True Happiness Comes From Within - some thoughts......

I took Colin on a longer walk this morning as we both needed the exercise. A walk gives me the opportunity to think. Today I was thinking about happiness and how my mood was shifting away from my post holiday blues and that my spirits were lifting.

I was wondering what had happened to change this, as I had not done anything particularly exciting. So it must be that the factors that were making me happier were coming from the inside. Lasting happiness is not something that can be achieved from external sources and happiness doesn't depend upon who you are or what you have; it depends solely upon what you think.

So how can I continue this feeling of  happiness? I have read that daily affirmations are quite powerful in boosting your happiness. For example, starting each day by thinking of all the things you have to be thankful for is one way to put your mind on the right track.


Making a list of things for which we are grateful is one idea that works for me. It is  something that I can use to refer to when I am feeling low. I made one of these last year and so I reconnected with it when I got back home from my walk and I was amazed how relevant it was still. But it needed some updating. I now have something I can quickly refer to and I can reflect on one or more of things that make me feel gratitude. I don't spend a long time contemplating these items it depends on how much time I have and how I feel.


Also, remember that your future depends largely on the thoughts you think today. So each moment of every day is an opportunity to turn your thinking around, thereby helping or hindering your ability to think and feel more positively in the very next moment.

Most experts agree that there are no shortcuts to happiness. Even generally happy people do not experience joy 24 hours a day. But a happy person can have a bad day and still find pleasure in the small things in life.


Postponing your happiness until you reach a certain goal, like getting a promotion or pay raise to go on vacation, is a sure-fire way to stay stuck in misery. Instead, consciously spend a few minutes every day thinking about the good things in your life, such as eating a balanced meal or getting enough rest. Practice this every day and each day try to extend the time you spend on positive thoughts.



Additionally, while there is no rule or special formula that can make a person constantly happy, happiness tends to come more easily when you focus on life having a sense of  meaning.

Including a spiritual dimension (whatever that means to us individually) tends to be an essential component of happiness for most people as well.

I left the sunshine a week ago...........

............and with the rain and muddy dog walks I have been wishing that I was still in the sunshine and the Llandudno Beach House.

Summer

  This was a sure sign that the post holiday blues had made an appearance! I was finding it difficult to shrug off these blues. Yesterday was sunny and surprisingly there was some warmth in the sunshine.

Ruth and I were a bit adventurous today as gave Fego a miss and went to a different cafe today - Treacle in Sunninghill. 

It could become a popular place to go to in 2014 as all their food is homemade. The cakes(not that I eat them) are all made by the owner, who is passionate about baking. But the best news is that they allow dogs in the cafe! They allow dogs as the food preparation is on a different level.

The interior of Treacle

You can find them on Facebook.  

Colin watch out you could be coming along with me for a cuppa! They had a doggie water bowl for you and I will take a treat with me for you.

I realised that I need to change my routine and try different things. That's what holidays are all about in a way. So I was pleased that I went somewhere different today and I need to put more variety in my life and be happy with where I am. This quote sums it up really well.

Sheila Dillon's take on cancer and nutrition.

There is an interesting story by Radio 4’s Food Programme presenter Sheila Dillon on the BBC website  and in the Good Food magazine. She has had treatment for cancer as has her sister so they are well qualified to comment. I must say I was surprised to see such an article in anything associated with the BBC which is a bastion of protection of the establishment. The following is a quote from the article.

‘"It is now accepted by almost everyone in the scientific world that diet is one of the major causes of cancer. But there’s hardly a doctor in the UK who will tell you that there is also good evidence that what you eat after diagnosis also matters, despite hundreds of studies indicating that when you’ve got cancer, you should pay attention to what you eat.’"

You will find a video at the link here with a summary of Sheila’s comments on this subject.

There is no doubt in my mind that what we eat is critical in both our ability to prevent cancer and also vitally important if we are undergoing treatment - whatever treatment. The message clearly from Sheila Dillon'’s article is don’t wait for your doctor to advise on your nutrition, take personal responsibility.

Guess who's happy to back home?

I got back yesterday morning after an 11 hour flight that unbelievably passed very quickly. I am always so happy to see Colin and I just had to share this photo of someone who is happy to be home.

It's so lovely to be back on a comfy sofa!

How can I leave ?

So sad to leave this wonderful place again. I have the photos and I have this view firmly planted in my mind. I will have this have my special place to go to when I am meditating or having my healing

The view from the terrace at the Llandudno Beach House

Such a wonderful holiday again ...... cant wait I come back.

I love South Africa...... this post card sums it up!

I "heart" South Africa

The Food Barn Noordhoek Lunch

Then we moved onto lunch! a real foodie day! Annie our dear friend here in Llandudno recommended this as she thought the food was amazing. What a great recommendation. Thanks Annie. You were right the sauces are so delish that you could lick the plate! 

It's a bit of a drive but the drive is amazing along the Chapman's Peak Drive. Such brilliant views as you drive along the scenic drive. The location of the restaurant if not the most picturesque that we have been to while we are here but the food and the service makes it the best restaurant that we have visited.

The Foodbarn's logo

The Foodbarn Noordhoek

Wild Mushroon Ravioli Starter

Breakfast at Dario's Hout Bay.

Where we started ten days ago! We had our first breakfast at Dario's so it seemed apt to go there on our last day. Delicious freshly made apple carrot and celery juice and freshly cooked eggs on rye toast. Perfect start to the day.

Me and Ruthie having enjoyed a yummy breakfast