Simple Pleasures, Everyday Joie de Vivre.

Photo credit: Alexandr Podvalny on unsplash.  Disclaimer This article is not prescribing medical advice. Please consult your doctor before use. This article does not presume to cure anything, it is for general guidance only.  Is this article controversial. Okay, say it is. What can I say? That we are in control of own health. That we can take responsibility  for eating properly, getting fresh air and sunshine and doing regular exercise. I mean there is no argument that we need vitamins and minerals to survive. If you want to argue, in my opinion, go and argue with your doctor or pharmacist, they are probably giving you snake oil already. As much as we respect doctors, the will to power lies within. And the best medicines might not even work in every single case. Or you get spoilt by rich food and it all backfires one day. It is time to question all those procucts on the shelves, time to change for the sake of wisdom and our earth mother goddess. ...

     Try to spend the day outdoors at least once a week. Sunlight provides essential vitamin D for the body. Sunlight is generally uplifting and can improve mental health. The warm sunlight is also relaxing to the muscles. Fresh air raises your oxygen levels. Moderate to hard outdoor activities are good for your brain and body. Nature should be your point of call for nearly all ailments. Getting back to nature is good for your mind, body and spirit. Some things you can do to get back to nature include, swimming, say in a water hole or river, also hiking, climbing, boating, surfing, or maybe even hangliding. Plus there are many more. When you go outdoors to exercise your range and physical responses are greater than just going to the gym, although that is good too. I spent my Saturday at the Three Sisters in the Blue Mountains. It was a two hour trip and thank goodness I had my headphones. But it was worth it, just to sit calmly at a lookout in the lovel...

    This weekend I went to NAIDOC in the city, where Hyde Park North was turned into a lively gathering, with cultural events, markets, food and music. First I watched a beautiful sing and dance along for kids. Then I watched Chris Tamoy play guitar. I had my free lunch that was on offer, chicken, beef, roast potato and pineapple. I bought a souvenir which was some traditional coloured beads with silver shells.    Do you want to know more? NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee. Originally a civil rights gathering, it now includes a celebration of Indigenous culture. The theme this year is Voice, Treaty and Truth. With this year also being the United Nations International Year of Indigenous Languages. The voice, treaty and truth theme is part of the 2017 Uluru Statement of the Heart, which is a formal statement of reforms that represent our first nation people.  So let's explore this a little furth...

                                                               Photo courtesy of  Jennifer Regnier on unplash.                                     An artists date is a date with yourself to gain some inspiration for your creativity. It is  outlined by Julia Cameron in The Artists Way. As Edison said, Success is 99% Perspiration and 1% inspiration, only don't forget the drop of inspiration. Thus you create a work life balance meaning, more productivity and greater relaxation. Bastille day festival and market in Willoughby. The perfect time for some genuine Joie de Vivre. It took a bit to get to, after getting lost at least once and what a pleasant surprise, look at this it's just gorgeous. Gazebos, breton s...

Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues but the parent of all others.” — Cicero Try to appreciate life, your own and others, keep a gratitude journal and give unto others. Look after yourself and your home and possessions. Look on the bright side when things go wrong. Write Thank You notes to people. Coach, counsel and encourage your family and friends. Keep a philosophy of praise instead of criticism, both toward yourself and others. If you need a reason to live just do things for your own sake and for others sakes. Search for a cause outside of yourself to care about, whether it be via your church or community centre there are always people in need. From the environment, to homelessness, or third word starvation, there must be something out there that is worthy of your charity, and that will help you see the bigger picture. You cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought. Try to replace your worries and concerns with healing affirmations. S...

Photo by Annie Spratt on unsplash Christmas is a joyous holiday celebrated all over the western world. A time for friends and family to come together in a spirit of community and giving. You hear things, like not to bother with Christmas, that Christmas decorations are culturally offensive, or that it's a waste of time and money, a mere retail hack that turns over billions of dollars. Which can make those who are less fortunate feel really bad, especially if they have kids. Or Christmas can turn into a crazy holiday frenzy, with family feuds, overspending and over-consumption of food and alcohol. For ease over the holidays it is  best to have a plan. In early december you need to plan for the following. Send or respond to your invitations. Gift shopping Deep Cleaning of the house. Shopping for cooking and dining goods, wine glasses, etc. (if necessary) Christmas day outfits, (laundered, ironed, hung up) Christmas tree and decor. Decorating the...

Adornment, what a science! Beauty, what a weapon! Modesty, what elegance!  Coco Chanel.  In fashion, simplicity is elegance. In life, it is focus. So have a short to-do list. There is no point cramming more and more things into your day. Have a few goals and do them one step at a time. Don't add new ones until the current ones are complete. This is especially true of study, which takes loads of energy as it is. See if you can learn a new language in only ten minutes a day. Or a musical instrument in say an hour per day. You might surprise yourself how far you can go by going little by little. Wear less make-up, jewellery and bling. Declutter your house and garage. Get rid of as much junk as you can. Throw away old clothes that don't fit, no longer suit or are worn out. Donate stuff to charity. Use a wardrobe checklist so that you have everything you need. Here is a  Women's wardrobe checklist . And here is a  Man's wardrobe checklist . If ...