whispers by c

  Are we truly making use of the opportunities we are given? It's so easy to complain about situations and circumstances that we find ourselves in but if we honestly assess these situations, we may find that there are things we could have done to chart a totally different course.  Let's face it. We are often our own biggest enemy. Often we miss out on our big chance to shine because we are either not fierce enough to open the doors to opportunities when they knock ,we spend too much time second guessing our talents and competencies , are too caught up with looking for something else or too busy looking at someone else. Various news sources suggest that some of the most successful people are not necessarily those who had a great start in life but rather those who had tenacity and enough fierceness to grab an opportunity and, despite many odds, have made the most of it and have gone on to be a success.  Everyone has got potential .  True , we don't have the same opportunitie

photo: nik - unsplash Everyone has those days. No matter how organised and dynamic an individual you are , there will come a time when you   absolutely fall out of your routine. For some people that’s a small mis-step or just a way to recharge and go full on again. If you are one of those people, good on you! For others not so blessed with will power it may take a longer time, a great deal of effort and may even become habitual. There are many reasons why people lack motivation and different variables will apply depending on factors such as age or situation such as work or school. Studies have suggested the following as some reasons for lack in motivation in the workplace.   1. Poor Leadership 2. Lacking the right skill set 3. Limited scope for professional development 4. Harassment/ bullying 5. feeling unappreciated 6. Lack of accountability 7. Feeling undervalued   Read more about these here …     While I have had my fair share of duvet days , I am a

  As students go off to schools, colleges and universities , there will no doubt be moments charged with anxiety especially for those embarking on their very first year. The first few weeks can be overwhelming, and you will find yourself doubting whether you will be able to cope. Everything will seem to be in fast forward while you operate in reverse and you wonder how you will ever be able to keep up! With some organising, those stressful moments wont hang around too long if you pick up a few good tips. You are not the first and most definitely won’t be the last. Most students experience these early angst. Some are just better at not letting it show. Developing some good strategies can however help to make the learning process a whole lot smoother.    Here are 10 ideas that can contribute to effective learning and overall success.   1. Use time wisely It’s easy to get carried away with all the distractions that are readily at hand. Having a clear plan about what needs to done an

  photo credit: Jack Actions have consequences. It is always a good idea to stop and think before we act. Why? we are not always going to have all the facts or be always correct in what we think or feel about a person or a particular situation. It is very easy, and perhaps understandably so, to react without thinking in certain situations especially if you feel compromised, are under threat or in despair. Whatever the reason we should always endeavour to step back and allow ourselves time to think rationally and be armed with sufficient information to make an informed decision. I recall an incident that happened to me a while back. I was at home minding my own business, as you do, when I heard a slight commotion and raised voices followed immediately by a frantic knock at my door. I enquired who it was , a woman whose voice wasn’t familiar responded. I opened the door and   standing outside the doorway was a small and very agitated elderly lady. At first I couldn’t make out what she

With the start of school looming on the horizon and especially after the long hiatus away from formal schooling, I imagine all the nerves and angst will have started to resurface. While I’m sure the learning climate will look very different depending on your location and school, some things will remain the same.  Emphasis on teaching and learning will have increased considerably in a bid to close the gap made wider by the many months of classroom closures.  Research suggest that one in five teachers experience job related stress most or all the time.  This might sound surprising, but many teachers experience bouts of anxiety and stress even at the thought of going back to school after a break let alone after many months of lockdown and let’s face it, a virus that is very much present and actively spreading! Find a coping strategy that works! Stress levels will differ from one individual to another and for varying reasons. If you are like me , you develop your coping strategies.  I

    I thought I’d spend some time exploring a topic that I know has been a sore issue for many and affects especially us women. While it’s probably not a very attractive topic it’s certainly a very relevant one. Bloating is a very commonplace occurrence and a very uncomfortable one. It is also a problem that is more prevalent among women. Among the many factors suggested by health professionals that contribute to bloating are; constipation, food intolerance, excess gas build up or more serious medical issues such as IBS or coeliac disease. Bloating from gas is perhaps however one of the most popular causes. Bloating from gas Poor eating habits (i.e. swallowing too quickly, drinking while eating) can be a big contributor to excess gas. Food intolerance can also contribute to gas build up. Some foods such cabbage, coffee, beans, nuts and dairy products are among those that cause excess and embarrassing gas for some people. I have known individuals with severely explosive gas proble

I have for quite some time now been gluten free. I became gluten free in a bid to help ease the symptoms of endometriosis that I have suffered with for many years.  Now however, having been deprived of gluten for so long, my body has become defenceless in protecting itself against gluten and any intake now can cause severe problems. People go gluten free for different reasons.This can range from medical, weight loss or simply as a lifestyle choice.Gluten is not necessarily bad for you unless you have a specific condition such as coeliac disease in which case,an intake of gluten will cause the body to overact to it and result in serious intestinal damage. This is a condition that can sometimes go undiagnosed.  photo credit:Edgar castrejon- unsplash  If you suffer regularly from gut pains,headaches,diarrhoea,constipation it may be worth  checking with a doctor to see whether gluten is the culprit.  If you don't have a specific issue with gluten and you make the decision to go glu