January can be a long dark month, the festivities of Christmas are well and truly past and the cold weeks of February lie ahead; but looking from my kitchen window this morning I was reminded that rebirth into the light is not an option but a fact!

Who doesn't love the time of spring? Who doesn't love the spectacular miracle of spring flowers that carpet our gardens and parks? The riot of colours and aroma can furnish us with optimism anew as we witness the unfolding cycles of life.

I enjoy my garden but I must confess that I do not possess green fingers. Over the years I have done deals with the our Faerie friends, suggesting to them that if they wouldn't mind positioning a few choice plants for me I would make sure that our space was kept clear and bright. I have to say that they have always come good! An Iris here, a Gladioli there, Harebells and Bluebells not to mention blooms that I don't even know the name of, in return I have endeavoured to keep my word and indeed the garden has become an extra room, particularly splendid in the summer months.

I am always enthused about life when the Snowdrops appear, as they do at this time of year, little glistering clusters of hope. I love them and so did my Mother. She was a gardener. She had a knack for it and knew what to plant and when, in January in her garden, the rockeries would be full of winter flowers, especially Snowdrops.

My Mother passed to spirit in January 2001. During the intervening years I feel that I have come to know my Mum in a very special way, I believe that relationships continue after physical death and in fact the relationship can deepen and become more loving. Just as well really as I was an independent spirit and moved away to pursue my life when quite young.

Every year, at the end of January, without fail, a solitary clump of snowdrops grow; Placed in an obscure, random fashion in the corner of the lawn. (Or what would be a lawn if there was any grass!)

Just one single bunch of white sacred flowers. They first appeared the first year after my Mum made her transition. I just happened to look from my window one cold, wintery morning and there they were.

Their discovery made all the more poignant by the fact that I, like the flowers was beginning to emerge from a dark period in my life. A time when on several occasions I wanted to reach out...

As soon as I saw them I knew that they were there because of my Mother. A reminder that her essence is always with me. Spirit confirming that life goes on in all its myriad forms. I am often amazed at how ingenious Spirit can be in an attempt to show how rich life can be, there is no death, we just have to listen and look and be aware.

So, there they are again. One single clump of Snowdrops in the corner of my garden, perfectly positioned so I can see them from my window. Every time I look at them I marvel at the wonders of spirit, the beauty of life, that something so small can be so immense and most importantly of all, the reminder that love never dies.

The planet Neptune rules the sign Pisces, and enters this sign, returning to its source, on February 4th after its 160-180 year cycle of the Zodiac. It will remain here for about 14 years. An interesting point of synchronicity is that as Neptune enters Pisces so too we begin the Chinese year of the Water Dragon, which characteristics also resemble the sign Pisces.

Neptune symbolises the subtle realm of feelings, dream, fantasy, illusion, imagery, imagination and psychic connection. The mystic, the artist and the healer are connected with the sign Pisces. Characteristics of Pisces are devotion, compassion, formlessness, a sense of at-one-ment – the ability to lose oneself in something and become one with it. Both Pisces and Neptune are associated with the Ocean, with the source, the wholeness or completeness of all life.

When Neptune enters an area of our life, we may first experience a sense of confusion and disillusionment, we may feel completely overwhelmed, especially by dreams and our imagination which may cause havoc to our psyche. It may feel like things are falling apart, dissolving, and there can be a loss of focus, and a sense of dissatisfaction. Things and structures in our life that we felt certain, secure about may begin to change shape or literally disappear. There is, however, a subtle and psychic energy associated with Neptune – something in us needs healing, refining and re-imagining. Neptune can be associated with distillation, an alchemical refining process.

Something has to be broken down, become formless, melt away and then shift shape in order to emerge into another form. There can be a dream like quality to this. This flowing movement, from one thing to another, can also be seen in the symbol for Pisces. Two fishes swimming in opposite directions although connected by their tails with a snaking umbilical cord. When drawing this symbol myself, I was surprised to find how it resembles the Chinese Yin Yang symbol!

If we approach this alchemical process with fear – fear of loss or chaos perhaps – and cling like limpets to an old, outworn form or way of being, then we may suffer. It can cause discomfort, pain and may even be toxic. This is a delicate, subtle process and we need guidance. The artist, the mystic, the healer are more attuned to this process of shift, of change and of formlessness because it is part of the creative process and of 'creation' itself.

So we need to enter the Neptunian and Piscean realm with a quiet, still and contemplative approach. We must find both inner and outer space and give appropriate time to clearing out what is no longer essential and become empty. It may be appropriate to even divest ourselves, for a while, of material concerns and illusions. It is not for nothing that both Neptune and Pisces require reverence, compassion and a sense of devotion.

If we have been focusing on something too hard, trying too hard, then we may be required to let go, let be. Neptune helps us to overcome a problem, by shifting our focus, by not concentrating or straining, and then it may just dissolve – simply melt away – or we may discover, much to our surprise, that it just wasn't a problem after all. We were just looking at it in the wrong way, or for it in the wrong place! So Neptune requires that we 'step back', give things space and Pisces requires – like the two fishes swimming in opposite directions – that we turn around and look in the opposite direction! On a worldly scale this can perhaps be seen in the shift of focus, of power, from West to East!

Neptune in Pisces requires us to reconnect to our feelings, which are not the same as emotions. Feelings are far more sensitive and subtle, and extremely hard to describe because of this. Feelings require us to tune in with our whole body, to become aware and this is intelligence! Aware and awake to our feelings, so that we can become intelligent human beings and have reverence for others, for our environment and for all life as this is the foundation of Compassion.

So the refining process, the alchemy and tests, we are put through with Neptune especially in the sign of Pisces is to raise our consciousness. But it is a process that needs time, space and a different dream! And to build a new dream we have to use our imagination, re-image, and devote ourselves to it, but it requires a different foundation, according to Neptune - one that is more spiritual and less material.

Colour, music and some kinds of art can help connect to the feeling realm.

An exercise to begin to tune into the feeling realm – (you will need some music without words and colouring equipment)

Find a quiet space when you can be alone. Make yourself comfortable – preferably lying down – and put the music on. Close your eyes and allow the music to play through your body. Simply feel and be aware how and where your body responds to the sounds. Let it wash through you.

When you have done this, sit up and gather your colouring pens or paints and paper. Quieten your mind, be still, so that you are in a contemplative frame of mind. Play the music again and express the feelings running through you with the colours on the paper.

There is no thought, no analysis, no judgement, just simply let go and let it all flow through and out of you. Try doing this with different kinds of music and you can also try this with different places in nature.

We'd love to have your comments on Felicity's blog. You can make them directly here or contact us on Facebook or Twitter.

I decided not to make any New Years resolutions this year. I've normally thrown them out the window by the second week of Jan. At best they last til March.

In the second week of Jan, I went for life resolutions. I figured that I'd stand of half a chance of being more committed if I took a life view. Not rocket science, I know. But it was a mini epiphany for me!

One of the areas I chose was "me" time and not to feel guilty about it. Oooo, that's a tough one!

So why "me" time? It's said that you need to be a bit selfish with yourself to be able to help others. I don't mean endless acts of self-centredness. Just simply taking care of yourself in all aspects of your life.

So last week I started an art class. Drawing for the Totally Terrified. Such a great title!

I was useless at art and disinterested in the subject when I was at school.

My only memories of art lessons are:

• very unkindly taunting my art teacher
• painting a very weird dustbin in a back yard
• climbing into the water system above the art room with some friends to pour powder paints into the system. This resulted in a delightful rainbow of colours bubbling out of various school drains and detentions

Right now I'd like to say sorry to my art teacher tho' I fear she may no longer be with us.

So why at 54 with such a bad track record in art did I opt to start Drawing for the Totally Terffied?

The need to create was building up in me like the desire for Rich Tea biscuits late at night when the biscuit tin's empty. It's too late to buy any cos you're in your jimjams. But you become obsessed with having them.

I was nervous of taking the first step, of what the teacher would think about my lack of talent, and what I myself would think about it.

But there I was at my first class. I was welcomed by the lovely Liz. An interesting, warm, engaging and informative person with a cracking sense of humour. I took to her straight away. What's that saying? "when the student is ready, the teacher presents itself?"

 

Liz asked me to pick an object to draw so that we could see where I was at. I chose a snowman biscuit tin from her kitchen. And here it is. Fortunately, with a little gentle prompting from my teacher, I was able to analyse what wasn't right with it and also what was good about it.

I found the whole process totally absorbing. I was absolutely, totally, utterly in the moment. I didn't care (too much) that my snowman wasn't 3 dimensional and out of proportion. One day he will be.

The next exercise that we went through was even more enlightening. But more of this another time.

I went away feeling invigorated, refreshed and actually a bit joyful! How good is that?

Taking care of yourself is important. Too often we get lost in the moments of others, our work, friends and families and not ourselves.

Facing fears? Well I'm no expert. But I faced my snowman...  and I'm still here to tell the tale.

Are you taking any "me" time? Please share your experiences with us here, on Facebook or Twitter.

As I said in my first blog, I've always felt that writing isn't my forte... so as a form of punishment my lovely partners in business decided to make me write another one.

And they also gave me a specific topic ... Fear. I wonder why they thought that I'd be right one for this delicate, distressing, negative emotion? Ok ... so here we go ...

This four-letter word is surely the main dish in everybody's menu. It may come in so many different shapes and forms but the paralysing effect that fear can project on everyone is the same.

I don't know what kind of fears you have, but I'm pretty sure that whatever they are they all boil down to the same thing ... survival!

What I've just said might sound pretentious, but take a minute to think about it ... and you'll probably end up agreeing with me.

Fear of the dark, fear of public speaking, fear of not succeeding or even succeeding, fear of snakes...fear of being alone in this life.

You name it and you'll see they all lead to the fear of death and therefore not existing.

OMG! I feel stuck now and I'm afraid of not being able to untangle myself from what I've just said.

Fear is the ability to recognise danger and flee from it or confront it. Also known as the Fight or Flight response.

I believe that in my life I've experienced all the shapes and forms of fear since the age of three. Living in a very dysfunctional family that instead of protecting me and helping me through life, exposed me to all the dangers of life...

I soon had to learn to recognise those dangers and take personal responsibility for protecting myself. I would've gone bonkers if I hadn't! And maybe even chosen to stop living.

So what's my point?

Despite everything, I've managed to get to 44 years, but with several cuts and bruises! I'm not trying to big myself up here.

Fear is a subject dear to my heart and I'm keen to explore how we get past it. One of the biggest blocks in our lives.

As a therapist, one of my clients once asked me "what's the greatest thing that you'd like to do?" "Remove fear" was my answer.

Rightly or wrongly, I think many of us have the tendency to give ourselves up to our fears. Allow them to take control and eventually freeze us in situations where the way out is practically invisible.

Well... my experience and those of other great people I know, like Jude and Kate, are that fears can be challenged and fought to make the best out of our lives. To free ourselves and be liberated from that paralysing sensation of living in a limbo ...

It doesn't matter how tough everything looks... for as long as we're breathing, there's always a light at the end of the tunnel that's worth walking towards. We have to find the strength and reach outside our own narrow view of the present situation. To step away from our fear for just a moment. Pause long enough to find the slightest faith in the universal truth ... that this too has its purpose in the great scheme of things. And to know that the lesson being presented to us, if learned, will fortify us and bring us closer to our mission in life.

I'd love to hear from you guys and about your own experiences.

I have no doubt that sharing my thoughts on the above topic is a tad dangerous - perhaps my words should first be screened by a psychologist. But, no time for caution today - the sun is out and I've got to get to the gym in the next 45 minutes.

Like most people, I have moments where I am consumed by regret. And yet, since I am neither a trained theologian or psychologist, I have no idea what triggers this condition, what makes it better or worse some days, or what resolves the issue(s). So, lacking this foundation in learning and study, I still plan - in the course of this blog - to recommend boldly that regret plays no value in our lives.

 

It's your choice, reader: buy a book by someone who deserves the initials after their name from years of hard work, or read on and see if my life lessons hold some value for you.

 

My first recommendation: ditch the regret with the little things so you develop a pattern of putting less pressure on yourself each day.

 

Why the "baby steps" approach? Because by the time you reach my decade, if you have been good at feeling regret, you'll be spectacular at it with all the practice that multiple jobs, friends, lovers and locations have offered over the years. It moves beyond the classic "wish I hadn't done that" to "why didn't I take advantage of that when I lived there or had that job"... It moves into the most dangerous territory of all: "what a waste my life has been."

 

I've never been a fan of New Year's Resolutions (an ingenious psychological game designed to heighten regret) and yet I find myself every day setting a series of nearly impossible goals so that I feel some degree of regret (and failure) by the evening. Tasks include work, exercise, cleaning, mending, shopping, cooking, writing, reading - jeez, talk about trying to achieve the impossible in 17-18 hours of a day.

 

Sidebar - please do not be fooled by the so-called: "I do it all" types. I'm not being mean spirited, but it is very important to remember that just as every advertisement and photo in a fashion magazine is the product of many people working many hours to achieve perfection (trust me, I used to be part of that fantasy machine) - so too is the ability to "do it all" enhanced by cleaners, PAs, cooks, trainers, home beauty treatments, internet shopping, taxis, and many other forms of time management and support!!! My first job in Washington, DC, involved working with the CEO of a large, global company on a legislative issue - I remember being in awe of all he could accomplish and mentioned to one of his deputies that he must be running all the time. "On the contrary," I was told, "he doesn't do any shopping, cooking, cleaning, running errands, has no family to be social with in the evening, has all the time to focus on his work." That's how they do it, if you were wondering - especially the women you read about and fear you can never match. As for me, I have to admit that in the last six months I came to the conclusion that my new definition of success would be having the extra income to pay some kind person to keep my house clean - not there yet, but working on it.

 

Back to those baby steps: a good day goes like this, I wake in the morning and decide I will not put pressure on myself to do multiple loads of laundry, cook a great dinner (after shopping too), have the dishes done, get in my daily 1 hour cardio training, do those free weights for my arms and core exercises, and spend 7-8 hours reading and writing. A good day means that if I do two or three of the above, I tell myself to be proud of my accomplishment as I could have simply stayed in bed and watched DVDs. A good day means I have more energy to focus on my limited goals than trying to divide my energy across so many tasks that make me angry with my inability to time manage or move more quickly. And I don't have children - so please, baby steps especially if you have little ones to nurture and turn into happy and productive citizens.

 

When I was recovering from my accident I surprised myself with my ability to see the positive from the negative: if I was able to move my leg even 1cm more after a set of exercises, I called that a great victory. I told myself I was living through a phase where the smallest progress deserved to be claimed as a great accomplishment. I remember that time very well, but find it is hard to regain that perspective and be kind to and proud of my work each day.

 

A very dear friend of mine has the ability to inspire me constantly with a creative turn of phrase. When I find myself slipping into regret mode (which is still extremely easy for me to do), she tells me to "think new thoughts." As simple as that? No, it's not - but it's a good challenge. Take that oncoming regret thought - "why didn't I get more done today?" - and flatten it with "I am pleased with my progress, what's left to be finished tomorrow?" Sure it's a mind game, but so is feeling regret. With her advice I am simply choosing which mind game I will succumb to at any particular time.

 

This entry is a bit rambling - but if you take any content from these words, I hope it is this: please don't use the precious energy you have for each day on thoughts of regret. Regret is nothing more than an insidious attempt by a toxic part of your psyche to turn you against yourself and deny you the joy of knowing that you accomplished something. Think a new thought: I am doing something and I am moving forward, tomorrow I'll get another centimeter of progress - well done me.

 

I'd love to hear your (new??) thoughts on this - post them here, or on Twitter or Facebook. 

Yes I am. And here's my 5th and final attempt at writing about it!

Being Present's been on my mind a lot lately. I'm not sure why. Maybe it's because I've been trying to be it.

If you're expecting an intellectual debate, please flick to another page on our website. I'm more the yellow and black Dummies Guide kind of woman. And for the sake of accuracy, I checked, yes there's a Dummies Guide to Mindfulness. For a fleeting moment, my ego monster stirred and wondered if I could be the first to write such a book.

I'm not sure that I even really know, I mean really know what Being Present means.

 

Here's, I think, the official definition of Being Present or Mindfulness:

"Keeping one's consciousness alive to the present moment". Thich Nhat Hanh

Last week I picked up a copy of Spirit & Destiny that had an article about this very subject. Sadly my dog ripped it to shreds in an attention seeking moment. However, I did manage to salvage their definition:

"focusing on the here and now, paying close attention to what you're doing – no matter how mundane – and observing your thoughts without judgement."

So with all possibilities of plagiarism from Spirit & Destiny consigned to the re-cycling bin or my Springer Spaniel's stomach ... here are my simple thoughts on the subject.

Why Be Present?

There's said to be possible health benefits in a variety of areas ... I only list a few:

• stress management
• immune system function
• eating disorders
• relationship issues
• depression

I can't vouch for these but recognise the benefits of meditation in myself.

Why do I think it's important?

On perhaps a very basic level, I believe we miss out on much in life by not being in the here and now. By doing so we can actually feel really good!

I said this was my 5th attempt at writing this blog. I realised each time that while writing my mind was processing other thoughts: "the washing machine's about to finish its cycle and start making that annoying beep, I need to take my beloved dog out for a pee soon, hope she can hang on til I finish this ..." You get my drift?

Does it really matter? Would my blog be improved by 100% focus? I'm certain it would be. Even now, I'm thinking about an email I need to... no, want to respond to.

I think we have the capacity to reduce the quality of our interactions with others by not being there, really listening. Yes we all know this. But if we're honest, I'm sure we're all guilty of letting our minds drift when others are talking or we're wishing they'd hurry up so we could get our 4-penny-worth in. If you don't, then I take my hat off to you and hope I haven't insulted you in the process. And now my mind's on hats and why I don't look good in them!

What else do we miss out on?

• the beauty of our environment, of nature?
• our intuitive feelings?
• nudges from the Universe?

How do we Be It?

Well, I haven't been finding it that easy. Meditation helps. Otherwise it's been a very conscious effort. And little by little it's getting easier. And as this happens, the more I enjoy it and the better and more alive I feel.

I'm lucky enough to live close to a park where I take my dog for a run early every morning.

I've done this countless times and it's only now I notice that there are parakeets in the trees and on the vast expanse of grass. That the Siberian Geese stop still, all in a line and stare at us as we romp past. The funny ways my dog has and the incredible eye contact she makes with me even when we're out ... unless there are squirrels around. The knarls in some of the old trees. The cloud formations. And all this makes me smile and feel good.

Cooking? My favourite foods are Thai and Chinese. While I love eating the dishes, how many times have I groaned at the preparation involved! Too much effort, I'll knock up a quick pasta dish instead. I won't say I've perfected this, but you know, when I really just let myself go in the preparation of the food ... well it's relaxing and I'm sure the meal tastes that much better.

I definitely haven't mastered washing up and ironing yet!

I think Being Present is about taking baby steps to start with and not beating yourself over the head when you're not here. Please correct me if I'm wrong!

To conclude ...

Yesterday, I had a reading with an animal communicator that was just amazing. And I appreciate that this won't be everyone's cup of tea. A snippet from our session. My dog asked her if I could be a bit more present with her. Ouch! I wonder just how much of that Spirit & Destiny article she digested?

Would love to hear your thoughts on Being Present. I could certainly do with some help! What do you do?

Please comment here, email us or get us on Twitter.

A recent article in the Daily Mail by Jenny Hope reported that if you eat a big breakfast you’ll only eat more during the rest of the day.

Well now I am totally lost!

I was brought up to believe that breakfast was the most important meal of the day. Sets you up. And as you know, we’re all about how you start your day at the mo.

My daily intake is wildly variable and depends whether it’s a week-day or a weekend.

In an ideal world, I’ll start with an espresso, take my Springer out and make a healthy juice on my return. Frankly, this does involve considerable effort … all that veg and fruit washing. And please will someone invent a juicer that’s quick and easy to clean! But after a mix of oranges, carrots, ginger, celery and garlic, I feel perky and energetic. So it’s worth it.

Or I’ll do a juice and a lovely porridge with semi-skimmed milk, sultanas and honey. Does it make me eat more during the rest of the day? I have absolutely no idea. But I am going to watch this for the next few weeks.

But there are days when I crave a bacon sarnie! As I don’t normally have bacon in the fridge this increases the desire. But you know what, I give in to it. Moderation is the key isn’t it?

So I’m trying an experiment. For this week, I shall juice. Next week I’ll mostly be doing porridge … and maybe a bacon sarnie at the weekend.

Let us know what you think on Twitter or Facebook.

In the meantime, here’s the link to Jenny Hope’s article:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1348434/Forget-portions-fruit-veg-day.html

I took a chance late in 2010 and finally - no kidding, after about 15 years - committed to reading a bit of The Artist’s Way.  I say “chance” because I go through phases of wanting to improve my self-awareness in the hope of being a better and more successful person, and through phases where I am more than a bit skeptical about the benefits of “self-help books”  and too much introspection.

It should be simple - a “self-help book” shouldn’t carry the stigma of “failed at solving it myself” or “making a bit too much out of this - deal with it”, but I’m confident I’m not the only person who interprets this section of Amazon and any bookstore this way...  

The book was given to me in 1996 shortly after I was hit by a tow truck (speeding, the doctors estimated based on my injuries, at 65MPH) and found myself with about 25 fractures and the prospect of spending most of the next year in a wheelchair while my bones healed, my muscles atrophied and my brain had time to contemplate my future.  Hopefully understandable given I was completely focused on healing and regaining my strength, I promptly set the book on a shelf where it was then transferred to a storage box and remains to this day along with a load of furniture (but all that is for another time).

And so, in 2010 I took a chance which demonstrated (once again) that any hesitation to improve my self-awareness confirmed my status as only slightly more evolved than those of my ancestors who foraged for food and slept on rocks.  No, I didn’t get the book out of storage, just a downloaded PDF from the author’s website called:  “The Basic Tools.”

In case you’re wondering, I don’t see myself as an artist in any way - that role in the family script belongs to my older brother who happens to have perfect pitch along with a particularly deft hand for drawing and design.  I was under the impression the book was designed not just for aspiring artists but for anyone who felt “blocked” and unable to be creative:  creative at business development, creative at problem solving, creative at setting goals and creative at enjoying life.  

I decided to read the 19 pages of text...   Oops, another day gone (not quite sure how I spent it, pages not yet read)...  Wow, 4 more days passed (what have I been doing with my time???)...  Finally - feeling very zen - sitting on my fitness ball (let’s work the core muscles while I stretch my self-awareness) and finding all sorts of reasons to be distracted (no, I don’t have ADHD, but do have a problem committing to “soft text” - things that are written very right-brain by people who are unlike those I deal with usually). I finished the text and decided to try the recommendation about the morning pages.

The Morning Pages, as defined in the PDF, are a commitment to write three pages first thing each day.  To be clear, it’s a commitment to write whatever you want to write over three pages - first thing every morning.  

The goal is simple:  if you wake up and set yourself to writing with no intention of judging or evaluating (or even reading it back for the first few weeks) what you write, you create an environment where thoughts flow easily.  

The Morning Pages are about unblocking your creativity - and silencing that inner voice, your “Censor”, that finds a way over the years to shut down your confidence .  We all have one - that voice that eats away at us when it comes to going after a new job, sticking with a diet, believing we deserve someone who loves us in a positive and healthy way.  I hate that voice - and am often stunned at how much influence I let it have over my decisions.  I’ll try anything to turn off that voice...

How glad I am that I did commit to the Morning Pages.  You can read the testimonials in the PDF (www.theartistsway.com/tools/the-basic-tools) and I very much hope you give the Pages a try.  I don’t write first thing in the morning and I don’t write every day (I pride myself on being a rugged individualist), but I wouldn’t be writing this little missive (or the ones that follow) if I hadn’t started the Pages.  It is incredible what a brain can do after you let it warm up with no judgment.  It is incredible how I hear my “Censor” now and how I have more strength to challenge that unhelpful little voice.

I’ll leave it at that - read the PDF and see if the Pages suit your lifestyle (I’ve not yet committed to The Artist’s Date, but have no regrets that there may be more unblocking benefits coming my way).  I’ve found writing The Morning Pages to be life-changing in a positive and energizing way.

Give it a try and let us know what you think.

D’you wake up full of joy, eager to get on with your day … even on a Monday? Yes? Great! Then read no further.

So how do you start your day? Dragged out of sleep by an annoying alarm, children bouncing on your bed, the cat pulling at your duvet or your dog pawing at you because she wants to eat and go out and sniff the streets?

For me it’s the latter. But there’s one thing I do before my feet touch the floor, flick on the espresso machine and grab the poo bags. It’s a tip that I picked up from Joe Dispenza, a neuroscientist who featured in the film ‘What the Bleep”.

I’m with him and I’m convinced that the beginning of the day sets the tone for what follows. You know those days when you spill the milk first thing, swiftly followed by knocking over your mug of whatever, the District Line has yet more signal failures … and on.

So here’s the tip with my own experience added. It might not stop you from spilling the milk but it could just help you start your day in a more, well let’s say, positive and appreciative way.

An expression of gratitude. Some might call it a prayer. The idea is that you say thank you to whoever or whatever, out loud or in your head, for all the things in your life that you’re grateful for.

There’s no rules for your gratitude list.  It’s what’s important to you that counts. And you have to mean it. Really mean it. And I don’t think a little humour goes amiss. Nothing wrong in adding a smile to the beginning of the day!

I won’t deny that there’ve been some days when it sounds like I’m just reeling out the same old list and I’m dying for my coffee. Trust me, these days it just doesn’t work. Resist!


Here’s some of mine to get you going …

I’m grateful

• I woke up this morning without having had a heart attack or a stroke in the night
• Nothing happened to my dog in the night
• For the roof over my head
• For the people in my life … I normally list them out. If you blessed with many then I’d go for the global “people” or you’ll never get out of bed!
• For the food I’m going to eat today
• For the parking space I’ll find in town later
• For the opportunity to start again today

Try this for a week and let us know how you get on. You can get us on Facebook and Twitter or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .