Mindful Monday Week 41

Goals

Hi, Thinking Out Loud here :D

Welcome to Mindful Monday, Week 41

Here is the link for this week's playlist. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7FGJaoPtrYjEDBrWiJKBa3?si=b17e166b1c7d4458 

I hope you enjoy listening whilst you read, and I hope you find the music relaxing. 

If an ad plays, please stop reading and wait for the playlist to play again. The playlist will be timed for you to read to the end of this blog post, with maybe one song running over after reading. 

Get a drink, maybe even a snack, and find a comfy seat so you can relax. Let go of all worries and enjoy the next five deep breaths. Please prepare for the first breath in by breathing out.

Now time for your first deep breath; take one deep breath in through your nose for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1..2.. Breathe out through your mouth for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1... Breathe in for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1..2.. And out for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1... Breathe in for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1..2.. And out for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1... Two more to go; breathe in for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1..2.. And out for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1... Last one, deep breath in for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1..2.. And out for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1... Now go back to your regular breathing pattern. I hope you feel calm and relaxed.

First of this is going to be the last Mindful Monday, I have loved this series but feel like it is time to bring it to an end and do something different this year, as of yet I am not sure what that will be but please watch this space, I will be doing a monthly newsletter type things for Patreon only, and that will be for all tiers so if you wish to keep updated with what I am doing January’s upload is already up. I will still upload blog posts, as and when that will be I’m not sure but they may not be like these MM, some might be in the same style but not all of them will be.

This time of year people can be pretty big on planning some new year resolutions, they can be hard to keep to, and when broken can make us a little hard on ourselves, for e.g. when we don’t start that diet on Monday and before we know it, it’s been a week and we still haven’t started it for the fifteenth time that we said we would. Make this year different, instead of resolutions set little goals to complete throughout the year, not something that you have to stick to throughout the whole year. Little things that you can keep checking in on to see how you are going. 

Make goals where you have no pressure on yourself, make them fun and enjoyable, and little so they are doable within say a few months, if you do want to use this year to lose some weight set a goal of a few kgs or lbs to lose in the next few months, nothing crazy just a kg or two, or a lbs or two, start little and in time you can build up to more. Any size goal is perfect, if it's making your bed every day for a week, that's awesome, or making sure you have a clean kitchen before going to bed so you have nothing to wash up in the morning, or you get all your washing done before the weekend so you can just relax. These are all tasks that I know for most of us will be easy to achieve and goals that don’t add pressure.

For anyone who struggles with daily tasks, make your goals suit you, whether that be brushing your teeth as soon as you get up, doing your hair (even if that is all you get done) then brushing your teeth at night, so you can start a small routine and each day or week slowly add more goals to complete before you know it you will be completing these goals like there is no tomorrow. But remember don’t let it become something that seems like pressure, these aren’t new year resolutions, they are goals to achieve, to make you feel good, and to make you see that you can achieve more than you currently realise you can.

Make this year your best year whatever that means to you. Don’t get caught up in what others are doing, focus on yourself and what you want to do. Everyone is going at their own pace, don’t let what someone else is doing put you off of what you are doing. Be proud of yourself when you achieve a goal, and celebrate all achievements no matter how small, You have all got this. I’m proud of all the goals you can achieve this year and believe in you all.

I want to say a huge thank you to anyone who has taken the time to read these MM, they will remain on both Patreon patreon.com/freyaAhatfield and my blog freyfrey95.blogspot.com and the playlists will remain on Spotify for anyone who would like to go back through them whenever you want to. I hope you have enjoyed reading these blogs as much as I have enjoyed creating and writing them. I can't believe I have managed to do 41. 

Let's finish with a three-deep breath breather.

Take one deep breath in through your nose for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1..2.. Breathe out through your mouth for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1... Breathe in for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1..2.. And out for five 1..2..3..4..5..  Hold for 1... Final breath in for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1..2.. Last breath out for five 1..2..3..4..5.. No hold here; you can now go back to your regular breathing pattern.

As always, thank you for taking the time to read this week's Mindful Monday. I really do appreciate everyone who takes the time to read them and listens to what I have to say.

Love always 

Thinking Out Loud xx :D

Goals are like stars in the sky, aim for the main one but catch all the little ones along the way to help you on your adventure, and don’t forget to have fun. Freya A Hatfield 

Mindful Monday Week 40

Merry Christmas

Hi, Thinking Out Loud here :D

Welcome to Mindful Monday, Week 40

Here is the link for this week's playlist. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/43cMmHdf8sCVCF8z6ZUwYV?si=bf3a9a5a32834a7f&pt=9f2eca892ef5fb66bdaf53819f69e2ab 

I hope you enjoy listening whilst you read, and I hope you find the music relaxing. 

If an ad plays, please stop reading and wait for the playlist to play again. The playlist will be timed for you to read to the end of this blog post, with maybe one song running over after reading. 

Get a drink, maybe even a snack, and find a comfy seat so you can relax. Let go of all worries and enjoy the next five deep breaths. Please prepare for the first breath in by breathing out.

Now time for your first deep breath; take one deep breath in through your nose for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1..2.. Breathe out through your mouth for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1... Breathe in for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1..2.. And out for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1... Breathe in for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1..2.. And out for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1... Two more to go; breathe in for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1..2.. And out for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1... Last one, deep breath in for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1..2.. And out for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1... Now go back to your regular breathing pattern. I hope you feel calm and relaxed.

I know it’s no longer Christmas, but I wanted to still upload this week to keep the numbers in order, and together.

Merry Christmas

By Freya A Hatfield

Merry Christmas from the country next to the land down under,

Merry Christmas from the county that quite often gets forgotten or left off a map,

Merry Christmas from the upside-down Great Britain.

Merry Christmas from where the kiwi bird and kiwi people live,

Merry Christmas from the land of the long white cloud Aotearoa.

Merry Christmas from the country where Pohutkawa’s are like Christmas trees,

Merry Christmas from the country where BBQs on the beach are Christmas dinner.

Merry Christmas from where jandals, singlets and shorts are worn at this time of year,

Merry Christmas from sunnies, sunblock, mozzie spray and hopefully no sunburn in sight.

Merry Christmas from the country that says, Kia Ora, Chur bro, Sweet as cuz,

Merry Christmas from the country where Santa surfs his presents to the local beach.

Merry Christmas from the land where moa birds used to roam,

Merry Christmas from the country where its largest city has an estimation of 53 volcanoes.

Merry Christmas from a country where you can have four seasons in one day,

Merry Christmas from the country where it doesn’t snow on Christmas day,

Merry Christmas from the country where it can rain on Christmas day. 

Merry Christmas from a country so chilled and laid back you won’t ever want to leave,

Merry Christmas from the country where PJs and slippers are acceptable to wear to the shops,

Merry Christmas from the country where swimwear becomes underwear away from a beach,

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the country that sees both first.

Meri Kirihimete me te Tau Hou.

Let's finish with a three-deep breath breather.

Take one deep breath in through your nose for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1..2.. Breathe out through your mouth for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1... Breathe in for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1..2.. And out for five 1..2..3..4..5..  Hold for 1... Final breath in for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1..2.. Last breath out for five 1..2..3..4..5.. No hold here; you can now go back to your regular breathing pattern.

As always, thank you for taking the time to read this week's Mindful Monday. I really do appreciate everyone who takes the time to read them and listens to what I have to say.

Love always 

Thinking Out Loud xx :D

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from me to you, I hope you have and have had a lovely day with loved ones whether they are near or far, and I hope you’ve been able to see them in some way.

Mindful Monday Week 39

Embrace Uncertainty

Hi, Thinking Out Loud here :D

Welcome to Mindful Monday, Week 39

Here is the link for this week's playlist. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7fBHCH17bD0tcITwZBIlkH?si=14e98d2e659d48a1 

I hope you enjoy listening whilst you read, and I hope you find the music relaxing. 

If an ad plays, please stop reading and wait for the playlist to play again. The playlist will be timed for you to read to the end of this blog post, with maybe one song running over after reading. 

Get a drink, maybe even a snack, and find a comfy seat so you can relax. Let go of all worries and enjoy the next five deep breaths. Please prepare for the first breath in by breathing out.

Now time for your first deep breath; take one deep breath in through your nose for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1..2.. Breathe out through your mouth for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1... Breathe in for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1..2.. And out for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1... Breathe in for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1..2.. And out for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1... Two more to go; breathe in for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1..2.. And out for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1... Last one, deep breath in for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1..2.. And out for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1... Now go back to your regular breathing pattern. I hope you feel calm and relaxed.

Embrace Uncertainty

By Freya A Hatfield

Take a deep breath in and let go of what feels like home and feels safe,

Let go of the feeling of comfort, that envelopes you like a warm blanket,

Embrace uncertainty and everything new that comes along with it.

Change can be scary, but so can staying still,

Imagine what you could do with what is unknown to you,

Embrace it, enjoy it, and know that you don’t have to do things alone.

Uncertainty could be a new job, buying a house, a car, a change in lifestyle,

What is uncertain today, tomorrow it could feel like you’ve been doing it your whole life.

Take the leap that you’ve been wanting to take, whether it’s eyes closed or wide open,

Embrace not knowing where you will land, but know that it could be the best thing you do.

Take a deep breath in and trust in yourself that what you do next is right for you,

Live for yourself and no one else, and give yourself the life you’ve dreamed of.

Embrace uncertainty the way you trust that the sun will always rise in the morning,

And the moon in all of its phases will rise at night,

Embrace uncertainty like you accept the years that have flown by,

Embrace what you can't yet see, but can feel in your heart and trust will happen,

Embrace it with every bone and muscle in your body and don’t stop holding on to hope,

Hope that one day what you are uncertain about you will one day be certain about,

Certain that you made the right choice for you.

Embrace uncertainty like the sea embraces a stormy day and night,

Embrace uncertainty like a mountaintop that's just had a fresh fall of snow,

Embrace uncertainty like you’ve never embraced anything before,

It might just be the best thing you ever do.

Let's finish with a three-deep breath breather.

Take one deep breath in through your nose for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1..2.. Breathe out through your mouth for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1... Breathe in for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1..2.. And out for five 1..2..3..4..5..  Hold for 1... Final breath in for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1..2.. Last breath out for five 1..2..3..4..5.. No hold here; you can now go back to your regular breathing pattern.

As always, thank you for taking the time to read this week's Mindful Monday. I really do appreciate everyone who takes the time to read them and listens to what I have to say.

Love always 

Thinking Out Loud xx :D

Embrace what isn’t yet known to you, embrace what scares you the most, embrace all things that are good around you and embrace uncertainty until it becomes the thing you are most certain about in your life.

Mindful Monday Week 38

Keep It Simple

Hi, Thinking Out Loud here :D
Welcome to Mindful Monday, Week 38

Here is the link for this week's playlist. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/63ToLykHD5QdC4OME8pzsm?si=1df3812a97ab4485 

I hope you enjoy listening whilst you read, and I hope you find the music relaxing. 

If an ad plays, please stop reading and wait for the playlist to play again. The playlist will be timed for you to read to the end of this blog post, with maybe one song running over after reading. 

Get a drink, maybe even a snack, and find a comfy seat so you can relax. Let go of all worries and enjoy the next five deep breaths. Please prepare for the first breath in by breathing out.

Now time for your first deep breath; take one deep breath in through your nose for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1..2.. Breathe out through your mouth for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1... Breathe in for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1..2.. And out for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1... Breathe in for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1..2.. And out for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1... Two more to go; breathe in for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1..2.. And out for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1... Last one, deep breath in for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1..2.. And out for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1... Now go back to your regular breathing pattern. I hope you feel calm and relaxed.

For the past couple of weeks, I have written poems; this week, I have decided to do a bit more of a chatty post. This week with it being December, this MM is going to be Christmas related. As you will have seen, the title is Keep It Simple; it’s so easy to get lost in the Christmas buzz and get carried away. Often, this ends in pressure and, if we are honest with ourselves, not enjoying Christmas as much as we should. 

So what can we do to change this? Well, we could plan, which I’m sure a lot of people already do, so instead of planning and still being under a lot of pressure, let's simplify the lead-up and the big day. Buy what you can early and online if possible, maybe even click and collect; I would, however, suggest not ordering a food shop online as a lot of the time, supermarket staff don’t have a long time to get things off of your list and substitute what is close, in some cases things are far from close, so to save yourself from disappointment do a big shop early, or do little shops often and get the things you really want in the first few shops. 

Presents can be bought online; a lot of places these days do click-and-collect, so you don’t have to pay for postage which is a great saver if you are buying a lot of gifts. If you do buy online and get them delivered, you can get things gift-wrapped; it costs a little extra usually, but this will help you when it comes to the week before Christmas and, yet again, that pile of presents you have that still need wrapping, at least this way you will have fewer presents to wrap.

Now Christmas dinner, buy things that are premade, don’t go making everything from scratch. Frozen roast potatoes can be just as good as homemade roast potatoes, gravy from a packet is just as good as well, plus people probably won't even notice. Get guests or family members to each do a dish or bring a dish or plate of something. Get a few people also to bring a dessert, hopefully not the same dessert. 

By handing out different dishes to people to make it isn’t all left to one person who is slaving away in the kitchen, also whoever maybe hasn’t contributed with food for whatever reason can be on clean up duty, this hopefully will help in keeping it simple. You can even get kids involved with baking; I know as a kid, I loved baking and helping out, especially when it came to making the Christmas cake, and gingerbread men. 

I hope these few suggestions help with making this year's Christmas a little simpler, and less stressful and allow everyone to enjoy it. Please leave a comment below with maybe your own suggestions on how to make Christmas simpler, or maybe comment with what you are doing. I would love to read what you are doing for Christmas this year. Please remember not all comments will show, but I do read them all and moderate them, so please be kind; I am only one person.

Let's finish with a three-deep breath breather.

Take one deep breath in through your nose for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1..2.. Breathe out through your mouth for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1... Breathe in for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1..2.. And out for five 1..2..3..4..5..  Hold for 1... Final breath in for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1..2.. Last breath out for five 1..2..3..4..5.. No hold here; you can now go back to your regular breathing pattern.

As always, thank you for taking the time to read this week's Mindful Monday. I really do appreciate everyone who takes the time to read them and listens to what I have to say.

Love always 

Thinking Out Loud xx :D

Keep it simple; it doesn’t have to be extravagant, or elaborate; it’s a fancy Sunday dinner, and gifts can be small, homemade, or bought locally; they don’t need to be branded. Anything you do this year will be enough; let those you have around you help, take a load off of yourself and let yourself enjoy the day as everyone else does. Remember that what you worry about, no one else will be, don’t let it bother you. If you’ve forgotten something or not done something you don’t need it, your day won’t be ruined, and everyone will still have a great time, so don’t forget to Keep It Simple. 

 

Mindful Monday Week 37

Fierce

Hi, Thinking Out Loud here :D
Welcome to Mindful Monday, Week 37

Here is the link for this week's playlist. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4HQAPdFDealvkHvI4Oskqq?si=ac86e8afb65f4b4e 

I hope you enjoy listening whilst you read, and I hope you find the music relaxing. 

If an ad plays, please stop reading and wait for the playlist to play again. The playlist will be timed for you to read to the end of this blog post, with maybe one song running over after reading. 

Get a drink, maybe even a snack, and find a comfy seat so you can relax. Let go of all worries and enjoy the next five deep breaths. Please prepare for the first breath in by breathing out.

Now time for your first deep breath; take one deep breath in through your nose for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1..2.. Breathe out through your mouth for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1... Breathe in for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1..2.. And out for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1... Breathe in for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1..2.. And out for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1... Two more to go; breathe in for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1..2.. And out for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1... Last one, deep breath in for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1..2.. And out for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1... Now go back to your regular breathing pattern. I hope you feel calm and relaxed.

Fierce 

By Freya A Hatfield

Stand your ground, be strong,

Don’t let the world change who you are,

Be fierce, stay true to who is on the inside,

Don’t quiver or shake when life gets a little hard,

It’s ok to be a little scared, but don’t let it hold you back,

Be fierce, be proud of everything you have achieved,

Tamed or untamed, let your voice be heard above the crowd,

Let it be as loud as you want it to be, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise,

Be fierce, let love in, let love grow, and let it be the best thing you’ve ever had,

If something isn’t right, don’t waste your time; move on to better things,

Don’t stay stuck on things that happened in the past; live for today and the future,

Be fierce, grab opportunities as they come and when they feel right for you,

Like a lion, be strong, powerful, brave, courageous, proud, and keep loved ones close,

Life can be challenging, but knowing you have loved ones near can make it easier,

Be fierce, always stay true to who you are, and be proud of who you are,

Always be fierce with anything and everything you do.

Let's finish with a three-deep breath breather.

Take one deep breath in through your nose for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1..2.. Breathe out through your mouth for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1... Breathe in for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1..2.. And out for five 1..2..3..4..5..  Hold for 1... Final breath in for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1..2.. Last breath out for five 1..2..3..4..5.. No hold here; you can now go back to your regular breathing pattern.

As always, thank you for taking the time to read this week's Mindful Monday. I really do appreciate everyone who takes the time to read them and listens to what I have to say.

Love always 

Thinking Out Loud xx :D

Be fierce, be proud, hold your head high, and always let your voice be heard.

Mindful Monday Week 36

Perspective

Hi, Thinking Out Loud here :D
Welcome to Mindful Monday, Week 36

Here is the link for this week's playlist. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0y4QXK0yxrOXW36H8xjYLt?si=c15c63bc9aaa4cf6&pt=1a45e1a3c6acfb0453594efaafce9959 

I hope you enjoy listening whilst you read, and I hope you find the music relaxing. 

If an ad plays, please stop reading and wait for the playlist to play again. The playlist is timed for you to read to the end of this blog post, with maybe one song running over after reading. 

Get a drink, maybe even a snack, and find a comfy seat so you can relax. Let go of all worries and enjoy the next five deep breaths. Please prepare for the first breath in by breathing out.

Now time for your first deep breath; take one deep breath in through your nose for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1..2.. Breathe out through your mouth for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1... Breathe in for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1..2.. And out for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1... Breathe in for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1..2.. And out for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1... Two more to go; breathe in for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1..2.. And out for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1... Last one, deep breath in for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1..2.. And out for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1... Now go back to your regular breathing pattern. I hope you feel calm and relaxed.

Perspective
By Freya A Hatfield

Our perspective can be changed by a single thought

A change in heart or a shift in our mood.

It can be as straightforward or as difficult as we let it be,

what changes is how we view a situation.

With a change of perspective, a lot more can happen,

Our thoughts can be lighter and our minds clearer.

With a change of perspective, we can alleviate pain, frustration,

And what might have been holding us back.

With a perspective change, it's not just our mood, thoughts or minds

that change, but also our egos can become smaller, less showy and pushy.

We can be more accepting of other people's opinions and ideas, 

We can be more open to change and possibly easier ways of doing something.

Our perspective can be changed by a single thought

A change in heart or a shift in our mood.

It can be as straightforward or as difficult as we let it be,

what changes is how we view a situation.

Perspective can also be changing our expectations of a person or a situation,

Changing how we see them and how we expect them to behave.

Do we expect them to be just like us?

Do we expect too much of them? 

Because our standards of doing something is different to theirs.

Do we ask too much of ourselves?

Do we expect too much of ourselves?

Because we think that might be what other people expect.

If we change our perspective and ask ourselves.

Am I enough as I am?

Do I need to prove myself constantly for the things I do?

If I do something differently, will it impact my life for the better?

Do others do for me what I do for them? 

With these questions, I hope they make you think,

I hope you make the changes that need to be made.

If you answered NO to am I enough as I am, 

I say you are enough as you are, and I hope you see it in time.

Our perspective can be changed by a single thought

A change in heart or a shift in our mood.

It can be as straightforward or as difficult as we let it be,

what changes is how we view a situation.

Let's finish with a three-deep breath breather.

Take one deep breath in through your nose for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1..2.. Breathe out through your mouth for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1... Breathe in for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1..2.. And out for five 1..2..3..4..5..  Hold for 1... Final breath in for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1..2.. Last breath out for five 1..2..3..4..5.. No hold here; you can now go back to your regular breathing pattern.

As always, thank you for taking the time to read this week's Mindful Monday. I really do appreciate everyone who takes the time to read them and listens to what I have to say.

Love always 

Thinking Out Loud xx :D

A perspective is just a viewpoint, not an end result.

Mindful Monday Week 35

Plan

Hi, Thinking Out Loud here :D
Welcome to Mindful Monday, Week 35

Here is the link for this week's playlist. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4OWunoFMMvmLsrwg5iDOMk?si=caacb590d38f45b6&pt=b1cbf15b334327cb27b019e3017695e2 

I hope you enjoy listening whilst you read, and I hope you find the music relaxing. 

If an ad plays, please stop reading and wait for the playlist to play again. The playlist will be timed for you to read to the end of this blog post, with maybe one song running over after reading. 

Get a drink, maybe even a snack, and find a comfy seat so you can relax. Let go of all worries and enjoy the next five deep breaths. Please prepare for the first breath in by breathing out.

Now time for your first deep breath; take one deep breath in through your nose for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1..2.. Breathe out through your mouth for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1... Breathe in for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1..2.. And out for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1... Breathe in for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1..2.. And out for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1... Two more to go; breathe in for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1..2.. And out for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1... Last one, deep breath in for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1..2.. And out for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1... Now go back to your regular breathing pattern. I hope you feel calm and relaxed.

When someone says plan, it can seem boring and daunting, planning for the future, planning a big life event, even for myself as a writer planning a book. It can seem like a big mess of ideas, battling to be the one that gets picked. In all honesty, I would have to say I am not much of a planner; I would rather wing writing and life in general; that’s not to say that I don’t have plans, as I do; I just don’t write them down or plan them out, so if one of my plans happens it is quite out of the blue for it to have happened. I’m undecided if this is a bad or a good idea. What I am learning as I get older is planning seems more and more like a good idea. Like everyone, I have big life ideas, big things that I want to achieve and most of these things I know I can only achieve most of these things if I plan for them and work hard to achieve them. The main thing is planning for them, having an end goal to work towards, and having smaller targets to aim to keep on track with reaching that end goal. 

So how do we plan and stop it from seeming boring or daunting? 

The short answer is to write bullet points, and each one of those is a goal for a bigger plan. Now the long answer is pretty similar to the short answer, but with each bullet point, write a bit of a description with each point, what you aim to do, how you aim to achieve it, and when you want to have reached that particular goal. Then decide your ultimate big plan, when you want to achieve that and how you aim to achieve it. Each point can be a month or a year, however long you want it to be. I often hear what is your big five-year plan, ten-year plan and so on. If you want to do those, please feel free to do so, but going straight into doing a five or ten-year plan for some of us, I know, will be a bit intense, so start small and eventually aim big. 

Here is a little bit of my plan that you can use as an example. This is based on writing.

• Weekly blog uploads (here is where I would stop for the short plan) - this means picking a day every week, spending about an hour or so writing the following week's blog post, and maybe more weeks if I know I have a busy few weeks ahead. This also included editing and creating a playlist for the blog post to share when uploaded. 

This is an ongoing weekly plan, so I aim to start and finish it weekly. (this is a much longer and detailed plan)

• Publishing (short plan) - getting works I have done edited, sent to beta readers and final edits done to a standard that is acceptable to publish, whether that be self-published or done through an agent. 

I aim to hopefully be published by the end of this year or, at the latest, very early next year (long plan)

• Creating (short plan, also vague as it covers a wide variety of things) - this means anything that I get ideas for, mostly writing but not limited to writing. 

This is an ongoing plan for creating when ideas come to me. (long plan still vague but some form of ideas to it).

I hope these three ideas help; I know only some people reading this post will be writers, but I hope the general idea of how to write a plan comes through. I’m not an expert; this is just how I write my plan. How you make yours might be different; please do what works for you.

I would love to read about your plans in a comment below and only share what you are happy to share. Remember, not all comments show, but all comments do get read, so please be kind. I am the only person running this page, and I moderate all comments.

Let's finish with a three-deep breath breather.

Take one deep breath in through your nose for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1..2.. Breathe out through your mouth for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1... Breathe in for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1..2.. And out for five 1..2..3..4..5..  Hold for 1... Final breath in for five 1..2..3..4..5.. Hold for 1..2.. Last breath out for five 1..2..3..4..5.. No hold here; you can now go back to your regular breathing pattern.

As always, thank you for taking the time to read this week's Mindful Monday. I appreciate everyone who takes the time to read them and listens to what I have to say.

Love always 

Thinking Out Loud xx :D

A plan can be anything you want it to be as long as you put it into action and work towards it; a single thought of the day can become the biggest plan you ever make.