Make it Fun!

Hello Darling!
I hope this email greets you well and happy.
Following on from last month’s topic of gratitude, we enter into November, a month of giving thanks, including;

• Nov 10th:  Forget me Not Day - think about someone you haven't spoken to for a while, then ring them or send them a card, let them know you’re there
• Nov 11th: Veterans Day
• Nov 13th: World Kindness Day - do a good deed
• Nov 25th: Thanks Giving - for the Americans among us

Now, November can feel like a month of two halves. Harvesting ends as the nights draw in and the air begins to cool and we start to prepare for winter - there’s a somberness as we remember those brave souls who fought for our country. But November also brings with it a fizz of excitement as the little ones anticipate Guy Fawkes Night and Christmas becomes tantalisingly close. 

And it really is a brilliant time for Children. It’s so lovely seeing their faces light up as they watch a fireworks display or toast marshmallows. Getting wrapped up and hunting for conkers, their breath a white stream in the air. And listening to their Christmas lists start to grow - and grow! The joy they experience in these simple pleasures. 

But what if WE allowed ourselves to be childlike again and revel in the joy these simple pleasures bring? What if WE opened our eyes and imagination to the possibilities each new day brings? What if we didn’t pre-judge or anticipate, but just went with the flow? What if we allowed ourselves to play?! 

I appreciate that this thought might send you into a panic. As adults we are so used to confirming and living by ‘the rules’, that ‘play’ is relegated to something childish and unnecessary and, well, unhelpful. But this simply isn’t true. Play is fabulously helpful and good for you!  

Play is fun and can trigger the release of endorphins, the body's natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain. Improve brain function. The social interaction of playing with family and friends can also help ward off stress and depression.*
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The good news is playing with your pets counts too! I know the joy playing with Princess Mia brings me. Even if it’s just for five or ten minutes, I find myself lifted out of the day-to-day and it always brings a smile to my face. So, my challenge for you this month is to try to introduce some play to your day!

Now, as much as I LOVE fireworks, and I do, I also feel terribly sorry for all the poor animals who absolutely do not love the loud bangs. Please make sure you keep your animals indoors and take notice of how they are feeling. If you feel that they are stressed, a lovely ear massage can really help to relax them and it’s very easy to do. Gently massage from the base of the ear up to the tip and repeat until you feel they have calmed down. 
Don’t forget to join me on Wednesday 24th November for our online group mediation. Click here to register today. Registration is quick, easy and free! Once registered, you will be sent a confirmation email that contains the Zoom link for the meditation, so please do keep the confirmation email safe. 

Now, go and have yourselves a fun-filled and thankful November! 
Lots of love, Zoë x

*Source: helpguide.org