Time to Reflect

It's now holidays for some, Holy Days for others, and for many at the moment it’s the same routine keeping the country going, but it’s always good to give ourselves time to reflect.

Back in 2007, I printed off ‘52 Proven Stress Reducers’ thinking such a collection would be mightily useful. Well it might have been if I’d studied it and remembered it all. However, I filed it and made scattered notes in my diary to refer to it regularly. Then I must have put it ‘somewhere safe’ because it only has six ticks. I came across it the other day and it deserves an airing. I’m not known for being stressed, quite the opposite. Being stressed uses up energy, which is finite, and I need mine for other things.

A man came to the counter of an office I worked in. The usual thing was for designated people to deal with the public. Well, this poor man stood for ages and all those who were supposed to deal with him had their heads down determinedly ignoring him. Feeling sorry for the guy, I went to the counter to assist this good-looking, charming and friendly chap who patiently waited for someone to come. What the heck was the matter with the rest of the office? Afterwards, I’m not kidding, everyone stopped work and asked me ‘How did you do that?’ I had dealt with James Bond. Cool, eh? Well, actually, I didn’t recognize him.

Stress Reducer 1: Don’t rely on your memory. Diarise appointment times and everything else you need to do. And do an ‘Order of Battle’ (otherwise known as a ‘To Do’ list) for each day and prioritize each item. This is one of the best things I’ve learned to do that makes life work for me and I expect you already do it, so here’s another ->
Stress Reducer 2: In the UK we have a respected company which tests goods of all sorts. It also has begun a Scam Alert service. https://campaigns.which.co.uk/scam-al.... I’ve signed up for its alerts. Maybe the US has a similar service? If so, I hope you’ll share the details in the comment box.

For writers: Have you agonized over choosing titles for your books? Don’t feel bad about it. One of Robert Louis Stevenson’s novels was originally called ‘The Sea Cook’.

And, writers, if you’d like to donate a signed book(s) to charity then here’s a request that came in my Inbox a few days ago. https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/... It’s safe – it’s a link to the Goodreads thread.

Sage Saying: “Use what talents you possess. The woods would be silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best.” Henry Van Dyke
Handy Hint: Use left-over cold tea to water indoor plants – I’m told they prefer it to tap water. Don’t blame me if they become addicted. Coffee grounds for outside plants work well too. Careful though as it alters the acidity in the soil. I don’t know enough to say more!
Jolly Joke: Why did the oyster leave the party early? Because he pulled a mussel. (Sorry, Christmas cracker joke.)

For readers: This month’s bargain is

From 31st March for 7 days, 0.99 US and UK. The choices we make determine our futures. A romantic thriller mystery. If you like Poldark, you’ll probably love this too. And, of course it’s free if you’re a member of Kindle Unlimited. The man Lucy marries is based on the first boy I ever danced with. Sssh...

Oh and ‘The Sea Cook’ became the great ‘Treasure Island’.