by Dee | Apr 20, 2016 | Featured, General, GloWellness
In our fast moving high tech World where friends are counted on one hand or on social media, the Shrink or Counsellor now plays an even more important part of shaping ones destiny.
I come from the Princess Diana way of thinking, when to be in therapy was still deemed crazy but she did it anyway and was not ashamed to let us know. I have to confess that I was a fast follower of her innovative pursuit, and have my shrink to thank for where I am today.
It was the nineties and I was still struggling with the shock of leaving Uni and finding my way in the World, then a marriage and divorce and home alone – it all seemed to happen really quickly.
A very good friend who was doing a course in Psycho Therapy in Southwark said to me ‘if you want to change, get a therapist, and if you don’t then stay where you are’. It was enough for me and I was sourcing a counsellor within days of her strong direction.
I was referred to a rather worthy female therapist initially after having a great session with a guy who I particularly liked but who was too busy to see me.
After only a few weeks with her, I noticed changes in very small patterns of my behaviour and even reactions from other people, mainly good.
She very quickly told me that she was moving on and couldn’t continue seeing me, another rejection, but I very quickly went back to the man I had met originally and got a slot with him. That is when my life really took off and continued to do so until I worked through my issues, and five years later came out the other side.
I am not saying that the counselling road ahead is so long and tedious for everyone – it is just that I found a particularly good therapist and decided to stick with him and work with my demons for the long haul.
We covered everything from childhood memories and buried traumas and regression. I had chosen to work with someone whose work had a particularly spiritual dimension which suited me down to the ground.
It could be that you want to do so for just a few sessions or months or years, but believe me if you do find someone qualified to work with, the rewards are phenomenal.
A very quick example for you – I have a friend who had been married to a man for 15 years – it was a passively abusive relationship on both sides, and she was ‘stuck’ in the co-dependent pattern that has developed over time.
I advised her to go to see my shrink, and she said she would do so but the one thing she wanted was the courage to leave her husband, but felt that would never happen as she was too worried that he would commit suicide.
Within a month of therapy her husband had left her and returned to his native Turkey where he is still living quite happily with his relatives. She was over the moon. Such is the power of therapy if you have the bottle to go the extra mile.
I recently bought some worry dolls for my little niece who was suffering from anxiety with pressures at school. After all if you have someone to share your worries with, that is half the battle, and it may be that it will give her the strength to overcome her fears in the future.
by Glotime | Apr 8, 2016 | Featured, General, GloWellness, Travel
Want to find out more about caravanning, motorhoming and campervanning?
The Caravan Club allowed the BBC to film The Club’s ‘Caravanner of the Year’ competition and transmission dates for the programmes are:
· Wednesday 20 April – 8pm on BBC2
· Wednesday 27 April – 8pm on BBC2
Tune in and watch the programmes to gain a wonderful insight into being a member of The Caravan Club and enjoying everything it has to offer.
The two programmes will show six contestants taking part in a series of challenges in order to win the coveted title of ‘Caravanner of the Year’. The judging panel comprised Grenville Chamberlain (Caravan Club Chairman), Lucy Jayne Grout (vintage caravan restorer and designer), Martin Dorey (BBC series Camper Van Cook) and Andy Harris (motorhome journalist).
The first programme will introduce the entrants and whittle them down to the three finalists.
Filming took place over two action-packed weekends at the scenic Caravan Club Ferry Meadows Site where the contestants took part in a series of fun challenges that tested the competitors’ skills in driving, towing, manoeuvring and pitching, as well as their superb knowledge about all things caravanning!
Tune in and watch, and don’t forget to tell your friends and family about it too!
Follow us on Twitter @CaravanClubCOTY and like our Facebook page Caravanner of the Year and don’t forget to use the hashtag! #caravanclubCOTY
by Glotime | Apr 8, 2016 | Featured, General, GloBeauty, GloWellness
As the first hints of Spring finally tease through the clouds, we start thinking preparing for warmer climes at home or abroad.
Pulling out my favourite bikini last night was a bit of an eye opener for me as I decided that either the swimsuit had to go or the tummy. I decided on the latter, as with a few tone up exercises and less carbs, I could make a difference within a very short time indeed.
I have never been a Beach Babe even at my most fittest, but I can don a curvaceous Marilyn Monroe figure – especially if wearing a rather generous two piece bathing suit (fifties style). Did you know she was actually a size 16!
So I did a plan, and have given myself until the 1st June, just under two months to achieve my goal.
IMAGE – SHUTTERSTOCK
Here are some of my tips to get started.
Tummy exercises are easy, and as my old fitness instructor told me, concentrate on your tummy even whilst at your desk – because where energy goes, energy flows! This is so true, and you just have to get into the habit of pulling in your stomach and strengthening your torso at every opportunity.
As with every woman of a certain age, bat wings are not a good look and so these exercises are amazing for tightening up the tops of the arms. Stretch both arms out sideways, then gently tilt them backwards feeling the tightening in the upper arm. Do these fifty times three times a day and you will see the difference within a week.
Swimming is great exercise for the entire body and if you can get in two to three 20 minute stretches in the pool you will tone up and strengthen the muscles. Water Aerobics are also effective and fun, and a good alternative to the Gym.
Diet adaptation is also necessary after the Winter months of late night hot chocolate and extra calories. I have always taken the low fat route rather than a low calorie diet, as the weight loss is more expedient and it is easier to sustain.
Join a Slimming World if you are serious about dropping pounds or just opt for low fat products in the Supermarket.
A typical day for me would be:
Breakfast
A poached or boiled egg
One slice of wholemeal toast
Lighter spread
Tea or coffee with skimmed milk
One banana
Lunch
Baked potato
Baked Beans
Salad
Zero fat yoghurt
Dinner
One piece of fresh salmon
Mixed fresh vegetables
Boiled potatoes
Fresh fruit salad
Check out other low fat options – there are many now on offer, even with ready meals if you are on the go.
So if you are ready to begin the Fitness Challenge, so am I – and I look forward to sharing ideas and targets with you soon.
