Angels

I have believed in angels ever since I was a little girl. I remember wanting to be an angel in the nativity play at primary school but for some reason I was made to wear a tea towel on my head and sing in the choir. I was not happy. I remember seeing the other girls dressed up as angels in their pretty costumes and wings and I remember feeling most put out.

There were angels everywhere when I was little and on Sundays at church I remember not wanting to move up close to the next person in case my angel got squashed.

You see them as statues in Churches and Cathedrals and it always surprises me that they don’t get mentioned much during religious ceremonies. It was the one bit of the church experience that I could really connect with growing up because I could feel them all around.

Angels are God’s messengers at work in the world today and they are our connection to the higher realms and they come in many forms.

An earth angel is someone who selflessly assists others or it could be a helpful animal or stranger.

A Guardian angel is a specific type of spirit guide that is assigned to protect and guide us. They accompany us through birth and are with us in every thought, word and event we experience in life. They are pure love and bring to us only what will help us, guide us, protect us and encourage us to aspire to the very best qualities of our soul.

An Archangel has special duties and we can call upon them whenever we need them. There are many Archangels but the most well known are:

Archangel Michael who is the leader of all the Archangels and he is in charge of protection, courage, strength, truth and integrity. Archangel Michael protects us physically, emotionally and psychically.  He also oversees the light worker’s life purpose.

Archangel Gabriel performs acts of kindness and brings important messages.  Archangel Gabriel can bring messages to you just as she did to Elizabeth and Mary about the birth of their sons, John the Baptist and Jesus. If you are considering starting a family or adopting a child, ask Gabriel for help and support.  

Archangel Raphael is a powerful healer and assists with all forms of healing in humans and animals. Raphael also helps with inward spiritual journeys, assisting in the search for truth and guidance.

You are surrounded by angels 24/7 and everyone has the ability to connect with them. You don’t need to be religious, gifted or psychic and you don’t need to be in a place of worship, wear purple clothes or own any special jewellery. The secret is to go within. Turn off your mobile phone, TV, computer and find somewhere quiet. It could be your garden, kitchen, car or any place you won’t get disturbed. Listen to the peace and feel the stillness. Close your eyes for a moment, breathe deeply, and feel their presence. If you still can’t sense the angels, keep practising. They want to make their presence known to you because they want to be involved in your life. Become aware of being in that moment without the mind taking you off in different directions.

You can ask the angels for help or just tell them your worries. Acknowledging their presence is the first step but you may not experience them straight away. They may come in as a thought, a gentle touch or they may come as a sensation or an inner knowing.

You can invite them into your dreams by writing them a letter and placing it under your pillow.

Look out for signs around you like white feathers. These are the angels calling cards and if you find one in an unusual place that is a sign. They are usually white and very fluffy.

Also, become aware the next time you turn on your radio. What are the first words you hear? Is that a message for you? What song is playing?

Butterflies signify transformation and I always feel the angels are near whenever I see one. I also love cloud gazing and I quite often see feather or heart shaped clouds.

Have you ever heard your name being called and thought you imagined it?

Have you ever seen a beam of light that you cannot explain? Lights in the corner of your eye and orbs on photographs are also said to be angelic energy. These are all signs that the angels are close by.

If you would like to connect to the angels but are finding it difficult there are lots of books to help you. Check out the link to Hay House Mind, Body & Spirit books and DVDs here.

Also check out my online shop for heavenly gifts here.

I hope you find this blog helpful in your journey.

Love & light

Louise X

Reflexology for pregnancy

Being the perpetual student that I am, this month I went on a Reflexology for pregnancy course at the Penny Price Aromatherapy Academy in Hinckley.  There is always new information to learn and more interesting people to meet out there and I am so grateful that my job as a therapist allows me to do this.

The academy has an amasing smell as you walk up the driveway as the aroma of essential oils just flood out. What a fantastic environment for learning.

I previously trained for a Diploma in Reflexology in 2003 and since then this has been one of my most popular therapies. I have noticed over the years that clients wanting to get pregnant seem to get pregnant very quickly after having a few sessions of Reflexology and some even after one session.

My Reflexology training in 2003 was fantastic but it only touched on the subject of Reflexology in pregnancy and although I was qualified to treat pregnant ladies with the Diploma qualification, I never felt confident enough to do this. 

The training at Penny Price was excellent and I am now looking forward to providing continued care for my pregnant ladies. Helping provide support before, during and after pregnancy is a fantastic honour and Reflexology can also play a part in the labour itself.

During the training we also discussed the safe issue of using essential oils during pregnancy. As a trained Aromatherapist I am qualified to blend essential oils into the foot cream so clients experience a combined Reflexology and Aromatherapy treatment.

Reflexology during the pre-pregnancy stage helps to restore hormone imbalances and regulate periods. For best results both partners should be treated. 

Reflexology is a therapeutic foot massage that aids relaxation and rebalances the body and creates a perfect internal environment to conceive. The therapy also reduces any stress which can be a key factor in fertility problems but you do need to have sex as well. J 

During pregnancy providing certain precautions are taken and contra-indications are observed Reflexology is safe to use. As well as the usual benefits of Reflexology there are also a wide range of symptoms and conditions that reflexology can help with during pregnancy.

• Balances blood pressure
• Reduces swelling in feet, ankles, fingers and wrists
• Reduces / prevents heartburn
• Improves quality of sleep
• Relieves varicose veins
• Clears pelvic congestion
• Relieves back pain
• Relieves constipation
• Relieves nausea

During pregnancy the body goes through major changes and these changes will affect the emotional, hormonal and physiological balance of the body. Regular Reflexology treatments can help to alleviate or prevent the discomfort arising from any imbalances and restore the body’s equilibrium. Pregnancy is not a medical condition but a wonderful natural experience to be enjoyed.

Research has shown that regular Reflexology treatments during pregnancy can shorten the duration of labour, with subjects often requiring less pain relief during the course of delivery.

For post pregnancy care, gentle Reflexology can help the body to recover and rebalance itself after pregnancy and labour. Regular treatments will assist the body in healing and help the menstrual cycle return to normal. In addition to helping with the usual aches and pains after labour and birth, Reflexology can be a great therapy for breastfeeding mums. Reflexology can help to promote milk supply and enhance the bonding experience for mother and baby.

If you would like more information about this check out my Reflexology page on http://www.heathcotebeauty.co.uk/Reflexology.htm

I would love to hear from anyone who has been helped with Reflexology in any pregnancy related way.

Love & light

Louise x

Heavenly Hampers




Heavenly Hampers from the on-line shop.

 

This month I have been busy creating three new hampers to sell in my on-line shop. They are excellent gift ideas for any time of the year but hopefully they should be ready by November in time for the Christmas shoppers.

My favourite one is the Angel hamper which includes:

• Crystal Angel Figurine in a velvet purse
• Meet your Angel Relaxation CD 
• Peace & Love CD       
• Aura Mist - Meditation Spray
• Clear Quartz Crystal Set                 
• Incense                                              
• Candles
• Bath bombs
• Angel sprinkles     

Angels are waiting to be invited into our lives to bring guidance, protection and inspiration in times of need and in times of joy and this is a perfect hamper to remind us that angels are always by our side.



I have also created a Well-being hamper and A basket of love hamper.

Customers can also create their own hampers by choosing the gifts they like.

These hampers are beautifully packaged and they make ideal gifts for anyone looking for relaxation and balance. To make them extra special you can add gift vouchers in multiples of £10.00. The vouchers can be used for any treatments at Heathcote Beauty & Holistics.

You can send a hamper to say “I love you” or “Thank you” or even “Sorry”.

These hampers make excellent presents for;

       •  Birthdays

       •  Anniversaries

       •  Mothers Day

       •  Valentines Day
       •  Christmas or even Secret Santa

       •  Get Well Soon

       •  Or for no other reason than to send a gift!

Forget flowers or chocolates, send a hamper instead.

If you would like to view any of these hampers follow the link to my shop here. Happy shopping :)

Love & light

Louise X

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Autumn is a wonderful time of the year with changing vibrant colours, crisp days and cool nights.

Although the change of season is magnificent, it also brings a rapid shift in daylight resulting in shorter days which can have a major impact on the well-being of some people.

These shorter days can lead to changes in mood, increased stress levels, sleep problems and depression and these symptoms are commonly referred to as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

The human body was designed to live in harmony with sunlight. We evolved under natural sunlight and we need natural sunlight in order to stay healthy.  Sunshine helps in the formulation of vitamin D and also assists in setting biological rhythms.

Many people think that having the winter blues because of seasonal changes is simply something they have to live with but there are many things we can do to offset the effects.  (As with any health issue, if you suffer from low mood, you should discuss the options with your GP).

Here are a few suggestions that may help.

• Exercise: No matter what the cause of your low mood, recent studies have shown that regular exercise can be nearly as effective as antidepressants in treating depression. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
• Healthy mind & body: You are the sum total of every you eat, drink and think. What you put into your body and your mind will have an impact on your general well-being. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants. Only allow positive thoughts and invest your energy in the positive present moment. Smile and laugh more each day and give something good to others. Most important, forgive everyone for everything.
• Listen to your body: Get plenty of sleep and don’t over do things.
• Supplementation: There are a number of natural products on the market that may help with low mood. In a number of clinical studies St. Johns Wort has been found to help with mild to moderate low mood. More and more research is finding a link between low levels of the B vitamins.
• Holistic Therapies: There are a variety of complementary and alternative therapies that can help. Anything that helps you relax and chill out will have a healing affect on your mind and body. Certain essential oils such as mandarin, bergamot, lavender and basil will have an uplifting affect on your emotions but always blend them first in a carrier oil or cream before applying to your skin.

Embrace our changing seasons and find the beauty in each one. In the words of Monty Python 'Always look on the bright side of life, da dom da dom da dom da dom da dom'.

Lots of love to you all
Louise x

Orbs

I have been fascinated with orbs ever since I captured my first orb photograph years ago.

An 'orb' is the appearance of what looks like a flat round light anomaly in a photograph. They appear to move, when captured on a video and they can vary in size, shape and colour and sometimes they contain internal patterns and some show what looks like a face or symbols.

With the introduction of digital cameras in the 1990's orbs have become a recently new phenomenon.

Orbs have been accepted in the psychic community as real evidence of spirit activity representing the essence, or soul of a departed spirit. Some people believe an orb is the first stage of a physical manifestation of an apparition. Others people believe they are spirit guides, angels or even fairies. Other less popular explanations include ball lightning and earth lights.

The top photograph was taken outside a spiritual retreat in Somerset. On the photograph is a lilac coloured orb above my head, a misty orb on one shoulder and a purple haze behind me to the side. I showed this photograph to an orb expert and he explained that the purple shape to my side is Merlin energy. The lilac orb above my head is the ‘Lady of Love and Light’ (some people refer to her as Mary) and the misty orb on my shoulder is my Guardian Angel.

The photograph below was taken 3 years ago in St Necton’s Glen, which is a very spiritual place in Cornwall. We took lots of photographs here and some had orbs on and some didn’t. I also have many family photographs which show orbs in the background.

Check out your photo’s and see if you have captured any orbs. Most people think it is a mistake in the processing of the film or perhaps the camera has picked up particles of dust, insects or moisture. I am open minded to all possibilities but until someone can prove otherwise I am happy to believe that I am being surrounded by the spirits of loved ones and angels in these pictures. (Not sure about the fairies though!)

Love & Light

Louise X

Joys of working from home.

I do love being self employed and working from home. No grumpy bosses to contend with and I can take a day off or a holiday when I want to and not when some rota says I have to. No travelling through the morning and evening traffic jams or having to scrape ice of the car windscreen in the winter. Yes working from home has many benefits but occasionally things don't always go to plan!

My treatment room is downstairs in my home and it is usually very quiet.

The other day I had a regular lady come for her monthly Reiki treatment. Reiki normally takes about an hour and I always create a lovely relaxing atmosphere with candles, music and soft lightning to enhance the session. The room was laid out perfectly, energetically cleansed and I was all prepared for a lovely treatment.

Just as the treatment started there was a loud banging on the front door. It was the postman with a parcel for next door and 'could I keep it for them because there was no-one in'?

I soon got back into the flow of the treatment when the window cleaner arrived. He clambered up his noisy metal ladders while whistling a happy tune and then vigorously started cleaning the windows. Well there was nothing I could do about that so I ignored this and concentrated on my reiki treatment. Five minutes later, BANG BANG BANG on the front door. The window cleaner wanted paying. I tried not the throw the money at him!

I once again continued with the treatment thinking 'peace at last' when the local fire brigade, 2 ambulances and 3 police cars went racing past the house with their sirens blazing! What could possibly happen next?

Well it was just one of those days! Less than 5 minutes later my 22 year old who was trying to be very quiet coming down the stairs, slipped and tumbled to the bottom, very noisily! Fortunately he was fine but he couldn't fall quietly could he?

He then went into the kitchen and started to cook himself a full English breakfast and it wasn't long before the smell of bacon and eggs started to waft into my treatment room. Now most people love the smell of bacon and eggs but not while you are enjoying a reiki treatment. The smell was so appetising my stomach started rumbling. Very embarrassing! What else could possibly happen in the space of this hour long treatment?

Not long after the lovely smell of bacon, came the smell of burning, followed quickly by the fire alarm. My son had managed to burn his breakfast setting the fire alarm off in the kitchen!

At the end of the treatment I apologised to my client for all the noises and disturbances but she had been completely relaxed and unaware of all the commotion. She thought it was funny when I explained all the different things that had happened and that I should write about it in my blog. So here it is!

I suppose even the poshest Spa's and the fanciest treatment rooms in the country have their off moments as well. Fortunately the rest of the day ran smoothly.

Till the next time.

lots of love

louise X

Culbone Church



Bill lost without  internet connection

Only WE could get lost on a coastal path!

Here we were, on our way to visit an ancient spiritual temple, in the middle of a wood, on the side of a cliff and Bill decides to get his iphone out.

The lady in Porlock information office said it was about a 40 minute walk but we had been walking for over an hour."We can use this"  he exclaimed! "it has a GPS'"

But to his dismay, there wasn't any signal.
We were doomed!

Just then we saw the church through the trees.

It was like going back hundreds of years. Civilization was at least an hour away and this was not a good place to have a heart attack. My body felt the relief immediatly at the sight of this ancient site. Maybe it was the healing energy of the place or maybe it was just the relief that I didn't have to walk up any more muddy hills. Next time I am going to get some nordic walking poles. Everyone round here seems to have them.

Culbone Church is a little gem which is hidden away on the North Devon coast between Porlock and Lynmouth and visiting this place was the highlight of my week away.

Culbone Church

This beautiful Church has been mentioned in both the Domesday Book and also the Guinness Book of records and it has been described as 'the smallest complete parish church in the country'.

Before venturing on our coastal walk to the church I had purchased some booklets about the place from the Porlock information office. The booklets were written by a lady called Joan Cooper. I quickly skimmed the pages looking for information to confirm what I had already learned about this magical place.

Joan Cooper explains that light was built into Culbone in the form of an invisible spiritual temple long before any physical construction began. Spiritual temples were created in the etheric membrane around the earth after the fall of Atlantis for the regeneration of mankind.

Whilst walking around Culbone graveyard I came across the tombstone of Joan Cooper. She had been a Psychologist from California who had studied in the U.S.A., Geneva and Berlin. I felt a huge connection with this lady and later found out that she had lived in this small hamlet on the Exmoor coast and she had played the church organ and taught meditation and relaxation. We had a lot in common. We were both Therapists, both musical and both interested in relaxation, meditation and all things spiritual. I felt as if I knew her.

R.I.P. Joan Cooper, you've picked a great place to rest.

The visitors book is full of complementary comments about the church and I added my details. I couldn't find the words to describe the place so I drew a heart symbol instead. Louise Bates Leamington spa Warwickshire <3

Love & light
Louise x

Creative recuperation

During March I went into hospital to have an operation. It was nothing serious but I was told to take things easy for a while and not to drive for four weeks. Well, being self employed makes taking time off work very difficult and it felt frustrating having to turn clients away. Fortunately, I have contacts with some amazing therapists locally so I was able to pass clients on to them.

                                                        

I’m a great believer that things happen for a reason and taking time off from my usual routine as a Therapist gave me the opportunity to do something different.

A few years ago I recorded a relaxation CD which I sell on my web site. I had wanted to record others but I never seemed to make the time to sit down and write them. Well, during this time of recuperation I felt guided to put pen to paper and I started to write a relaxation piece. It always amazes me how the mind downloads information and ideas when you are in the flow. Once I got going it was like the flood gates opened and I couldn’t stop writing. I felt excited and energised and it wasn’t long before I had six different relaxation scripts ready to record.  My passion and enthusiasm for getting them onto paper played a big part in my healing process.  I could almost feel those endorphins; the body’s feel good hormones, washing through me as I worked away.

I was even dreaming about the whole process in my sleep. In one dream I could see the finished CD’s in their packaging and each CD had a crystal and I knew intuitively which crystal to put with each CD.

We are very fortunate to have a music room with professional quality recording equipment and it was great to get them recorded onto CD’s and the recording process was just as enjoyable.

Each CD is designed to calm your mind and body connecting you to your inner stillness and each one begins with soothing music allowing your body to settle down. After a few minutes of calming music you will hear my voice talking to you. I will take you on a relaxing journey were you will connect with your inner peace.  A different crystal is included with each CD.

Relaxation is perhaps the most important key to health and well-being and when we are completely relaxed our own natural healing mechanism is more active. The physical and mental benefits are immense and it is well known that relaxation can improve sleep patterns, decrease stress levels, lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, combat anxiety and depression, and improve memory and concentration. Other benefits include increased confidence and self esteem and relaxation can even help with pain relief. 

I've had so much fun this month with the whole process, although, I don’t feel like I'm finished yet! I know I have a least two more to write because they are tapping away in my head.

The first six CD's will hopefully be ready for sale next month and I am hoping to make one free to download from my website, when I figure out how to do that! Watch this space!

Hope you enjoyed this months blog.

lots of love

Louise x 

Love and accept yourself!

Self love is at the very core of your wellbeing and it influences your ability to create and enjoy the kind of life you want but I’m not talking about egotistical love.

The relationship with yourself is the most important one you’ll ever have but if you are not at peace with yourself, you cannot enjoy real happiness.

We all experience an inner dialogue and we would be shocked if we heard a recording of this. We would see just how many times a day we criticize or judge ourselves. This constant inner mind chatter can be very damaging and often sabotages our efforts to move towards happiness.

Our self talk usually consists of fears and beliefs that have been built up over a number of years and operate on a subconscious level. These limiting beliefs, fears and excuses get in our way and hold us back but we have the ability to change this.

First listen to your inner dialogue and catch what you are saying. If you find yourself being critical, indecisive, harsh and negative you are damaging yourself with your negative self talk.

Typical negative self talk:

• I cannot change – it’s in my blood/family
• I will never be a success
• I always attract the wrong people
• I always get it wrong
• I am responsible for how other people feel
• I am worthless
• I am unlucky
• I have no confidence
• I’m no good at ….
• No one would be attracted to me
• It will never work
• Why does this always happen to me
• Things won’t last (only about good things)
• This will never end (only about bad things)
• I’m not good enough, clever enough, pretty enough e.t.c.
• Life is hard…..

Once you become aware of any negative self talk, you have the power to turn it around by reshaping how you think. Using positive affirmations are a great way to start.
Whenever you catch yourself thinking negatively, do not beat yourself up, just accept that thought and turn it into a more loving thought. Try these for a few weeks and see how you get on.

“Each day I am getting better and better and I completely love and accept myself”.

“Each day I am more and more positive and I completely love and accept myself”

This may feel really strange at first and you may not believe that you are getting better and better or becoming more positive or that you do love and accept yourself but you do not have to believe the phrases to say them. Even if it feels 100% untrue, it is a good place to start and one day you will begin to believe it.

You could also soften the phrase.e.g.

• I would like to love and accept myself
• It would be nice to love and accept myself.
• I'm in the process of loving and accepting myself.
• I'm learning to deeply love and accept myself.
• I accept myself.
• I have love for myself which extends out to others.
  
  

Your thoughts and feelings shape your reality and until you learn how to completely love yourself, you will continue to be plagued by indecision and self doubt etc. In more extreme cases there is self hatred and depression which cripples you in every area of your life. The self-focused negativity cuts you off from your higher self and your true potential.

If you continue to think negative thoughts you will not be able to truly love yourself and you will attract back events and circumstances that cause you to feel more negative.

Books CD's and DVD's of world renowned inspirational teacher 'Louise Hay' have certainly helped me over the years to change the way I think. Her philosophy offers profound insights into the relationship between the mind and body and her ideas and strategies have worked for millions of people all over the world.

If you are struggling to love and accept yourself, you may find the following link helpful.

http://www.hayhouseaffiliate.co.uk/cgi-bin/clickme.cgi?exec=lbates&site=site1

Lots of love

Louise X

My Vision Board

In 2006 I saw a film called ‘The Secret’.

This film is based on the 'Law of Attraction' and claims that positive thinking can create life-changing results such as increased wealth, health and happiness.

The film is also a book written by Rhonda Byrne and it has transformed many lives of the people who have taken the ‘Law of Attraction’ concept on board.

I was studying Crystal Therapy at the time and it was our Tutor that suggested we watch the film. We were learning about the 'The Law of Vibration’ and how everything in the universe is in motion. All things move, vibrate and travel in circular motions and each thing that exists is identified by its own number of oscillations, vibrations or waves.

Now, I'm no Quantum Scientist, but this film made all the science much easier to understand. Like attracts like, just like magnets, high fibrational frequencies are attracted to other high vibrational frequencies the same as low fibrational frequencies are attracted to other low fibrational frequencies. It’s as simple as that! 'The Law Of Attraction' is an easy way of explaining 'The Law of Vibration'.

I  have been aware for a long time now about how our thoughts and feelings shape our reality and I have become increasingly aware of how powerful our words are in everyday conversations. The way we think, act, feel and comunicate sends vibrations out into the universe and we get back whatever resonates with us. Essentially, if you think and feel positively, you will attract back positive events and circumstances. If you think angry thoughts and feel angry, you will attract back events and circumstances that cause you to feel more anger. 

As part of my personal development last year I decided to make a vision board of my wishes and desires for 2011 and I placed it on the wall by my bedside.  It was the last thing I saw going to bed at night and the first thing I saw getting up in the morning (not counting my husband,Bill!) and it helped me to focus on my wishes and desires consistently. I also did some work on myself using ‘Emotional Freedom Technique EFT’ (tapping therapy) which helped to remove any blocks or limiting beliefs I had on a subconscious level.  I also balanced daily using ‘The Balance Procedure,’ another energy based technique which helps you become aligned to your true potential.

Well all I can say is, don’t knock it till you try it!

2011 was another amasing year for me and I am so excited about 2012. I have had to change my vision board this year because last years wishes and desires were accomplished apart from one (but that’s because I still have a stubborn limiting belief that needs working on regarding that particular wish!)

If you think I am totally bonkers now, that’s fine!  Maybe you have read the book or seen the film and you feel ‘The Law of attraction’ is not working for you. The ‘Law of attraction’ is working all the time and it attracts back to you whatever you are thinking and feeling. You may consciously believe that you are being positive but on a subconscous level there may be some limiting beliefs lurking, for example... "I'm not good enough", "I don't deserve anything," "Life is hard", "I don't like myself" etc. If this is going on for you then this is what you will attract back and you won't be feel good enough and life will be hard and you wont be able to accept yourself.

The film and book does focus on attracting a lot of material things into your life and it has received a lot of criticism. Maybe it could have been made better, written better because not everyone wants the big yacht, big house, flashy car etc, but if you see past that, the actual concept that ‘The Law of Attraction’ is real and is working right now in this moment and every thought and feeling you are experiencing now is shaping your world.

I love the following quotation from Fred Alan Wolf, Ph.D.

"The movement of life may at times seem chaotic, but it is not. It moves like a gigantic wave and we are caught atop it. If we try to direct the wave, we’ll find ourselves in constant battle with it. If we learn merely to survive in the wave’s wake, we become victims of it. But we do have another option. We can grasp the rules of the wave’s movement and learn to surf it skilfully".

The most important place to start though is to love yourself, but more about that in my next blog!

Thank you for being in my life
Love and Light
Louise x

Happy New Year

 This month’s blog is not really a blog!

A friend emailed me this a few years ago and I tweaked it slightly for my own benefit. I wanted to share it with you because it is perfect for New Year’s resolutions.

         Life Handbook

• Drink plenty of water.
• Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
• Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.
• Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm, and Empathy.
• Make time to practice meditation, yoga, and prayer.
• Play more games.
• Read more books than you did last year.
• Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day.
• Sleep for 7 hours.
• Take a 10-30 minutes walk every day. And while you walk, smile.
• Don't compare your life to others'. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
• Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
• Don't over do. Keep your limits.
• Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
• Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
• Dream more while you are awake.
• Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
• Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your partner with his/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
• Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
• Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
• No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
• Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like science class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
• Smile and laugh more.
• You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
• Call your family often.
• Each day give something good to others.
• Forgive everyone for everything.
• Spend time with people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.
• Try to make at least three people smile each day.
• What other people think of you is none of your business.
• Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your family and friends will. Stay in touch.
• Do the right thing!
• Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joyful.
• Time heals everything.
• However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
• No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
• The best is yet to come.
• When you awake alive in the morning, be thankful for it.
• Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.
• Practise an attitude of gratitude.

Last January I made a vision board with all my wishes and desires for 2011. It is pinned to the wall next to my bed and it is the first thing I see in the morning and the last thing I see at night. It is an amazing and powerful tool to get the ‘Law of attraction’ working in a positive way. More about that in my next blog!

Happy New Year to you all J

Love and Gratitude

Louise XX