Thought of the week – The Wonders of Ordinary Life

Image from https://pxhere.com/en/photo/87676

“Do not ask your children

to strive for extraordinary lives.

Such striving may seem admirable,

but it is the way of foolishness.

Help them instead to find the wonder

and the marvel of an ordinary life.

Show them the joy of tasting

tomatoes, apples and pears.

Show them how to cry

when pets and people die.

Show them the infinite pleasure

in the touch of a hand.

And make the ordinary come alive for them.

The extraordinary will take care of itself.”

~William Martin, as seen on James Clear’s site, https://jamesclear.com/3-2-1/november-2-2023

Watermelon Mint Mojito

Greetings all!

Summer is finally here, and here is a cocktail that promises you “summer in a glass”!

Image and recipe from 

https://www.totalwine.com/cocktail-recipes/watermelon-mint-mojito

Ingredients:

• 2 part(s) White Rum
• Muddled Watermelon (4 chunks muddled per serving)
• Fresh Mint (10 leaves per serving)
• 3/4 part(s) lime juice
• 3/4 part(s) simple syrup 

Instructions:

• Add lime juice, watermelon, and mint to shaker tin and muddle gently.
• Add remaining ingredients, add ice, and shake hard.
• Strain into a tall glass filled with ice.

Bon Appetit! Let me know how you like it!

Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards

“Declaration of love” by Roland Kranitz

“Cheeky” by Barbara Fleming

“Forgot your birthday again” by Charles Janson

“Sir no photos please” by Dario Nessi

Hide and seek” by Jean Jacques Alcalay

 “Mama’s Tired” by Kathryn Cehrs

"I'm too sexy for my love" by Artur Stankiewicz 

 "The Rock star" by Sanjay Patil

Sources: 

• https://121clicks.com/inspirations/comedy-wildlife-photography-awards-never-seen-photos/
• https://www.cnn.com/2024/09/26/travel/comedy-wildlife-photography-2024-scli-intl

There Are Plenty of Worms to Go Around

Greetings all!

I hope the post title caught your attention! Read on :)

Recently I met a friend for dinner to celebrate their retirement. No, we did not eat worms. My friend shared with me the plan to establish a daily routine, which will now include more time to enjoy new hobbies and tackle unfinished projects.

I then shared my perspective how sometimes I find that doing nothing and just being and relaxing with no plan or agenda (however pleasurable) is restful for the mind, soul, and body. 

Image: https://www.flickr.com/photos/lunaspin/467143804/

I figured my friend thought my slow living is rather boring but later I received this text: “I was thinking I might need to give myself more permission to have a slower pace, less structure, and more room for whatever is sparking joy at the moment. Even if it’s just chilling.”

If you are not sure how to start “just chilling”, here are some nice ideas from CALM:

1) When you don’t know what to do, do nothing and rest.

2) Choosing to prioritize rest in a world that celebrates busyness is not easy. It requires mindfulness, self-awareness, and a commitment to make space for rest and sleep.

3) If you often resist the call for rest, try weaving in pockets of rest into your day. They all add up:

• Take 30 seconds to breathe
• Put your feet up and enjoy a cup of tea
• Go to bed half an hour earlier than usual (even if you don’t fall asleep straight away)

And of course, this is my favorite section! 

Remember: If you can’t sleep, try resting instead. That’s still doing you good.

Reflect: What’s one thing you could *not* do today to make space for rest?

Reframe: The early bird gets the worm -> There are plenty of worms to go around. Keep resting. 

What did you think? Drop me a line!

Source: CALM

10 Ways the Universe Shows Up

 

1. The Universe is always giving you clear direction – it’s up to you to pay attention.

2. The Universe responds to your energy, not your effort. When you attune your energy to the loving frequency of the Universe, you’ll always receive the guidance, support, and wisdom you need.

3. You don’t attract what you want; you attract who you are.

4. Trust the holdups and be patient until you understand why the Universe made you wait. 

5. The more you appreciate what you have, the more the universe gives you to appreciate. 

6. Small daily spiritual actions lead to unshakeable faith in the Universe. You don’t have to “get there” overnight. Take small right actions to release fear and return to love. 

7. Let go of the “how.” Ask for what you want and let the Universe handle the rest.

8. Turn over your plans – the Universe has a better plan than you do.

9. Release the urge to interfere with the natural flow of the Universe.

10. It’s safe to be unapologetic about your desires. Your dreams wouldn’t be placed in your heart if they weren’t meant for you.

~ Gabby Bernstein / Hay House email

10 Ways to Reframe Difficult Work Questions

Greetings all!

I recently came across a fantastic post on LinkedIn on communicating with clarity and authority. Read on how changing the wording can build trust, as well as improve how others perceive you!

1. "Get to the point" -> "Can you help me understand the key takeaway?"

Shows respect while seeking clarity

2. "How did it take so long?" -> “Let's identify what slowed us down"
Shifts blame to problem-solving

3. "You've explained nothing" -> "Could we review the project scope together?"
Creates partnership mindset

4. "You're wasting my time" -> "Let's prioritise our efforts effectively"
Maintains professional boundaries

5. "Email is fine" -> "For non-urgent matters, email works best"
Sets clear communication preferences

6. "Did you even read my email?" -> "I may have miscommunicated my point"
Takes ownership of clarity

7. "Use your brain!" -> “Let's think this through strategically"
Invites collaborative problem-solving

8. "Leave me alone!" -> "I need focused time right now"
Protects boundaries respectfully

9. "Didn't ask for your opinion" -> "I'll reach out when I need input"
Maintains professional respect

10. "Don't pay me enough" -> "That's outside my current scope"
Keeps discussion solution-focused 

What did you think? Drop me a line!

Source: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/mr-harvey-lee_using-savage-replies-only-holds-you-back-activity-7328758560765472768-WtcL?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAKuuaUBaUCHc_BBVkZWcXOIuFKbvDuMu-Q

The Best Way to Store Cucumbers

Greetings all! 

Do you love spring and all the fresh vegetables it brings? I always enjoy a variation of a cucumber-tomato salad, but I noticed that cucumbers do not last long and quickly become watery and mushy. Do you have the same problem?

Thankfully, Ann Taylor Pittman, who is an independent food writer and recipe developer, has found the winning method after trying 9 (yes, nine!) different ways to store cucumbers, one of which I have not even heard of! 

Not only that – but she tried these methods on 4 different kinds cucumbers: a traditional thick-skinned cucumber, an English cucumber (removed from its plastic wrapping), a Persian/mini cucumber, and a pickling cucumber. 

Here are her winning 4 ways with ratings:

1 (WINNER). Wrapped in Paper Towels, Sealed in Zip-Top Bag, on Fridge Shelf – 10/10: Cucumbers lasted 16-19 days!

2. Sealed in Zip-Top Bag with Spoon, on Refrigerator Shelf – 9.5/10 – this method was very new to me

3. Wrapped in Plastic Wrap, in the Crisper – 8/10

4. Wrapped in Paper Towels, Placed in Loose Bag in the Crisper – 7/10 – this is  what I have been doing but now I am going to switch to her #1 method!

Let me know how you store cucumbers! 

Source (with details on all the methods): 

• https://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-store-cucumbers-showdown-23409153
• Photos: Paola + Murray; Food Styling: Olivia Mack McCool