Posts tagged “New perspectives”

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The joys of serendipity

Posted on 6th February 2019 at 08:15

We often talk about the joys of serendipity and how life has a way of – almost (!) – magically falling into place IF we allow it to. Letting it unfold in its own way AND at its own pace. Often this happens in ways we never could have anticipated or takes us off in a completely new direction that turns out to be exactly what we wanted.

If you’re not sure what we’re talking about – or it just sounds too good to be true – here’s a great definition of serendipity:

“The occurrence and development of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way.”

And, for those who love trivia, did you know that it was coined by Horace Walpole in 1754? His inspiration came from “The Three Princes of Serendip”, a fairy tale where the heroes “were always making discoveries, by accident and sagacity, of things they were not in quest of.”

Diabetes and the dangers of the "Low Fat High Carb" diet

Posted on 30th January 2019 at 08:25

Last April – goodness it doesn’t seem that long ago (!) – we wrote about the worrying increase in those being diagnosed with Diabetes Type II Diabetes, also known as “Non Insulin Dependent Diabetes”. Even worse, it’s now being diagnosed in much younger people – those still in their teens and early 20’s – rather than people of middle age, who also tended to be overweight and sedentary. If you missed this post you can find it here .

Sadly, yet again, it’s become clear that this trend is being fuelled by poor lifestyle choices. In other words, poor diet and increasingly sedentary lifestyles. Not surprisingly, both of these are also linked to Obesity, a well known risk factor for Diabetes, as well as many other conditions.

This has led to the modern dietary advice of eating a “Low Fat, High Carb” diet being put under the spotlight. Suddenly it doesn’t seem to be such a healthy option, leaving many confused and unsure about exactly what they should be eating. And, just as importantly, what they should be avoiding.

So, this week, we’re going to have a look at what most people understand as a “Low Fat, High Carb” diet and why it isn’t quite what they think it is.

What pushes your buttons?

Posted on 23rd January 2019 at 08:45

We all have things that push our buttons – or get our goat, if you were wondering why on earth we chose this week’s picture (!). And there’s a lovely word to describe them which we only came across recently, tolerations. They drain our energy and are guaranteed to ruin our day. Or sometimes our week…

Some are very small in the overall scheme of things. The bill that needs paying. Vase of flowers that have seen better days. Phone call to be made. Light bulb changed. Those good intentions that we mean to do but don’t quite get round to and annoy us until we do.

Others are much bigger. The annoying neighbour. Overfilled diary. Upcoming family event (!). Money worries. An annoying friend / family member / boss / fill in the blank. We all have things that come into this category – and tolerate – as we just don’t know how to deal with them.

Inspiration versus perspiration

Posted on 9th January 2019 at 08:30

Not surprisingly, we often talk to clients about making changes in their lives, particularly at this time of year.

These range from the small and easily manageable to much larger and more radical. Some are voluntary. Others have been forced on them by circumstances. Or, perhaps, by others whether with the best of motivations or not (!). And, without digressing too far, we all know there is a very fine line between “help” and “interference”….

The question that always comes up is how to make changes more easily. Well, let’s be honest, as painless and quick as possible.

Well, there’s good news and bad news.

The good news is that there’s an easy answer to this question. The bad news is that it isn’t necessarily the one the client wants to hear.

Isn't it time for a new recipe for a stressfree family gathering?

Posted on 19th December 2018 at 07:45

Not surprisingly, the subject of Christmas – AHHHH!!! – has been coming up with clients over the last few weeks and we thought it was about time to suggest an alternative less stressful approach. And, while we’re focussing on the 25th December, it applies equally to any family gathering ...

Even though you probably don’t want to be reminded of it (!) let’s start with a quick reminder of the traditional recipe for Christmas:

It's ok to feel bad for no reason

Posted on 12th December 2018 at 07:30

Let’s face it, there are some days when we feel below par. Less than our usual – hopefully happy (!) – selves.

Perhaps we wake up with our own little black cloud firmly in place which stays with us for the day. Or, sometimes, a bit longer.

Other times, it’s much more transient. We’re fine one minute, a little down the next and then it’s gone. A small cloud that quickly disappears.

When we feel low – particularly at this time of year, when we’re meant to be full of seasonal cheer – it’s all too easy to go into over analysis mode. Looking for the “why”. But often there isn’t a simple – or obvious – answer for our change of mood. And we end up beating ourselves up for the lack of obvious answers. Talk about being counter productive. Making life more difficult for ourselves.

Choices, choices, choices...

Posted on 28th November 2018 at 08:00

Life is all about choices.

And, yes, we know this is something of a cliché (!) but that doesn’t mean it isn’t true...

Some are made consciously.

When we stop and look at all the options before deciding which one to choose. Weigh up the pro’s and con’s of each one. Make an informed – or conscious – decision.

Others are made by default.

Perhaps by turning a blind eye to whatever it is until the decision is made for us. Whether by someone else or events making the choice for us.

Why it's important to connect to the natural world

Posted on 21st November 2018 at 07:30

We often talk about the importance of spending time outside every day. Not only does it feel good to have a break away from the hurly burly of modern life, but natural daylight plays an important part in helping set our natural body rhythms. Often referred to as the circadian rhythms, they control many different body functions including the sleep – wake cycle, release of hormones, body temperature, eating habits and digestion.

Before we go any further, let’s quickly dispel one very common misconception. So far as your body’s concerned, it doesn’t matter whether it’s a beautiful sunny day or a wet overcast one. It’s being outside in natural wavelength light that’s the important thing. You’ll still reap the benefits regardless of what the weather’s doing.

A little forgiveness goes a long way...

Posted on 14th November 2018 at 08:00

There are some words we all seem to have issues with and are guaranteed to hit a sensitive spot. Perhaps it’s the negative connotations they seem to have. Or, they’ve been a buzz word in school / work / media / government / fill in the blank so we’re heartily fed up with them (!).

In the case of the word we’re focussing on today, forgiveness, it’s more of a religious one. It’s seen as setting a standard that seems impossible for us, mere mortals, to attain.

Dig out the dictionary – or do an internet search – and it’s easy to see why this word invokes such feelings. Its definition includes words like “exoneration, purgation, pardon, pity, mercy, clemency” with even “tolerance, understanding, leniency” sounding like a pretty tall order.

So, today, we’d like to give a different perspective on forgiveness. One that makes it something we could actually achieve without super human efforts.

Fibromyalgia, is it all in the mind?

Posted on 7th November 2018 at 08:00

It’s a myth of modern medicine that there’s a definitive test / investigation / scan to allow every disease / condition / syndrome to be conclusively diagnosed. And, once this has occurred, a treatment protocol is ready and waiting to address the issue.

Sadly, this isn’t the case, with many patients failing to get a definitive diagnosis for their particular set of symptoms. Spending years in limbo trying to make sense of what’s happening to them.

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