Over half the year has passed...Can you believe it?!
Not sure I can.
Nevertheless, a benefit of this fast-paced time is that you have the opportunity to ready this next monthly blog and to potentially expand your thoughts and life perspective. Try being open to what comes next...
My recent experience of watching the film Yes Man opened up my perspective on how we view opportunities. The story centres around the life of a bank loan officer who attends a motivational "Yes!" seminar and who is then publicly forced to promise to answer YES to every opportunity, request, or invitation that arises. It begins with a homeless man's request for a lift in his car and some money. Then it continues with a ride on a motorbike and a kiss from a stranger... The protagonist soon discovers that he is able to seize every opportunity that comes his way, and he starts to live a much fuller life. Above all, he acts in the present moment with less worry and fear about what has previously happened or what may happen next.
However, not everything runs smooth...in comes a misunderstanding at the airport and his newfound relationship is threatened... yet, the protagonist eventually comes to realise that the motivational "Yes!" seminar was just an initial stepping stone to open his mind to other possibilities. It was not created to permanently take away his ability to say no if he needs to, or if he certainly knows a better alternative. It was to allow him to take the first step.
The subject of this blog will focus on priorities and how it is important to recognise what really matters to you in your life right now, and then to act upon your understanding. Over the past couple of weeks, I have been presented with a variety of circumstances which have challenged me to address what I hold most dear, whether these are people, material objects, and even thoughts or feelings about myself and/or others. As lockdown also continues to ease, I think it is valuable to consider how our individual attitudes can unite to make a positive change for the better. By adopting a reflective and reasoned approach, we can help the world.
Think of the quote which is commonly adopted:
Nobody is too busy. It is just a matter of priorities...
This phrase is frequently used in everyday language, especially when people are compared, when one completes a task and the other doesn't. Both people may be capable but the response to the situation is that one of them values doing the task and the other doesn't. One person prioritised that task and the other didn't. This topic is helpful to explore because there isn't necessarily a right or wrong answer or solution, but it truly depends on who you are and who/what you hold close.
Let's here recall the quote "Life is short and the world is wide" as it demonstrates how it is so much more valuable to open up your mind to the plethora of opportunities in the moment right now. Stay open and aware, as you never know what might be coming your way...
The quote above by Alexander Hamilton epitomises the importance of standing true to who you are. Detailing the life of one of the Founding Fathers of the United States, I would highly recommend watching the film adaptation of this story as it exhibits someone trying their best to enact a useful change. I have not yet been fortunate to have seen the play in person but would encourage you to take the time to watch this story. Here is another example of an individual who experiences conflict and challenge while trying to trying to stay true to himself. His priorities may not be deemed as the correct ones, but the fact that he sticks to his decisions displays his persistence and perseverance. It is very admirable that Alexander is prepared to give all that he has for what he believes in...are you?
I do not advocate that we stop becoming open-hearted and tolerant of other perspectives and become fixed resolutely to one particular way. However, I think that the way in which the current situation surrounding covid-19 is evolving suggests that we have to adopt reason and act in a way that we feel comfortable with, and which respects the enormity of the situation. The situation has displayed to us the importance of family, friends and those whom we hold dear. The emergence of a pandemic is a great chance for us to reconsider our priorities and how we want to move forward into the next stage of our lives, and I would wholeheartedly urge you to take the time to do this.
The quote above by Eleanor Roosevelt signifies the significance of such an endeavour...If we are willing to rethink our priorities, then it is also important that we ensure that those around us are aware. Take the time to talk with those nearest and dearest around you, in order to find out whether they are thinking in a similar way. They do not have to agree absolutely, but from my own experience, I would say that it will be much easier moving forwards if others are aware of whatever changes you may be initiating.
Stephen Covey says:
"The key is not to prioritise what's on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities."
Ponder on your schedule, whether that is daily, weekly, monthly or perhaps even yearly...do you set aside time for what you prioritise most?
The female protagonist in the Yes Man movie suggests an unusual perspective "The world's a playground. You know that when you are a kid but somewhere along the way everyone forgets it". However, recall a time when you played in a playground as a child.
No-one needed to tell you twice to enjoy yourself...
No-one needed to tell you twice to enjoy yourself with your friends...
No-one needed to tell you twice to enjoy yourself with your friends, participating in whatever game or activity which mattered to you all most in that present moment...
Here is an easy source of inspiration to take on the world and all of its excitement in a more childlike manner, participating to the best of your abilities with whole-hearted enthusiasm and joy in the activities which you value most in your life.
Whilst preparing for this blog, I came across a website which showed a couple who aim to visit 15 different countries each year! What a way to embrace life and all of its gifts...they both work alongside their travelling plans and I think this demonstrates how it is possible to include so much in your life. Whether that is travel or not, I think this is a fantastic example of how your priorities can be achieved very successfully, if you put your mind and heart to it.
This is clearly exemplified in the quote below:
"You always have time for the things you put first..."
What do you put first?
Personally, I have been prompted to spend time working on the brand and particularly the website recently. I hope that you enjoy browsing through the ever-changing website with all of the new food products, including the Indian range and the additions of scones and jam! Keep watching the social media accounts for the next baking events, which alternate on Facebook and Instagram for increased visibility.
Moreover, conversations with close friends have also reminded me of the value of taking time for myself to discover my priorities and how these may have changed, especially since the appearance of covid-19 earlier this year. I want to send out a consistently positive sound to the Universe and I hope that the brand may be a way for me to do this. As always, I am very grateful to everyone who has supported me thus far, especially those who have sampled my food and offered their helpful feedback. Think about what you are feeding yourself with...whether that is physically, mentally or emotionally. You deserve the best.
Grab a scone...and perhaps a mug of tea and pot of jam.
Take up a pencil and write a list of your priorities for your life. I am offering you the time and space whilst you are reading this blog, to explore inner dreams and visions that you have. You have the power, if only you set aside the time.
"To change your life, you need to change your priorities".
This has been an interesting blog to compose, given that it may present conflicts of interest within your family, friends and even yourself. But remember that this is your life and you have the authority and influence to make it your own.
Lots of love always,
Sitara xxx
What a uplifting and inspiring read, thank you Sitara xx