Your life is like a garden – 4 steps to achieve abundance

Your life is like a garden – 4 steps to achieve abundance

Abundance garden

In my clinical practice, I treat many clients that have walked a difficult path and are weighed down by life. Here is a simple way I encourage my clients to take steps to live a fulfilled life, just like you would care for an abundant garden.

Your life can be seen just like a garden. To get the harvest you deserve, and achieve abundance, the appropriate care needs to be invested, otherwise you will reap only the amount of effort and action you’ve put into it.

Achieve abundance

Watch out for weeds

To get the best out of your garden you have to remove the weeds (problems). These weeds can been seen like the negative thoughts which get sown into our minds. They can also be the excuses and the barriers that hold us back. Monitor any thoughts that are faulty or rigid in the garden beds of our minds as they can cause damage. Also avoid gossip and bad news where possible, as they only weigh us down.

Give unwanted pests the flick

The all too common pests in our lives that can cause failure and destruction to anyone’s garden are the draining and negative people you have in your life. Just like pests in your garden, they will stop you from growing and expanding. Reaching for the sunlight of your potential, don’t let them drain you of your energy sources, nor your creativity or imagination. Don’t let them attach to you, otherwise you will pick up on their negative thoughts, behaviours and actions. They will influence you and possibly change your character which, day by day will destroy your focus, vision and ultimately your destiny. Give them the flick, before they become infested and toxic in your garden. Always surround yourself with positive people.

Nourish the soil and sow seeds

It’s important to nourish your soil and sow seeds for the future (positive beliefs, thoughts and behaviours). Make sure every thought you sow into your mind will be a positive one. By sowing the seeds of positivity, your behaviours and effort will produce a wonderful garden of opportunity and happiness. Positive affirmations are a great way to plant positive seeds of growth. Creating the right thoughts which are positive influence our behaviours and actions giving rise to the right circumstances and opportunities that will bare wonderful results to harvest.

Cultivate your garden

Cultivate your garden through action and effort. Take responsibility for your life and you will be amazed at the positive changes. Take responsibility by taking action, just small steps each day will help you get closer to the life you want to live.

By taking responsibility for your garden you can create the life you so much desire. You have a major influence on how your garden is growing and how abundant it is. It’s your duty to look after it.

With added vision and focus, your garden will start bearing a plentiful bounty. Let your life be a labour of love, it’s time to get your hands dirty and cherish your garden because you only have one. Remember, you reap what you sow.

About the writer
Luke Sheedy is a gifted life advisor, motivator and free thinker. He combines his metaphysical talents to advise clients on their natural strengths, talents and abilities. Luke helps release what is holding you back, so growth can occur and your life’s plan can unfold naturally.

 

Feature image via UK Garden Photos, Flickr creative commons

Discovering Bowral in New South Wales

Discovering Bowral in New South Wales

After a relaxed retreat boasting wineries, stunning gardens, mountain hikes/lookouts and a world-famous cricket museum? Well, Bowral in New South Wales’ southern highlands should be on your holiday hit list. Nestled at the base of Mount Gibralat and just 1.5 hours from Sydney, Bowral is a cute town full of things to do for a country escape.

As you explore Bowral you’ll notice how serene the place is, especially during spring when its country gardens and fields are alive with tulips.


Here are some of my favourite things to do in Bowral in New South Wales

Books and breakfast

For a unique café experience be sure to head to the Elephant Boy Café. From the moment you enter you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a 1920’s novel. The walls are lined with books, 1920’s antiques, spices and jams and tea merchant posters. It’s the perfect spot to grab a coffee, write/work, read a book or simply sit back and relax.

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The meals are delicious and the portion sizes are generous. During my visit I couldn’t resist the Big Breakfast with everything you would expect (sausages, beans, eggs, bacon, mushrooms and even black pudding). Also the salmon omelette with chives is scrumptious and filing.

Tip: Go early to avoid the crowds and to secure a table.

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Home to Australia’s greatest batsman

One of the most famous attractions in Bowral is The Bradman Museum and International Cricket Hall of Fame. For any cricket fan this is a must-do activity as it commemorates the game’s greatest batsman, Sir Donald Bradman who grew up and learned his craft in Bowral.

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Even if you aren’t a cricket enthusiast it’s a pretty impressive museum featuring state-of-the-art interactive experiences, theatre screenings and rare memorabilia and exhibits, all showcasing ‘The Don’s’ significant contribution to cricket and Australian history.

Tip: Don’t forget to explore outside and see the Bradman Oval.

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Follow the wine trail

No visit to Bowral is complete without sampling the Southern Highland’s vineyards. With over 60 wineries to visit in this region (spanning across the towns of Bowral, Exeter, Moss Vale, Sutton Forrest, Berrima and Mittagong), you’ll have a blast wining, dining and soaking up the views.

Producing award-wining sparkling wines and specializing in pinot noir and pinot gris, you’re sure to walk away with a few new favourites and bottles for keepsake.

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One of my favourite spots is Mount Ashby Estate, a charming French farmhouse style winery. On the property you’ll see cattle grazing, a provincial 17th to 19th century antique shop and of course, its cellar door and Café La Palette which serves delicious pinot gris, merlot and chardonnay wine and modern-French cuisine.

Tip: It’s a nice spot to grab lunch, soak up the vineyard views and unwind with a bottle of vino.

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About the writer

Danielle Muller (@stuffitgotravel) is a Sydney-based travel blogger and communications professional. Follow her travel adventures, stories and recommendations at stuffitgotravelling.com.

Feature image via Flickr creative commons.
Wanderlust top 7: things to love about spending time in Athens Greece

Wanderlust top 7: things to love about spending time in Athens Greece

I arrived yesterday and am quickly discovering how much I’d love to spend more time in Athens Greece. It’s my first time here and already I wish I had longer, although am planning to return soon.

Santorini, anyone? 😎

Athens beckoned as the city is hosting TBEX Europe – the “Future of Travel Media” travel blogging conference, which I also attended in Dublin last year.

We enjoyed glorious sunshine yesterday – a marvellous setting for spending time in Athens Greece.

Even though I was weary from an extremely early start and a few minor airline dilemmas, I was determined to get out and explore because the next few days – aside from being busy – unfortunately threaten rain. Am hoping iPhone weather will be wrong as it often is.

Downtown Athens - how to spend time in Athens Greece

After finding my accommodation, I ventured outside to take a look around, using a combination of walking, navigating the local metro and finally (as I grew confused and tired) taking advantage of the old faithful, Big Red Hop on Hop off coach, that was circling the city.

As unadventurous as it sounds, Cooper and I do enjoy participating in this kind of tour because if you’re short on time and energy, it’s an easy way to get your bearings in a city and to identify where you’d like to go back to for a better look later.

How to spend time in Athens Greece - rooftop views are a must

What I love so far is that Athens feels like a city brimming with character.

There are gorgeous squares and green spaces, a chic coffee and dining culture, and cool European types all over the place.

Obviously it is steeped in history. Athens is one of the oldest cities in the world, after all.

There’s nothing like the thrill of seeing extraordinary sites like the Acropolis and Parthenon outside of the pages of a book.

Athens is steeped in history

 

You can watch or read about the famous things to do and see in Athens in all manner of travel guides and documentaries.

I found this five minute city-guide video by David Hoffmann helpful).

For the moment, I’d like to share my personal impressions on Athens travel:

Spend time in Athens Greece: wanderlust top 7 travel

the not-so-obvious things to love about the city

 

Athens city travel guide

 

1. It’s noisy and busy, sure, but I’ve found Athenians to be polite

Apparently pedestrians do not rule here, however, cab drivers consistently stopped to let me cross roads which I thought was polite.

At one stage though, I did wave courteously to thank the driver and I think he thought I was hailing a ride – oopsy!

When I was on the sight-seeing bus too, many people in cars or on bikes waved at passengers on board, and to me it came across as if they wanted us to know we should feel welcome.

Athens travel tips - wander around, it's very beautiful

 

2. Enjoying espresso slowly

I’m not sure what it is about Europe, but I ditch the usual lattes here and head straight for the mini hit of caffeine.

Unlike in Australia or the UK where you’re always on the go, here it is just “right” to be.

It’s almost instinctive to stop, sip slowly and watch the fascinating world go by.

I’ve spotted numerous squares where people appear to congregate over coffee for a chat – all surrounded by interesting buildings, nice sculptures and landscaping.

Spend time in Athens - slow travel

 

On the coffee note too, I read this morning that frappés (coffee, milk, sugar and water) are the thing here. It’s now on my agenda for this afternoon’s adventures… when in Rome! er, I mean, Athens.

Also, if you’re indulging in a more traditional hot coffee, you do not need to drink the bottom part of the it.

Often Greek coffee is made the traditional way, boiled on hot sand – you need to “let the dust settle… and only drink the liquid part” [City Guide].

Spend time wandering the streets of Athens

 

3. Character

Certainly, the hilly streets are haphazard in design, there are cracks that might trip you up, and everything is pretty much written in Greek, but that all adds to the character of the place.

I find the streets and alleys intriguing (as long as I’m not getting lost), and I also felt somehow drawn to many of the colourful gratified walls, interestingly designed and sometimes slightly shabby (I mean this affectionately) doors and archways, as well as the residential roof gardens.

The city is full of life. Understandably Athens is a place that comes across as “well lived in”, but I feel the magic in that sentiment as I meander around town.

Athens travel guide - squares and city centre

 

4. The opportunity to communicate beyond words

On the topic of getting lost, yes, my innate instinct is always to go the wrong way, but I can surely be forgiven for being a little confused during my first moments in a foreign city where the language is not my own.

I made it as far as the nearest metro station to my hotel, and from there needed help. The “two minute walk from the metro station” is pretty much accurate – but which way?

As it turns out, it may be left or right out of the station, then left or right down a street longer than I’d anticipated and right onto another main and busy road. With zero access to Google Maps, it was down to old fashioned communication to get me to my final destination.

Spend time exploring Athens

 

I found the spot after about twenty five minutes and querying five people along the way.

My discovery was (and continues to be) that the locals here are not “over-sharers” of information, but this could be due to the language barrier, so keep asking questions until you understand (or find someone else to help).

For example, when I asked for assistance at the airport regarding which train to take, I was pointed in the direction of the entry to the train station. “Yes I see that, but which train, which platform?” I had to prompt. And when I arrived at my destination, the instruction towards my hotel was, “outside”. Yep, figured that out!

When I got outside however, it was the local store owners who helped me so kindly, albeit in Greek, but that made the positive end-result all the sweeter. One older gentleman managing a florist wasn’t 100 per cent on the address I showed him, so he rounded up his neighbours for clarification, and then explained to me using hand gestures how to navigate the lane-ways in order to find my accommodation. As did a couple of other people I encountered along my quest de la hotel.

During the morning, prior to arriving in Greece, I came into contact with some extraordinarily rude, grumpy and bitter-with-the-world people (either that, or they were totally not “morning people”); the locals here changed my day simply by proving to be friendly and helpful, despite a language barrier.

 

5. It’s an easy place to practice ‘travel mindfulness’

I noticed yesterday that I was taking everything in without much thought – ‘travel mindfulness‘, if you will.

It was all an ‘experience’; the sights, smells, quirks and charms all became part of one blissful travel adventure.

If there’s one lesson I try to pass on, it’s “don’t judge”. It comes with practice, confidence and time, and a willingness to embrace the “unfamiliar”, but I hear so many tourists of all ages complaining about this and that around the world (“too noisy”, “too expensive”, “too crowded”, “too untidy”), and I wonder, seriously, if “it’s better at home”, stay there!

There’s beauty in all things and I’m surprised by how much I enjoyed my first encounter with Athens despite being tired and apprehensive I’d get lost.

Spend time immersed in Athens Greece history

 

That said, if you can’t appreciate a place like this – 7000 years old, the birthplace of Western civilisation and aptly named after the Greek Goddess of Wisdom, then that’s certainly a shame.

Meet the animals of Athens

 

6. I discovered a reason I should move here

During the summer it’s customary to enjoy a siesta for a couple of hours, 3pm to 5pm; eating large lunches is encouraged as is staying up late and having a good time.

If only more people in the world had this attitude, happiness might spread further, I reckon.

Time in Athens Greece means falling in love with the city

 

7. Celebrity-endorsed style

Cheese and wine are also important aspects of the culture (yes, please!) and it would be easy to simply hang out here and try all the renowned restaurants, sky bars, beach side cafes, and then dance it off in a popular club.

Alas I don’t have time, but I will let you know that I found out Ethan Hawke, Meryl Streep, Oliver Stone, Hugh Jackman, Pierce Brosnan, Bruce Willis and Moby, among others, have all spent time enjoying a venue called Island, a cosmopolitan seafront haunt that I feel I might have to make a cameo in at some stage too.

Spend time in Athens Greece

 

That’s it for now – I aim to visit more of the city and of course get up close and personal with ancient bits and pieces, plus fit in some shopping (hopefully Cooper doesn’t read this far…).

If you have an Athens travel tip, please drop me a line in the comments below.

 

5 Packing Tips For Travelling Fashionistas

5 Packing Tips For Travelling Fashionistas

Packing tips for travelling fashionistas

Even the best laid travel plans can not 100 per cent predict the weather. So what’s a travelling fashionista to do when faced with unpredictable climate and strict luggage limits? Pack well.

Katrina Barry, very frequent traveller and Managing Director of travel icon Contiki, shares her top tips with TLL for a fashionable and functional packing job.

5 Packing Tips For Travelling Fashionistas

  1. Go big on accessories, light on main items: Jeans, tops, skirts and dresses all take up valuable space in your shopping bag, I mean suitcase. Pick only a few durable pieces (avoid patterns as you’ll only want to wear them once or twice) that can be mixed and matched then teamed with space-saving accessories such as scarves and statement necklaces. You’ll come across looking like you never wear the same thing twice!
  2. Shoes. Be ruthless: While this is an area I struggle with myself, I cannot stress enough how important it is to only take the necessities. To clarify, necessities are a nice pair of flats or sandals (replace these with boots if going into colder climates), a good pair of walking shoes and some dress shoes for special nights. Anything additional is overdoing it and will likely go unworn while taking up precious space.
  3. Easy pack hat: Because there is nothing stylish about sunburn, and besides, a cute fedora or straw sun hat can really add that je ne sais quoi to an outfit. But don’t just stash any old bendable brim in your bag. There are plenty of brands that are creating stylish hats that can be rolled, folded or balled up then bounce back into shape. One of these is definitely worth investing in.
  4. Pack items you wouldn’t mind ditching: You may not be planning to shop on your trip, but when faced with those items you just could not find at home, many of us crumble. I often pack items that I don’t mind wearing, but also wouldn’t mind ditching so I can follow a one-in, one-out rule when space becomes an issue. If travelling with a group, ask your Trip Manager where you can donate any unwanted items, or find out from the concierge at your hotel.
  5. You have carry-on allowance. Use it: Sure, you may not want to be weighed down in your stop overs by carrying extra items, but a small backpack or overnight bag with a few extra wardrobe options can really come in handy. Bonus tip: pack your favourite and most functional travel wear in your carry on, just in case your luggage arrives at your destination after you!

Got a tip to add? Drop us a line in the comments below… 

5 Rules for approaching a professional online about business and life advice or opportunities

5 Rules for approaching a professional online about business and life advice or opportunities

I – like many of you, I’m sure – am often approached on platforms like LinkedIn, MeetUp or even via email, and asked questions about media, magazines, social media… I’m usually very happy to help – what goes around comes around.

Sometimes however, when I receive a poorly worded, unresearched note that does not contain polite basics like a please or thank you, or even my name spelled correctly, I do feel like ignoring it. Indeed just this weekend I followed up a person who cold-contacted me online to ask about magazine publishing in a rather brash fashion. I did give the benefit of the doubt, and replied straight away as I happened to have a moment to spare on receipt of his initial note; but would you believe, no thank you in reply. Nothing. When I messaged a few days later to ask if he’d received it ok, prompting a, “yes thank you” (or an opportunity for me to let him know that he really needs to work on being more professional in his approach), I received a barrage of other questions back – many of which he could discover answers for by researching just a little bit in the first place.

Instead of focussing on the negative though, I’d like to highlight the messages my colleagues and I do enjoy replying to. They are messages where spelling is checked, some amount of research is obvious, there’s evidence they know who we are and what we do, and they are composed in a succinct, polite and grateful manner.

You’ll find most professionals are happy to help with ideas, mentoring and advice, whether they be editors, bloggers, publishers, producers, performers, entrepreneurs or any other type of business or service provider. There is an etiquette to cold-contacting someone you don’t know on LinkedIn, Twitter, MeetUp, via email etc. Here are my tips on rules for approaching a professional online about business and life advice:

Rules for approaching a professional online about business and life advice

5 Rules for approaching a professional online about business and life advice or opportunities

1. Be diplomatic, not demanding. Perhaps it doesn’t sound like it in your head, but re-read your correspondence (or better still, have someone check it for you) before you press “send”, to ensure your language is coming across as pleasant, not pushy. Keep it short and to the point. Ask reasonable, sensible questions – it’s not up to the person on the other end to give you the Cliffs Notes on whatever you’re aiming to embark on. That is, I’ve basically been asked in the past, “Start from the beginning – I want to create a lifestyle and fashion magazine, how do I write and publish it?” This is information we take years to learn and build on; as much as I’d like to help, you’ll need to do a little bit more research and training than that.

2. Do your research. If you’re approaching a professional for advice, they’ll spot a mile off whether you’re serious, interested and passionate about your purpose, simply by the language you use and the information shared. Yes, of course it’s tempting to seek short-cuts to making a million (or more) off that awesome idea you’ve just had, but, if you’re ignorant about the topic you’re approaching a pro for advice on, it will shine through. Researching the topic will mean you do not come across as a time-waster, and it would be a shame to lose not only a potential mentor, but respect in the industry, simply because the short-cut option (no research and straight to cold-contacting on LinkedIn) is the one you went for. If you do not want or mean to come across as unprofessional, reconsider your cold-contact approach, and know your subject/passion (as you should, if you’re aiming to build a career out of it).

3. Be respectful. People are busier than ever these days. You can show respect by being strategic with the carefully considered questions you ask, by keeping your correspondence polite and succinct, and by demonstrating you have a genuine interest in what you’re talking or asking about. Assuming you’re liaising with a professional in that field, you can be fairly sure they will be enthusiastic about the topic too – if you demonstrate you are, chances are they’ll consider that you’re “one of them”, and be happy to help if they can spare the time. On the respect note too, it’s always a good idea to provide some kind of link, profile image or bio about who you are – that is, I thought it was quite rude to be approached by someone on one of our most common social platforms with a barrage of questions, but no profile picture, no bio or background on who they are. If you’re attempting to network and gain expert advice from a professional you’ve identified online, it’s no good to be operating anonymously (read: highly unprofessional).

4. Be in allowance of the response you may or may not receive. With so many demands on our lives today – both in the office and at home – I can tell you from personal experience and from knowing how my friends operate, lots of people have good intentions to reply with advice or an offer of help, but sometimes it just doesn’t or can’t happen for whatever reason. A non-reply or slow one isn’t always about you (particularly if you’ve been polite, succinct and professional in your approach). That said, you’ve got nothing to lose by reaching out to people for advice, just please consider the other points – basic business and communication etiquette – I’ve made here when you do so.

5. Be grateful. Time is precious and if you are asking for someone else’s advice or insight (especially in the instance where you don’t know them), that’s a big ask – it’s time you’re actually asking for. Don’t take it for granted just because you can quite simply open up a dialogue box on the computer, type in a message and hit “send”. The digital world has opened up so many wonderful portals for seeking advice, growing networks and learning about anything we desire. If you use it wisely, you have the potential to go far.

In the end, consider the same rules as you would for networking in person. That is, you would usually politely introduce yourself, succinctly sell what you’re all about (remember the “30 second elevator pitch”), show your enthusiasm and interest in the person/what they do, and diplomatically ask carefully-considered questions; then you would say thank you.

What’s your experience been with asking or receiving questions via digital platforms? I’d love to know what you think about rules for approaching a professional online about business or life advice – drop me a line in the comments below.

-Sarah.

PS Here’s some more helpful advice on how to approach industry pros and peers via email – The 5 Rules of Email First Impressions