Focus, focus, focus. So much depends on what we choose to notice and how we frame it. Do you see the glass half empty or half full? Is your work load overwhelming or demanding but interesting? Are the kids noisy and disruptive or fun loving and active? Do you make mistakes or learn lessons? So much depends on the way we choose to see it and the great thing is, we do have choice and we can practice looking through [...]
A recent article in The Daily Good cited the 54 page study by Microsoft Corporation, which has found that our digital lifestyle is reducing our concentration span. It’s now 8 seconds …that’s less than a goldfish (9 seconds)! In effect, technology is now creating generations of ‘ADHD’ like adults who are becoming accustomed to constant stimuli and the need for distraction. For example, 77 percent of people aged 18 to 24 responded “yes” when asked “When nothing is occupying my [...]
Life can get confusing and overwhelming at times and in the midst of the storm, it can be hard to find clarity. How do you make the right choice when you feel torn in multiple directions? Writing 20 minutes a day, for four consecutive days, has been shown to really help? Just 20 minutes of non-stop writing, without thinking about; grammar, punctuation or spelling, can reduce stress levels, remove mental blocks and open up new possibilities! In 2004 Dr. Alan [...]
I was picking my path carefully, jumping from one boulder or driftwood log to the next, when I was struck by the realisation. “I haven’t thought about work for at least three days!” Wow, HOW did that happen? That day, on my way to the outdoor ‘loo’, below the high tide mark at our camping area on Ross Islets off Vancouver Island’s wild west coast, I experienced a sense of relief (no, not that kind of relief!). It reminded me [...]
Mel Gibson is quoted as saying, “I’ve learned that a bitter experience can make you better.” No doubt you have proved this too. It CAN make you better but it requires having adequate support, coping mechanisms and resources. A recent study reported on the critical role that mothers play in helping children thrive or flourish in adversity.* Adverse Childhood Experiences** (ACEs), situations like a family breakup, the death of a parent, living with someone who is depressed for more than [...]
As we lead up to International Women’s Day next week, we’ve nominated March to be our month to focus on inspirational women - some that we know and some whom we only know by reputation. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to contemplate what we can do now to improve the conditions of women in the future. As a mother, this is particularly close to my heart as I consider how life will unfold for our daughters and their daughters. The [...]
I saw my friend’s eyebrows raise in amusement, perhaps even a hint of astonishment, when I told her, “I’m going surfing tomorrow.” Learning to surf was on THE LIST for Miss 16 and her birthday seemed like the perfect opportunity. In lieu of a birthday party and to honour her wish to make this year one of activity and adventure, the family decided to go along for the ‘ride’! So, there I was with the rest of the class; our [...]
Holidays can bring many different experiences. I tend to use the Christmas one to restore my own balance and connect with what’s important again - the people I cherish, experiences that time doesn’t necessarily permit throughout the year and a chance to contemplate a focus for the year ahead. How do you use holidays? Would you like to share? One of my highlights over the last two weeks, apart from family time, was being in Melbourne on a Sunday near [...]