Food for thought

On the train to Mum on Monday for my weekly visit which always include fresh flowers. And on that note I wanted to share a quote by Anne Frank that really resonated with me and is a very good reminder to be present in our daily actions.  

"Dead people receive more flowers than dead ones because regret is stronger than gratitude"

 

Crimbo Limbo

Penny for your thoughts, Goldilocks! 

St Christopher's Place

I donught know which one to choose Mummy!😜 🍩 Krispy Kreme, Selfridges Food Hall

Good bye fish fingers, hello steak!  Sean has finally moved fwd on the kids menu and now eat more adult like food.

Confirmation received from Sylvia Young - She got a accepted, yay! 

Olives are Scarlett Grace's latest obsession

Jo Malone's beautifully decorated office in Marylebone

Christmas Day fun playing Twister 

Post gym (kids went with Daddy) lunch at the Sports Grill Marylebone Station

My much awaited phone case arrived 

Our stylish Italian neighbourhood restaurant Bernardi's with a cocktail bar in the basement 

Best low carb restaurant option by far - courtesy of Zizzi

Liberty department store in central London with it's famous Tudor architecture.

My busy bee and her "shop" - cuteness overload! 

 new 'worry relief journal' - a little book of mindfulness and a therapeutic technic for relieving stress and anxiety

A little hair TLC - wash, treatment and blow dry at Hershesons in Topshop's basement.

Reflecting back on those peaceful few days between Christmas and New Year also known as "Crimbo Limbo" #FamilyTime

Monday Motivation

This is my new bedtime read about how to overcome fear, worrying and anxiety. And just like other habits and behaviours, they can be changed. This is highly recommended by my lifestyle guru Tim Ferriss, and is mentioned in his top 10 must-read books. 

Being mindful

Marbella April 2015

Last week I finished my 6 week Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) course which was truly incredible. I’m constantly trying to improve myself and get further along on my 'spiritual road', and the CBT course helped me with that, as well as helping me gain more control over my overactive mind.
The concept of “mindfulness” that they teach you about, is simply amazing. I now meditate (guided meditation, otherwise I often lose focus) on average 5 times a week, usually just before going to bed.
By fully focussing on one of my senses, the worry reduces (I’m prone to worry!), as the brain can’t possibly be at two places at once. Really and truly you’re actually just tricking your body and your mind! :-)
But it helps me go to sleep and not let worrying thoughts take over. I have developed a whole new relationship with my thoughts, and I’m now looking to take a further self help course as I think there is always room for improvement! To be continued..

Pre pregnancy shorts, quiet time in park & affirmations

Today's affirmations: 

I am rich when I never need more than I have

I am beautiful when I don't need a mirror

I am humble when I do not know how humble I am 

Food for thought

Dalai Lama

Bank Holiday Weekend

Picture: Regents Park Baker Street entrance, taken on this morning's run 
  Text: extract from the book "Reasons to stay alive"


Upcoming plans for the Bank Holiday weekend:

Sean's friend Nick coming for sleep-over
Take away dinner Friday night
Book Sean's Sweden flights & Mum's London flight
Collect my watch in town 
Boots flagship store for stocking up on baby food and formula milk
Coil - follow up appointment in clinic
Hair appointment at Selfridges Sat morning
5k run Sunday morning
Family lunch at Chiltern Firehouse 

Quote

My eight year old(!) pink Smythson organiser, which is also my diary, comes with me pretty much everywhere I go!

As part of my six week CBT course, I'm writing daily mantras (or affirmations should you prefer) in my diary as I get up.

But this morning, I accidentally overheard from the television as "House" was on in the background, and he (the main character Dr. House) said something that had me think...  

So today's spiritual exercise was just writing down a quote from an American TV series. Well hey ho, here it goes:

"It's what life is. It's a series of rooms and who we get stuck in those rooms with adds up to what our lives are."

My new bible

Marc and Angel are my gurus! They've helped me along my spiritual road, and to better myself every day. Check them out  here and sign up for their inspirational newsletters!

Monday morning motivation

I’m not always good at taking my own advice, and I'm still learning, but it's vital that you make respecting yourself a priority! Love this pic and it's message!

Love list - (his & her) ways to show love in a relationship

This list that I stumbled upon (source: Self Improvement Saga) the other day is so great I just have to share it with you! Here are some great, inexpensive ways to express your love to your partner, in order to keep the spark of your relationship alive.  So c'mon; start showing some love now :-)

1. A kiss on the forehead 

2. Uninterrupted quality time 

3. A note under the pillow 

4. Tell him when he looks masculine, sexy, or hot 

5. Turn a regular day into an 'All-About-You' day just for your love 

6. Breakfast served in bed 

7. A romantic picnic indoors 

8. An unexpected dinner cruise 

9. Tell her she’s beautiful 

10. Pour on the chivalry {open doors, pull her chair out}

11. A bubble bath with rose petals and her favourite scented candles 

12. Verbalise what your relationship means to you 

13. Surprise her with her favourite flowers and chocolates 

14. An “I love you because…” list 

15. PDA {public displays of affection}

16. Heart shaped pancakes or cookies 

17. A walk in the park together {without the iPhone}

18. Hold your beloved a little tighter and longer than usual 

19. Do some of his/her chores 

20. A handwritten card sprayed with your fave scent 

21. Spoil each other 

22. Renew your marriage vows 

23. Be first to say “I’m sorry” after an argument 

24. Personalise {i.e. engrave} gifts 

25. Place an “I love you” flyer under the car’s windshield wiper 

26. Send a surprise gift to his/her workplace 

27. Support each other’s dreams 

28. Run his bath water 

29. Give your partner space when needed 

30. Put a love note in her purse 

31. Hold hands 

32. Take showers together and wash each other’s back {or whole body}

33. Look deeply into your lover’s eyes 

34. Always kiss goodbye and goodnight 

35. Boast about your mate and your relationship to mutual friends 

36. Arrange for a babysitter so you can have an unexpected date night 

37. Say how much you love each other even if you think it’s known 

38. Remember to say thank you {often}

39. Excuse each other’s mistakes 

40. Meditate together 

41. Sleep in his t-shirt 

42. Wash her hair 

43. Step outside of traditional gender roles to help each other {Cook dinner for her; take the garbage out for him}

44. Verbally reassure your lover 

45. Take photographs as a couple 

46. Give up the last piece of food on your plate 

47. Listen more intently 

48. Flirt with each other 

49. Sing your significant other a love song 

50. Get up early to help him/her get ready for work 

The Mexican boatman

Below is a story that I want to share with you lot.  I first heard if from Bear back in 2007 when we met. He told me that it had quite an impact on him regarding the idea of work-life balance and your personal priorities. It's a beautiful story that really makes you think:

 

An American investment banker was at the pier of a small coastal Mexican village when a small boat with just one fisherman docked.

Inside the small boat were several large yellow-fin tuna. The American complimented the Mexican on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took to catch them.

The Mexican replied, "Only a little while."

The American then asked why didn't he stay out longer and catch more fish? 

The Mexican said he had enough to support his family's immediate needs

The American then asked, "But what do you do with the rest of your time?"

The Mexican fisherman said, "I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, take a siesta with my wife, Maria, stroll into the village each evening where I sip wine and play guitar with my amigos, I have a full and busy life."

The American scoffed, "I am a Harvard MBA and could help you. You should spend more time fishing and with the proceeds, buy a bigger boat. With the proceeds from the bigger boat you could buy several boats, eventually you would have a fleet of fishing boats.

Instead of selling your catch to a middleman you would sell directly to the processor, eventually opening your own cannery.

You would control the product, processing and distribution

You would need to leave this small coastal fishing village and move to Mexico City, then LA and eventually NYC where you will run your expanding enterprise."

The Mexican fisherman asked, "But, how long will this all take?"

To which the American replied, "15-20 years."

"But what then?"

The American laughed and said that's the best part. "When the time is right you would announce an IPO and sell your company stock to the public and become very rich, you would make millions."

"Millions. Then what?"

The American said, "Then you would retire. Move to a small coastal fishing village where you would sleep late, fish a little, play with your kids, take a siesta with your wife, Maria, stroll to the village in the evenings where you could sip wine and play your guitar with your amigos."

Emotional freedom

 The Maldives, October 2011

"Each morning when I open my eyes I say to myself: I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. 

I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, 

tomorrow hasn’t arrived yet. I have just one day, today, 

and I’m going to be happy in it." 

- Groucho Marx

Happy Valentine's

To my joy, my husband, my eternal Valentine that is, is working from home today ♥

Here are some words of wisdom that I came across the other day - real food for thought, on a day  like today:

The first to apologise is the bravest. The first to forgive is the strongest. The first to move forward is the happiest. Be brave. Be strong. Be happy.

Happy Valentine's Day! 

A humble & heartfelt Thank You!

WOW! So many comments, you have no idea how touching it is to see all your kind words and well wishes -   I sincerely thank each and everyone of you!

I have returned from the hospital in one piece. Well almost... It was one of the toughest ordeals I have had to go through, mentally and physically very draining.

One of the tests I took is called Lumbar Puncture (to diagnose brain and spinal cord disorders), and  unfortunately for some, (me included), the effect of taking fluid from your spine means you can get a severe headache for nearly 2 weeks afterwards That is exactly what I am experiencing now and the only way to get through this is by laying down, barely able to raise my head or it feels like it's exploding :-(

As you can imagine with a very active 3 year old at home, this is not the easiest of tasks. Therefore my Mum has flown in from Sweden, like a modern day Florence Nightingale  to help out. My gratitude to her is endless as she is cooking, cleaning, dropping Sean off and picking him up at nursery, grocery shopping and last but not least practising one of her many skills, reflexology, on me.

 The good news is that we have eliminated many illnesses including MS and other serious neurological disorders. 
We are still waiting for more test results to come back, but as of right now, my doctor has narrowed my symptoms down to a muscle disorder which we are trying to cure with different medicine, and my cocktail of drugs each night contains of nearly 15 pills. However, I don't mind taking meds as long as I never have to be separated from my family again!

Here are a few things I've learnt as an in patient at the hospital:

 - Basic health is something most of us take for granted - we should never do so!!

- Nothing can replace the love and support of family and friends

- Humour is the best medicine

 - Last but not least; whenever you feel that your life is not good - remember there are so many worse        off

Our Doctors and nurses are doing a fantastic job in difficult circumstances and often long hours (my thanks to the wonderful team at the National Hospital of Neurology)

This large scanner (MRI) used magnetic fields and radio waves to produce a very detailed image of the inside of my body, incl my spine, neck and brain

Happy Friday!

Sean this morning, still suffering from runny nose and chesty cough

Today I plan to hoover the flat, drop Sean off at nursery, get my hair professionally blow-dried, go grocery shopping, make prawn egg dill sandwiches (Scandinavian style) for dinner (and try and resist a cold glass of crisp white wine!) and watch a dvd, The Tourist, with Angelina Jolie with the man, curled up in bed.

And with that, I leave you with some food for thought:

"Each morning when I open my eyes I say to myself: I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today. I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn’t arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I’m going to be happy in it." - Groucho Marx

HAVE A SPLENDID WEEKEND! XOXO

Today

Happy Friday!

Today I...

... plan to.. have a girlie night out with dinner and drinks in town with my Mum and her friend who are visiting

... wish… it wasn’t raining

... feel.. grateful that my mother can come over and visit with short notice and making it possible for Bear and I to travel

... have been seriously... thinking we made the cot to bed switch too early but am now very hopeful after a successful night last night

... have been…. looking for a specialist cleaner for my long sheepskin coat

... am wearing… a top with puffer sleeves, kilt- like shorts and over the knee boots

... listening to... this

...love...that it’s weekend!

... fought the urge to… buy muffin at Starbucks with Mum and Jessica

... am happy… that I finally had a very much needed haircut yesterday

... can't wait… for mine and Bear’s baby free trip to Amsterdam next week

Our children

Sean, here less than 24 hours old, is my legacy, my footprint on the world

SOME, OF ALL THE REASONS THERE ARE, TO BE GRATEFUL FOR YOUR CHILDREN:

They Are Love – There is no better, no stronger, no more unconditional and wonderful love than the love of a parent for their child.

They are constant companions/company – A home with children is never dull, never quiet and never lonely. Whether you need to pop out to the shop, or get your daily caffeine fix at Starbuck, or just have someone to sit next to on the sofa, with your baba around, you always have someone to tag along.

They are real entertainment – If you are a parent and you are ever bored, it is your own fault, pardon me for saying that, but children can provide you with constant entertainment, with anything from the faces they make to the things they say and do.

They are really good students– Your baby is always a student by your side, more eager to learn from you than any other (so therefore you should share all your experiences and knowledge whether great or small)

They are our legacy – I think I speak for most people when I say it’s our dream to leave a mark on the world, which is what we do through our children. Here is a very relevant and lovely quote to go with that:

"Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body" ~Elizabeth Stone


And with that, I'm going to say good bye for now, wishing you all a lovely Bank Holiday weekend. Should you by any chance live in Sweden, you will no doubt be celebrating a very loved tradition tonight, called Valborg (Walpurgis). In any case, where ever you are; make it a good one :-) Cheers, and see you soon!

Catharina
XXX

Gratitude

This picture really gets to me, and I can't look at it without tears welling up in my eyes, and without an overwhelming feeling of gratitude of being a full time Mum, not having to be away from Sean for long periods of time and not having to return to work.

Like I’ve said before, it is so easy to forget the "little" things in life, that we should be grateful for. If we only take a few minutes sometimes to reflect on the good things that are in our lives, we would realise how blessed we are.

MSN – Windows Live Messenger is so great for keeping in contact with friends and family, and I use it every day (mostly video) without failure, mailnly with my Mum though.

Laughter. - Research has shown that laughter helps us live longer and stay healthier. I truly believe it. Yesterday I laughed out so loud at something Bear told me, and it rubbed off on Sean who also started laughing, and eventually I was crying from laughter, so Bear too started to laugh. Unfortunately I can’t share what he said ;-)

Nap times - Almost every day Sean has his midday nap for an hour or two. I then usually make a cup of tea and watch something I have recorded on Sky + planner, read my book, or just write a blog post. I really cherish these times of peace.

Sean's cuddles - For some reason, cuddles seem to cure any problem I might be having.

Caller ID on our home phone

Anytime I can get a full night's rest, I wake up thinking anything is possible!

I'm thankful for toast (or any newly baked bread) - how something so simple makes your kitchen smell so good!

Travelling - Any opportunity to get out and explore the world with my family is wonderful and I really look forward to our next trip - Chicago in mid May