POWER PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Life without liberty is like a body without spirit...
                                                        
                                                                                                   -Kahlil Gibran

CAN YOU SAY NO?

Small word, BIG DIFFERENCE

Saying "no" is one of the most difficult but yet liberating thing to do. Are you a people pleaser and can't ever say "no" and then you have to do things you don't even want or like. If you are feeling overstretched and overwhelmed, it's time learnt the art to say "NO"

1. Remember that your desire to please may be linked to poor self-esteem. Consider why other people's requests always take preference over your own needs.

2.When you asked to do something, check in with yourself before answering. Ask yourself why you feel obligated to say "yes".

3. Lighten up. Saying no doesn't have to  be serious, when nobody asks you to do something that you don't want, answer to that person with laughter that, "sorry you have your skydiving course today". Laughter can diffuse a difficult situation.

4. Make a list of people to whom you have most difficulty to say "no". When confronted with one of them, try a little honesty. Explain you have been saying "yes" more often that you'd like, and that you are starting to feel a little resentful. Detail your reasons: "I feel guilty when I say "no" to your constant requests for loans. But I am a little cash-trapped myself right now".

5. Remind yourself of the worst that can happen. People might react negatively at first, but in time they will have greater respect for the clear boundaries you have established with them.

6. If your family, friends and colleges are used to you always saying "yes", they will use that every time they need something. So learn to be firm towards them and with yourself as well. Often we think that we will say "no" to something but ones in front of that person we say "yes" and why is that... What are you afraid of.  Stand up for yourself and say "no" when you want to, don't be a people pleaser. You will gain others respect sooner or later and be an example for others too, by daring to say "no".

If you think that you need to boost your self-esteem and get less fearless and gain more self-confidence and courage, then you need my Your Second Spring program to help you. It will take you in to a voyage to meet yourself and learn your full potential and you will say YES to life.  Go on my website for more details,
www.souljoysc.com

POWER PHOTO OF THE WEEK

No one is in control of your happiness but you; therefore, you have the power to change anything about yourself or your life that you want to change.

- Barbara de Angelis

GET YOUR HANDS DIRTY...

The spring is here... it is time to get your hands dirty and start a small garden...It is an antidote for stress as well. A little water, some fresh air, seeds and sunlight. That's all it takes to create a restorative refuge from life's demands.
Like I mentioned gardening is the perfect antidote to stressful life. It teaches you patience, encourages optimism and, when our efforts pay off, rewards us with unexpected delight. Just 20 to 30 minutes spent pottering can restore your spirits and bring an element of calm and satisfaction to your day. And best news is you don't have to be an expert to grow you own health-giving herds.

Where to plant

Herbs love sunny spots where they aren't exposed to too much wind. A sheltered patch  of 2m x 1m on sunny side of the wall, for the urban living you can use the balcony, but if you are pressed with space, herbs also flourish  in window boxes and pots. 

What to plant

 What are your favorite herbs and which ones you use the most when cooking? Parsley, mint, basilica, rosemary, lemon balm, coriander, lavender, camomile etc. Or try other ones, you can make one pot for your culinary use, one medicinal, one aromatic and one for flowering. 

How to plant

If you don't have any pots, go to a nursery shop, where you can also find your seeds or small plants that you can replant. Buy pots that have a whole in the bottom and if you keep your pots in your balcony or inside get a plate under the pot that water does not run on the floor. On the bottom of your pots and containers put some stones or gravel and then good quality soil to ensure adequate drainage. Herbs grow best on a slightly alkaline soil, so if you think your soil is too acidic, neutralize it with some lime juice. If you are planting a bed, place large perennials for a screen. Plant annuals and low-growing herbs in the front, along with those you are likely to pick most regularly. Newly planted herbs needs lots of water, but ones they are established, they are naturally drought resistant. Water when the top 3cm of soil is dry to the touch. 

Caring for your plants

Fertilise your plants ones a month. Ask some advice from your nursery but use only organic fertilizers. 

Picking and using your herbs often means pruning time is greatly reduced.