The Power of You - self belief, dream slayers and life changers

I am. I can. I will.

The power of language, belief and you.

We live in a world of nay sayers, who push us down and foster our self doubt. They say the odds are against us. It is one in a million. They are the dream slayers, destroying our hopes and taking away our purpose.

Those that dared to dream or to create change rose above all of that. Those who succeeded did not accept failure.

As 2019 comes to an end, think about what is your mindset. Who is bringing you down and who is supporting you? What sort of life do you want to live and how will you make it happen? 

Summer Ducklings - music, videos and instagram posts

How did I end up staying up all night to make a video and create music?

City gardening - growing, regrowing and small successes

Cornflower 

City gardening on a balcony has its small pleasures. A few years ago I decided that I wanted to grow flowers instead of spending money buying them from the supermarket. For years, I've tried seeds, bulbs and already grown plants, but my success levels have been variable.

Peace - To The Lighthouse

Then indeed peace had come. Messages of peace breathed from the sea to the shore. 

~ To The Lighthouse, Virginia Woolf.

I love many books, but I truly admire To The Lighthouse. I remember thinking how brave Woolf was in the way she took risks with her characters, structure, story and use of stream of consciousness. 

This book and passage which I have quoted seemed particularly appropriate. Last week I heard some sad news. This week I witnessed great bravery.

Some losses that we face are much harder than others. There are times when we can't be happy and that is fine. Life has its ups and downs, like the ebb and flow of the waves. It is as if we are being tossed about at sea. The storm will pass and we need to keep our head above water. A blind wolf in the darkness fighting. Then the calm comes.

I have always believed in the power of words. The reality is that words sometimes fail to convey how we feel and we can only offer small gestures - gifts, hugs and lending a hand. May be that is enough.

All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful:
The Lord God made them all.

 - All Things Bright and Beautiful by Cecil F. Alexander, pub.1848

Or sometimes it is a song that will carry much more meaning. Such simplicity in the lyrics and melody. It is a lovely hymn. It reminds us of creation. There is a fragility, hopefulness and yet it can also bring tears, though I'm not sure why.

I feel at peace when I sing and I feel peace when I hear the sound of waves lapping onto the shore.

London's Borough Market - Happy Foodie Heaven

Borough market is where all foodies take other foodies. The aroma, excitement, anticipation and mouthwatering sights of all sorts of treats make this one of the premiere places for indulgence and pleasure.