I keep seeing the numbers 1111 everywhere, on receipts, digital clocks, everywhere I look. It happened again a few minutes ago.
I’ve been told it’s a symbol of spiritual awakening or that a meeting with my twin soul is imminent. I hope so. I could do with some sunshine to lift the rain clouds right now.
How do you abandon a life you know well? I feel the need for a change. Things aren’t good. I won’t say any more than that, but a new start is on the horizon, for sure. Life is too short for half baked compromises. I need to work out the details. Changes are good for the soul and sometimes they’re necessary for our wellbeing.
One of the interesting things about some people is that they only see their version, their world. No matter how many times you try to get them to listen, to see your point of view, to understand, they carry on doing what they’ve always done.
I will keep smiling and doing what I have to do to make the transition as safe and smooth as possible. I will do all the text book stuff - go for walks, listen to music, pamper and preen, and surround myself with positive people.
When we move away from a place of pain we find doors opening that we never knew were there. I look forward to those doors opening. There’s no better way to start over than by leaving it all behind - permanently and completely. In a little while I will stand back and know that I did the right thing.
I don’t know where you live, UK, New York, Los Angeles, Hong Kong or some remote town on a remote island, but I do know that whatever your age, size or lifestyle, you can stand out from the crowd, turn heads and win admirers. Anyone can do it, regardless of where they’re from and where they’re heading.
I’m not talking clothes, make-up and hairstyles - okay, maybe to a certain extent. What I’m really referring to is you as a person, your mannerisms, lifestyle choices and character.
Regarding appearance, if you want to be different, check out vintage, thrift and charity stores. They usually have one-off pieces that are not too way out, but will make you stand out. Choose unusual accessories. Shop in random stores and boutiques that few people have heard of. You may need to shop online if there aren’t any where you live.
Remember - no one thinks completely alike so there will be aspects of your personality that are unique without you even trying. No two people look the same either - even identical twins are not completely identical. So your genetic make-up will always be unique.
When it comes to getting to know someone, simple but unusual questions are best. What’s the scariest thing you’ve ever done? If money and circumstances were no object, where in the world would you live? What was the first record you bought? How old were you when … you get the picture.
Big companies, in the name of branding, spend millions on market research to stand out from the crowd. You need to do the same but on a much smaller scale, and you don’t need to spend a fortune. Mimic the traits of successful companies. Dare to be different. Take risks. Practice your ‘customer service skills’ i.e. people skills. Be kind, courteous, helpful, reliable, professional and polite. Everything you do has an influence on someone, somewhere. Build trust. Be loyal.
Finally, make unique lifestyle choices. Organise a one-of-a-kind stag or bithday party. Re-train in a field where there’s a shortage i.e. priest, UFO specialist, nuclear medicine, ultrasonographer, belly dancer. Become a professional weight lifter. Drive an unusual car. Breed blue tits. Become known for a signature piece, such as hats, red lipstick or bow ties. The possibilities are endless.
Video Jug looks and feels like the new You Tube. It has hundreds of videos and films explaining how to do everything you can think of, from making a film to baking California Rolls, reducing cellulite to finding your soulmate. A how to website with a twist, Video Jug is life explained on film. Click here to jump on the bandwagon.
… is difficult when other people’s opinions are forced upon you everywhere you turn. Friends, the media, family, neighbours, the government, everyone has an opinion on something, and all opinions are valid and should be respected, but the only opinion that counts, when all is said and done, is yours. Compromises can be reached, but being true to yourself is essential.
It’s important to have space to think, and time to breathe. So when you’re faced with a dilemma, go somewhere quiet, close your eyes, take a deep breath, clear your head of all thoughts, and let the answers come. I spent an hour in a bath of bubbles tonight, with a large glass of red wine, doing just that. Now I can breathe again.
Oh, and I’ve had the privelige of listening to Meat Loaf and Westlife for free this weekend because they’re playing in the park behind my house. I sang along in the bath. Happy days.
A difficult one to get your head around when you’re in the throes of misery, the world is caving around your ears, and you can’t see the wood for the trees. But hey, it’s true, and it’s something I tell myself often. Everything happens for a reason, and life is unfolding perfectly, as it is meant to.
Everything that’s happened to you so far was pre-ordained and everything that happens in the future is destiny, but you have the tools within you to change your destiny every minute of every day.
We create our fate with each new decision we make, and by focusing on - and visualising - our dreams. At the same time, we are guided by something much bigger, mysterious and magical. So go with the flow, because who knows what tomorrow will bring? Oh, and be careful what you wish for because it may come true.
What are you going to write on the next page? When you’re on your death bed, and you look back on the hopes and dreams you had when you were younger, what will you wish you’d done differently? Having kids, getting married, partying, travelling, studying - everyone’s agenda and passions are individual.
Fast forward to your death bed. What would you have done different? Fulfilled your ambitions? Travelled the world? Stayed single? Got married? Ate more jelly? Read more books? Dumped your loser boyfriend sooner? Saved more money? Been a better friend? Changed career for something more glamourous (or not so glamourous but more intellectually challenging)?
Be the hero in your life story and make those dreams happen.
