Author Archives: janet37

About janet37

I am a stay at home mum and housewife at the moment but also a Reflexologist and Complementary therapist. I have just moved to Rural France with my two young children and my husband. We have had the place for 7 years and wanted the children to go to primary school for a couple of years to get a good grasp of the language before going on to high school. I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia earlier this year and I'm struggling to come to terms with it and not surprisingly it has got much worse with all the stress and upheaval of moving here. My husband was out of work for 9 months before we moved to which added to the stress but thankfully he is working again but unfortunately it is in the UK so he can only come home every other weekend. The reason I want to write this blog is to document my experiences with all the changes that I am dealing with now and in the future. I intend to keep it upbeat and positive as well as addressing my health problems and trying to establish myself as a therapist by starting a small business. I have no idea where to start, how to go about it or where it will lead. But I do hope it will be interesting, informative and sometimes amusing for you. UPDATE I created this blog when I first moved to France but didn't really get my head round how to use it so never actually published anything, I think I even bought a domain for it to but didn't know how to link it. So now I'm starting again, using the free version of Wordpress and hopefully I will be more successful. I have had my own therapy business for five years now and my young children are now teenagers so I have a little more time to write finally. I hope you find the information I share useful. Thank you for taking the time to read this. Janet x

Mindfulness and Living in the Present

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You might have heard these terms before, but what do they really mean? And why are they important for your well-being?

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, sensations and surroundings in the present moment, without judging them as good or bad. It’s a way of being aware of what’s happening inside and outside of you, without getting caught up in the past or the future.

What does it mean to Live in the Present?

Living in the present is the result of being mindful. It means focusing on what you are doing right now, rather than worrying about what might happen later or regretting what happened before. It means enjoying the simple pleasures of life, such as a beautiful sunset, a warm hug or a delicious meal.

What are the benefits of Mindfulness and Living in the Present?

  • It can reduce stress and anxiety by helping you cope with challenging situations and emotions.
  • It can improve your mood and happiness by making you more grateful and optimistic.
  • It can enhance your relationships by making you more attentive and empathetic.
  • It can boost your creativity and productivity by helping you focus and solve problems.

How can you practice mindfulness and living in the present?

You may find it difficult to completely focus on the present, we all have that internal voice that keeps reminding us of past events or concerns about the future.

Here are a few ways you can practice:

  • Start your day with a few minutes of meditation. You can use an app, a guided audio or just sit quietly, paying attention to your breath.
  • Throughout the day, check in with yourself and notice how you are feeling and what you are thinking. Don’t judge or criticize yourself, just be curious and compassionate.
  • Whenever you find yourself distracted by the past or the future, gently bring your attention back to the present. You can use a mantra, a word or a phrase that helps you stay focused, such as “here and now” or “this too shall pass”. Another way to stop the flow of thoughts is to silently say to yourself ‘what is my next thought going to be?’ This interrupts the thought pattern and puts you in the present.
  • Try to do one thing at a time and give it your full attention. Whether it’s eating, working, reading or talking to someone, be fully engaged and avoid multitasking.
  • Find opportunities to appreciate the beauty and joy of the present moment. You can spend more time in nature, keep a gratitude journal, take photos of things that make you smile or share your positive experiences with others.

Little by Little

It’s not necessary to be mindful all the time, or even possible unless you are a Buddhist monk and even then I’m not so sure. We make plans for the future and learn from the past. However, the more you practice then the more you will enjoy the benefits and find it more natural to be mindful and present. You will become more aware when your mind is racing and observe your thought patterns and how they are making you feel, which in turn will make it easier to use some of the methods above.

Even if you only find ten minutes a day to practice, you can benefit from it, you can practice it while you are in a traffic jam, waiting for an appointment, taking a shower and getting dressed. Making the effort to switch off your mind will give you a break from stress and anxiety, bring you peace and happiness and will make a big difference in your life. Give it a try!

Thank you for taking the time to read my post. If you like this article please take look at some of my other pages or blog posts where I talk about different therapies and my own wellbeing journey and if you’d like to see future posts then please enter your email address and click on the subscribe button below and you will be notified of future content. I have no plans to use your email address for any other purpose. Feel free to share my page with anyone you feel may be interested and if you have any feedback about what I write or suggestions for further articles then please use the comment box further down the page. Warmest Wishes, Janet x

https://www.solistic.fr/

I am currently affiliated with Body FX. This page may contain other affiliated links and if you purchase any item from following one of these links I may receive a small commission. Images that I haven’t taken myself are from pixabay.cm, unsplash.com or pexels.com.

STRAYING OFF THE WELLBEING PATH

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When it comes to our wellbeing journey, we often start off with great enthusiasm and motivation. We set goals, make plans, and are enthusiastic about the positive changes we are about to make. However, as time passes, it can become challenging to maintain that same level of enthusiasm and commitment. We may encounter obstacles, face setbacks, or simply struggle to find the motivation to continue. This is when it becomes easy to give up on our wellbeing journey altogether. However, it’s important to remember that this struggle is normal and that giving up is not the answer.

We all have moments when we feel like we can’t keep going, that the effort required is too much, or that we will never reach our goals. The key to overcoming these moments is to understand why we feel this way and to find ways to push through the obstacles.    Here are a few examples of the struggles we come across and some suggestions of how to overcome them:

UNACHIEVABLE GOALS

One of the main reasons why we may struggle to maintain our wellbeing journey is that we set unrealistic expectations for ourselves.  We may want to lose a certain amount of weight in a short amount of time or feel like we should be able to stick to a strict diet and exercise regimen without fail.  When we fail to meet these expectations, we may feel like we have let ourselves down and give up on our goals altogether.

WHAT CAN WE DO?

To overcome this challenge, it’s important to set realistic expectations for ourselves. We should aim to make small, sustainable changes to our habits that we can maintain over time.  For example, instead of trying to completely overhaul our diet, we can start by incorporating more fruits and vegetables into our meals, drinking more water or reducing sugary snacks. By setting achievable goals, we can build momentum and confidence in our ability to make positive changes to our wellbeing.

LACK OF SUPPORT

Another reason why we may struggle to maintain our wellbeing journey is that we don’t have a support system in place. We may feel like we are alone in our efforts and that no one else understands what we are going through. This can make it difficult to stay motivated, especially when we encounter obstacles or setbacks.

WHAT CAN WE DO?

To overcome this challenge, we can seek out support from others who are on a similar journey or who have already achieved their wellbeing goals. This can be in the form of a support group, an accountability partner, or a coach or mentor. By having someone to share our struggles and successes with, we can feel more connected and motivated to continue our journey.

SETBACKS AND DISTRACTIONS

Finally, it’s important to recognise that setbacks and obstacles are a natural part of any wellbeing journey. We may experience a plateau in our weight loss, have a difficult time sticking to our exercise routine, or encounter unexpected life events that hinder our progress. In times like this, it’s important to remember that setbacks are not failures and to always be kind to ourselves.

WHAT CAN WE DO?

To overcome these challenges, we can focus on progress rather than perfection. We can celebrate small wins along the way, such as making healthier food choices or completing a challenging workout.  By focusing on progress, we can maintain our motivation and continue to move forward, even when we encounter setbacks.

In conclusion, the struggle to not give up on our wellbeing journey is real, but it’s important to remember that it’s a normal part of the process. By setting realistic expectations, seeking support from others, and focusing on progress rather than perfection, we can overcome these challenges and continue on our journey towards better health and wellbeing.

Thank you for taking the time to read my post. If you like this article please take look at some of my other pages or blog posts where I talk about different therapies and my own wellbeing journey and if you’d like to see future posts then please enter your email address and click on the subscribe button below and you will be notified of future content. I have no plans to use your email address for any other purpose. Feel free to share my page with anyone you feel may be interested and if you have any feedback about what I write or suggestions for further articles then please use the comment box further down the page. Warmest Wishes, Janet x

https://www.solistic.fr/

I am currently affiliated with Body FX. This page may contain other affiliated links and if you purchase any item from following one of these links I may receive a small commission. Images that I haven’t taken myself are from pixabay.cm, unsplash.com or pexels.com.

ACCEPTANCE IS BETTER THAN IDENTIFYING

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Why we should not identify with negative feelings and situations

Our emotions can be incredibly powerful and sometimes overwhelming, influencing our thoughts, behaviours, and even our reality.  However, we have the power to control our emotions and not let them define our reality.

Identifying with negative feelings, such as anger, anxiety, or sadness, can be a natural response to difficult situations or experiences. However, it’s important to recognize that identifying with negative feelings can have negative consequences for our mental and emotional well-being.

Identifying with negative feelings can lead to a negative self-image. When we identify with negative feelings, we may begin to see ourselves as flawed or inadequate, which can eat away at our self-esteem and confidence. This can create a negative cycle, where we feel even more negative emotions and become more identified with them.

Identifying with negative feelings can also limit our ability to connect with others. When we are stuck in negative emotions, we can become isolated or withdraw from social interactions. This can make it difficult to build and maintain positive relationships with others.

We can also end up with a sense of powerlessness or helplessness. When we feel like we are defined by our negative emotions, we may believe that we have no control over our situation or our feelings. This can lead to a sense of hopelessness or resignation.

How does acceptance work in negative situations:

By practicing mindfulness and self-awareness we can accept that we have these feelings and thoughts and understand that there is a reason for them, without allowing them to become our reality. This involves observing our thoughts and emotions without judgment, and recognizing that they do not define us. We can also practice self-compassion and treat ourselves with kindness and understanding, even when we are experiencing negative emotions

Change the dialogue of those negative feelings from ‘I am’ to ‘I feel’ like below:

  • I am tired
  • I am angry
  • I am a failure
  • I am useless
  • I am sad
  • I feel tired
  • I feel angry
  • I feel like a failure
  • I feel useless
  • I feel sad

Can you see the difference?

When you state ‘I am’ you are affirming with your subconscious mind that something is a fact . . . your reality.

However, when you state ‘I feel’ then you are still acknowledging the negativity BUT because you have accepted it as a feeling, there is room for change because feelings are temporary.

You can use ‘I am’ statements in a positive way as AFFIRMATIONS

An affirmation is a positive statement or declaration that is used to reprogram the subconscious mind with a new belief or attitude. It is a tool that can help to overcome negative thoughts and beliefs and develop a more positive mindset. Affirmations are written in the present tense and in a positive and specific manner. For example, “I am confident and capable” or “I am worthy of love and respect.” By repeating these statements to oneself regularly, you can start to internalize and believe them, which can lead to positive changes in their behaviour, emotions, and overall well-being.

By taking control of our emotions, we can change our reality and create a more positive and fulfilling life. We can improve our relationships with others, make better decisions, and feel more confident and empowered. It’s not always easy, but with practice and persistence, we can learn to manage our emotions and live a more fulfilling life.

Thank you for taking the time to read my post. If you like this article please take look at some of my other pages or blog posts where I talk about different therapies and my own wellbeing journey and if you’d like to see future posts then please enter your email address and click on the subscribe button below and you will be notified of future content. I have no plans to use your email address for any other purpose. Feel free to share my page with anyone you feel may be interested and if you have any feedback about what I write or suggestions for further articles then please use the comment box further down the page. Warmest Wishes, Janet x

https://www.solistic.fr/

I am currently affiliated with Body FX. This page may contain other affiliated links and if you purchase any item from following one of these links I may receive a small commission. Images that I haven’t taken myself are from pixabay.cm, unsplash.com or pexels.com.

THE POWER OF SURRENDERING

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I’ve had a few challenges over the past few months:

  • Problems with inadequate hot water system and waiting for new heating system to be installed. Therefore I couldn’t have my relaxing hot baths to help with fibromyalgia pain and have to boil a kettle to wash greasy dishes.
  • I had a fall and injured my right shoulder which is still causing me pain, and for unknown reasons my left hip has been extremely painful so sleeping has been difficult and I haven’t been able to work.
  • I had a stressful time hiring a car on my trip to the UK, I won’t bore you with the details.
  • I had positive news at my follow-up appointment after the Cardiac Ablation procedure and they said I could come off medication but less than two weeks later my blood pressure was shot up and I was getting the occasional arrhythmia episode, so I’m back on the medication for the moment.
  • My washing machine and TV remote control broke down.
  • The heating installation finally happened but during the coldest spell of snow and ice, the original one was ripped out and the new one isn’t very warm.

I’m sure there have been more events but can’t remember everything, the thing is, I would normally have been very stressed over these events making my medical issues worse but this time I just went with the flow. It wasn’t intentional but I remained calm and carried on the best I could. I was thinking about this last night as people have been surprised at my positive attitude throughout. I realised that I had surrendered to the situations because they were out of my control so I had been in a place of acceptance and didn’t dwell on the negativity of it all. This made me think about how powerful it was to surrender.

Why is Surrendering a Good Thing?

Letting go of resistance

When we resist what is happening around us, we often create unnecessary stress and negative emotions. When we are constantly fighting against circumstances beyond our control, we can become overwhelmed and feel powerless. Surrendering helps to let go of this resistance and allows us to be more present and mindful in the moment. This can lead to a sense of peace and acceptance, which can be incredibly powerful in and of itself.

Focus on What you Can Control

Focussing on what you can control enables you to take action and put your energy towards making positive changes in your life.

Faith in the Universe

When we surrender and stop trying to control everything, we can start to trust that things will work out in the way they are meant to. This can lead to a greater sense of trust in the universe and in oneself and feelings of inner peace and tranquillity.

Opportunity for Growth

I’ve attended many personal development workshops and courses over the years including Buddhist Retreats and one thing the Buddhists taught me was to embrace difficult situations as a way to practice remaining calm amongst the chaos around you. We know that being stressed and angry doesn’t help matters and can even make them worse by causing more negative situations through our behaviour in those moments. By remaining calm we can think more clearly and feel more empowered because we are not letting them affect us negatively.

Not Giving Up

It’s important to note that surrendering doesn’t mean giving up, it means accepting reality and working with it. It’s about letting go of the need to control everything and instead, trusting the process and flow of life.

Action plan for Surrendering for Personal Growth:

Surrendering is a skill that takes time and practice to develop. It’s not something that happens overnight. Be patient with yourself and keep working on it, it can lead to significant personal growth and inner peace.

  • Recognize when you are resisting a situation or circumstance.
  • Remind yourself that resistance creates stress and negative emotions.
  • Practice mindfulness and focus on the present moment.
  • Let go of the need to control the situation and trust that things will work out as they should.
  • Accept the reality of the situation and work with it rather than against it.
  • Put your energy towards what you can control and make positive changes in your life.
  • Reflect on the experience and notice any changes in your mindset and emotions.
  • Repeat the process when faced with similar situations in the future.

Thank you for taking the time to read my post. If you like this article please take look at some of my other pages or blog posts where I talk about different therapies and my own wellbeing journey and if you’d like to see future posts then please enter your email address and click on the subscribe button below and you will be notified of future content. I have no plans to use your email address for any other purpose. Feel free to share my page with anyone you feel may be interested and if you have any feedback about what I write or suggestions for further articles then please use the comment box further down the page. Warmest Wishes, Janet x

https://www.solistic.fr/

I am currently affiliated with Body FX. This page may contain other affiliated links and if you purchase any item from following one of these links I may receive a small commission. Images that I haven’t taken myself are from pixabay.cm, unsplash.com or pexels.com.

The Most Important Relationship

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When we think about relationships we mostly think externally about how we relate to others and forget the one we should be focussing on first:

Your Relationship with Yourself

Having a healthy relationship with yourself is essential for overall well-being and happiness. Many of us spend a lot of time focusing on our relationships with others, whether it be romantic partners, friends, or family members. However, it’s just as important to nurture and maintain a positive relationship with ourselves.

Awareness

One of the most important aspects of having a good relationship with yourself is self-awareness. This means being in tune with your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, and understanding how they impact your life. It also means being honest with yourself about your strengths and weaknesses, and accepting yourself for who you are.

Self Care

Another important aspect is self-care. This includes taking care of your physical, emotional, and mental health. This can include things like exercise, eating well, getting enough sleep, and taking time to relax and de-stress. It also means setting boundaries with others and learning to say no when necessary.

Be Kind to Yourself

In addition to self-awareness and self-care, it’s also important to practice self-compassion. This means being kind and understanding towards yourself, even when you make mistakes or fall short of your goals. It’s important to remember that everyone makes mistakes and it’s a part of the learning process.

Building a positive relationship with yourself takes time and effort, but it’s worth it. When you have a healthy relationship with yourself, you’ll be better equipped to handle challenges and setbacks, and you’ll be more confident in your ability to achieve your goals.

Ultimately, having a relationship with yourself means treating yourself with the same care, kindness and respect that you would give to a loved one. Remember that you are your own best friend, and it’s important to take care of yourself in the same way you would take care of a friend.

If you are looking to improve your relationship with yourself, try setting aside some time each day for self-reflection, practice self-compassion, and make sure to engage in self-care activities that you enjoy. With time and effort, you’ll be well on your way to a healthy, positive relationship with yourself.

Thank you for taking the time to read my post. If you like this article please take look at some of my other pages or blog posts where I talk about different therapies and my own wellbeing journey and if you’d like to see future posts then please enter your email address and click on the subscribe button below and you will be notified of future content. I have no plans to use your email address for any other purpose. Feel free to share my page with anyone you feel may be interested and if you have any feedback about what I write or suggestions for further articles then please use the comment box further down the page. Warmest Wishes, Janet x

https://www.solistic.fr/

I am currently affiliated with Body FX. This page may contain other affiliated links and if you purchase any item from following one of these links I may receive a small commission. Images that I haven’t taken myself are from pixabay.cm, unsplash.com or pexels.com.

Happy New (Resolutions) Year

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Before I start this post I’d just like to wish you all A Wonderfully Happy New Year and I hope all your goals and dreams come true.

It’s that time of year again – the time when we reflect on the past year and make resolutions for the one ahead. But if you’re like me and many others, you find yourself making the same resolutions year after year, only to break them within the first few weeks of the new year.

What did I Achieve Last Year?

My Repeated Resolutions – every year I plan to start a regular exercise regime, eat healthy, lose weight and overcome any health issues. Improving my French and growing my business are usually included in there too. I’ve found notebooks going back 10 years that start with exactly the same intentions. I don’t think I actually made resolutions last year just had positive intentions, but what I did achieve was:

  • I started writing this blog, I always resolved to write a book in the past but it was too much of a commitment to stick too. I love to write though so writing a blog and all the other articles on this website is a perfect way to express myself.
  • I started a YouTube channel – I haven’t published much on it yet but I have lots of material ready to put together and lots more ideas of content I’d like to put on there. So the framework is in place.
  • I did do a lot more exercise, not as much as I hoped but I did start a little personal class with a friend so we motivated each other to keep it up, a few (non related) injuries put a temporary halt to them however.
  • I finally got a dental implant for a lost crown which was making me feel a bit self conscious and took a couple of year to get an appointment to fix.
  • I had a cardiac ablation procedure which looks like it may have resolved my Atrial Fibrillation.
  • I finally travelled to the UK to see family for the first time in three years.

What stops us sticking to our Resolutions

Before I make my resolutions I thought I’d reflect on why we struggle to stick to our resolutions, even when we’re determined to make positive changes in our lives?

One reason might be that we’re too ambitious. We make resolutions that are hard to maintain, setting ourselves up for failure from the start.

Another reason might be that we’re not specific enough. We make vague resolutions like “exercise more” or “eat healthier,” without a clear plan of action or accountability.

Some tips to help you make sure that you stick to your resolutions this year?

  1. Make specific and achievable resolutions. Instead of resolving to “lose weight,” aim to “lose 5 pounds in the next month” or “cook at home three times a week.” Specific and achievable goals are more likely to lead to success.
  2. Create a plan. Once you’ve set your resolution, break it down into smaller, more manageable tasks. For example, if you want to “exercise more,” decide which days of the week you’ll go to the gym, what workouts you’ll do, and for how long.
  3. Find accountability. It can be helpful to have someone to check in with and report your progress to. Whether it’s a friend, a coach, or a support group, having someone to hold you accountable can make a big difference.
  4. Don’t beat yourself up if you slip up. No one is perfect, and it’s okay if you have an off day or two. The important thing is to get back on track as soon as possible and keep moving forward.
  5. Celebrate your successes. As you accomplish your goals, take a moment to recognize and celebrate your progress. This will help you stay motivated and continue making progress towards your resolutions.

When the above tips don’t work

The tips above are great and would have worked for me years ago but unfortunately my fibromyalgia symptoms of exhaustion, pain and brain fog do prevent me from sticking to a regular exercise and diet plan. I do my best and stick to it when I’m able to. I have supportive and encouraging friends and I don’t beat myself up. That is why I’m still positive about achieving results and overcoming my limitations.

So this year I will still have the same goals in mind but instead of having a plan for them I’m going to address the underlying problems which are:

Resolving the pain I have that particularly hinders my progress. I’m suffering terrible with lower back and hip pain at the moment and I had a fall a month or so ago and injured my shoulder which has improved but is still painful when I do too much and I have had knee problems for over ten years.

I’m going to try to overcome my sleep problems as good sleep is essential for healing as well as having the energy to perform daily tasks etc.

If I have energy and no fear of pain then I will be able to stick to the healthy habits on a regular basis.

So an outline of my action plan for 2023 is:

  • Have XRays and MRI on problem areas to see if there is any medical action to be taken.
  • Follow any medical advice given.
  • Go to see an osteopath to help with joint pain.
  • Improve sleep hygiene.
  • Practice Yoga stretching and breathing exercises to help with both pain and sleep.
  • Remember to use my own therapies on myself where possible e.g. Self-massage, Reflexology and Reiki.

Unrelated Resolutions:

  • Read one book a month.
  • Publish my first YouTube video by the end of February

I’ll leave it at that now and I will review and update regularly on future blog posts.

Thank you for taking the time to read my post. If you like this article please take look at some of my other pages or blog posts where I talk about different therapies and my own wellbeing journey and if you’d like to see future posts then please enter your email address and click on the subscribe button below and you will be notified of future content. I have no plans to use your email address for any other purpose. Feel free to share my page with anyone you feel may be interested and if you have any feedback about what I write or suggestions for further articles then please use the comment box further down the page. Warmest Wishes, Janet x

https://www.solistic.fr/

I am currently affiliated with Body FX. This page may contain other affiliated links and if you purchase any item from following one of these links I may receive a small commission. Images that I haven’t taken myself are from pixabay.cm, unsplash.com or pexels.com.

Another Year Over (almost)

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It’s been quite a few months since I wrote a post or article. I love to write and have missed it but I have had quite a lot going on since I last posted on here so I got a bit distracted. I’m looking forward to getting back to my blog in the New Year though. So, what have I been up to then?

Crazy, Hazy days of Summer

Unlike last summer which was so wet that we didn’t even get to use our new swimming pool until late July. This year was the opposite with probably the driest summer since we moved here in 2014. It was so hot and dry that there where wildfires all over France and it was quite scary thinking how quickly something like that can happen. We live in the countryside and are surrounded by fields and forests so a disaster can happen any time. Fortunately we were OK but we could smell the smoke from wildfires not too far away. Despite the heatwave and droughts we had a lovely summer though. July and August are the most social times in France, there are a multitude of Night Markets, Festivals and Village Fetes throughout the summer so it’s a great time for tourists and visiting family and friends. Having teenage children also makes for a busy time, especially since my husband Andrew built our new pool, they love having friends over and usually camp in the garden so don’t really cause us much disruption. My daughter was at some festival nearly every week, I would never have known there were so many festivals in rural France but teenagers have their social networks so they don’t miss out, however it does mean a lot of taxi services by us, usually shared between other parents though and hopefully next summer my daughter will be driving herself.

Teen Party Central at Chez Whelan
Night Markets
Andrew and Me at the last night market in Najac with a group of friends

You could probably find a night market every night of the week in surrounding towns but our regular local ones are in Najac and Villefranche-de-Rouergue. Najac food markets (Marchés Gourmands) are on every Wednesday night in July and August and there is a lovely craft market leading to the main square surrounded by a wide variety of food stalls where you buy the food you want to eat in the main seated are. There is a live band on and you can buy beer and wine and stay as long as you like. Villefranche-de-Rouergue have their night markets every Sunday and still gets very busy but has a different vibe, seating under trees around a band stand where local musicians entertain the crowds. In both case to ensure you get a good seat and don’t queue for too long, it is best to get there early.

Netfilx in the Aveyron

It was quite exciting for the residents of Villefranche de Rouergue this summer as they filmed a mini series in the centre of the bastille town. The series is called ‘All the Light We Cannot See’ based on the book by Anthony Doerr. They were casting for about a thousand extras too, Andrew took the kids down to register and thought he may as well register himself and he actually got called to take part for the last day of filming.

All the Light We Cannot See is a love story based in the 2nd World War about a blind girl who falls in love with a German Soldier. Actors Mark Ruffalo and Hugh Laurie star in this four part series that is based in Saint-Malo, they filmed some of the scenes in Villefranch-de-Rouergue because the town is much quieter than Saint-Malo in the summer and they where able to close of the town centre. The buildings fronts were changed to reflect the era of the film and some of them still remain. Andrew had a fantastic day on set despite the stifling temperatures and having to wear heavy army uniform. You can read a little more about the series here https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/mark-ruffalo-hugh-laurie-netflix-1235150315/

Health Journey

I was very busy working this summer which was great but I still managed to make sure i exercised, mainly swimming because it was so hot. However, I did notice that I was having more frequent episodes of arrhythmia despite being on medication and I found it impossible to use the CPAP machine in that heat too, the humidifier was so warm and I felt like I was drowning. I tried to use the machine again when the weather cooled down a bit but there was an error message so I rang the suppliers and also told them I didn’t think the CPAP was helping me much, in fact I felt it interrupted my sleep more. The company got quite offhand with me and said it wasn’t my place to decide not to use it and they would speak to my cardiologist. A few days later an engineer came to take the machine away at the cardiologists instruction, so I think they have washed their hands of me! So I will try to resolve the sleep apnoea myself through breathing exercises and weight loss.

On a more positive note, I spoke to my doctor about the arrhythmia medication not working and she made an appointment with a cardiac surgeon in Toulouse which resulted in me having an ablation a week later. A cardiac ablation procedure using keyhole surgery to freeze and cause some scarring on the inside of the heart to help break up the electrical signals that cause irregular heartbeats. I was in hospital for just one night and the procedure seems to have been successful. When I first came round after being under anaesthetic for almost three hours, I was in a lot of pain and started to panic as I felt like my chest was being crushed but they gave me pain killers and the feeling eased off quickly. For the first two or three weeks the arrhythmia was worse but I had read that it is normal because the heart is inflamed and needs to heal. Now, two months later everything seems to be fine, I still have to take medication until I have my follow up appointment next week but I’m hoping that I will eventually not need to take that anymore too.

I have a shoulder injury and problems with my lower back and hip at the moment so exercise and work is quite difficult but I’m booked in to have XRays and an MRI in a few weeks and hoping that will also reveal any problems that can be addressed.

So I’m feeling a bit more positive that I’m getting on top of the health issues that hold me back from getting in shape.

The New Year

As always I have lots of intentions for the coming year and I will write about that in my next post so for the moment I’d like to wish you all A Very Happy New Year!

I hope you found this article interesting and useful. Please take look at some of my other pages or blog posts where I talk about different therapies and my own wellbeing journey. If you’d like to see my future content then please enter your email and press subscribe below and you will be alerted when I publish anything new. Thank You for taking the time to read this. Until next time, I wish you all the very best. Janet x

https://www.solistic.fr/

I am currently affiliated with Body FX. This page may contain other affiliated links and if you purchase any item from following one of these links I may receive a small commission. Images that I haven’t taken myself are from pixabay.cm, unsplash.com or pexels.com.

EQUINE FACILITATED LEARNING

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Jo Jackaman is a friend of mine with a background and training in Homoeopathy, CBT Coaching and Mentoring, Unity Field Healing Practitioner, Reiki and Tarot Advisor for Personal development. Working with humans, horses and nature, Jo offers a blend of holistic healing and coaching.

She also offers a process of learning about oneself, how we are in the moment and developing meaningful self-awareness through working with horses – Equine Facilitated Learning.

Horses can offer us, through experiential learning, an understanding of “how others see us”. During interactions with the horse, there is often a reflection of the emotional and energetic state that arises in people when considering personal challenges. This change or experience can be explored further during an individual debrief session or a group discussion.

In November 2022 we are holding a Wellbeing Retreat Weekend where Jo will be introducing people to Equine Facilitated Learning to help you to discover more about yourself, develop new ways of thinking and create positive changes in your day to day life, with greater awareness and an enhanced sense of well-being. Details of this event and how to register are at the bottom of the page.

Jo will be providing people with opportunity to experience an exercise to show how working with horses can offer a valuable tool for well-being and greater authenticity in all areas of our life. A profound way to “remember” we have a choice and can do things differently – leading to a sense of empowerment and authenticity in our lives.

Jo’s website is currently under construction so I have attached a little more information on this unique system below.

horses4changefrance-1Download

For people interested in our Weekend Retreat in the South of France, see details below:

You can subscribe to my blog below to stay updated or go to my webpage www.solistic.fr or facebook page https://www.facebook.com/janetstherapies

Thank you for taking the time to read my post. If you like this article please take look at some of my other pages or blog posts where I talk about different therapies and my own wellbeing journey and if you’d like to see future posts then please enter your email address and click on the subscribe button below and you will be notified of future content. I have no plans to use your email address for any other purpose. Feel free to share my page with anyone you feel may be interested and if you have any feedback about what I write or suggestions for further articles then please use the comment box further down the page. Warmest Wishes, Janet x

Essential Oils for Personal Use

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What is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy refers to the use of essential oils that have been extracted from plants, shrubs and trees. These essential oils can be used for a wide variety of purposes. They can be used to treat medical conditions or alleviate psychological ailments. Aromatherapy can also be used simply for pleasure, to help improve your mood or to reduce your stress. The essential oils of aromatherapy have the power to affect both your physical and mental state.

We often practice aromatherapy on a daily basis without realizing it. When we choose aromas, bath oils, and air fresheners, we usually choose based on what we like, or on how the fragrance makes us feel. The refreshing scent of a pine forest, the pleasurable aromas of herbs, or the many other experiences we have with the scents of plant-derived substances indicate that we are actually practicing and experiencing aromatherapy in many ways.

My Experience with Essential Oils

I first discovered aromatherapy many years ago when my mother bought a few oils and raved about how useful they were. I then subscribed to a monthly magazine called Aromatherapy and Natural Health and each month received a sample of a different oil and all the information on how it was produced and used.  I would use various oils in my daily life not just in incense burners but I would make my own room sprays, insect repellents and ‘healing potions’ as I used to call them, mostly tea tree and lavender for spots, cuts and grazes etc.

Not only did this subscription teach me about essential oils but also about many other therapies and this is what led me onto the complementary therapy and self-healing path. I continued the subscription for years and here is a picture of two of the four large files I accumulated. They are a lovely recourse and reference for all essential oils and other natural remedies.

I use them more often these days, for the same reasons as above but also I like to put them in home-made healing balms, massage oils, face creams and candles.

I never trained as an aromatherapist though, so I can’t use my products on clients but I make gifts for friends and family who all love them.   In my work I buy products from reputable suppliers that contain natural organic ingredients. I have done a course on how to make essential oils although I haven’t attempted to make any yet as I don’t have the equipment but maybe one day, I will give it a go.   However the course gave me a lot more understanding of the oils and their benefits.    I can tell you about the oils I use and for what purpose but the oils are quite powerful so you need to be cautious when using them, I’ll explain more about that later.

I’d like to share the knowledge I have gained over the years and I’ll start this article with basic advice and then do an individual one on particular oils and uses etc.

Some Benefits of Essential Oils in general (different oils have different uses)

  • Boost mood
  • Reduce stress
  • Improve Sleep
  • Kill bacteria, fungus and viruses
  • Reduce anxiety and pain
  • Reduce Inflammation
  • Reduce nausea
  • Relieve Headaches

How to Benefit from Essential Oils Yourself

You can go to see an aromatherapist for a therapeutic massage and advice on what oils you can use for whatever condition or purpose etc. They are experts in the field and can recommend products they believe in. However, you can still benefit from the use of these oils yourself, here are a few tips on getting started:

1. Buy One or Two Aromatherapy Books

Choose just one or two books to start your aromatherapy library. Select books that are general resources, which will give you some basic information and help you discover the areas in which you have the most interest.

2. Join Aromatherapy Discussion Forums

Facebook Groups, Instagram pages and other forums are great resources for aromatherapy newbies. Read past discussions, ask questions, and learn from others.

3. Choose Just a Few Essential Oils to Start

Though you may be tempted to buy more, but try to begin with two or three different essential oils. Essential oils can be quite expensive, so you may want to experiment with a few at first and then invest in more if you decide to pursue aromatherapy further.

4. Make Sure to Buy 100%, Pure, Unadulterated Essential Oils

Choose a well-known and reputable manufacturer. Synthetic, fragrance, and perfume oils are not essential oils; they contain man-made chemicals and have no aroma therapeutic value.

5. Buy at Least One Carrier Oil

For nearly all topical aromatherapy applications, you will need to dilute essential oils into a carrier oil. Good all-purpose carrier oils include sweet almond oil, fractionated coconut oil and grapeseed oil.

6. Store Your Oils Properly

Essential oils should be stored only in dark glass containers. Since essential oils are volatile, keep the lids tightly closed. Essential oils and carrier oils should be stored away from heat and light.

7. Do a Patch Test

Essential oils are very strong and can cause adverse reactions, due to allergy or sensitivity over time. A patch test helps to determine whether you might react to a particular essential oil.

8. Don’t Use Aromatherapy with Children or Pets

Until you are thoroughly familiar with essential oils and associated safety issues, don’t use them on children or pets, or while pregnant or breastfeeding. Make sure essential oils are kept out of reach of children.

9. Don’t Ingest Essential Oils

Though you will read conflicting information about taking essential oils internally, you should avoid doing this. Some essential oils may be quite toxic if taken internally and some essential oils may interact with prescription or over the counter drugs.

As you experiment with and learn more about aromatherapy, you will become more confident using essential oils. There is so much to explore, so be safe and have fun!

Oils You May Want to Start With

I plan to write about individual oils in more detail but to get you started I’ll give you a little bit of information on two of the oils I use most often.

Lavender

Lavender is one of my favourite oils and I use it in most things, I use it in a diffusers, room sprays, in massage oils and balms and on the skin for bruises and rashes. It’s also great for helping with sleep if you put a few drops on your pillow or in your bath before bedtime.

Tea Tree

This is one I always have on hand in my first aid box, it is antiseptic, antibacterial and antifungal. It can be used to treat acne, athlete’s foot, head lice, nail fungus and insect bites.

Peppermint

There are many uses for peppermint oil but I mainly use it in a cooling mist spray, insect repellent and homemade toothpaste.

The three oils above are the ones I replace most often, as I use them all the time. You must be careful using them though, if you are going to apply them to the skin they should be diluted in a carrier oil as they can cause irritation. You can get a lot of information about these from your supplier, an aromatherapist, or from a good book on the subject. Many oils are toxic to pets so be careful, also be extra cautious using them for children or when pregnant. Some of them can be safe though so get advice from a professional in these circumstances.

I will write more in depth articles on individual essential oils and as soon as I publish the ones listed below I will add a link to the page so you can find it easily.

  • Lavender
  • Tea Tree
  • Peppermint
  • Lemon
  • Orange
  • Basil
  • Ylang Ylang
  • Jasmin
  • Rose
  • Frankincense
  • Bergamot
  • Roman Chamomile
  • Clary Sage
  • Geranium
  • Wintergreen
  • Ginger
  • Eucalyptus
  • Rosemary

Thank you for taking the time to read my post. If you like this article please take look at some of my other pages or blog posts where I talk about different therapies and my own wellbeing journey and if you’d like to see future posts then please enter your email address and click on the subscribe button below and you will be notified of future content. I have no plans to use your email address for any other purpose. Feel free to share my page with anyone you feel may be interested and if you have any feedback about what I write or suggestions for further articles then please use the comment box further down the page. Warmest Wishes, Janet x

https://www.solistic.fr/

I am currently affiliated with Body FX. This page may contain other affiliated links and if you purchase any item from following one of these links I may receive a small commission. Images that I haven’t taken myself are from pixabay.cm, unsplash.com or pexels.com.

Being Inactive can be Rewarding

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The Art of Pottering

I set myself a challenge in May to do some exercise every day. I did pretty well, the weather has warmed up considerably so I’ve been spending a lot of time in the pool, not just swimming as I get bored doing lengths for too long but I decided to do proper aqua aerobic exercises with the help of foam dumbbells, noodles and flippers. I’ve been doing the figure 8 workouts too, I discovered there was a selection of short workouts for Belly Dancing and as this is something I used to do before, so I was very happy to include this in my workouts. I made sure to do some exercise every day even if just for 10 minutes. Some days I managed to do half an hour of Figure 8 workouts and go in the pool. I’ve lost about half a stone in weight and felt I could manage more exercise as my knees are a bit less painful so I decided to continue the challenge throughout June too, however as the summer arrives so does a lot more activity, I must admit I didn’t manage to exercise every day but I try to keep up with it as best as I can.

Lazy Day Pottering

I had a few days to myself the other week, my husband was working away from home and both the children in school. I got up before 7am to get my son up which is something my husband normally does and I went to bed earlier the night before to allow for this. But I was very tired, every time I started doing something, all my energy just seemed to drain away. I checked my blood pressure was good and took my vitamins and just decided it was one of those ‘little and often’ days where I will follow the advice from this quote I shared on my social media recently. I struggled to complete any task, I went outside to do a bit of weeding but got very hot so only managed about ten minutes. I didn’t have the energy to prepare healthy meals other than a bowl of fruit and yogurt and an unappetising omelette that I’d made for lunch, I basically just had toast to eat, I managed to rustle up a meal for my son when he came home from school though so didn’t neglect his needs and the dog was quite happy too. So it seemed like a wasted day where I could have got loads done but couldn’t find the energy or motivation.

But I Actually Achieved A Lot!

Before I went to bed that night I realised that on my ‘lazy day’ I had achieved so much. I wrote it all down before I went to sleep. In doing little bits at a time I managed to:

  • vacuum the stairs, bedroom, corridor and living room
  • Clean all the toilets
  • Put a wash on and hang it out to dry
  • Cleaned the cat litter tray
  • Defrost two freezer drawers
  • Finished weeding the flower bed
  • Watered the garden
  • Spent an hour on one of my online courses
  • Did a short French Lesson
  • Spent time trying to work out how to use a music making program (unsuccessfully, it’s very complicated)
  • Tidied up a bit

I didn’t manage to do any exercise but all the pottering amounted to over 5000 steps on my fitness watch, I don’t always manage this when I’ve taken the dog for a walk. I didn’t eat healthy and felt like I was always having to stop what I was doing but I didn’t do bad in the end and the results are noticeable. I felt more tired the next day though but as I’d achieved so much I didn’t feel guilty having a rest and taking it easy for a while.

Removing Obstacles

Living with other people (especially two teenagers) often means things are not as organised as I’d like. There is nothing more frustrating than opening a cupboard, drawer or even the fridge and items being crammed in there in a way that makes it impossible to find things or even worse half the contents falling out because they have been stacked in a very illogical manner. I got tired of complaining and explaining how to do it because it falls on deaf ears and I end up in a downward spiral of frustration and resentment. I suppose this is the price of having a family, if I lived alone I would have a lovely tidy and organised house but no one to share it with. So instead of letting those negative feelings get the better of me I just take a little time and sort it all out. It is quite a rewarding feeling to completely empty a cupboard, clean it and put everything back where they can easily be accessed next time, I always find things I forgot I had too which is a bonus. That is why I ended up defrosting just two drawers of my freezer and not the whole thing, after trying to prise them open and only being able to see what is on the top. It really isn’t necessary to have 10 freeze blocks taking up space and that dog food I bought two years ago probably isn’t going to be that good now.

Not my drawer but I organise
it like this

The other day I did the same with my underwear drawer, after using the same dozen repeatedly I realised I had another twenty brand new pairs never used as they were below or behind the ones I reach for. So I through out all the old stuff to leave room for the new. I really need to do this with my clothes though. I have boxes of clothes that I hope to fit into one day, I struggle to fit anything in my wardrobe but again I only wear certain things on a regular basis. I working my way up to sorting this out though because I can’t let go of those brand new jeans that are only a couple of dress sizes out of reach. People say you won’t miss them but the number of times I’ve searched for certain items of clothing only to realise I probably gave them away to charity proves that some things are worth holding onto.

Writing a Book

Ever since I was a young girl I’ve enjoyed writing, I had one of those five year diaries with a lock and about five lines a day to write. I found that I couldn’t write much on five lines except to list things I did – got up, went to school, came home and had tea etc. so I would add extra pieces of note paper when I had a lot to say. In the end I just used notebooks and wrote in there when I needed to get things off my chest, this was the start of journaling. In my twenties I attended creative writing classes but everyone there was middle aged or older and I felt completely out of my depth even though they were very encouraging, the things they wrote were far more creative than anything I could come up with. A few years later I started a distant learning course, before the times of computers and the internet, everything was submitted by post and the course provided lots of useful instructions, manuals, books and lessons for all types of writing. I had an electric typewriter that was top of the range because you could save your work onto a floppy disc! However, this was a time in my life when I lived with a controlling and demanding partner and he couldn’t bare to let me focus so much attention on something unrelated to him. I found it too difficult to continue the course so I ended up writing poetry about my feelings during that time. I did keep all the books though!

Since then I’ve made a few attempts at writing a book, it’s something I’ve always wanted to do, I’ve had a few ideas but they haven’t evolved into anything so far. But I’m not giving up, writing this blog reaffirms to me that I have a lot to say as I struggle to keep my posts short. So I’m going to start again, this time planning how to break the story down into chapters and create plotlines and characters etc. It’s still in the planning stage but the book will be a fictional story based on actual events and experiences. I’m going to use it as a healing tool to address some of the situations that led to repressed negative emotions. I will embellish the truth and add more plotlines to make it more of an interesting read and the characters will be fictional but some will represent people involved in certain real life events. I hope I will finish it this time and even better have it published but if I only do it for myself then that will be a success too, if it helps with healing then it will be a huge success.

Thank you for taking the time to read my post. If you like this article please take look at some of my other pages or blog posts where I talk about different therapies and my own wellbeing journey and if you’d like to see future posts then please enter your email address and click on the subscribe button below and you will be notified of future content. I have no plans to use your email address for any other purpose. Feel free to share my page with anyone you feel may be interested and if you have any feedback about what I write or suggestions for further articles then please use the comment box further down the page. Warmest Wishes, Janet x

https://www.solistic.fr/

I am currently affiliated with Body FX. This page may contain other affiliated links and if you purchase any item from following one of these links I may receive a small commission. Images that I haven’t taken myself are from pixabay.cm, unsplash.com or pexels.com.