVERYTHING in motion. 

And, yes, it is one of those slightly trick questions designed to get you thinking! So, if you’re ready, here we go. 

 

Allowing for a little natural reticence (!), we all know exactly how old we are. Well, more accurately, we know how many years – and in some cases days, weeks and months (!) – since the day we were born. Despite our bodies having changed in many ways since that time – not least in “growing up” and then later in “ageing” – we see them as solid and permanent. 

 

However – and this is what we were hinting at with the title of this week’s blog post – is this really the case? That our bodies are as constant as we like to think they are. The simple answer is no. 

If these words sound familiar, they are. Well, if you were a teenager – or around them (!) – in the early 1980’s. 1982 to be precise. They come from a song by “Fun Boy Three with Bananarama” which, apparently, took its inspiration – and quite a few of the lines (!) – from an Ella Fitzgerald song of 1939. If you’d like a trip down memory lane here’s the link. And, that’s probably more than enough pop trivia for one blog post. Let alone slightly scary reminders of “Top of the Pops” and 1980’s fashions… 

 

So, before we get completely side tracked, what were we going to talk about this week? 

A couple of weeks’ ago we wrote about Headaches and, this week, we’re now going to look at Migraines. While they’re often through of as a “bad Headache”, there is much more to them than this, as anyone who has ever experienced one will tell you. 

 

If you want a very simple analogy, it’s like the difference between a Cold and full blown Flu. And, yes, we know there’s a grey area between them, but it’ll still give you an idea of how different they are – in terms of symptoms, intensity, duration and, just as important, time needed to get over it. 

 

So, let’s take a closer look. 

With everything that’s happened in the last year or so – goodness, has it really been that long?!? – it’s not surprising that many people are struggling, despite a little light finally appearing at the end of a rather long tunnel. Are finding themselves in a pit of “doom, gloom and despondency” without even realising it. 

 

From personal experience, not to mention many conversations with Clients, friends and family over the years, we know just how difficult it can be to start turning things around. To feel more in control of our lives. Let alone experiencing those elusive feelings of contentment or happiness. 

 

Regardless of how dire things may seem – and this may sound completely counter intuitive – realising that we’re in the pit of “doom, gloom and despondency” is good news. And, yes, we know this may sound like a rather strange thing to say. It may even have you wanting to throttle us for suggesting such a thing but, please, bear with us. It’ll all make sense in a minute. Yes, it will! 

From time to time we look back at the ever growing list of our Blog posts – over 300 to date (!) – and are surprised we haven’t covered a particular topic. This week’s is a very good example of what we’re talking about, particularly as it’s something we can virtually guarantee that everyone has experienced at some time or other. 

 

Despite this, it tends to be thought of as just “one of those things” which will usually disappear as quickly as it appeared. Although, often, it’s a gentle reminder we haven’t been looking after ourselves quite as well as we thought. Or, perhaps, have overstretched the mark. 

 

Have you guessed what we’re talking about yet? Headaches. 

Like us, you’ve probably been amazed – and amused (!) – by just how creative people can be with their reasons for doing something. Ironically, it’s often something they admit they’d be better off not doing in the first place… 

 

Or, perhaps, it’s for not doing something. And, again, a large dose of irony is often involved; as this usually comes straight after them saying it’s something they really want to do. 

 

Talk about sending out mixed messages, both to ourselves and the world around us. 

 

And, while we smile at some of the things children come out with, we’re not talking about them here. Rather those well into adulthood who really should know better.