Yep! Who was I kidding? My job is demanding enough... where did I think I would be able to find the time to take on playing the piano again?
It is such a shame actually as I was really excited about taking it on, but I have just sent off an email to my new teacher telling him that I am not able to continue because I simply don't have the time - which is true! Whilst it is reality, it still upsets me.
This however leads onto an important message, I'm sure you will be familiar with this - but 'don't bit off more than you can chew', in my case, nobody was throwing piano lessons at me, I chose to take it on, knowing that work will be prioritised over it, and then subsequently in the same period, taking on more work responsibilities... it was always going to end up this way, without making any sacrifices, which I am not able to do at the moment.
So why not take a moment, look at the things you are doing in your life. It is still very important to have that balance, of work and life, enjoyment and fulfilment, and if you sense some unbalance, what can you change about it?
I try to have that constant balance in my life, you need to be aware of it all the time, and constantly tweak things as new elements come and go.
Going back to playing the piano was just one of many extra curricular activities that I have chosen to undertake and unfortunately the last one in, is the first one out.
My plan is to resume lessons in a couple of months, and I hope to do so.
Thursday, 14 July 2011
Tuesday, 5 July 2011
Beyond control
Day in, day out, I encounter people who worry. They worry about what they will eat for dinner, about what they will wear on the weekend, they worry about how they will get through the rest of the week and believe it or not, I actually think that it's not a problem to worry in this way. As a result of the worrying, you are able to plan, prepare, and make changes. You are able to take certain progressive steps to ensure that you will be fine.
You have another breed of people who worry about things which are beyond their control. Things like people who are on a plane and worry the whole way whether the plane is going to crash (a very recent conversation I have had), or those in relationships who worry that the other person doesn't love them as much as you do. I always say to people who worry about things which are beyond their control that there is no use in worrying, because if something is going to happen, you have no control over it. Instead, why not focus on what you are able to do in order to feel that you have played your part, and now you just need to leave fate to run its course.
For example, take the plane situation. I understand where the worry and fear comes from, but are you able to change anything if the plane is going to be struck down by lightening? Well I think that unless you are some kind of superhero, or a mutant with extraordinary power, then the answer will be no. If so, focus on making sure you have your seatbelt on, make sure, your luggage is stowed away properly, make sure you listen to the safety announcement, and make sure you know what to do in case of an emergency. Then rest. You cannot do anything else, so why not spend that time that you would worry, enjoying every moment of the flight, eat, drink, talk, laugh, at least that way you are converting lost time into enjoyable time.
Life is too short to spend time worrying. If you must worry, at least make it worthwhile, and don't let the worry last too long, do something about it. If you are not able to do something about it, and it is completely beyond your control, just enjoy life, enjoy the moment, and don't look back.
In order to live a fulfilling life, you need to cease the moment, and make sure every second you are breathing, your mind is filled with good thoughts, satisfaction and fulfilment.
You have another breed of people who worry about things which are beyond their control. Things like people who are on a plane and worry the whole way whether the plane is going to crash (a very recent conversation I have had), or those in relationships who worry that the other person doesn't love them as much as you do. I always say to people who worry about things which are beyond their control that there is no use in worrying, because if something is going to happen, you have no control over it. Instead, why not focus on what you are able to do in order to feel that you have played your part, and now you just need to leave fate to run its course.
For example, take the plane situation. I understand where the worry and fear comes from, but are you able to change anything if the plane is going to be struck down by lightening? Well I think that unless you are some kind of superhero, or a mutant with extraordinary power, then the answer will be no. If so, focus on making sure you have your seatbelt on, make sure, your luggage is stowed away properly, make sure you listen to the safety announcement, and make sure you know what to do in case of an emergency. Then rest. You cannot do anything else, so why not spend that time that you would worry, enjoying every moment of the flight, eat, drink, talk, laugh, at least that way you are converting lost time into enjoyable time.
Life is too short to spend time worrying. If you must worry, at least make it worthwhile, and don't let the worry last too long, do something about it. If you are not able to do something about it, and it is completely beyond your control, just enjoy life, enjoy the moment, and don't look back.
In order to live a fulfilling life, you need to cease the moment, and make sure every second you are breathing, your mind is filled with good thoughts, satisfaction and fulfilment.
Monday, 4 July 2011
Piano Joy
So part of my new years resolutions this year is that I am going to start doing more things that I love in my spare time and really try and embrace a healthy work/life balance routine.
I think lifestyle is absolutely connected with quality of life, and this in turn has an impact on your health, either positively or negatively.
I would like to talk more about work/life balance in my next post.
In the meantime, something which I am very proud of is that fact that I have started playing the piano again. I was a very good piano student, and I played piano from the age of around 12 until I was 17, in that time, I accomplished alot, I raced through my grades and almost got to the end. During the time of my A'levels, pressure and stress built up, and I was finding that I was spending hours on end every evening practising my scores, examination pieces, that I left little time to my studies.
One morning I woke up and decided that I no longer wanted to play the piano and that it was time I focussed on my studies and got through them. The idea was that I would resume and play again once I had finished my exams...
Somehow 10 years flew by, without me barely sitting down at a piano, but it was always at the back of my mind that it is something which I would like to resume. I finally plucked up the courage to go and book some lessons, and I started officially my first lesson today, and wow, part of me remembers the persistence and discipline that comes with playing, but I also remember a beauty about playing the piano which ignites something in me when I am back sat in front of it... and it is so easy to get lost in the sound of the keys pulsating through all senses in your body.
It is a true feeling of satisfaction and pleasure.
I would like to ask, do you have a hobby, or skill which you have abandoned? is there something which you have always wanted to do but never got round to actually doing it? When was the last time you experienced something for the first time? How much time do you spend doing the things you love?
If you don't, then see if there is something big or small that you can undertake that allows you to forget about all stress, pressure and trouble you may have in your life. It could be going for walks, taking up an instrument, or even watching that TV programme that you love, but just don't seem to have the time do watch.
Tomorrow, I would like to talk more about the work life balance, but in the meanwhile, start brainstorming some ideas, you will see that you will become a much happier person as a result of it. Don't make the same mistake I made and leave it 10 years before you go back to something you are passionate about. Time waits for nobody.
I think lifestyle is absolutely connected with quality of life, and this in turn has an impact on your health, either positively or negatively.
I would like to talk more about work/life balance in my next post.
In the meantime, something which I am very proud of is that fact that I have started playing the piano again. I was a very good piano student, and I played piano from the age of around 12 until I was 17, in that time, I accomplished alot, I raced through my grades and almost got to the end. During the time of my A'levels, pressure and stress built up, and I was finding that I was spending hours on end every evening practising my scores, examination pieces, that I left little time to my studies.
One morning I woke up and decided that I no longer wanted to play the piano and that it was time I focussed on my studies and got through them. The idea was that I would resume and play again once I had finished my exams...
Somehow 10 years flew by, without me barely sitting down at a piano, but it was always at the back of my mind that it is something which I would like to resume. I finally plucked up the courage to go and book some lessons, and I started officially my first lesson today, and wow, part of me remembers the persistence and discipline that comes with playing, but I also remember a beauty about playing the piano which ignites something in me when I am back sat in front of it... and it is so easy to get lost in the sound of the keys pulsating through all senses in your body.
It is a true feeling of satisfaction and pleasure.
I would like to ask, do you have a hobby, or skill which you have abandoned? is there something which you have always wanted to do but never got round to actually doing it? When was the last time you experienced something for the first time? How much time do you spend doing the things you love?
If you don't, then see if there is something big or small that you can undertake that allows you to forget about all stress, pressure and trouble you may have in your life. It could be going for walks, taking up an instrument, or even watching that TV programme that you love, but just don't seem to have the time do watch.
Tomorrow, I would like to talk more about the work life balance, but in the meanwhile, start brainstorming some ideas, you will see that you will become a much happier person as a result of it. Don't make the same mistake I made and leave it 10 years before you go back to something you are passionate about. Time waits for nobody.
Wednesday, 29 June 2011
The Art of Listening
I spent my evening today on the roof terrace of a beautiful building on Southbank, at a charity sponsorship event.
I met a friend at London Bridge and we walked over to the venue at around 6:30pm. Upon arrival we were inundated with cocktails, canapes and random strangers who were drawn to us.
The evening continued with a video presentation of what the charity does, followed by a business card lucky dip with a prize for the winner, and then an auction.
Holidays, ski equipment, and membership to various clubs were some of the items available at auction.
It always intrigues me about people, what they do, and how much they like to talk about themselves. I am also very finely tuned into listening to people and because of this, it really accentuates conversations where it is all very much one sided.
It is not my place to comment on it, but it just amazes me..
If people just listened more, the world would truly be a different place...
I met a friend at London Bridge and we walked over to the venue at around 6:30pm. Upon arrival we were inundated with cocktails, canapes and random strangers who were drawn to us.
The evening continued with a video presentation of what the charity does, followed by a business card lucky dip with a prize for the winner, and then an auction.
Holidays, ski equipment, and membership to various clubs were some of the items available at auction.
It always intrigues me about people, what they do, and how much they like to talk about themselves. I am also very finely tuned into listening to people and because of this, it really accentuates conversations where it is all very much one sided.
It is not my place to comment on it, but it just amazes me..
If people just listened more, the world would truly be a different place...
Tuesday, 28 June 2011
Clarification
You should by now, know why I have started this blog and you know a little about me too. I am looking for inspirational minds to connect with, I will publish on here, my thoughts, my observations, viewpoints on moral issues, and even comments on current affairs - albeit seldom!!
Sometimes I may publish on the go, which means, you will get the silly header that blackberry puts on the bottom of their emails... (well actually I set it up this way... but that's for a good reason!)
Sometimes I may publish on the go, which means, you will get the silly header that blackberry puts on the bottom of their emails... (well actually I set it up this way... but that's for a good reason!)
Who Am I?
So you know my name so far, I would like to give you a little more information about myself.
I was born in London in 1984 - there was a famous book written named after that year, that I still haven't read. It is on my list of books to read...
I have always lived in London, in the east end. I have three brothers and three sisters and my lovely mum, a strong powerful woman.
I have always been a little different to the rest of my siblings, all taking on very academic careers, like Accounting, Law, Teaching, Medical and IT. I however, despite holding a 2.1 degree in Multimedia, I have taken the route of self employment and Life Coaching. This came out of my interest for people and really connecting with how people interact.
One of the things that really opened my eyes to social interaction is whilst I travelled around the world. I always had that urge in me to do a fulfilling job where I can see the difference I have made to people's lives... (I know you probably think it sounds cheesy... but it isn't - I genuinely feel that!) and I am very happy with what I am doing now.
You will most definitely hear more about my travels in later posts, as my world experience has definitely shaped the person I am today!
I live a three bedroom apartment in Bethnal Green. My neighbours all get along with each other and we have a nice little community here, which is only going to get better... once the roof terrace is finished, and we can start socialising in the communal areas! (Newbuilds eh??)
On a weekend, you may find me socialising in the Shoreditch/Brick Lane area. If I fancy a nice meal, it would most probably be around Upper Street N1. Let me know if you need any restaurant recommendations...
So you have a brief insight into what constitutes me...and you will find out more as we go along...
I was born in London in 1984 - there was a famous book written named after that year, that I still haven't read. It is on my list of books to read...
I have always lived in London, in the east end. I have three brothers and three sisters and my lovely mum, a strong powerful woman.
I have always been a little different to the rest of my siblings, all taking on very academic careers, like Accounting, Law, Teaching, Medical and IT. I however, despite holding a 2.1 degree in Multimedia, I have taken the route of self employment and Life Coaching. This came out of my interest for people and really connecting with how people interact.
One of the things that really opened my eyes to social interaction is whilst I travelled around the world. I always had that urge in me to do a fulfilling job where I can see the difference I have made to people's lives... (I know you probably think it sounds cheesy... but it isn't - I genuinely feel that!) and I am very happy with what I am doing now.
You will most definitely hear more about my travels in later posts, as my world experience has definitely shaped the person I am today!
I live a three bedroom apartment in Bethnal Green. My neighbours all get along with each other and we have a nice little community here, which is only going to get better... once the roof terrace is finished, and we can start socialising in the communal areas! (Newbuilds eh??)
On a weekend, you may find me socialising in the Shoreditch/Brick Lane area. If I fancy a nice meal, it would most probably be around Upper Street N1. Let me know if you need any restaurant recommendations...
So you have a brief insight into what constitutes me...and you will find out more as we go along...
Monday, 27 June 2011
Accountability
We as coaches hold a lot to accountability. I have created this blog for two reasons... first one is because it has always been a part of my plan to create an interesting blog with an insight into my world, my thoughts and feelings and general things that make me laugh (or cry) to myself in a virtual environment for all to see and pry on....
The second reason is because I am holding my agreement to creating this blog today, as I told someone in a coaching session last week (you know who you are) that I would make it today! I didn't quite plan on being against the clock to try and get the first post published before midnight, but there is some satisfaction as I tap away on the keyboard that I stuck to what I agreed, because we as coaches place an emphasis on accountability, and if you have someone who is going to check up on you, you are far more likely to do it.
The mind loves to play mysterious tricks on us, and this is one where you can actually trick yourself into doing anything you want... agree with someone you will do it, and let them know that you will update them on it, and voila! It happens...
So here it is - the first post.
The second reason is because I am holding my agreement to creating this blog today, as I told someone in a coaching session last week (you know who you are) that I would make it today! I didn't quite plan on being against the clock to try and get the first post published before midnight, but there is some satisfaction as I tap away on the keyboard that I stuck to what I agreed, because we as coaches place an emphasis on accountability, and if you have someone who is going to check up on you, you are far more likely to do it.
The mind loves to play mysterious tricks on us, and this is one where you can actually trick yourself into doing anything you want... agree with someone you will do it, and let them know that you will update them on it, and voila! It happens...
So here it is - the first post.
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