Keep on learning- Be Inspired

There are quotes going around that "Leaders are Learners" and "Leaders are Readers". I would have to agree with both of them. As a mum some times it is hard to think of yourself a leader. Well have a look behind you...... do you have someone following you?....... well I guess that would define you as a leader. Surprise!!!


There are two different types of books I read, one is for pleasure and the other is to grow me. In some seasons I am spending more time on growing me than on pleasure and visa-versa. What season are you in right now? I have just come through the past 2 years of growing me as I have just completed my Advance Diploma of Christian Counseling. By the end I must say that I had enough of intentionally GROWING!! So in saying that you can now tell in what season I'm in at the moment..... PLEASURE......mmmmm I like the sound of that, let me say it again......PLEASURE. This definitely doesn't mean that I stop learning through the books I have chosen to read in this season of pleasure. At the moment I'm interested in Biographies. I've just finished a book on Smith Wigglesworth "The secret of his power". It is a short book, written by Albert Hibbert. I can say that is was the best book I've read or even that great. But it was INSPIRING!!


My family and I went to a friends house for dinner and as conversation progressed and the food was being served she brings out the most amazing but unusual salad, a Watermelon Summer Salad which has watermelon (obviously) with red onion, feta cheese, olives and mint.......it was really refreshing. Which then lead to the discussion about the book it came from. I have spent most of this morning reading it. It is what I would call a biography about her journey of she became the hostess that she needed to become to the Glory of God.  It is called "The Reluctant Entertainer" by Sandy Coughlin. And I must say I am INSPIRED!!


So what has INSPIRED you of late or do you need some INSPIRING? I hope I have done this by opening up your eyes to who we are (leaders) and that you can become a better you by observing, reading and expanding your knowledge of what ever interests you. Open your doors, open your windows to new adventures that are waiting for you and your family right outside your door or your next book.


I know especially when my kids were little I found it challenging to make time for reading of any sort but I know that we all can make time for those things that we call important. I am a big believer that reading different types of books is important, if anything, to make space for "me" time.


If you're interested in the book I've mentioned, please check out the link and her blog in which you can find her receipe book in there.
If you have a biography that you have read that you might think I would be interested in please tell me about it!


From my heart to yours,


Peta

Let's start the year off right!

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and Salutations!!

I know that a lot of you have started or have written a 'new years resolution' or goals for the coming year. They may look like, to lose some weight, to get healthy, to go on an overseas holiday or just to even take a holiday, to spend more time with the family, to buy a home, to earn a certain amount of money. These are all great goals. The only question I have is ..... Who is going to look after you? I believe to be the best you can be we have to be a bit selfish. To us mum's this sounds like a 'sin'. On the contrary it is the opposite. To do the best you can be this year you need to take time out of 'doing' for everyone else and start 'being' for yourself. This will look different for everyone.


When was the last time you did something for yourself? It doesn't have to be expensive or take a lot of time. Just time on you. I believe the way to having a healthy home is to have a mum/ dad released not to feel guilty on spending some weekly time on themselves. To find their own unique way of revitalizing and refreshing themselves with what they like to do.


When the kids were little and a hubby away from the house at least 12 hours a day I had to find ways of looking after myself to get 'me time'. One thing I used to do was to make every Friday night was a night of pampering. The kids would be put to bed a little earlier than usual so I could paint my nails, have a foot spa and watch a favorite movie and still be able to get to be at a good time so I would be functioning for the next day. As a couple we would also do date nights. These would be done 'in house' to save money on baby sitters (not every time). I would cook a favorite meal, have candles on the table, and yummy dessert then we might give each other a back massage. This is great for two reasons, 1 to create stability in the children to show that Dad and Mum love each other (and to spend some quality time together not talking about the children), and 2 it builds on expectation and creativity when it is your partners turn. Be creative but don't turn it into a chance to out do each other...... think of how you can spoil each other.


I know that when I have had "me time" I can then handle coming back to reality and feeling like I have had a break of being mum for a couple of hours and just being me!


When was the last time you took time out for you? Maybe you need to start booking in "me time" and "date nights"?


I know I'm always trying to think of innovative ways to have "me time" and "date nights in", I would love to hear what your "me time" and "date nights in" look like so I and others can benifit from your creative ways to look after yourself.


I know my goal this year to look after me more so I can be the best woman, wife, mum and friend that I can be this year. Hopefully it will become of yours a well, because I want you to be the best YOU you can be!!


From my heart to yours,


Peta