It’s interesting how some blog posts trigger a much greater response than others, often not those we expected. We’ve had a great example of this already this year and we’re not quite at the end of January (!). 

 

While the first post of the year, with its different perspective on how we really experience the world has triggered some lively discussions; it was that about cause and effect which really got things going. Particularly our observations about karma, which seems to have touched a rather raw nerve with some people. 

 

Why is this? 

Having started this shiny new year – and decade (!) – with posts designed to get you thinking, we thought we’d take it easy this week. So, we’re going to keep it simple, short and sweet. Hurrah! 

 

So, what are we going to talk about?  

 

Well, it’s something that we adults – and, sadly, too many children – spend far too little time doing. That’s if we do it at all. Playing. 

 

And, we’re not talking about all those games on your favourite electronic gizmo. Or, even, the more old fashioned board games or card games. Let alone anything more physical or “organised” in some other way. 

There are some clichés which have stood the test of time and bear repeating. So, that’s exactly what we’re going to do this today. That life is all about choices. 

 

Some are made consciously, others unconsciously or by default. However, regardless of the method used and whatever was done – or not done (!) – there are ALWAYS consequences. Sorry, but it’s true! Welcome and less so. Large or small. Immediate or seeds sown far into the future. 

 

Despite this, it seems that many people find it difficult to link the choices they made at some time in the past, with whatever they’re now experiencing in their lives. In other words, the cause and effect. 

 

Not surprisingly, this can lead to a feeling of powerlessness. That things are happening to them. Or, worse, that life – for some reason – is out to get them. “Why does this always happen to me?” A downward spiral quickly develops. 

 

Why is this? Well, there are a variety of reasons. 

There are some topics that come up again and again with clients. And, what always strikes us, is just how creative they can be when trying to justify a less than positive choice they’ve been making. Both to themselves and to us (!). 

 

Sometimes it’s down to a simple lack of thought.  

 

More often there’s a rather blind eye being turned in that particular direction… 

 

Top of the list must come diet. And, as we learnt many years ago, we never ask a client whether their diet is healthy. To date, no one has ever answered this question by saying that, perhaps, it might not be. However, a quick follow up question or two has provided a somewhat different – and often very imaginative (!) – answer… 

 

And, regardless of what the advertising may say, baked beans don’t count as fresh fruit and vegetables. Nor is the salad in an all too popular takeaway beef burger one of your five a day. Top marks for creativity, zero points for nutritional value! 

 

So, what are we going to focus on today? 

There are some traditions which never seem to change, with the making – and breaking (!) – of New Year’s Resolutions being a seasonal example of this. It’s a topic we cover every January, albeit from various different angles, and, if you want a quick reminder, here they are: 

 

For the madness behind New Year’s Resolutions and why they simply don’t work, click here. 

 

A suggestion to ditch your New Year’s Resolutions and do something more powerful instead, click here. 

 

An easier way to make – and achieve – your New Year’s Resolutions, click here. 

 

A suggestion for an easier way to start the New Year, click here. 

 

And, finally, Inspiration versus perspiration, click here. 

 

So, we thought it was about time for a different start to this bright new shiny year and decade (!). It’s a simple question that’s designed to get you thinking and, fingers crossed, will also give you a different perspective on life.