self care

The third of January 2019

goats

Sometimes, it is easy to be overwhelmed with worry about all the things that could go wrong. What if, the next time you feel bogged down by negative possibilities you stop and ask yourself – what if everything goes right? What if my plan succeeds in the best possible way? What is the best possible outcome? If you don’t go for it, you will probably avoid the worst case scenario – but you also deny yourself the possibility for the best case scenario. So, go for it, and envision what will happen if everything works out!

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What is the best case scenario, rather than the worst?

The thirtieth of December 2018

goats

Thinking about the year ahead? Many people find the new year is a great time to make resolutions pertaining to things they are going to do differently than the previous year. Oftentimes, these resolutions focus on self-improvement in one way or another. Goal setting is important and can be helpful, but perhaps consider making a resolution this year to accept and love yourself as is. Maybe you don’t really need that diet, plan or course, maybe you are great just the way you are.

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Resolutions are fab, but so are you. 

The eighteenth of December 2018

goats

A very dear (but sadly not so near) friend of mine photographed this goat in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. She reported that the goat was making a lot of noise as though to get her attention. The goat is tied to a twig, but clearly you can tell from the mischievous smirk on the goat’s face that she could easily escape. It’s good to have a playful attitude as well as an easy exit.

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She could easily liberate herself, if needed.

The seventeenth of December 2018

goats

Another week, another Monday, but don’t stress. You got this. Take a deep breath in and go for it.

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You did not wake up today to be mediocre.

The sixteenth of December 2018

goats

Tomorrow is Monday so let’s do this! There are only two weeks left in 2018 – did you accomplish everything you hoped, was it as magical as you dreamed? What are your aspirations, ambitions and expectations for 2019? Find a few moments in the hustle and bustle of the final holiday rush to take stock and plan ahead.

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The future is bright, perhaps 2019 will be the best year yet?

The fifteenth of December 2018

goats

Don’t let inclement weather get you down, sometimes a blustery, cold, wet day is the perfect excuse to tackle your to-do list around your home, or to just relax and catch up reading or with the latest shows and films.

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Winter weather can be challenging sometimes. 

The fourteenth of December 2018

goats

Everyone has those days where it seems that nothing goes right. The post office is arbitrarily closed, you forget your keys or your bicycle lights, it’s cold, it rains unexpectedly, someone eats the last piece of cake, the list could go on and on. Perhaps the best way to deal with these type of days is to smile and laugh through it. It’s going to be ok. Perhaps even the person who passes you by with a grumpy attitude might be experiencing one of those days too! Practicing kindness towards ourselves on our upside-down days can help us in turn pass that kindness onto others who might need it.

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Nourishing yourself helps you nourish others.

The tenth of December 2018

goats

Mondays can be really stressful. Sometimes, you may not feel totally refreshed or motivated to get back to work after the weekend.  Any task that is worth doing is likely to be challenging in some way or another. When you feel like your motivation is sapped, remember that even a few steps forward is progress. Keep moving and chipping away, it doesn’t all have to get done today.

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Don’t overthink it, just keep going.

The ninth of December 2018

goats

Do not worry about ever feeling like a square peg in a round hole. First, you probably fit in more than you realize, and second what truly counts is being true to you and your most genuine and authentic self. If something does not feel right just move onto the next thing. You do you and the rest will fall into place.

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When you are true to yourself, you fit in everywhere and no where at the same time. 

The eighth of December 2018

goats

Today is the first day I have updated Goat of the Day from my iPhone! Screens get a lot of criticism, including contributing to insomnia, anxiety, depression, ruining our relationships, making us terrible parents and generally slow down our brains. However, I think that the smart phone revolution has a lot of benefits for humanity. For example, it makes it a lot easier to keep tabs on old friends you may have otherwise lost contact with. My family relies heavily on calendars in order to stay organized and a lot of notes and journaling that would have required lugging around a bunch of things is eliminated – I can keep it all tucked away in my pocket! I also love being able to quickly share photographs – when I was a kid if I wanted to share photographs you would have to get the film developed and pay for prints – now with a few clicks I can send photos across the Atlantic and basically no cost as things happen. I wonder, if in a few decades the weariness over such devices will have faded the same way suspicion over other new technologies in the past.