It’s often said that a little gossip helps the world go round. Whether at home, work or within the family; talking about other people seems to be one of our favourite pastimes. And it’s not just about people we know – or know of – but also those in the public eye, even though we’ve never met them and are unlikely to do so. 

 

Regardless of who we’re talking about, there seems to be something irresistible about unearthing another person’s secrets. Even better, if we’re the first one to do so and pass them on, particularly if they’re less than positive. If not downright malicious, perhaps, driven by the green eyed monster… 

 

Increasingly, it’s fuelled by social media which, sadly, encourages knee jerk reactions. The repeating of information without stopping for a moment to consider its accuracy, let alone the ramifications for the person concerned. Or ourselves. And aided in no small part by our old friend, peer pressure. More about this in a moment. 

 

So, why do we gossip and can it really be a positive thing as some Psychologists suggest? 

Although it underpins every blog post we write – and everything we do – it’s been a while since we’ve talked specifically about the miracle that is the human body. Our first – and life long – home. And we bet you’ve never thought about your body in that way before! 

 

Despite all of this, it’s the one thing we take completely for granted. Well, until something goes “wrong” and we can’t do all the things we want to….. 

 

While we may like to think – particularly in this technological age – that scientists understand exactly how the human body works, this is far from the case. Let alone have a solution for every “problem” which may occur. 

With all the madness ratchetting up yet again, whether it’s “Pandemic the sequel” or the ongoing saga of the American election – and that’s all we’re going to say on either of those contentious topics (!) – it’s all too easy to be swept away by it all. Finding ourselves trapped in a quagmire of “doom, gloom and despondency” before even realising what’s happening. 

 

So, it seemed like a good time for a quick reminder that how we feel is a choice that each one of us makes, every moment of every day. And, just in case you missed it, we’re going to repeat the most important word in that last sentence. CHOICE. Yes, it is! 

Once again, we have a number of very similar conversations with Clients to thank for the inspiration for this week’s blog post. And, as so often is the case, this is all that’s needed for us to take the hint and put pen to paper. Or, more accurately, fingers to keyboard! 

 

While it may be stating the blindingly obvious – well, to us at least (!) – as the title to this week’s post says, the recipe for each child – and person – is different. Put another way, there’s never been anyone quite like us before and never will be again; which is quite an awe inspiring thought! 

 

And we’re not just talking about physical appearances, which are really only the tip of the iceberg. Rather, ALL the things that make each one of us UNIQUE. 

There are some words which give us away without us ever realising it. We’ve talked about some of them before. Hope. Believe. Try. And many more besides. 

 

They’re all words where we think we’re saying one thing, but the meaning – and intention underpinning them – is very different. It means we’re sending out mixed messages – both to ourselves and those around us – without ever realising it. Even worse, they’re words we use many times a day, usually without giving them a second thought. 

 

The words we’d like to focus on today are often referred to as “good intention” words which, to us, describes them very well. Although, ironically, they usually reflect what someone else thinks – or intends – we should do, rather than us! 

Having waxed lyrical about the joys of apples and pears a couple of weeks ago, this week we’re going to look at some of the veg which are at their best right now. And for the next few months too. True, they’re not as exotic as some of the other produce you can find at your local supermarket, but they provide just the right mix of nutrients needed during the colder months of the year. 

 

So, without further ado, let’s start with one group of veg that doesn’t have the best PR. They’re seen as rather dull and boring, not helped by the traditional tendency of overcooking them. Well, let’s be honest, boiling them for hours until they resemble a grey green sludge in the bottom of the saucepan. In fact there used to be a standing joke that one of them should be put on to boil in November to be ready for a certain day in December… 

 

Have you guessed what we’re talking about yet? 

With everyone still being swept away by the ongoing madness at the moment – “Pandemic the sequel” aka “the new abnormal” – this week we felt it was time for something completely different. 

 

So, we’re going to follow on from last week’s beautiful poem by John Keats, with another one that perfectly sums up the qualities needed to ride the very strange times we’re living in. It may have been written over a hundred years ago but is still as true today as it was then. Here it is: 

It’s amazing how the seasons suddenly seem to turn and this year is no exception. We may only be at the beginning of October, but it feels as though Autumn is well upon us, due in large part to the recent storms and torrential rainfall. 

 

Despite the signs of the winter to come, there are still lots of local goodies to enjoy at this time of year. While the blackberries may now be over, rosehips and sloes are coming into their own, with good crops of both to be found in the hedges if you’re quick. For a reminder about their many uses, as well as the joys of foraging, click here. 

 

However, it’s some other fruits which are at their best at this time of year that we’d like to talk about this week. They’re the ones found in just about every fruit bowl, all year round, which is probably why we take them so much for granted. But, as with any fruit in season and freshly picked, there’s nothing to beat them. 

Having looked at the ongoing madness from several different angles in the last few blog posts, we had planned to write about something completely different this week. However, with the hysteria in the mainstream media ratchetting up yet again, it seems we’ve been overtaken by circumstances! 

 

For some reason, whenever there’s any kind of “problem” – big or small – many people seem to expect someone to rush in and sort it out for them. Someone in “authority” of some sort. The Government – a popular one (!) – the Police, Scientists, Doctors, etc, etc. If we ignore the religious overtones, someone – anyone other than themselves – to dive in and save them. 

 

However, giving away our power to others to make decisions on our behalf, is fraught with danger. Not least because it’s based on a number of assumptions which may not necessarily be true... 

We all seem to have our own particular habits and traditions, whether we’re aware of them or not (!). For us, September brings a post – or two (!) – looking ahead to the Winter bugs season. What you can do to help avoid any Lurgies doing the rounds AND what to do if the worst happens. If you want a quick reminder, here are the links to the two posts we did last year. Click here for what you can do proactively, ie, now (!) and here for what you can do if you succumb. 

 

However, with the mainstream media already gearing up for what some are calling “the Second Spike” or “Pandemic, the sequel”; we thought a slightly different approach was needed this year. So, as mentioned a couple of weeks ago, we’re going to focus on one set of conditions which have been found to SUBSTANTIALLY increase the risk of ANY of the winter bugs. So called “Lifestyle Diseases.” Obesity, Diabetes, Heart Disease and the like. All of which are linked to poor lifestyle choices. Diet, dehydration, smoking, stress, lack of sleep, to name but a few…