Sunday, December 27, 2020

Motivational Studies

 What Motivates You ?

Every morning is a new day and a new beginning. Each day is a new start = to re-train the mind = mind-set is a skill!

Believe In Yourself!
Remember, it is up to YOU to keep going, to never say "I can't do this" but to say
"I CAN Do This!"
The greatest gift you can give to other people is a HAPPY You.

10 tips for Motivating Yourself
1 = set a goal, one you can reach
2 = plan ahead, what will you do tomorrow?
3 = track / write down your progress, this will motivate you to do your very best
4 = reward yourself every time you 'hit that goal', watch a movies / read a new book / eat a bar of chocolate
5 = remind yourself, write an email to yourself / write it in your planner --- what's the next step?
6 = surround yourself with people who "Motivate You"
7 = keep your work area tidy, a tidy desk is a tidy mind
8 = learn about people who Inspire you
9 = watch and listen to Motivation talks (Youtube / TED)
10 = listen to music which motivates you, builds up your mind, read Inspirational quotes.
Today is preparation --- for tomorrow!

Tuesday, December 22, 2020

What is this Coronavirus ?

 What is this coronavirus?

We have heard the words "Coronavirus" and "Covid-19" all year, every single day on the news --- even I'm asking: "What is this virus?"

Where does it come from?
It is said that this virus is very close to in origin to a 'bat coronavirus,' however, there is no evidence that humans catch it from bats. The onset of symptoms were first notice in China in early December 2019. It is a respiratory virus which can spread through droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes (hence, always wear a mask outside and on the buses, at the shops, etc). It is not known to spread through food as 'cooking' will kill the virus. Washing the hands thoroughly before and after cooking is advised.

So what are the symptoms?
High temperature, a new and continuous cough and a change or lose of smell or taste. This is interesting = the range of symptoms can be from a mild illness to pneumonia, with severe fever, cough, sore throat and headaches. In very severe cases, difficulty in breathing can occur.

DO NOT PANIC !

Follow the guideline we're given by the government and we should be safe.

If you feel you 'may' have these symptoms = self-isolate (for 10 days) and arrange to have the test.

A mild case can last for two weeks, however, if it is more severe it may take up to six weeks or more to recover. Most people "WILL" recover from coronavirus but there have been extreme cases where the person has died.

Rest and drink plenty of fluids. The doctor may suggest over the counter medicines. In 'severe' cases, the patient is taken into hospital.

Follow the advice from the doctor! If you have had three days without fever and it's been 'at least' ten days since the first symptoms --- you can go out --- but follow the guidelines from the government!

1) WASH YOUR HANDS = A LOT!
2) WEAR A FACE COVERING WHEN OUTSIDE!
3) MAKE SPACE = SOCIAL DISTANCING ANYWHERE OUTSIDE!

It is crazy that this virus has virtually 'shut down' this whole planet, as it seems that nearly every country has been infected and each country is trying to deal with it in the best way possible.

This coronavirus has 'reshaped' our lives --- today!

Sunday, December 20, 2020

"It's Christmas!"

 "It's Christmas!"

For some, Christmas is the most exciting time of the year. For others, it is one of the main religious holidays of the year. For me personally, Xmas is about spending time with our loved ones, giving and receiving  some lovely gifts --- and eating good food!

We all know that Christmas is the celebration of the birth of the Christian Lord Jesus Christ, and some of the church services are beautiful with candles and carol singing, and, of course, "The Christmas Message."

For some, who may be of different 'faiths', Xmas is still celebrated but for different reasons.
"Saturnalia" was celebrated in Rome, in honour of the god of agriculture --- "Saturn." Starting with the week leading up to the Winter Solstice and for a whole month, this was a 'hedonistic' time. Food and drink was plentiful and the normal Roman social order was turned upside down --- the slaves became the masters, the peasants were in command of the city and businesses and schools closed so that everyone could enjoy the celebrations.

Also at this time in Rome, the "Feats of Juvenalia" was observed which honoured the children of Rome. Those of the rich classes of Rome, celebrated the birthday of "Mithra" who was an infant god, born of a rock. This day was 25th December and for some it was the most sacred day of the year.
To unite all the people into Christianity, Pope Julius I chose 25th December as the day Jesus Christ was born, and along with this, many of the traditions were continued under this celebration. The Bible does not tell us when Jesus Christ was born, but as the shepherds were herding their sheep outside, it is thought to be around spring time. For me personally, celebrating the birth of a new baby (at any time of the year) is a wonderful time as it is celebrating new life --- and life on this Earth is beautiful!

Christmas hasn't always been celebrated in England. In 1645, Oliver Cromwell and the Puritan forces 'cancelled' Christmas. When Charles II re-took the throne, Christmas was restored. When the English pilgrims moved to America in 1620, they did not celebrate Christmas. It was finally declared a federal holiday as late as 1870.

The famous author Charles Dickens, wrote the classic holiday tale "A Christmas Carol." The message from this tale is: "the importance of charity and good will towards all humankind," and this struck a very powerful note in the United States and England. It also showed members of Victorian society the benefits of celebrating Christmas.

As time went on, more and more 'traditions' were absorbed into the celebration = giving gifts to children / decorating the tree / sending cards / and so on = until we have the Christmas that we have today, in 2020 --- and what fun it is too!

It may be a quieter Xmas this year because of the covid-19 restrictions but we can still have a fantastic time --- it's up to us to make it that fantastic!