Take time to be friendly this February.
If you are already a friendly person then great, keep it going.
If not, then why not give it a go. Day by day, step by step.
We are all on the same journey, and it’s later than you think.
Tag: gratitude
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say hello and wave goodbye
As an anxiety therapists, I often invite clients to sit with uncertainty, yet my own relationship with the past can quietly shape how I show up in the room. Acceptance of the past does not mean approval of every decision, outcome, or missed opportunity; it means recognizing that those moments were shaped by the resources, awareness, and capacity available at the time. When we soften our resistance to what has already occurred, we create internal space for compassion—for ourselves and, by extension, for our clients.
Integrating this acceptance with future planning allows us to move forward without being driven by regret or fear. The past becomes a source of learning rather than limitation. From this grounded place, we can set intentional goals: refining our clinical skills, deepening self-care practices, and staying aligned with our values. By seeing where we have been and consciously choosing where we are going, we model resilience and psychological flexibility—the very qualities I aim to cultivate in those I support.
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A mindful start to the day
Swan and duck in a pond in St Stephens Green Dublin A mindful start to the day. Just me and nature. The blessing of St. Stephen’s Green in Dublin.
Have a nice day.
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Happy World Mindfulness Day 2024
Serene lake and trees World mindfulness day September 12th.
Give yourself permission, regardless of what is going on, to stop spinning the plates and just focus your attention on one thing.
Perhaps it can be one part of your body, your breathe or somewhere in the location you are in.
No need to force it just let it flow and if your mind wanders, which it probably will, then just say to yourself, “Return” and refocus again.
Try it for two minutes, then another two, then another two until you feel the time is right to come back to conscious awareness and continue with the rest of your day. -
The weather’s variable – so are you. But I can’t do a thing – about the weather
Cloudy weather over a green area Wise words from the band Magazine in their song “About the Weather” however I wonder how many of us get stuck on the weather and how it affects our mood.
As the summer solstice fast approaches here in the northern hemisphere, it is fair to say that the weather hasn’t reflected this much so far. Certainly here in Ireland autumnal coats and hats are still in fashion and retail shops will soon be selling off their unwanted summer stock.
However let’s put things into perspective worrying about the weather is pointless for several reasons:
- Uncontrollable Nature: The weather is a natural phenomenon that cannot be controlled by individuals. Worrying about something you have no control over is generally unproductive.
- Forecast Accuracy: Modern weather forecasting is relatively accurate, and being prepared based on forecasts is more practical than worrying.
- Inevitability: Weather will happen regardless of concern. Accepting and adapting to it is more beneficial than stressing over it.
- Emotional Impact: Worrying can lead to unnecessary stress and anxiety, which can affect mental health negatively.
- Focus on Action: Instead of worrying, it’s more useful to focus on actions you can take, like dressing appropriately, planning indoor activities, or rescheduling events.
In essence, while it’s important to be aware and prepared for the weather, worrying about it doesn’t offer any practical benefits.
So let the weather be and focus on what you can deal with, your thoughts, feelings and behaviours.
Remember the sun always shines even behind the clouds.
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Shake it off with active April
Action for happiness active April calendar Follow me and others on a journey of activity this April.
Get outdoors, enjoy the longer days, move more, exercise a little bit more, even just relax more.
Commit today and your mind and body will thank you for it.
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A helpful guide to a mindful March
Mindful March Enjoy every day of Mindful March.
Allow all the daily tips to connect .
Feel the benefits grow exponentially.
See you at the 31st.
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10 benefits of a day off. What’s your favourite?
Taking a day off from work or regular responsibilities can have several benefits for your overall well-being and productivity. Here are some of the key advantages:
- Rest and Relaxation: A day off provides an opportunity to recharge your energy and reduce stress levels. It allows you to step away from the demands of work and take time for yourself.
- Mental Health: Regular breaks and time off can positively impact your mental health. It can help prevent burnout, reduce feelings of overwhelm, and improve your mood.
- Physical Health: Taking a day off can give your body a chance to recover from physical strain and potential ailments related to stress and overwork.
- Increased Productivity: Paradoxically, taking time off can boost your productivity in the long run. It allows you to return to work feeling refreshed and more focused, potentially leading to higher-quality work and better problem-solving abilities.
- Enhanced Creativity: Stepping away from your routine can foster creativity and inspiration. Having new experiences and exploring different activities can stimulate your mind and lead to fresh ideas.
- Work-Life Balance: Taking regular days off is essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. It enables you to spend quality time with family and friends, pursue hobbies, and engage in activities you enjoy.
- Prevention of Burnout: When people overexert themselves without taking breaks, it can lead to burnout, which negatively affects their physical and mental health. Taking time off helps to prevent burnout and fosters long-term job satisfaction.
- Improved Relationships: Spending time away from work can strengthen relationships with family and friends. It allows you to be more present and engaged during your time off.
- Self-Care: Taking a day off is a form of self-care, which is crucial for maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
- Long-Term Health Benefits: Consistently taking days off and managing stress can have positive effects on your long-term health, reducing the risk of stress-related illnesses.
Remember, the benefits of taking a day off can be maximized when you use your time intentionally. Engaging in activities that bring you joy, practicing mindfulness, and avoiding work-related tasks during your day off can help you reap the full advantages of this well-deserved break.
So ditch the guilt and jump right in, you deserve it, go on treat yourself.
Have a good one.
David
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Time for reflection : Time for living
Dalai Lama Although we are nearing the end of the year and we reflect on the past and look forward to the future; how many of us take the time to be in the present?
We can only be physically in the present so let’s bring our minds there too.
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Morning reflections
Pigeon on a river bridge We all need a bit of time to reflect what better time than now.
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Is the Sun setting in on summer ?
Setting sun bowing figure I like September.
On an island with the Atlantic to the West and the Irish Sea to the east September brings in many changes. Not only the weather as who can tell the variables of such a potent force? But more than this for us as people. Our lives change back to the normal, back to the routine- school, work, commuting, and so on.
Another year has passed, some people have gone, some have arrived , that unstoppable circle of life that the seasons only provide a marker to what time it is. The Sun’s casting shadow getting longer, if indeed you’re lucky enough to see it (remember it always shines above the clouds) as we tread further into our daily life.
Like I said at the beginning I like September as it provides us with an opportunity to reflect on the summer gone, even the year that has passed but more importantly take notice of what’s going on now. A moment to plan for the winter ahead on how we are going to protect ourselves, physically from the elements and mentally from the stresses and anxieties of daily life.
So as the sun sets on summer what are you going to do to protect yourself perhaps some of these tips will help:
- Keep connecting with your family and friends
- Get active, move more
- Make time for yourself doing something that you want to do
- Smile and be grateful for what and who you are
- Take two minutes to be mindful (I can send you on my two minute sessions for you to try)
Whatever it is you choose remember the sun is going to set anyway, your not alone, the seasons will come and go , we all go through it, but we can go through it together.
For further information feel free to Contact me.
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The more you give the more you get
Altruistic August Whether you believe in the concept of altruism or laws of attraction or even if you don’t well there is no harm in trying. So this August why not follow the daily suggestions as outlined above on the calendar and you might just surprise yourself how different you feel.
You have nothing to lose and all to gain. So start today by consciously focusing on being kind to both yourself and others.
Enjoy yourself it’s later than you think…
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Good advice but only if you take take.
Mind and body together Follow your heart but take your brain with you.
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Accepting our little moments of happiness
Happy emojis How often have you felt little, unexplained feelings of happiness popping up from time to time.
I like those little, unexplained feelings . It’s like getting a free hit of feeling happy without having to do anything to get it.
Do you get them too? Mine don’t last too long but that’s ok for l don’t expect them to, but I do like to notice and enjoy them when they arrive.
When we stop to think about it, are we too busy trying to figure things out, getting caught up in the noise that we diminish these happy moments as a distraction and getting in the way of how we really feel?
It’s strange how we try to force feelings as opposed to accepting them for what they are. Sometimes I just feel happier not because my life got better or sometimes I don’t feel so happy but again not because my life got worse. It’s just where I am at that moment and I realise like all feelings they will pass.
For me the important factor is to be mindfully aware of the good feelings when they come along. Where in my body do the feelings manifest, is it just a simple need to smile, no matter what or where, I can allow the feelings just be what they are.
And be wary of denying the good feelings as you think you should be worrying about something, Just let the moment in and go when it does.
We can spend a lifetime chasing happiness yet miss those little moments of unexpected happiness which just pop up now and again. Watch out for them and when they come, accept them and let them go when they do.
We all deserve a little happiness no matter how fleeting.
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Earth hour
Earth hour candle We are only custodians of this Blue Planet. Let’s leave better than we found it.
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Dream Great:Ten steps to a happier living
We can all dream so why not make it great?
Great Dream Anagram -
How is your Optimistic October going to work out?
Start by writing down three things you are looking forward to and take it from there…
Optimistic October -
So what would you do?
Dog in water sink swim float A little gift from a former client which was very nice of them. It came with a little note stating that I had helped her stay afloat.
I think it’s not always clear cut on how we need to approach problems and indeed solutions as there may be a third way which is available if only we take the time to appreciate it.
She didn’t want to give up by sinking nor swim away but just staying afloat was enough to keep her head in the right place.
The note concluded with , “It’s been a pleasure”. My sentiments exactly.
So what would you do?
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The simplicity of gratitude
A thank you card you’re a gentleman I received this card , totally unexpected, but humbled and grateful. Sometimes it’s the little personal things that make the difference.
I really enjoyed working with this lady who really put the work in and has achieved her goals.
Life is good when we work together.
Thank you.
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Happy Father’s Day
Father’s Day card Counting my blessings today as a father and a son.
Hope you are feeling as lucky as I am.
Happy Father’s Day
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Letting the happiness of gratitude in
Just having a little moment of gratitude to say thanks to my beautiful family for a great fun weekend of games and laughter.
It’s the simple pleasure of your company that bonds our connection no matter what we do.
Hopefully we can all find the little moments in our lives that may seem trivial yet have profound impact, even without our conscious awareness.
So when it comes to you just let the happiness of gratitude in whichever way you can.
Classic board games
Anxiety Clinic Dublin 