Category: 5 Share Friday

1. Quote I’ve been pondering this week – “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

2. I’m a big fan of David Mitchell. This week he wrote an article about a man who has severed himself from all news and social media. I took a similar (though not as hardcore) route 2 years ago by not following the news. Since then I’ve not only had more time, I’ve been able to stay focused and not lead a life led by much of the negativity most of us don’t even realise shape our outlook and thinking. I’ve not missed out on anything, not even good conversation with others. Why not try a news detox? You’ll be amazed at the results.

3. Stretching. 2 years ago I stopped regular stretching after reading an increasing amount of research about it programming your body to have pain after you do physical exercise when you skip stretching (if you normally do it). It’s worked well for me so far, it actually turns out everything you thought you knew about stretching probably isn’t true…In fact the only real reason to stretch is if you enjoy it or need it for medical reasons.. Here’s an interesting place to read more.

4. Giving up social networking…A friend from work wrote a piece about Why she gave up Facebook. It was published on Thrive Global, it’s a great read. I’ve had a Facebook account for 11 years and gave up regular viewing of the newsfeed a couple of years ago. I have a happy enough life without it and it makes me more a customer, less of the product. Which are you?

5. 2 of my favourite clothing brands are Patagonia and Icebreaker. Both are ethical, well tailored and practical. Icebreaker do lots of different clothing (our kids even have Icebreaker beanies) and they especially make the greatest baselayers. I’ve got a few of these (both top and bottom). Whether I’m walking our dog, having outside family time, mountain biking or when I used to snowboard, icebreaker clothing has kept me warm, dry and comfortable, I recommend investing. I’ve had mine for 5 years and they’re still like new.

We have a 4 day Easter weekend in the UK, choctastic! Whether yours is longer or the usual number of days, here’s wishing you have a great one!

1. Quote I’m pondering this week “Life is beautiful not because of the things we see or do. Life is beautiful because of the people we meet.” – Simon Sinek

2. Video I’m being inspired by: Simon Sinek on love, leadership and the little things. It’s part of a longer interview with him. This 15 minute slice is about understanding great things like love and happiness coming from the little things in life. He talks about how this stuff isn’t measurable and how it builds up over time, through consistency and thinking of others. It’s well worth watching.

3. I travel a fair bit lately and I’ve found the Eagle Creek pack it cubes have improved my packing dramatically. I’ve got cubes for cables and chargers, cubes for underwear and cubes for dirty clothing. I can open my bag and get right to the item/s I want. Amazing! No more cables and chargers tangled up in my bag, no more finding underwear by having to pull out all my other clothes. Check them out, you’ll never go back.

4. While travelling this week, I watched one of my favourite films – Quadrophenia. When younger I would travel to Soho in London now and then to buy my clothes (I liked the fitted MOD look). I could never have imagined later in life I’d be working down the road from the place my favourite MOD shop off Carnaby street used to be. Right now I’m travelling to Brighton during the week and working not far from where some of the scenes of Quadrophenia were filmed. Life really is something, I often wonder if there is a masterplan or not.

Oh, and If you haven’t seen the movie then don’t wait any longer it’s a corker.

5. I recently created an Instagram account. Most of my friends have one so it’s been interesting to see how people are using it. After reading this and the authors follow up I have doubts as to whether I’ll continue having an account. It sounds too far fetched to be true, but is it?

I’m considering deleting my social media existence (except professional network Linkedin) and have found this site that helps you rid the internet of your presence, take a peek if you’re interested too.

1. Quote I’m pondering this week “Me, I still believe in paradise. But now at least I know it’s not some place you can look for because it’s not where you go. It’s how you feel for a moment in your life when you’re a part of something and if you find that moment, it lasts forever.” – Richard from The Beach – Alex Garland

2. Decisions – Back at the tail end of 2017 I chose my word of the year for the upcoming year. That word is ‘change‘. 2018 is already proving to be one requiring big decisions in my life, so having my word of the year is helping me make important choices (big and small). If you’re interested in having a word to guide decisions (it really can make a huge difference), have a look at this short guide.

3. I had a conversation about Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird this week. Atticus from the original novel, is the person I’ve always (and still do) aspire to be like.

When a person sees injustice where others don’t, that makes them a prototype, Atticus is that prototype. No matter if you read the book or see the movie (both are outstanding), it’s hard not to feel in the presence of justice, love, and fairness – the good in the world. A business I once had was named after him and I’ll always be grateful to the author Harper Lee for giving me a strong male figure to fill that gap in my childhood.

If you haven’t read the book or seen the movie then don’t wait any longer, you’ll be hooked forever.

4. Free online learning for work & life – I’ve been using www.businessballs.com since 2012 and they’ve recently upgraded their site, making it even better. No matter what I’m after for work or personal this is the first place I go as chances are there is magic to be gained. If you haven’t tried it then go check it out, I highly recommend it.

5. I’ve been learning more about Denmark and what much of the US and UK population do not like about it – i.e. Scandinavia’s high taxes or socialist ideas. I’m fine with the idea of paying high taxes and getting what the Danes get back, it’s actually pretty marvellous, I’m not sure what all the fuss is about?

On top of being super happy, they have that Nordic insistence on knowing how to do practical things and doing them well, as well as taking care of their body with time outdoors every day. The hard-earned lesson of freezing Scandinavian winters is that there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing—that all you really need to get through difficult times is shelter and sustenance, kith and kin.

If you haven’t looked at adding a little Danish into your life, it’s worth exploring. Read more here https://www.amara.com/luxpad/hygge/

1. Quote I’ve been pondering this week “Nothing is impossible, the word itself says ‘I’m possible!‘”- Audrey Hepburn

As part of international women’s day I looked back through the life of Audrey Hepburn, one of the most inspirational women to ever come out of Hollywood. If you haven’t read her life story by Alexander Walker I recommend it.

2. Article I’ve been reading– Found that incredible someone at the wrong time? Got an incredible job offer though can’t move? These and other things like them happen to us now and then. For me, although I’ve found taking control of my life essential, I’m also mellowing on the idea that if something is meant to be then maybe it will be, in its own time. Perhaps the universe is just prepping? Maybe it’s all woo woo? Either way, sometimes it’s worth just enjoying the ride and seeing where the universe takes you.

3. Most impactful purchase – I miss my stand up desk when I’m working from home. So I’ve been experimenting with different setups. I’ve decided on this cardboard one, it’s rough around the edges though perfect for what I need. It’s also under £20 and takes up little to no room when not in use (flat packs down).

4. Favourite drink – Throughout the arctic weather conditions here in the UK we’ve been making this homemade hot chocolate at home. It’s delicious and in the evening we’ve even added a little Irish whiskey to make it tastier! Try it and see (best results are with medjool dates).

5. What I’ve been listening too – While rifling through the attic a couple of weeks ago, I found my lost Kurt Cobain Journals, this book is incredible. He was an often misunderstood genius and ultimately a great poet and musician. So this week I’ve been listening to Nirvana (my most played has been Nirvana unplugged) and enjoying Kurt Cobain’s artwork and writing.