Inspire
For the movers and shakers
Lift her spirits…
Well hello there lovely readers, how are you coping as the world continues to grapple with these extraordinary times? I’m loving the more relaxed pace of working from home and, when not hanging out with the silver fox, am perfectly comfortable with my own company. Not everyone feels the same. If you have a friend who might be struggling during these times, I’m resharing a post filled with handy ideas that may just lift his/her spirits. Some of them easy depending on the level of isolation, others to be popped in the back pocket, and delivered when restrictions ease.
1 Create a Playlist
Some time ago a darling friend of mine lost her battle against cancer, but not before putting up an epic battle, supported by a compilation of songs ranging from angry kick-ass anthems to meaningful, laid-back ballads. Garnering suggestions from her friends, my little double CD (pre-Spotify) touched her in ways words couldn’t. Putting your thoughts into words is tough so why not say it with a meaningful song, or better yet, a thoughtful playlist? Easy to create on Spotify or your preferred music service and the link shared. It can be angry, cheerful, or nostalgic — whatever your bud needs to get her through a tough time.
2 Send a handwritten letter
The art of physical writing has been making a big come back! If words come easily, why not select a batch of looseleaf paper or beautiful stationery and jot those thoughts down? The important thing is that it puts a smile on your friend’s face and lets her know you’re thinking of her.
3 Drop a “Flower Bomb”
One bouquet of flowers is sweet, filling your friend’s living room with more beautiful blooms than she can count is awesome. Search for wholesale flower markets in your neighbourhood and grab big bunches of her favourite blooms (securing support from fellow buddies if the costs are beyond budget) then see if you can sneak in and bombard her living space with vessels full of blooms.
4 Create a photo book
A friend of mine unexpectedly lost her dog a few years ago and another friend of ours put together a sweet photo book for her, filled with pictures of her with her fur baby. Such a simple and special way to help her through the situation and she loved it.
5 Have a staycation together
Depending on your restrictions, grab her fave takeout, magazines, pamper kit including nail care and cosmetic face masks, a snazzy set of jimjams rock up to her door, and declare you’ve no intention of leaving anytime soon. She’ll be so glad to have someone to kick back and relax with.
6 Help out with chores and errands 
A load of laundry, a supermarket run, or just tidying up around the house can offer a lot of relief to someone who’s depressed, grieving, or generally feeling overwhelmed. She may not express it overtly, but I suspect she’ll be eternally grateful.
7 Deliver a home-cooked meal
If time prevents the opportunity to help out in the home, why not put your love for your friend into a hearty meal that’ll nourish her body and soul? Push to shove, show up with her favourite takeout, and treat her to a lounge floor picnic.
8 Surprise her with an outing
You know she’s likely to say she’d rather stay in, however, an impromptu movie, walk in the park, picnic or dinner date might be exactly what the doctor ordered. Show up at her door and don’t take no for an answer!
9 Book a day spa for two
Soother her soul with a mani, a pedi, facial, massage – whatever takes her fancy – after all, who doesn’t love a spot of pampering in a calming environment while sipping a virtuous green tea followed by champagne, tiny cucumber sandwiches, and chocolate-dipped strawberries?
10 Pick up the phone
I know this is obvious, yet in a world of “likes” and emojis, it feels like we’ve forgotten how much more intimate it is to make a phone call. Hearing your voice and getting carried away in a 30-minute conversation can make all the difference in the world to someone who’s down in the dumps.
Oh! And a word of note. If your bud has lost a particularly close loved one, make a note to call or be with her 30 days after her loss. It’s likely her family, friends, and support will have returned to their own lives at that time and, according to research, this is the time she will need you the most. Works equally well for both boy and girl buddies.
Ten delightful environmental developments just for you
Hello lovely readers. As most of you are aware, my blog centres on nurturing in all its forms, whether that be at work or at play, hence a post about environmental developments may seem a little at odds. Well, I say anything that might offer joy, as this omnipresent virus continues to disrupt life as we know it, has to be worth sharing and these will simply delight you. Straight from ‘Window on the World’, a thoughtfully penned article sharing David Attenborough’s career and his opinions on the future of our earth. (Mindfood June/July 2020). Enjoy!
Welcome to our oceans Whales
The whales are coming out to play...
There are reports that whales have been spotted away from their usual routes and habitats, thanks to a decrease in the number of boats on the ocean. According to experts, they are now exploring new areas. Likely contributing to an increase in sighted whales on our coastline too. [Image – Stephen Fink/Getty Images]
Revved to see your reef work Australia
Our reef is being restored…
While tours are closed, scuba divers in the Great Barrier Reef have joined forces with scientists to help restore vital coral reefs. The operators are now using their boats to ferry the scientists to coral nurseries. [Image – Zach Ransom/Coral Restoration Foundation]
Terrific to learn about your Trees Pakistan
Trees are being planted…
Thousands of out-of-work labourers in Pakistan have been hired by the government to plant trees for the 10 Billion Tree Tsunami project. This project was launched in 2014 as a response to global warming. What a great way to keep people employed, as well as rejuvenating mother nature’s lungs. [Image – Junaid Ali/CC]
