Our contactless society feeds aloneness even in a crowd
Dr. Shelly Cameron
Alone In A Crowd…
Category: self-care
Going Solo. Here’s The Thing About Contactlessness
Contactless – Not involving contact. Not requiring touching or interaction between people
Hungry? Order a meal. It’s not a problem, Uber delivers. Need a last minute birthday gift? An outfit to go on the town with your boo? These sure ain’t no problem these days. Amazon delivers, and if you have prime.., that’s even better. You get it in a day!
Smartphone, e-maps, e-mail on the go. Hit the pause button during a movie are things that our little ones can’t fathom living without.
Don’t call me. Text. WhatsApp. Not to mention the gazillion channels on our big screen TVs, yet we still can’t find the right one to watch. Netflix anyone?
Religious? Going to church? Overrated. That’s a thing of the past. Thanks to the pandemic, We meet online. Those old folk shut-ins ain’t got nothing on us.
These days it seems if you drink you can still drive. All you need to do is program your smart car to take you home – driverless… or so you think. I fathom you’re on your own if the cops catch you. And we could go on and on.
Our High Tech World
What has our society come to? Even the Bible has been translated into so many versions that I can hardly recognize John 3:16 anymore. Some versions have totally missed the meaning. But then again who reads the Bible anymore? After all, we are able to listen to all those famous preachers on demand. Who needs to read when we can listen to what they want to share with us. Let them preachers read it and tell us.
Sigh…
We have it all wrong. Our lives need the stillness and quietness that only comes from reading the word and listen to the still small voice. Only then we will be able to hear what’s said to those hurting and in pain. Only then will we be able to perceive what and how the good lord wants us to lead others to him for the peace that only he provides. Only then will we be able to comfort those who mourn. Only then will we be able to rejoice with those who shout with joy unspeakable when their blessings come through.
Going Solo
Our contactless society invites opportunities for :
- Solo Sadness
- Solo Mourning
- Solo Fears
Going solo means no one has to know. But as often said, what’s done in quiet comes to light when those who are sad find themselves overwhelmed. The effects are the sad fruit of suicidal thoughts which become evident. And… before we jump to say that couldn’t happen to me… reflect on the signs of the rich and famous. Those who suffer in silence unable to face it anymore. Travel enthusiast Anthony Bourdain; Comedian Robin Williams; Miss USA Cheslie Kryst are just a few. We join with their loved ones as they still mourn.
Tis sad indeed. Our contactless society feeds aloneness, even in a crowd.
Let’s together do what we can in our small corner to connect with those behind closed doors. And if they won’t answer… that’s when you counter with direct help. Mental illness is a big thing that we can no longer sweep under the carpet and play hush-hush. Contact those trained to help.
Things To Do
Things we can do are:
- Shut up and listen.
- Pay attention. There is always a sign(s)
- Check in on friends who go quiet or missing
- Invade their privacy … but do it wisely, quietly and with caution
- Be real. A genuine spirit can be felt just like the hypocritical ones
- Don’t be afraid to ask “Are you okay?” It sounds simple but it’s the thing to do
- Pray. It works. Ask for wisdom, guidance and that spirit of discernment
Here’s hoping this reflection motivates and inspires you to reach out to a friend or loved one today.
How are you coping in our contactless world? Do share. We would love to hear.
Cheers!
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2022 Travel Dreams? 7 Best In The World Road-Trips…
Workaholic. Yep, that’s me. It’s strange that I am dreaming of a getaway so early in the New Year. But guess what? It’s actually carried forward from prior years. Been dreaming of my favorite getaway space but haven’t had a chance to take it. So here I go dreaming as I was asked to share a road trip that I would like to take.
Conde Naste shared the best Road Trips in the world. Amidst the pandemic and all, I shook my head against international travel. Too many requirements. Then on a whim, I mused… hey why not? As the saying goes:
If you can dream it, you can do it
Walt Disney
7 Dream Road Trips
So I let my mind wonder to the list which includes several but my top faves are:
- Highway 101 Oregon
- Namibia’s Desert
- Hana Highway Hawaii
- Norway
- Ireland
- Iceland
- Tuscany Italy
Tuscany, Italy
Why not Tuscany? This is my favorite place that I dream of. Renowned travel expert Samantha Brown challenged us to plan a trip that we are excited about. So as I perused the list, I selected my dream place-Tuscany, Italy. Ireland comes closely second, but Tuscany is my preferred place. I decided to pull the full details below for ease of access for both myself or any who wish to get the information. If Italy isn’t for you, then other destinations can be gleaned from them here
Tuscany’s bucolic, vineyard-dotted landscape makes for the quintessential Italian road trip. Start in Florence and cruise south on the SS22 for 30 minutes until you reach the heart of the Chianti wine region. Take your time winding through Strada and Greve towards Siena, stopping at cantine along the way (we recommend these ones). Depending on how much time you have, spend the night in Panzano before circling back up to Florence the next day, or head further south to Montalcino, Montepulciano, and the spectacular Val d’Orcia—arguably the most beautiful stretch of countryside in Tuscany.
Where to stop: Ruffino’s sprawling Poggio Casciano estate for truffle hunting and tasting; Antinori nel Chianti Classico for its Instagram-worthy glass-and-steel winery and equally show-stopping wine; Tenuta Il Greppo, where the first Brunello di Montalcino was bottled in 1888.
Where to eat: Officina della Bistecca in Panzano-in-Chianti for the best steak in all of Tuscany; Re di Macchia in Montalcino for its classic, hearty Tuscan cuisine like white bean soup and wild boar pasta.
Where to stay: In castles, always. We like the intimate, art-filled Castello di Ama in Gaiole in Chianti and the lavish, hilltop Castello Banfi il Borgo in Montalcino, which has an infinity pool overlooking the vineyards.
Your Turn
What’s your dream travel designation or road trip for this year? Do share. We would love to hear.
Cheers!
Italy Photo by Stan Swinnen on Pexels.com
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Avoid The Grinch Syndrome This Christmas…
Avoid The Grinch Syndrome
The president for one of the biggest and most successful companies called a zoom meeting and fired 900 staff all at once- just before Christmas. When the media asked why (he was so mean at Christmas) he said they all work 2-hour days and report 8. Hmmm… Yea, the boss may have a case but it’s in the how he did it and when he did it. No matter the logic, he will still be seen as a Grinch.
So who is a Grinch? A person who spoils the fun of others. A spoilsport. A drag. A party pooper. That’s the Miriam Dictionary’s meaning. So here are 7 Suggestions on what you can do to avoid being a Grinch this holiday season
7 Ways To Share Joy This Holiday
- Do something kind for someone you don’t know
- Watch your favorite holiday movie
- Get festive. Decorate your home
- Give a Gift to someone in need
- Get social. Hang out with friends and family
- Give of your time
- Volunteer for a good cause
Personally, I love the holidays and wouldn’t mind celebrating all year round. But yes there are always those who are sad and down at this time. Reach out and lend a hand. Give a word of encouragement. Try any of the 7 ways shared and give love this Christmas.
How do you combat the Grinch Sydrome during the holidays? Do share, we would love to hear.
Cheers!
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Traveling? Top 11 Things To Do Before You Board That Flight…
We love to travel! The warmth of new places brings smiles and memories that last. But getting to the pleasures of our vacation destination often comes with a nightmare. Travel and Leisure shared their top 25 Things to do before getting on a plane. Here are my top 11 Favs, which by the way makes business travel a breeze.
Pre-Travel Stress Reducers
- Get the airlines credit card which offers perks like priority access and other rewards
- Download your airlines app. No check-in and free onboard entertainment
- Signup for TSA Pre-Check. Forego It’s a smart strategy for a smoother walk through and some airlines refund you the application fee
- Check your bags size and dimensions. Airlines are reducing the space. Rid yourself of the headache and follow the rules before you leave home
- Compile your gadgets. Being organized makes your life easier
- Lounge around the departure lounges instead of sitting at the gate. Life’s simple
- Wear comfortable clothing. But I dare say remember airline rules. For example Sometimes short shorts makes the morning news when tempers flare
- Disinfect. Need I say more?
- Reserve airport parking before you leave. Works like magic and you will walk away looking at cars circling the garage or squeals at missed flights
- Grab and Go is a great idea for starving passengers. Get the app and order ahead
- That wretched life-saving Mask. Don’t forget it.
BONUS
Read. Bring a book
So these are my top favs. What’s yours? Do share. We would love to hear!
Cheers!
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Pre-Planning Your Mistakes? 13 Ways To Get Out Of Your Head…
13 Ways To Get Out Of Your Head
You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take. ~Wayne Gretzky
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I heard a TV host who was showing a young lady how to use a piece of equipment which she was actively trying to learn. She went into a what if scenario to which he retorted with the question… “are you pre-planning your mistakes?” She laughed.
It reminded me of how we often act. We think of everything that could go wrong instead of thinking of the things that could go right. What if I go after the entrepreneurship venture and fail? What if I apply to the job and they turn me down? What if I invest in the relationship and it doesn’t work out? What if scenarios play over and over in our head. It gets us nowhere. Get out of your head and take the bull by the horn (so to speak). Here’s a brief list of things you can do to get out of your head.
13 Things To Do To Get Out Of Your Head
- Breathe
- Pray. Meditate
- Exercise. Go for a walk/run
- Recite a Mantra. Motivational Quotes and Positive Affirmations work
- Recognize the signs of the negative and create an action plan to beat it
- Write it down. Get the negative thoughts out of of your head
- Focus on your end-goal
- Watch an inspiring movie. Laugh. Comedy puts you on your lighter side.
- Make a list of inspiring movies, songs, or anything that will help you beat the downward mood trend
- Talk it out. Have a trusted friend that you can share your thoughts and insecurities with.
- Have an accountability partner who will check in with you continuously about your goal
- Let go of negative people, environment or things. Anything that holds you back.
- Keep learning. Learn something new. It builds your confidence.
These are just a few of the things you can do when you start to question yourself. Remember life comes with its ups and downs. So it is important to take the time to grow in spite of the things that may try to pull you down. Keep yourself motivated to achieve.
How about you? What do you do to keep yourself motivated when the negative thoughts threaten? Do share. We would love to hear.
Cheers!
Follow me on Instagram for daily motivation
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Is There A Place For Victory When Mental Issues Rears Its Ugly Head?
When is it okay to throw in the towel? To give up? Olympians have started doing it. Simone Biles and Naomi Osaka withdrew citing mental issues. For decades Olympians withdrew without choice due to physical injuries as was the recent case of Serena Williams. But what of psychological? Is there a place for commitment, dedication? Determination? Better yet, if you withdraw, does it mean that you’re not?
Olympic Woes Amidst Success
Let no one define what Success Means to you. Define it for yourself.
Dr. Shelly C
The Olympics has always been a love of mine. Personally, I did track most of my school years and was naturally good at it. Sadly, no one told me that my natural talents and discipline was worthy of pushing forward to compete at a higher level. So once I got to the nationals, that’s where it stayed. I didn’t rise to higher heights.
Questions arose in my mind as I thought of my early life’s athletic prowess amidst the current Olympics situation. Furthermore, my study and research of success made me even more curious. Leadership traits such as determination, discipline, resilience were all attributable to success… be it in sports, business or life in general. When there is a goal that drives, we do whatever it takes to achieve. But when the going gets tough and society takes over (your goal), as is the case when athletes compete on behalf of educational institutions, organizations, or globally as in the Olympics, we ponder where does it stop? Where do you draw the line? When the goal becomes not only that of the athlete’s personally but that of his/her team, state, country (not the world yet though space tourism has become an appetizing delectable), whose decision is it?
Oh What Peace We Often Forfeit
Indeed as a colleague shared, it has become a complex situation especially when the values and socialization of societies differ. One competitor may never give up. Another may say ” hey it’s okay”. Millennials and Generation Z (iGeneration) think survival. They’ll retort, “I don’t want this anymore no matter the consequences. I will do me. You do you. Keep your award, your attributes, your contracts, your medals and forgive me but I will keep my sanity. That means more to me.”
Mental Issues Are Real
I dare say, mental issues are real. It was previously thought of as taboo to share inner turmoil for fear of being seen as weak, but these days when the British Royalties have brought mental issues to light, it is now more recognized and many in fact do understand.
As society and individual goals evolves, where do we go next? Let’s be prepared to not only wait and see but to also get ready to do something about it. Check-in with a neighbor or friend going through stuff. Be mindful of the silent ones. Offer support. Refer them to get help. Let’s do what we can in our small corner.
Cheers!
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Virgo Wellness Reset…
Virgo: Wellness Reset and Holistic Spa in Arizona
We know what matters to you the most Virgo — your health and wellness. How else could you get everything done, you overachiever, you? So take a moment to give yourself the best spa package and fine dining to match with a desert getaway in the heart of Arizona. This world famous resort has an Aqua circuit like no other, with state-of-the-art amenities to boost your body’s ability to heal and overall well-being. Take advantage of the sound healing classes in the evenings to give you the ultimate night’s sleep, and then wake to practice yoga on the lawn. In between, you’ll have the chance for a massage, a reiki session, and a deliciously rejuvenating smoothie by the pool. With gorgeous weather for most of the year, you get the maximum amount of Vitamin D in this sunlit state, so you’ll be sure to feel the lasting results of good health even after you return home.
Travel and Leisure
What’s your sign? Mine is Virgo. Read where you should plan your trip based on your own Zodiac sign
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15 Authors Tell How To Spot A Hater…
A person who has an intense dislike for another person or thing
dictionary.com
A hater is someone who speaks trash…said a 5th grader. This term was not as rampant a decade ago. These days, the media shares stories which spread like wild fire at the click of a button. All you have to do is simply tune into any channel. Suffice it to say, writers on a social media forum was asked to Explain what a hater is or tell their experience. Here are 15 extracted.
- Someone who despises anything contrary to what they think is right.
- A jealous, envious, bitter person angry at another’s success
- A person projecting his/her shortcomings to the other person. Unwilling to accept his/her role in the incident in case it is directed at a person or racist/nationalist when directed towards a skin color or a country
- Those who can’t do it, teach or complain
- The process by which a miserable and/or failed person attempts to achieve equality with a happy and/or accomplished person not by improving themselves but by ruining whatever achieves beauty or virtue. In short an egalitarian of the latrine
- Literary folk who discover you write genre
- Those who latch out with with vitriol to mask their fear
- One who is experiencing the absence of love – the result of serious disconnection
- They are those who are so broken inside that they only find joy in causing pain to others they envy
- Someone who repeatedly expresses their dislike of someone or something which dislike is firm and unshakable despite any evidence tending to show its inappropriateness or error
- Severe dislike or disgust, abhorrent
- Someone whose self-esteem is so low, they can see the good in those who are different from them
- A person who due to bitterness, envy or jealousy, looks at others with disdain, being incapable of showing them support, compassion of kindness
- A person who is obsessively negative about a particular target
- Someone without kindness, tolerance or forgiveness
When Haters Hate Fill Them With Love
It’s crazy that we look at such terms these days. In a recent Instagram post, I shared a quote to which a fellow writer expressed surprise that she shudders to think that there are those who wish to see her stagnate. Sadly, as the above definitions show, there are indeed many who dislike the progress that others make. To them it would be wise to not dwell on it but fill them with love.
Ever had a dissatisfying experience with a so-called hater? How did you handle it? Do share. We would love to hear!
Cheers!
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The Sea. The Beach. The Waves. Quiet Reflections…
The sea. The beach. The waves. It’s my safe place. I never want to leave. I sit coiled at the edge of the lazy beach chair, gazing in melancholy at the morning’s sunrise. All is still as time stops. As the sun began its heated quest, I sat pensively not wanting to leave.
Still fast asleep there’s no one in sight. Just me, as the waves batter the shore. My heart tugs as I long to rid life’s woeful work-related stress. I just want to stay to listen to nature’s quest. In quietness is where the heaven’s awake and gives me the strength to reach forward to start a new day, a new chapter, a time of serenity. I pray that I’ll listen as the spirit quietly leads, guides and directs my path.
In stillness is where I find my strength. Strengthen me lord, strengthen me. Speak and make me listen.
Blessing overflow.
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Self-Care: 9 Ways To Sharpen The Mental Blade…
Be patient with yourself. Self-growth is tender; it’s holy ground. There’s no greater investment.”
Stephen Covey
The concept to sharpen the saw highlights the point that when you have been going, going, and going …and you can’t seem to see any results. Acknowledge that it’s time to stop. It’s time to refresh. It’s time for a break to get the rest you need to start thinking so you can be productive again.
Here are a few suggestions that Brett and Kate McKay shared in their article on how you can fuel your brain’s recovery and sharpen the mental blade:
- Read the Great Books
- Write a position paper on a topic of your choosing
- Listen to a stimulating podcast
- Listen to a Great Courses course
- Take an online course
- Attend a lecture at a local college
- Join a discussion group (synergizing mental and social domains!)
- Visit a museum
- Watch a documentary
Did any of the above inspire you? Are there one or few that’s missing that works for you? Do share, we would love to hear.
Cheers!
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7 Movies To Enjoy This Easter…
I love movies! Movies tell stories or teach us something. Most people watch movies for entertainment or to have fun. Movies make us laugh, cry, feel inspired or simply getaway from the here and now (Wikipedia). One of my favorite is Under The Tuscan Sun. That’s because I am a writer and it inspires my own personal growth to do something different. To explore, dream but most important to do something to make a difference. Here are 7 Easter Movies for your binging pleasure.
You may also like 9 Movies That Inspire Self-Discovery…
Movies That Move You
- The Passion Of Christ
- I Can Only Imagine
- Risen
- The Greatest Story Ever Told
- The Dog Who Saved Easter
- Steel Magnolias
- Ben-Hur
Relax and indulge your movie pleasures with family and friends this Easter. Your favorite not on the list? Do share, we would love to hear!
Prefer to retreat to your favorite space and read? Here’s my newest book just released “My Safe Place”. Grab your copy and experience peace.
Cheers!
