"A Colourful Take On Life's Grey Areas"

Here are some pages from my current favourite book that I recommend to lots of customers, 'It's Not Always Black and White - A Colourful Take on Life's Grey Areas' by Kate Knapp.

I chose this page because the kids and I have been unwell this week and have needed lots of rest. The trouble is when I to wait until I am really unwell to really let myself rest, instead of making it a normal part of life. I have been having gloriously long naps all week and feel all the better for it. I am listening to my body and it's needs for care instead of pushing myself to do do do, go go go. I have Shannyn, Maddie and Laura running the show at The Story Tree, so I needn't worry about how the shop will cope without my presence. I must say, I have missed being there and look forward to getting back to the coffee machine and the chats with customers. I am really grateful that it is a team effort, not just me that runs the show. Thankyou girls!

I like this page because it reminds me that we don't need to feel 'chirpy' all the time, it is okay to have quiet days and to honour our true inner state. Being authentic about feeling 'unchirpy', paradoxically allows the 'chirpy' to return from deep within instead of forcing it and acting it and grinning through.

Okay, I must confess that I have been pretty bad at enjoying life. I am pretty good at seeing what needs fixing, tidying, organising and sorting, and I expect myself to be on top of it. I want to be good at enjoying. I watch Tobey and Oskar play, completely engrossed in their game of mixing sand, dirt and water; meanwhile my mind is racing through all the things I need to get done and trying to work out when and how I can achieve it. I am also aware that I am not being present to the boys, so I feel crap about this too and end up not really playing and not really getting through the To Do's. So. STOP. Be here. Now we are having fun in the sand pit, tomorrow I am at work doing doing doing. Now is about enjoying, the kids, myself, the sun, the mess. This is a daily discipline, an hourly mindfulness.

Okay, now I want you to tell me if this resonates with you. What about this picture and the words stand out? What are some old ideas and beliefs that you need to throw out?

Here is the cover. Mim, I'm glad you've enjoyed your birthday present.
There are many many pages that I could share, but, I am due for a nanna nap as I'm honouring my body's need for more rest so I can get better.