As much as I spend a large amount of time reading online, I still don’t think you can beat holding a real book in your hands.
Next on my reading list is Not Quite Nigella. I received it for my birthday and I think the gigantic box of chocolates makes the perfect match.
Linking up with My Little Drummer Boys for Wordless Wednesday.
As much as I’m enjoying my weekly A to Z, and learning so much more about myself along the way, this week I’m taking a break.
Today is my 49th birthday, and because I’m always telling everyone else to be nice to themselves, I thought it was a good opportunity to practice what I preach, and celebrate me.
For quite a while, due to a crazy situation I let myself fall into, I didn’t think very highly of myself. So sad when I look back on that time now, but it also feels like a lifetime ago, and I have to say it helped me be the person I am today. I’m so happy that since meeting John, who I consider my soulmate, in my early 30s, I’ve definitely been on the path to my best life.
So putting humility away for five minutes, I’m going to think of some adjectives for me, and be proud of who I am.
A - animal mama.
B - bubbly, bouncy.
C - caring, coffee addict.
D - dizzy, deleriously content, dreamer.
E - excitable.
F - faithful.
G - generous, sometimes a little greedy.
H - happy, huggy.
I - instinctual. Instagram convert.
J - joyful.
K - kind.
L - loving, listmaker.
M - motherly.
N - nice.
O - open, organized.
P - positive. Pinterest lover.
Q - quirky.
R - respectful, real.
S - silly, sharing.
T - true, tenacious.
U - unique, unstoppable.
V - vivacious, vague.
W - wife-of-the-year, wannabe writer.
X - xxx kisses for all.
Y - young-at-heart.
Z - zen of course.
There are so many words to describe ourselves, I would love to hear some that make up who you are.
Linking up with Essentially Jess for 
This week I’m grateful for family. My mum’s and my birthdays are just 2 days apart, so we usually celebrate at the one time.
This weekend we got together with extended family for a lovely relaxed birthday lunch, and it was so nice to share with a group of people who don’t see each other quite often enough.
Everyone has busy lives, but every now and then it’s good to slow down and appreciate each other.
Linking up with Maxabella loves for 52 Weeks of Grateful.
Whenever you need a smile, watch this. I guarantee you won’t be able to keep from grinning. He’s an absolute gem!
Linking up with My Little Drummer Boys for Wordless Wednesday.
This is the best I could think up for Q, help me out with yours.
Quiet – Take some time every day to just stop and soak up the quiet. Our brains get so overloaded with information, they sometimes feel like they’re spinning. Find somewhere quiet, it may even be in your car before you leave for work in the morning, and just enjoy a few minutes of peace. You need to centre yourself and reset every now and then, to cope with everything that your brain needs to process. Make this a habit, and your day will run a lot smoother.
Quench – Most people have a thirst for knowledge to a certain extent, and to feel complete you need to quench this. If there’s a subject that you’ve always wanted to learn more about, why not study or research it? One of my very favourite places to spend time is our local library, and even if you don’t have one close, there’s always the internet. It’s never too late to learn more, and can be so satisfying to expand your knowledge, especially if it’s something you’re passionate about. After working in retail for many years, I returned to study, to follow my passion for natural therapies. This line of education has been more valuable than I could ever imagine, and is something I use in my everyday life. Don’t ever think that you’ve left it too late to learn new things, take any opportunity that comes your way and run with it.
Quit – Too often we are bombarded with the message to quit. Quit smoking, drinking, overeating, whatever it is we’re doing to ourselves that’s not so good. But do all these messages hounding us really achieve what they’re meant to? You know what’s good for you and what’s not. Many people will tell you that if a message is pushed on them too much, they’ll do the opposite just to be contrary, a little bit of “you can’t tell me what to do!” Let’s give each other a little credit, and allow adults to make their own educated decisions. I’m of the opinion that the huge amount of money spent on advertising that tells us to quit things, could be better spent on research and medical facilities. Making our own decisions and taking responsibility for our own actions is actually quite liberating.
Quest – Set yourself a personal quest. Think of something you’ve always dreamed of doing, but never dared to. Write it on a piece of paper, put it somewhere safe and work, work, work your way towards it. Keep it a secret, just for yourself if you need to. But make sure you shout it to the world when you achieve that dream. You can do anything you put your mind to, just get started.
Question – We have so much information at our fingertips, finding out about anything is possible these days. But…..don’t always believe everything you read in magazines or hear as gossip. Give the benefit of the doubt, and if you’re at all unsure about authenticity, get all the details you need to make an informed decision. Too many times you hear of friendships, marriages or family relationships break down because of misinformation or the wrong message. Don’t be too quick to think badly of people because of some information that may be from a doubtful source, life’s too short to make enemies or lose friends over a piece of juicy gossip.
Quiver – What makes you tingle with excitement or quiver with anticipation? Are there things you look forward to, and simply can’t wait to experience? Each day can be so same-same, I really think we need something to strive for, something that’s not part of our everyday routine. You may not even be aware of these little things, especially if your average day is chock full of activities. Have a think about what is a highlight of your day and savour it.
Linking up with Essentially Jess for
Last week due to catching up on work, I didn’t get a chance to post my gratefuls. So, I guess I was grateful for being busy, even though some regular tasks don’t always get completed.
This week I’m grateful that I got to enjoy going out with my two favourite people, John and I went to the movies, and I went with Bell to see her school performance of Hairspray.
Over 100 seniors made up the cast and crew and I seriously couldn’t believe the standard of the show they put on. The level of professionalism was something you would expect at any of the large venues where the big shows are playing.
It was so lovely to both get dressed up and enjoy a night out, just us girls. I just hope that it’s a long time before she thinks it’s not cool to go places with your mum.
So today, on Mother’s Day, I’m extra grateful for the bond between little girls and their mums.
Linking up with Maxabella loves for 52 Weeks of Grateful.
Discovering these creatures is one of my favourite things about walking along the beach.
Linking up with My Little Drummer Boys for Wordless Wednesday.
