Thoughts Opinions & Memories | But I Smile Anyway...

I have attended two barbeques (one at ours, one at a friends), been to the cinema, upgraded my phone (new Huawei P20 Pro – it’s lovely!), seen two cricket matches Lil Man played in (he was captain in one too!), taken the kids on two playdates, and watched ALL the available Black-ish episodes! I’ve read books, watched films, and spent time with my children and husband.

And, a biggie… I have decided to enter my novel into a competition. It’s a First Novel Competition, and if successful, I could be represented by a renowned agent, and be published by a traditional publisher! Baby steps, but I have spent an age, the last couple of days writing and tweaking the synopsis, and giving a good brush up of the first 3000 words.

But I have really relaxed. I have not thought about work either, and that is a good thing, as, going forward, it is going to be a really busy last term of the year, with new student home visits, and assessments for the old, report writing and organising for the new year…

One day of relaxation, then work stress will hit again, and I will be back, blogging properly soon too, just not quite yet…

Chillax Peeps, I am!

Happy Sunday!

Happy Guide by Michael Kinnaird #BookReview #Competition #Giveaway

01 Jun 2018 37 Comments

by Ritu in Reviews, Thoughts Opinions & Memories Tags: Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Competition, Giveaway, Happy Guide

Ever wondered how to create a lifestyle where you genuinely feel happy? Fulfilled? Content? Ready for other challenges?

It’s all about mindset, to be honest, and a healthy lifestyle.

If you are feeling good on the inside, you’ll project feeling good on the outside.

And if you are feeling happy within yourself, you ‘ll be more willing to face challenges that you encounter in day to day life.

I read a book recently, Happy Guide by Michael Kinnaird, which was a short, succinct guide to how to retrain your mind, and ultimately, your body to be ‘happy’, leading to a more fulfilling life.

hg-cover-half-size

I have been feeling a little bleurgh recently, and reading this gave me a kick up the backside, to start thinking about the root causes of my bleurgh-ness.

I need to sort my diet out.
I need to add some physical exercise to my day.
I need to ensure I am sleeping better, and more regularly.
I need to set some goals which I really want to achieve.
I need to learn to step back from things and learn to say no.

I’ve always been a pretty positive person, and that will never go away, but I fear it had slightly dimmed, with my exhaustion recently.

This book reminded me of the various stages I needed to go through to get my ‘happy’ back.

break bad habits
picture positive changes in my life
plan for a successful, happy future
eat and drink better
exercise
use nature’s medication and meditation, not be reliant on drugs
sleep better
clear my mind as well as my surroundings of clutter
start down the road to HAPPY!

A lot of the advice in the book is common sense. There were many chapters I read and smiled at, knowing my Pops says the same.

But it was great to have it all in one place, and in an order, that was easy to follow, and it left me feeling that I could succeed, and feel more fulfilled too!

And, lucky for you readers, I have access to three copies to be won by three of you!

I was approached by Michael’s brother, James, asking if I’d be interested in hosting a competition/giveaway.

And so here I am, happily giving these copies away, though, it’s not that easy! Here’s what I request of you, to be considered for one of the three copies.

“Happiness in a line” – tell me in one line how you achieve happiness. The three answers that touch a chord win a copy of the book, either digital or physical.

You have until Midnight (UK time) Sunday 3rd June to post your entries in the comments below.

Good Luck!

Find out a little more about the Happy Guide by clicking here.

I’m always happy to help fellow writers and bloggers, though I wasn’t familiar with the book. They kindly sent me a copy to read, so I would feel confident with giving away their baby, alongside my own thoughts.

Meet The Bloggers Who Attended The 2018 Bloggers Bash

28 May 2018 19 Comments

by Ritu in #bloggers bash, Thoughts Opinions & Memories Tags: #bloggers bash, Bl;iogger, Blog, Blog Post, Blogging

Check out Hugh’s great video from the Bash itself, and meet the attendees!

via Meet The Bloggers Who Attended The 2018 Bloggers Bash

Spidey’s Serene Sunday – Part 171 – Relax!

27 May 2018 46 Comments

by Ritu in #bloggers bash, Spidey's Serene Sundays, Thoughts Opinions & Memories Tags: Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Quote, Relax, Serene, Smile, Spiderman, Spidey, Take A Break

“The time to relax is when you don’t have time for it.“

Sydney J. Harris

Thanks, Spidey!

Did you know I haven’t posted for 4 DAYS!

That is a big thing for me.

I haven’t taken part in any creative challenges, blurted my thoughts out onto screen – NOTHING.

Because I realised that I had to stop, step back and relax up a little.

The quote above is so true.

I am at a crazy time in work, nearing the end of the year, writing reports, preparing for the new cohort who will join in September, Governor’s duties, fundraisers for my School Council and House Captains.

At home, the kids’ demands are increasing.

I need to start my rewrite of the novel. All feedback is in. It has been really good, and productive, but there is big work to be done.

So stepping back from the blog, writing at least, has been good, so far, and I think I need a bit more time away.

I have been physically exhausted, falling asleep way earlier than usual. I needed a break in some part of life, and since I can’t stop working, or being mum, this was where my opportunity came in.

Do you know what I have been doing in the time I’d usually be writing posts?

Mainly… NOTHING! Not even reading, because I fall asleep mid page.

But also being with my children more, and most recently, I have been binge-watching the series Black-ish. Hilarious! I can’t believe I have never watched this before! Nearly finished all 21 episodes of the first series… 3 more series to go!