Yesterday I was thinking of blue skies and today we have them!

This is not because of the #LawOfAttraction or that I #manifested them. I am more than aware that the universe does not revolve around me (no matter what some people from my past may say). It’s because I’m looking for the blue skies, I notice them, I rush out when I see them, I appreciate them, I take action to embrace them when they are there.

I’m a great proponent of visualising what you want. Creating an image so real that you know what it looks like and how it will feel, what you will do when you get there for many reasons.

Clarity – When we go through the processes, be it in our heads, with cut out pictures (dream boards) or in writing (stories or spreadsheets) we gain clarity about what it is. We get absorbed into it, we better define what we do and don’t want. Moreover, we reinforce why we want it, what it will mean to us to have it (and it’s not usually what it first appears)

Recognition – As mentioned above, when the image (and motivation) is clear for us we are more likely to spot it. Out the corner of our eye we see something, it matches our vision (or just a part of it) and we take a second, longer look.

Actions – We have seen it so we naturally take a step towards it, we do something, ask someone, tell someone (our clear and compelling vision), we engage them, we create something that will moves us closer to it, because it’s important to us.

We create our outcomes, our actions are important and thinking about things is just the first step.

Questions:

What are you consciously/unconsciously visualising?
Are they positive or negative?
What actions are you taking to get there?

#businesscoach #businesscoaching #Visualisation #clarity #recognition #actions

One of the big questions about this project is explained in more depth on Day 4

Bit of blue sky thinking today. Well thinking of blue skies at least, so out with the umbrella to brighten up the sky above my head while on my walk.

It was a silly purchase a year or so ago (when I needed a new umbrella) and the thought of having blue skies and fluffy clouds on the inside whenever it was raining just made me smile. Here we are with it still making me smile every time I use it.

One of the big questions about this project is explained in more depth on Day 4

I was going to call this one ‘back to basics’ but I’ve never got away from them so ‘keep the basics’ it is.

For the last week or so I’ve been focusing on getting my photo in the bright sunshine. (and I’ve done that pretty well)

What I wanted to remind myself of (as autumn and the nights draw in) is that there is still plenty of warm sunshine and bright blue sky’s around us every day.

Questions:
Do you remember the (your) basics on a daily basis?
Have you got caught up in the complexity of what you are trying to do?

#businesscoach #businesscoaching #backtobasics

One of the big questions about this project is explained in more depth on Day 4

After a 3 hour catch-up with a friend and realising it was getting dark and I still had to take my daily photo the phrase ‘it’s never too late’ came to mind.

So, a grainy, badly lit photo it is today.

One of the big questions about this project is explained in more depth on Day 4

#50DaysOfShades Day 119 of 50 – Contradictions

Today I was a walking contradiction.
Sunglasses, shorts and sandals vs a fleece and a hoodie.
Made me reflect on 2 things, firstly the joke about the guy who buys a thermos as it said it keeps hot things hot and cold things cold, so he took a soup and an ice cream to work in it.
And secondly, the contradictions that we live with all the time.
We all have them, things that say/mean one thing, but do/act the opposite.
Some of these are oxymoron's that we acknowledge and let slide, others (we may not even recognise) are what hold us back and stop us getting the results we want.

Questions:
What contradictions do you notice in everyday life?
Do you need to act to fix any of them?

#buisnesscoach #businesscoaching #Contradictions

One of the big questions about this project is explained in more depth on Day 4

While not directly impacted by the death of the Queen I have had a curiosity around the constant coverage.

I’ve watched a bit of the Lying in State and was moved by the range of people that showed up, and the manner in which they showed their respect.

It was pure chance I saw (via YouTube) King Charles III and his siblings performing their vigil, standing at the 4 sides of the coffin.
It was then I felt something.

Not for the late Queen, and not because I am a big royal fan.

But a big wave of sympathy rushed over me, for those 4 children (Aged 73 down to 58, but in that moment, children stood by the coffin of their parent). For them to be stood there on show for the world to see having to hold it together felt important (for the nation) but wrong for them personally. I don’t think any amount of ‘royal upbringing’ can prepare you (suitably) for that.

And then again today, watching some of the service, the 2minutes silence, and some of the procession through London with them again walking behind the coffin. My thoughts were more with those involved, than the Queen.

The responsibility being put on everyone else. To hold it together, to perform their role. Not just the family, but all those officiating the service, the procession, carrying the coffin, pulling the gun carriage. So today my respect goes to them too.

I hope they all get their moment to process the day.

The photo’s are all from yesterday, but I spotted the contrast in the clouds and felt they showed bright and happy vs dark and gloomy so kept them for today.

One of the big questions about this project is explained in more depth on Day 4

I’ve mentioned this before and with autumn drawing in I wanted to give a little reminder before it gets really cold and wet etc.

I walk barefoot (on grass) whenever I can, and I suggest you give it a go if you have not done it lately.

I always prefer to walk on the grass than on tarmac/concrete paths and if I’m on the grass I may as well be more connected to it, to nature, to the earth so barefoot it is.

Searching out the soft patches,
noticing the unevenness,
the tiny twigs,
the thistles (and the accompanying silly walk when you find those!),
the difference in balance and strike of the foot on the ground,
the reminder to slow down a little,
the reminder that it can be uncomfortable but you get used to it,
the memories of past walks when I first learnt these (and many other) things.

I’d say 70% of my walks in the last 115 days have included a barefoot section.

Over the summer it’s easy, see some grass, sandals off (check for dog/goose poop) walk for a bit, put sandals back on. But as it starts to get colder sandals may not be my first choice, I will however hold out as long as possible, and even after that I’m planning on ways to still do it (with a little more prep).

It is definitely not everyone’s cup of tea, and it’s unlikely to be all the time for those that do it, but now is the time to give it a go before a whole bunch of reasons not to come back into play.

Question:
When did you last walk barefoot?

#businesscoach #businesscoaching #walkingbarefoot #barefoot

One of the big questions about this project is explained in more depth on Day 4

Every day I post a photo and every day I put pressure on myself to think of something to say. Even on the days when I don’t say anything I leave the space for something to come to me, I wait until later in the evening before posting, have some ideas, but nothing that feels right to post so it ends with just the picture.

Today is different, I took the pressure off, I was about to just post the photo early for a variety of reasons and here I am with something to write about.

So just for today - no pressure.

Question:

Do you find it easier to get into a flow when the pressure is on or off?

#businesscoach #businesscoaching

One of the big questions about this project is explained in more depth on Day 4

I’m sure everyone has started to notice the changing of the seasons, grass regrowing thanks to the rain, certain trees losing their leaves, the night’s drawing in etc.

But have you notice how/if your routines have changed?

For me it started a week or so ago with my cat.

She is a cat, so she sleeps most the day and runs around most of the night.

Throughout the summer she has been doing this mostly outside, sleeping in the garden under the bushes or curled up in a clump of grass. Randomly disappearing for a bit, and sometimes coming in to lay down under my chair, but this was purely so she would get fed the next time I moved! Then at night she would again be out, coming back in once or twice to wake me up before heading back out again.

But recently I noticed she was back in throughout the day, back sleeping on the window hammock she has been ignoring for the last 3-4 months. Then around 9/9:30 in the evening she gets skittish, running around (indoors) up and down over furniture, then clawing at the cat tower that has again been getting ignored.

She wants attention. She wants to play. I’m guessing all her local cat friends (and enemies) are staying home more too and they have not been out exploring together, chasing each other etc so now it’s my turn to entertain her.

Observing these changes in her has made me acutely aware of the changes in me. As the nights draw in, I’m more inclined to head to bed early and this has changed the duration that I sleep. Getting a bit more sleep should be good, but I’m now being woken up by my alarm which feels like it’s part way though a sleep cycle, so actually feeling less rested.

The rhythms and routines that the cat and I have built up over the summer are shifting. And will probably take another jolt (for me, she does what she wants when she wants!) when the clock change in a few weeks.

Questions:

Have you noticed any changes?
I want to ask if you hunker down, change to winter foods etc?
But Winter does not start until 21st December so you can see that’s where my mind is heading already!

ps. Pics take 50mins apart

#businesscoach #businesscoaching #Changingroutines

One of the big questions about this project is explained in more depth on Day 4

After I heard the news of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, I thought I’d do something different to pay my respect by visiting the statue of Queen Victoria in Reading town centre. Acknowledging/remembering one who passed before her as a focal point in my daily photo while giving my small node of respect.

Turns out I was not the only one with the idea as it has been nominated as the official place to lay flowers in Reading. When I found that out my heart sank, I really didn’t want to see a sea of dying flowers piled up.

I’ve never really understood putting flowers down (although I appreciate the ritual brings some people comfort, so would never say don’t do it).

Especially at the moment, I’d hope Queen Elizabeth II would rather see people heating their houses or feeding themselves/their children than putting down flowers that will be swept up in a week.

Thankfully when I arrived there was only a small selection of flowers laid at the base of the statue.

There was however a steady stream of people pausing at the statue, looking at the flowers, the notes, taking a moment, paying their respects, then moving on with their day (much like myself).

And this gave me faith that people are finding their own ways to acknowledge 96 years of life and 70 years of service.

Rest in Peace Your Majesty

One of the big questions about this project is explained in more depth on Day 4