Ask Me I'm A Girl

Feel This Moment

Jackie — Wed, 22 Nov 2017 17:09:21 +0000

This is something I’ve struggled with all my life. Always wanting to see what’s coming next, I’ve rushed through life missing the beauty. It’s not like I don’t know how amazing it it to be present. There have been moments when time has stood still. They’re few and far between but I remember them vividly and treasure each and every one.

When I reflect on those times, I realise that there is one thing missing….. a smartphone. Smartphones are the thieves of focus and attention. They constantly drag you back to them, demanding your attention and teasing you with alerts. In a way, with every upgrade and new app, we’ve allowed them to highjack our lives and dominate our thoughts. They are an addiction, a 21st century drug.

But, it’s not all bad. Since smartphone cameras upped their game, memories are captured. Moments which might otherwise be forgotten. How I wish I’d had a smartphone when my children were small. The ease of taking video; of being able to record those first words… I remember the magic, but struggle to recall the sounds.

So, I think it’s a double edged sword. The trick is getting balance and awareness is the first step. I’ll call it ‘work in progress’.

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Music Was My First Love

Jackie — Wed, 22 Nov 2017 05:30:44 +0000

And, when all is said and done, it will be my last. In a world of change, it has been my constant companion. It has lifted me, it has soothed me, it has energised me and it has empathised with me. It’s a powerful friend and, as such, should be respected.

Choose your friends wisely, or so the saying goes. Who and what your immerse yourself in will slowly and stealthily seep into your being. Listen to sad music, you become sad. Pump the beat up and energy returns. This is how it is with all friends. Be mindful of that, the choices you make have far reaching effect on the way you think and feel.

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No Regrets

Jackie — Wed, 22 Nov 2017 05:08:55 +0000

Regret is pointless. It drains energy. It depends on an imagined alternative experience. It poses a “what if” question which can only be answered speculatively. It feeds on your perception of what might have been and, the likelihood is that it wouldn’t have panned out that way anyway.

Don’t look back in anger. Never look back in anger. That only serves to erode a happy future. Let it go. Let it be. If you need to, write it down and lock it away. Deal with it and then place your eyes firmly on the horizon of your future. Don’t let regret hold you back. By all means, learn the lessons but then move forwards with the knowledge that what has been has moulded you into who you now are.

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Mr Blue Sky

Jackie — Wed, 15 Nov 2017 05:49:31 +0000

2017 was the year I really started meditating. I’d always known the value. I’d dabbled in the past but then life took over again and I’d forget about it. So, I made it a habit is it’s now the way I start my day. 20 minutes when I reboot my thinking and get some perspective.

The goal isn’t to stop thoughts. The goal is the observe them and understand that they pass. It’s about learning not to be drawn into them. Imagine a washing machine in full flow. It’s a bit like watching it. Observing the mailstrom but not being part of it. In the early days, I found the Headspace videos really helpful. This one in particular. It’s 90 seconds.

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All Quiet On The Western Front

Jackie — Sun, 29 Oct 2017 11:54:51 +0000

Early mornings are the best time. Really early.. before most people stir, before lights go on and car engines start. In the summer, that early light is magical and, in winter, the darkness is like a blanket. It feels like it’s a gift of time. A time to gather thoughts and take stock. A time to plan and a time to write.

I’m still writing on my laptop but have a slow yearning to go back to old school and use a pencil and notebook. Somehow it feels gentler. So, what’s stopping me? I find handwriting really hard and that’s the truth. I can type so quickly and my handwriting is scrappy and largely unreadable. Maybe this is my lesson in really learning to slow down. Take my time writing.

I can’t remember where I read this quote, but it surely resonates right now…. “Sometimes I just want to get rid of all the technology and just sit down in a quiet space with a pen and paper.”

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Going Back

Jackie — Sat, 29 Oct 2016 07:55:25 +0000

I’ve hit a wall. It’s been built by the barrage of information that heads my way everyday.

The clever social media algorithms tailor my content to ensure that I keep clicking. They feed me a diet based on what they know about me… information I willingly share with every like, every clap and every share. So, slowly but surely, as the topics I consume becomes narrower, so does my mind.

I want to break free and go back to a world where random presides, where surprise reappears and where the choice is mine.

I have a real sense of relief. Charity shop book shelves will become my new best friend.

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