​​As we age, it's easy to fall into a pattern of negative thinking - especially if our lives haven't turned out quite as we'd hoped or planned. Our attachment to the past, focusing on the 'what ifs',  regrets for things we may have done or not done, or wishing things were different can cause us emotional pain that keeps us stuck.

One way to let go of the past (and the suffering) is to focus on the here and now. Start by embracing an attitude of gratitude.  Just the fact that you woke up today and can read this are two reasons to be grateful, and to get you thinking, here are a few of the things that I'm thankful for.​
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• My wonderful, faithful, loyal and kind husband.  He is my rock, my sounding board, my friend and confidante.  He is a good man and makes me laugh and I can't imagine life without him.  
• Our son and his partner P, our two gorgeous granddaughters who bring us so much joy. and P's  family who have welcomed us with warm hearts.  I love being part of their extended family.  
• My own family.  I love them all despite the fact that we sometimes disagree; for their help and support during difficult times and in spite of the miles that have separated us in the past. 
• For our home, enough money to pay the bills, food in the cupboard, running water, electricity and good neighbours.
• My friends and colleagues for their help and support during some really trying times for us all.
• For the people who have made an impact on me over the years by their teaching, writing or speaking.  To name just a few: -   Matt Ferguson - whose hypnotherapy and NLP training led me down a different path of self-discovery and Clem & Margaret Turner who have provided local training for my CPD; David Woolley (Skills24), Andy Cope (The Art of Brilliance), Paul McGee (The SUMO Guy), Carmen Cave Gerhardt (Intervene) and Prof Derek Mowbray (Management Advisory Services), and more recently, members of The Lizian Events community
• Sumatriptan - I don't know who developed this wonder drug but it has made a massive difference to me as a migraine sufferer - and for my health, which I pray will remain good.
• For music that soothes or uplifts, books that entertain and blogs that inspire, for the scientists who strive to find solutions to our problems and cures for our illnesses.
• That I live in a democracy where I can say what I want, where I have the right to vote and where my rights are protected. I am especially and continually grateful for the NHS - despite it's shortcomings, it's a comfort to know that access to medical care and intervention in this country doesn't depend on having health insurance or a fat wallet. 

Why not share some of the things you're grateful for here?  Who know who or what your thoughts might inspire?
 

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At the end of last month we put the clocks forward in the UK -it was the Vernal Equinox and the official start of British Summer Time.  Although there's still a chill in the air, there are definite signs of spring all around us. The magnolia trees are in bloom, blossom is appearing on the trees, and new growth appearing on old wood.  The days are lasting a little bit longer, and this week, with the easing of lockdown, we have freedom to join with other people outside for a coffee, a picnic, or just to chat. There's a real feel of renewed optimism and hope in the air. 
 
It's the time of year when we think about Spring cleaning - giving our homes a really good deep clean, swapping the winter duvet for the summer one, the winter curtains for the summer curtains, cleaning the carpets and maybe redecorating. We might sort out the cupboards as well: getting rid of things that we've hung on to 'just in case', things that are broken or damaged, clothes that don't fit or stuff that we just no longer have any use for.
 
It's also a time when we start preparing for summer in the garden.  Clearing away the debris left behind after winter, maybe digging a new flower bed, making room for a veggie plot, pulling out weeds and getting ready for a new season of growth. 

As well as Spring cleaning your home, have you ever thought about Spring cleaning your mind?  
 
Maybe it's time to get rid of old patterns of behaviour that are no longer useful; time to finally conquer that phobia that's held you back for so long; eliminate a bad habit, let go of negative emotions; or maybe it's time to do something positive about losing weight or giving up smoking; explore new options for your career or get to grips with learning new skills.  Why not make a start on spring cleaning your mind by contacting me now to find out how hypnotherapy can help you with all of these and more?

By the start of summer your life could be a whole lot different!

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