Men: 3 tips for surviving Christmas

The approach to Christmas can be a challenging time. Not only is it a busy time for the person preparing the Christmas Day celebrations, but tension can run in families where couples do not agree on the style of celebrations. Do you recognise the scenario?
Lets look at some tips for the man of the house….. Tip #1  Remember your partner is doing their best to make Christmas a joyous and happy time for all. A little encouragement can go a long way. Tip #2 Rather than complain about the amount of money being spent, try to find some alternative treats or better still make or cook some. Tip #3 Try not to be grumpy if the treats you want are not the same as those your loved ones want. Flexibility at least for Christmas Day will bring family harmony. Apologies for these suggestions to the men who are encouraging, relaxed about the money being spent and flexible with doing what the rest of the family wants on Christmas Day…… 3 tips tomorrow for women on surviving Christmas.

Rumi’s Reflections: Alison Wem’s Journal – Day 6

Whatever lifts the corners of your mouth

Trust that

 

                         Jalal al-Din Rumi

Life is for living and enjoying. We are often so intent on our challenges, we forget to enjoy the good things in our life. Observe yourself and notice what lifts the corners of your mouth. Savour this moment.

Happiness is felt in the moment. Make sure you do not miss it.

Smile at the world and the world smiles back.

Just looking at this lovely smile makes me want to smile.

ABC of Love: o is for oneness

You are never really alone. Sometimes it is hard to connect with others and you feel separate and lonely.

Even when someone passes, communication is possible. Loving one another and having a desire to connect increases the clarity.

Ask a simple question and wait for the response.

Be alert to receive the message in whatever way it choses to arrive – the words of a song on the radio, a bill board, a knowing, a feeling…..

This post is dedicated to my friend and her family who are remembering we are one.

a is for angel                    is balance in life            c is for compassion

 

 

 

 

 

is for dove                   e is for emotions           f is for family

 

 

 

 

 

g is for guide                   h is for home=&0=& is for inner peace

 

 

 

 

 

=&1=& is for joy                         k is for kindness=&2=& is for love

 

 

 

 

 

m is for meditation         is for night                o  is for oneness

     

q=&3=&is for …. see next month’s post

Rumi’s Reflections: Alison Wem’s Journal – Day 5

Greed makes man blind and foolish,

And makes him an easy prey for death

                                                                                        Jalal al-Din Rumi

There are some among us who choose to worship the great god ‘Money’. I have observed that when they have achieved wealth, far from bringing great joy, it brings more work and worry on how to retain it.

Everyone needs a comfortable and safe home, food and warm clothes for their personal well-being. Anything beyond that is a luxury. The time and energy it takes to achieve this ‘luxury’ can make you poor. Poor in time and energy to focus on your relationships, personal study and just enjoying the gift of life.

Can great rugby and great Italian food be combined?

ENGLAND V SOUTH AFRICA

In the final match of the series, England will play South Africa on 20 November 2021 in what will be the first meeting between the sides since the Rugby World Cup 2019 final. This also sees the Springboks back at Twickenham Stadium for the first time since 2018, England edging that game 12-11.

Great Italian food will be served at the match from a vintage Ape Piaggio food truck by Spaggetti on the Road 

Take a look at their fantastic menu that combines the “street“ gastronomic tradition with the Italian cuisine and always ensuring a high quality standard. read more

Small experiences can bring great joy….

Snow has arrived in London! Well a sprinkling of snow has, but its enough to make a snowman….

I am like a child when the snow comes. I have never lost that sense of excitement and wonder of it. A walk in the park showed that I was not alone. On a dreary January day in lockdown London, it was great to see the children making snowmen and having snow ball fights. Their laughter was like a wonderful tonic.

I believe simple experiences can bring great joy. The way to happiness is en-joying experiences rather than ‘things’. They are available to all, as I saw today.