52 Lists: Quotes.

'52 Lists' is a blog activity started by Moorea-seal, based on a book called 'List Yourself'.

Self reflection always appeals to me, so I thought I would give it a go. I'm months behind, but I thought I might just go through them at my own pace now.

Week 15: List Your Favourite Quotes

Wow, this one is going to be near impossible for me. I love quotes and have books filled with quotes that I love. Here are some of my faves

 

• Never deprive someone of hope, it might be all they have
• Let no-one ever come to you without leaving better or happier (Mother Theresa)
• The desire to reach for the stars is ambitious, the desire to reach hearts is wise (Maya Angelou)
• People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. (Maya Angelou)
• May every soul that touches mine, be it the slightest contact, get therefrom some good, some little glance, one kindly thought, one aspiration yet unfelt, one bit of courage for the darkening sky. One gleam of faith to brave the thickening ills of life, one glimpse of brighter skies beyond the gathering mists to make this life worthwhile. (George Eliot).
• When I look back on all these worries, I remember the story of the old man who said on his deathbed that he had a lot of trouble in his life, most of which had never happened.
• Enjoy the little things in life, for one day, you will look back and realise they were the big things.
• Watch your thoughts; they become words. Watch your words; they become actions. Watch your actions; they become habits. Watch your habits; they become character. Watch your character; it becomes your destiny. (Lao Tzu.)
• The unexamined life is not worth living (Socrates)
• Whether you think you can or think you cant, you’re right. (Henry Ford)
• When we are motivated by goals that have deep meaning, by dreams that need completion, by pure love that needs expressing, then we truly live life. (Greg Anderson)
• You may not have saved a lot of money in your life, but if you have saved a lot of heartaches for other folks, you are a pretty rich man.  (Seth Parker)
• When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be (Lao Tsu)
• Half our mistakes in life arise from feeling where we ought to think, and thinking where we ought to feel (John Churton Collins)
• Compassion can be defined in many ways, but its essence is a basic human kindness, with a deep awareness of the suffering of oneself and of other living beings, coupled with a wish and an effort to relieve it. (Paul Gilbert)
• You can only lose something you have, you cannot lose something you are (Ekart Tolle)
• Tell me whom/what you love, and I will tell you who you are (Houssaye)
• You can tell more about a man by what he says about others, than by what others say about him.
• Never regret the things you have done in life, for at some point in time it was exactly what you wanted.
• A person who has good thoughts cannot ever be ugly. You can have a wonky nose and a crooked mouth and a double chin and stick-out teeth, but if you have good thoughts they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely. (Roald Dahl) 

Of course I have dozens more, but these are just a few. I might even come back and add more later.

It will be really interesting to look back on these in a week, a month, a year or more and see how these have changed. Part of the reason I love doing these things is because they are so reflective of your current 'at this very moment' self, and therefore, even if I did this again tomorrow, I am sure some of the things would be different.

Self Reflection with Thought Questions

Lately I have been subscribing/reading a blog called Thought Questions, which posts really interesting, thought provoking questions.
As I love self reflection and gaining insight, I love getting the email and thinking about how I would answer.

So, I intend to post some of my faves here, along with my answer. Please check out the blog too, as it is full of awesome questions.

So here is todays



Question:

Answer: Doing just about anything with my husband or sisters. Talking and laughing, at the beach or at home. I can totally be myself with them.
Interestingly, at work while I am in a therapy session, I also feel most like myself, despite being a 'blank canvas' and the session being completely focused on my client.

Best Things In Life !!!

The 'best things in life aren't things' post is about appreciating non 'things' in life. Non material things. (And yes, I realise sometimes some of what I write could be classified as a 'thing' but its the idea that the best things aren't the material possessions).

1) When somebody bares their soul to you. They show you their very being and trust you with it. That feeling of awe and being honoured and humbled by their letting you in.

2) Realising that you have made a difference to someones life, for the better.

3) Seeing a family of little ducklings on the lake - so cute and so reminiscent of spring time.

4) That first bite of something you have been craving.

5) Those moments when you feel so self-conscious, giggly and embarrassed because someone has said something so lovely that all you can do is blush and giggle and you cant wipe the smile from your face.

Animals: Delightful Dusky leaf monkey

We've just been on holiday and seen some of these monkeys.
They were so gorgeous, and so amazing to watch.

When the babies are born they are orange, but this lasts only for a very short time.

 

 

 

You are enough !!!

Kindness is never wasted

Currently Loving !!!

 

  Currently Loving !!!

Food: Chicken pasta bake - made with Dolmio Creamy Sundried Tomato and Garlic sauce.

Drink: Just drinking lots of water at the moment.

TV Show: Slideshow - its kinda silly, but some of the games make me laugh out loud. And a few of the guests have just been hilarious.

Song: Talk Dirty To Me by Jason Derulo and LaLaLa by Naughty Boy.

Book/Magazine/Blog: Just reading the free Coles and Woolies magazines.

Piece of clothing: Patterned stockings - perfect for when I havent shaved my legs, but its too hot for pants.

Makeup/Beauty product: Face of Australia Sheer Gloss Lip Crayon.

Other: The Marc and Angel Hack Life website. I love the questions and tips and lists. As a therapist, I like this type of positive psychology stuff as a bit of an add on for my clients to think about. And of course, it all ties right in to my love of learning more about myself.

Happy = Smile, Laugh, Love

52 Lists: Dream Jobs

'52 Lists' is a blog activity started by Moorea-seal, based on a book called 'List Yourself'.

Self reflection always appeals to me, so I thought I would give it a go. I'm months behind, but I thought I might just go through them at my own pace now.

Week 14: List Your Childhood and Current Dream Jobs

Current dream and actual job

• Psychologist - I love it. This was only my dream job from the age of about 17.

Previous

•        Marine biologist /turtle conservationist
•        Chocolate taster
•        Librarian
•        Lipgloss tester
•        Making nature documentaries
•        Teacher

It will be really interesting to look back on these in a week, a month, a year or more and see how it has changed. Part of the reason I love doing these things is because they are so reflective of your current 'at this very moment' self, and therefore, even if I did this again tomorrow, I am sure some of the things would be different.

Animals: Perfect little pika

Here are a few happy snaps of one of my fave animals ... the pika.

They are just tiny little furry guys who collect piles of stuff and hoard it for the winter. They also make the cutest little calling sounds.

52 Lists: Things You Want To Make

'52 Lists' is a blog activity started by Moorea-seal, based on a book called 'List Yourself'.

Self reflection always appeals to me, so I thought I would give it a go. I'm months behind, but I thought I might just go through them at my own pace now.

Week 13: List The Things You Want To Make

-         A BABY !!!

I’m not much of a ‘maker’, but I want to make

•       Chicken nachos, brownies, scones (the things I am craving right now)
• The best life I can for my husband and myself
• A (positive) difference to peoples lives
• More of an effort with my healthy eating/fitness (in order to make that baby)
• More plans for our holiday later this year
• Another collage of photos – this one for my husbands work space
• A surprise package for my sisters
• A decision about the buying vs renting debate and where to live.
• Mostly, I just want to make a baby.

This one was hard for me, I think because I couldn’t get my head around the ‘make’ terminology – ‘make’ seems to me to be more about creative things,  which I am not good at/don’t do much of.

This is one I really should revisit and see if I can do better.

It will be really interesting to look back on these in a week, a month, a year or more and see how it has changed. Part of the reason I love doing these things is because they are so reflective of your current 'at this very moment' self, and therefore, even if I did this again tomorrow, I am sure some of the things would be different.

Currently Loving !!!

 

  Currently Loving !!!

Food: Indian Food - over the weekend we had Butter chicken, Indian Stirfry and Aloo Paratha.

Drink: Oak Chocolate Milk.

TV Show: Bones.

Song: 'Royals' by Lorde. When I first heard it I didnt like it, but now I love it.

Book/Magazine/Blog: A Malaysian phrasebook.

Piece of clothing: Black and white printed harem pants - from Kmart of all places.

Makeup/Beauty product: Neutrogena oil free face moisturiser - my skin is so dry at the moment.

Other: Getting to see snow on the mountains when I am commuting to work.

Animals: So cute steenbok

Here are a few happy snaps of one of my fave animals........... the steenbok.

Look at those big eyes, huge dopey ears and cute little horns.



52 Lists: Feels Like Home

'52 Lists' is a blog activity started by Moorea-seal, based on a book called 'List Yourself'.

Self reflection always appeals to me, so I thought I would give it a go. I'm months behind, but I thought I might just go through them at my own pace now.

Week 12: List The Things That Feel Like Home

-         Spending time with my sisters

-         The beach

-         Getting a hug

-         The smell of jasmine

-         “Warm” scents like caramel, vanilla and marshmallow

-         Roast pork dinner

-         Hot summer breezes

-         Christmas time – the smell of Christmas decorations, buying presents, the whole lot

-         Scones with jam and cream

-         Baking – cakes, biscuits, slices

-         PJ pants and hugely oversized jumpers

-         Lying in bed under a doona looking out the window whilst its cold and wet outside

-         Rainbows caused by sunlight hitting crystals

It will be really interesting to look back on these in a week, a month, a year or more and see how it has changed. Part of the reason I love doing these things is because they are so reflective of your current 'at this very moment' self, and therefore, even if I did this again tomorrow, I am sure some of the things would be different.

Everyone

July Wishlist !!!

Its winter here in Australia and as you can see from my current faves below, I am craving bright colours, dresses and sunny weather.

Yours Clothing Orange and Black Tribal Print Hanky Hem Dress

Igigi Ariel Dress

AX Curve Navy Crotchet Neckline BodyCon Dress

Lovedrobe Green Red and Purple Polka Dot Pleated Dress

Fresh Air Lace Top by Blue Plate

Space Race Print Dress by Blue Plate



52 Lists: Your Essentials

'52 Lists' is a blog activity started by Moorea-seal, based on a book called 'List Yourself'.

Self reflection always appeals to me, so I thought I would give it a go. I'm months behind, but I thought I might just go through them at my own pace now.

Wk 11: List Your Essentials

- Love

- Hope

- Laughter

- Conversation

- Support

- A purpose

- Lipgloss (various & many)

- Camera

- Internet connection

- Water

- Food

- Sleep

- Some ‘me’ time

- Bright colours

- Books

- A shower each day

- Toothpaste/toothbrush

- Beach (Can it be an essential if somehow you don’t have it in your life ?)

It will be really interesting to look back on these in a week, a month, a year or more and see how it has changed. Part of the reason I love doing these things is because they are so reflective of your current 'at this very moment' self, and therefore, even if I did this again tomorrow, I am sure some of the things would be different.

Daydreaming !!!

Some cool pools that I can only dream of using.

 

Ubud Hanging Gardens Hotel in Bali

Anantara Golden Triangle Resort Pool in Thailand

Infinity Suitesat Anse Chastenet Resort in St. Lucia

Check out this link of other amazing pools

http://www.lovethesepics.com/2012/07/69-exquisite-infinity-pools-that-will-blow-your-mind/

52 Lists: Ways to cleanse for Spring

'52 Lists' is a blog activity started by Moorea-seal, based on a book called 'List Yourself'.

Self reflection always appeals to me, so I thought I would give it a go. I'm months behind, but I thought I might just go through them at my own pace now.

Week 10: List The Ways You Can Cleanse For Spring

(Even though it isnt Spring right now)

* De-clutter my unit - chuck out all the crap that is lying around.
* Sort out my desk.
* Go through wardrobe and sort clothes out
* Clean out the pantry and fridge.
* Buy a lovely new bodywash or scrub and exfoliate my skin. Then moisturise.
* Get my hair trimmed.
* Clean out my makeup.
* Set some new goals/wants for the next few months.
* Start using my lighter fruitier lipglosses and perfumes.
* Start drinking water with lemon or lime in it.
* Get out in the sunshine and go for walks, ride bike, take photos etc.
* Change the sheets to lighter ones.
* Swap our meals so we start having salads and lighter meals more.

It will be really interesting to look back on these in a week, a month, a year or more and see how it has changed. Part of the reason I love doing these things is because they are so reflective of your current 'at this very moment' self, and therefore, even if I did this again tomorrow, I am sure some of the things would be different.

Happiness in your thinking

Stories; We all have things that change us.

52 Lists: Places You Want To Go

'52 Lists' is a blog activity started by Moorea-seal, based on a book called 'List Yourself'.

Self reflection always appeals to me, so I thought I would give it a go. I'm months behind, but I thought I might just go through them at my own pace now.


Week 9: List The Places You Want To Go

I should start out by saying that I would quite happily travel all over the world discovering beautiful places and new things, so for me there isnt just a few specific places. But here goes, I will do my best.

* Italy
* Greece
* The Cook Islands (Rarotonga again, but also Aitutaki)
* Malaysia - Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, Redang , Tioman, Borneo.
* The Maldives
* Vanuatu - beach and volcano !
* On Safari - in Africa - dont mind where.
* Carribean (Barbados, Cayman Islands- turtle sanctuary)
* Palau - to swim in jellyfish lake.
* Antarctica
* To see killer whales/orcas in the wild
* Bali/Thailand - to some of those gorgeous retreats
* Disneyland
* French Polynesia (Bora Bora etc)
* China - the great wall and the terracotta warriers. And to attend Chinese New Year celebrations.
* To somewhere it is snowing at Christmas (for a White Christmas)
* Lake Bled - I used to want to marry at the church right there in the middle.
* To see the Northern Lights
* And in Australia - The Whitsundays, Ningaloo Reef, The Daintree, Green Island.

I know some others had a broader approach to the list question, but I took this to mean places I want to travel to.

It will be really interesting to look back on these in a week, a month, a year or more and see how it has changed. Part of the reason I love doing these things is because they are so reflective of your current 'at this very moment' self, and therefore, even if I did this again tomorrow, I am sure some of the things would be different.

Worrying

52 Lists: Fave Albums

'52 Lists' is a blog activity started by Moorea-seal, based on a book called 'List Yourself'.

Self reflection always appeals to me, so I thought I would give it a go. I'm months behind, but I thought I might just go through them at my own pace now.


Week 8: List Your Favourite Albums (CD's)

* Ed Sheeran '+'
* Adele '21'
* Thirsty Merc 'Mousetrap Heart' and 'Thirsty Merc'
* Missy Higgins "The Sound of White" and "On a Clear Night"
* Alanis Morisette "Jagged Little Pill"
* Vanessa Amorossi "The Power"
*  Eric Hutchinson "Sounds Like This"
* Van Morrison "Best Of Van Morrison"
* Bruno Mars "Du Wops and Hooligans"
* Timomatic "Timomatic"
*  Jewel "Pieces Of You"
* Killing Heidi "Reflector"
* The Beatles "1"
* Kate Cebrano "Merry Christmas"
* Tin Lids "Hey Rudolph"
* Tracy Chapman "Collection"
* Carole King "Tapestry"
*  And oh so many compilation CD's - I just like a bit of everything.

Some of these albums are here because they are my current loves, some have been long term favourites and others just have brilliant memories associated to them. Of course, if this had just been about songs rather than whole albums there would be hundreds more artists.

It will be really interesting to look back on these in a week, a month, a year or more and see how it has changed. Part of the reason I love doing these things is because they are so reflective of your current 'at this very moment' self, and therefore, even if I did this again tomorrow, I am sure some of the things would be different.

Gentleness from the strong

Mini Review Time !!!

Here are a few things that I have been particularly pleased with lately - and a quick review of each.


Nivea Lip Butter. I have both the Vanilla and Macadamia and the Caramel Cream. Both are nice and soft and rich. They are a butter, rather than a gloss, so they sink in a bit and leave a very moisturised feel. Shea butter and almond oil are key ingredients. The Vanilla and Macadamia one smells a bit like Milko or Milkshake lollies and leaves an ever so slight white tinge to the lips if you apply it too thick. The Caramel Cream one smells a bit like caramel popcorn - I havent noticed any colour tinge with this one. I really love these balms and I'm finding them particularly good on winter lips.

Pauls Double Thick Chocolate Custard. This is one of my fave desserts. The custard is so thick and creamy, and the chocolate flavour is really strong. The biggest problem with this one is not eating the entire container in one go.

Black Swan Farmers Best Crispy Bacon and Avocado dip. This is a most delicious dip. It has a different texture to normal dips. It is a fluffy, silky dip, almost like a mousse. The dip is primarily avocado, although there is a subtle bacon flavour, and some small chunks of bacon in it. So delicious on crackers, although you could just as easily use this as a spread.

Boots from BigW. I have 2 pairs of boots from Big W at the moment, and both are the most comfortable, easy to wear boots. The first is a pair of purple, slouchy ankle boots. They are flat and made of a suede type material. So easy to just quickly slip on. They are warm, comfortable and only cost $10. The second is a pair of wedge, bright red ankle boots. Again with a suede finish. These ones have a zip to help do up. Even though they have a wedge they are really comfortable to wear and dont hurt my feet at all. I think these were $25 from BigW. I've worn them a stack of times each and they are holding up well. I bought these 2 pairs of boots just looking for some fun colours and something better than open toe heels to wear in winter and I am super impressed. I'll definitely keep looking in BigW for cheap boots.

Continental Indian Chicken Tonight Butter Chicken sauce. This is my absolute favourite store bought make-at-home butter chicken sauce. We love butter chicken at our place and this is the one we always go back to. It doesnt taste like butter chicken you get at Indian places, however it is really delicious. Rich and creamy, with just the right hint of spice and flavour. We just add this to some onion and chicken (sometimes carrot or chickpeas etc) and you have a really simple butter chicken.

52 Lists: Healthy- Mind Body and Soul

'52 Lists' is a blog activity started by Moorea-seal, based on a book called 'List Yourself'.

Self reflection always appeals to me, so I thought I would give it a go. I'm months behind, but I thought I might just go through them at my own pace now.


Week 7: List The Things That Make You Feel Healthy; Mind, Body and Soul.

• Eating (reasonably) health lunches - like salads and tuna etc.
• Drinking heaps of water every day
• Laughing
• Getting some sunshine on my skin
• Getting out in the fresh air
• Bike riding
• Being positive
• Dancing around the lounge room
• Showers
• Spending time with my husband or sisters
• Talking through my emotions
• Singing (badly), particularly emotive songs
• Finding sneaky ways to add veggies to meals
• Being calm and serene
• A good nights sleep

I found this list a bit hard to do. Mostly cos the 'question' was too broad but also, somehow too narrow for me. I think alot of the things that make me feel healthy mind and soul have already been added to previous lists.

It will be really interesting to look back on these in a week, a month, a year or more and see how it has changed. Part of the reason I love doing these things is because they are so reflective of your current 'at this very moment' self, and therefore, even if I did this again tomorrow, I am sure some of the things would be different.

Best Things !!!

The 'best things in life aren't things' post is about appreciating non 'things' in life. Non material things. (And yes, I realise sometimes some of what I write could be classified as a 'thing' but its the idea that the best things arent the material possessions).

1) That feeling when, after exercising so hard you couldnt catch you breath, your heart rate finally slows enough that you can breathe again.

2) Finally getting to smooth on some lipbalm after being conscious of how dry your lips are.

3) Hearing a story so uplifting that your eyes prickle with tears

4) Cold wind on your cheeks when you are rugged up and otherwise warm. Its kind of refreshing and uplifting.

No need to pray

I'm not religious and I don't pray, but this definitely rings true.

52 Lists: Ways to Love Others

52 Lists' is a blog activity started by Moorea-seal, based on a book called 'List Yourself'.

Self reflection always appeals to me, so I thought I would give it a go. I'm months behind, but I thought I might just go through them at my own pace now.


Week 6: List The Ways In Which You Can Love Others

• Be kind, compassionate and empathetic to all I meet
• Treat people with respect and dignity
• Help as many people as I can (practically or emotionally, big or small)
• Send cards/letters/presents to those I love
• Give hugs
• Give compliments
• Smile
• I can encourage others
• I can supervise/mentor others, both officially and unofficially
• Attempt never to dash peoples hopes or question their dreams, regardless of what I think
• Surprise others with something they would love
• Support people in whatever capacity they may need
• I can donate (either time or material things) to those less fortunate
• I can write reviews of products or services
• Comment more on blogs that I read and love
• Be happy and be the best me I can
• Take interest in other people and the things they are interested in
• Care for them when they are sick or not coping

Some of these things I do already, some I need to start doing and some I need to do more of.


It will be really interesting to look back on these in a week, a month, a year or more and see how it has changed. Part of the reason I love doing these things is because they are so reflective of your current 'at this very moment' self, and therefore, even if I did this again tomorrow, I am sure some of the things would be different.

Growing Up

Currently Loving !!!

Currently Loving !!!

Food: Vegemite and chip (plain crisps) sandwich - has to be on fresh white bread.

Drink: Absolut Vanilla Vodka. Smells heavenly, and adds a beautiful vanilla hint to whatever you are mixing it with.

TV Show: Criminal minds - although I am weeks behind.

Song: 'Hey Porsche' by Nelly or 'Get Lucky' by Daft Punk/Pharrell.

Book/Magazine: Not reading anything at the moment.

Piece of clothing: Bright pink, purple and orange stripe ponte dress from Target.

Makeup/Beauty product: Essence Caramel Hot Chocolate handcream.

Other: Planning a Malaysian holiday.

52 Lists: List What You Are Grateful For

'52 Lists' is a blog activity started by Moorea-seal, based on a book called 'List Yourself'.


Self reflection always appeals to me, so I thought I would give it a go. I'm months behind, but I thought I might just go through them at my own pace now.


List What You Are Grateful For
* Hope
* Love
* Laughter
* Compassion
* Family
* Lipgloss
* Holidays
* Hot water
* All the delicious food I am able to eat
* I'm grateful that I met my husband, and that so far we have made each other better people
* I'm grateful that I have 2 amazing sisters who mean the world to me
* I'm grateful that I was able to study what and where I wanted
* I'm so grateful that I was able to get a job in private practice (what I have always wanted)
* I'm grateful that people trust me everyday with their life stories, their pain and their secrets
* I'm grateful we got to have the wedding we wanted and nobody tried to interfere too much
* I'm grateful for our current position in life (relatively settled, financially ok etc)
* I'm grateful I have all 5 senses (I cannot imagine life without them)
* I'm grateful that I have people and things to inspire, motivate and support me
* I'm grateful I still have plenty of reasons to live


It will be really interesting to look back on these in a week, a month, a year or more and see how it has changed. Part of the reason I love doing these things is because they are so reflective of your current 'at this very moment' self, and therefore, even if I did this again tomorrow, I am sure some of the things would be different.

Raise your words

I just love this.