Seven ways to bring a little positivity into work

February 16, 2016July 3, 2016 ~ Nicky M ~ 1 Comment

It’s one of those days where you are surrounded by colleagues who seem intent on letting you know just how bad their life is, whilst simultaneously consuming all the good vibes in the room.

Don’t misunderstand me, I’m a good listener and always have an ear available for someone who needs it. I’m talking about the people whose glass is never half full and always, always have a drama they need to tell you about!

If you’ve encountered these lovely folks at any time you know how exhausting, boring and down right annoying they can be. You might even find you become less like your cheerful self the more time you spend around them.

Firstly, remember everyone is on a journey. From time to time we all have stuff on our mind and in our lives and sometimes we have to accept it is what it is. Depending on how much time and energy this requires, our stores can become more depleted than usual.

“It’s not the trek that smothers our spirit but the toughness of the terrain”

I said that.

Secondly, instead of focusing on the negatives look for the positives. Search out ways to improve someone’s day and in turn it will lift your spirits.

Here’s seven ideas to introduce a little positivity in your workplace:

💛 Smile every time you greet someone – it’s contagious!

💛 Grab a drink for someone else whilst making yours – always appreciated

💛 Compliment someone on a job well done – even if it’s their job!

💛 Offer a listening ear to someone who you feel needs one

💛 Give someone your undivided attention over lunch

💛 Bring in goodies for your colleagues – anonymously is always fun!

💛 Put a motivational quote on the mirror in the ladies bathroom – guaranteed to be seen

Pick one that you could do this week.

Just one small change might be all you need to help someone (and yourself) smile a little more at work..

Be known for your positivity and sparkle. Leave a shimmering trail wherever you go.

Valentines Day – is it worth all the hype?

February 14, 2016March 17, 2016 ~ Nicky M ~ 1 Comment

Let me make one thing clear, I am a total romantic.

I’m married to a wonderful man and I believe in love, gifts and sharing experiences together – I really do.

But I just don’t buy into all the hype.

We can show important people in our lives love on any day and in any way that you choose – not just the one day the card industry designates and not only with twelve red roses.

If you’re feeling loved right now and have had a great morning so far, I am genuinely happy for you.

But just so you know, you don’t need to wait until February nor do you need Prince Charming to shower you with love. You can sprinkle yourself with a little love any time.

Here’s my seven go-to things that I do when I’m in need of a little love.

I go to bed early – to sleep, read or just lie there and be grateful

I enjoy being girly – I buy sparkly things, wear make up, dress up

I pamper myself – long hot baths, face masks, candles (you get the picture)

I embrace my imperfections – I acknowledge that some days are better than others

I exercise – the gym, yoga at home or a short walk – it’s all good

I enjoy my food – nothing is off limits (but everything in moderation)

I buy myself flowers – why not?

Be nice to yourself, give yourself a break, love yourself just a little bit more today.

Nicky x

It’s the little things 12/02/16

February 13, 2016July 3, 2016 ~ Nicky M ~ Leave a comment

It’s the little things that make me smile, make my soul sing, make me want to wear my sparkly pants.

Here’s a round up of all the little things from my week.

Screenshot_2016-03-07-17-50-18-1 — My website is up and running

IMG_20160210_091124 — Gifts from a friend – sent to make me smile

20160212_114435-1 — Gala Darling’s guide to radical self love

IMG_20160208_135222 — My shiny new planner

How was your week? Let me know in the comments below.

What To Do When Things Aren’t Going Your Way

February 10, 2016July 10, 2016 ~ Nicky M ~ 1 Comment

You know one of those days when you had it all planned, knew exactly how the day was going to turn out and what you were going to achieve?

Today was not that day.

My plans were hijacked, disrupted and fell apart. I tried to reorganise, rearrange and do the best I could.

But it was not to be.

And, did I comically roll my eyes to the sky, allowing the day to unfold and exercise my skills in flexibility?

I did not.

I became flustered, lost my sense of peace and played ‘catch up’ all day. It was horrible. I felt tense as the day became less productive, drained as I dealt with one difficult situation after another and unworthy as I began to question my ability to make the right choices.

On reflection it’s easy to see where the initial problem started.

I hadn’t expected my day to go this way. I felt out of control.

What I should have done was stop for a minute.

Stop rushing.

Stop trying to continue my original day.

Stop trying to be perfect and remember I am enough.

Instead of being concerned with how I thought people were observing me and how I thought I should be handling my day, what I needed to do was have a little self belief.

Believe that I knew what to do.

Believe that I had within me the ability to do my job with integrity, making the right decisions as each problem presented.

Believe in myself.

How often do we pause from our hectic lives to applaud ourselves, notice when we handle a situation well or compliment ourselves on a job well done?

The more we look for validation outside of ourselves – the more chance we have of being disappointed. By searching within we will make decisions that we believe in, decisions we can stand by. It takes practise to not look to others for the answers, but the more we do it the more confident we will grow.

Who knows you better than anyone?

You do.

Stop and believe.

Things You Need To Know About Me #2

February 10, 2016July 10, 2016 ~ Nicky M ~ 3 Comments

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I love words

When I was younger, the visit to the library was the highlight of my week. I would take out the four book allowance (having already devoured two quickies in the corner!) and then put an extra two on my mom’s library card.

Even then I would be hungry a few days later for something new to read.

I was a Martini reader – “…any time, any place, any where…” I even read under the covers with a torch.

I just couldn’t get enough.

Not content with just reading, I also wrote short stories and made them into books – they were about ducks who could talk and creatures from far away lands!

As a young teen I gorged on political thrillers, risqué romance, even the entire works of Sir Conan Doyle! Oh to have had a ‘teen fiction’ genre back then. I would say I missed out – however, having recently read everything in my local library that constitutes a must have for young adults I confess to being fully satiated!

Sadly, as I grew older somehow my idea of writing children’s stories faded. Adult life took over, as it does and my daily diet of literature became stale, infrequent and virtually non existent.

After a particularly bad time in my life I started this journey of self discovery and you guessed it…I started to read again.

I rekindled my love affair with books, ravenously feeding on self help books, graphic novels and anything on the best-sellers list.

Then I remembered my dreams of being a writer.

I wanted to write.

No. I needed to write.

To me, words are inspiring, healing, defining, moving, educating, exciting, relaxing, motivating, connecting.

So I began finding ways to slip words into my daily routine – a bit of journalling here, a handwritten note there. Soon I was hunting for the perfect quote, putting affirmations on the bathroom mirror and having phrases tattooed on my body.

My life was full of words again.

Then I had an idea to start a blog – a reason to write regularly.

I wanted to share my story, share what I had learned , share how I had found my self belief.

The doubts from my teens and early adult life are still there, as I am by no means an expert.

But I write from the heart, sharing my experiences and pain in a bid to help and inspire others.

Each time I hit publish, I wonder if anyone will read my stuff. But it doesn’t stop me because now I write with a purpose and because it makes my soul sing.

Is there something you used to do that you no longer do?

Find a way to add it to your day. It doesn’t have to be momentous but it does have to be something you want to do, something that feels right when you do it.

Something just for you.