The Season of Giving

'Tis the season of giving! One of the best gifts we can give, this festive season, is the gift of time. Give your time to an elderly neighbor, friend or family member. Whoever you are with, give the gift of your time.

December 17

Nutritious Thoughts

We all like to feel good don't we? And we all have our health conscious stints! But have you thought about the health of your mind? Just about everything evolves through our mind, revolves around our mind and involves the use of our mind.

Get mind conscious. Start feeding your mind nourishing, nutritious, healthy thoughts. It's not only good for you, but it will also make you feel good. Are you ready to go on a health stint?

December 18

Avoid the Trap

Most of us fall into the trap of making last minute New Year's resolutions. As a result, our resolutions are based on what’s bothering us at that time, rather than things that are really going to make a difference. You can avoid this trap by giving your resolutions some thought beforehand. Rethink where you need to go in the next year. Then make resolutions that will make a difference in your life.

To increase your chances of keeping your New Year's resolutions, you may want to set resolutions that are achievable, rather than over ambitious.

Unwrapping the Gift

Don’t you love unwrapping gifts…. the anticipation, as you wonder what on earth could be inside?

Now, with that same anticipation and excitement – unwrap each day as a gift.

Even if the day is not how you want it to be, unwrap it as a gift, and you might just be surprised, delighted and maybe even grateful.

December 20

Rehashing Decisions

Do you have the habit of rehashing decisions already made? If the decision is not working out for you and you’re not happy, then see if changing your decision is an option. If it is, then change it. If you don’t have the option to change your decision, then like with anything else, just take the opportunity to make it work for you!

December 21

Sense and Spirituality

Sense is practical intelligence. Some of it is learned, yet the implication is that we have an inbuilt idea of right and wrong that enables us to act accordingly. Spirituality is about understanding the self and realigning our sense of self with how we relate to the world around us. When we integrate sense and spirituality, we engage meaningfully with a spiritual sensibility.

December 22

Accepting criticism

When someone criticizes you, learn to listen – don’t interrupt or start giving excuses. If there’s any validity in the criticism – agree, apologize and see what you can change. If the criticism is wrong or unfair say: ‘That’s an interesting point of view but, I don’t agree with you.’

December 23

Festive Pressures

Reduce festive pressures by planning well, but try not to have expectations that are too unrealistic. And remember that if things go wrong, don’t get so uptight about things – it’s not the end of the world. Let Christmas just happen. And don’t forget what it’s all really about, fun and celebration. So, go on, have fun and celebrate!

December 24

Everyday Angels

Sometimes it feels as if angels appear right on cue. But perhaps for most of us, it’s the recognition that the solutions are more likely to be found in everyday things around us and in our friends. It may well be that it is we ourselves who are in the position of being an angel. A kind word, a smile or simply our presence can touch another person and set off a ripple. By maintaining sensitivity for the well-being of others, we may give ourselves the opportunity to see life through an angel’s eyes.

December 25

Something to Give

Today, make sure whoever you come into contact with doesn’t go away empty handed. They should feel that they’ve gained something from the interaction. Find something to share that will benefit them and make them feel better. It doesn’t have to be a physical object, it could be an encouraging word, a solution or even a positive thought or a good wish.

December 26

Introvert or an Extrovert?

Are you an introvert or an extrovert? Or are you a little bit of both? Whichever way you lean, try to balance your introversion-extroversion. Enjoy solitude as well as the company of others. Be active and reflective. Understand yourself and thrive.

December 27

A Pantomime Mindset

“I can’t!” Believe you can’t and you most likely won’t! Instead, get into a pantomime mindset and face your doubts with amusement and fun. So every time you hear “Oh No, You Can’t!” say to yourself “Oh Yes, I Can!” Believe you can and you most likely will!

December 28

Music Moods

Music has an effect on your mood. Music soothes the soul and guides you to reminisce. Music fills you with optimism and motivation and boosts your focus endurance. But music can also have a negative effect. It can be distracting, agitating…. Why not use music to your advantage. Pick the right kind of music to create the mood you want.

December 29

Stop. Think. Respond.

Rethink before reacting. Don’t say the first thing that comes into your head, but slow down and think carefully about how you want to respond. Stop. Think. Then speak.

December 30

Forward Thinking

As the new year approaches, it’s almost impossible not to think ahead in some way. Our thoughts will certainly influence how the year will unfold; after all, our thoughts are the starting point of all that we create. The quality of our thinking today shapes the quality of our life tomorrow. What are your thoughts about the future?