july 2011 

Tomorrow I am embarking on a 'reward' for the past two years of hard work - I'm taking a month-long sabbatical to write.

But more than that. I'm taking time out from the hustle and bustle, the endless barrage of life on the web and the needs of others. I am instead focusing on my own needs. My need to write. My need to rest. My need to reconnect with my dearest family and friends.

reclaim joy

my 14th birthday (bottom centre)

How long has it been since you've laughed like this? Lived life so completely like this? I was so interested to learn recently that holding onto a sense of constant appreciation quite literally (and biologically) eleminates the capability to feel fear.

Doesn't that sound like a coup you want to claim?

On the claiming note - how about reclaiming your joy a little? I know I want to. The weight of life can crush it so easily, yet my goodness - it's a powerful asset to own.

My darling friend Mez just inspired me to do an exercise (based on cognitive therapy) that can certainly help reclaim the joy. You need to list five things you're grateful for, five things you like about yourself and five things you would like to do for fun.

Can you do this relatively easily? Give it a go. It's not as easy as you think! If you can do it daily, you might even find yourself feeling joyful once again. And isn't that what life is all about?