Betreat ’s Post

Happy birthday 🎂 To me and others who share the same birthday! Yep, yesterday was that day on my birth certificate. I have always gone to town to celebrate my dad's birthday and now my dog's but when it comes to me, I prefer to stay low. Birthdays are a chance to reflect. The usual question what are your plans for your birthday or what did you do are questions I find unhealthy. Do we have to do anything? As it happens the only thing I did do was a pilgrimage with Oscar, my happy German Shepherd dog to our local park to sit on my dad's bench. It was a good 4 miles and after my dog's recent health issue it was a big effort but we enjoyed it. We met a few dogs and Oscar was the perfect gentle GSD. Afterwards,  I noted in my journal ...no plans, no urgency just chilling, and enjoying where we are. That was my way. Another birthday and another day to be grateful for the abundance in my life. I'm extremely blessed to have found a second act in the new guise as a #Columnist, and business,  and #leadershipCoach. Law seems a distant yet fond memory. My father's death opened me up in ways I could not imagine possible. And it is true, our growth really happens when we are down on our knees and not when we are 'comfortable' or seemingly safe. Change is inevitable, my decades on this planet have taught me these lessons which I'm sharing in case it helps others: 1. Self belief is a must. 2. Gratitude gives us an honest perspective on our problems. 3. Problems are necessary. 4. Don't try to fix the external world fix the inner world as everything starts, and ends there. 4. Lower our own expectations of the self. No need to compete with others, just try to be who we are meant to be, in my case the  unvarnished raw me. 5. I see my beauty reflected in the eyes of those I love. Finally, a snapshot of me with my bestie, Oscar taken by my dad's bench on a beautiful sunny day. No candles no fuss just the delightful outdoors. Here's wishing you the best life. Daxa #birthdayreflections #challenges #personalgrowth #gratitude

Celebrating International Day of Happiness 🌍✨, I'm reminded of the profound joy found in the simplest acts of kindness and empathy. Just this week, a small moment reaffirmed this for me. I noticed a man struggling with the token for his shopping trolley. A simple offer of help, and the grateful smile that followed, was a beautiful reminder of how small gestures can make a big difference. Happiness, for me, comes from these moments of connection, from helping others achieve what once seemed impossible, and from the transformative power of empathy and kindness in our daily lives. It's in these interactions that we find the true essence of joy and fulfillment. Today, let's make a pledge. Let's spread kindness like confetti, weaving empathy into our every interaction. Let's be the light in someone's day, no matter how brief the moment. Because in the end, our happiness is intertwined with the happiness we cultivate around us. I'd love to hear your stories of joy and kindness. Has there been a moment recently where a simple act of kindness brightened your day or someone else's? Share in the comments below and let's inspire one another with our tales of compassion and connection. Let's tag someone who embodies kindness and empathy, someone who's made a difference in your life, as a reminder of the beautiful impact we can have on each other's lives. 🌟 #InternationalDayOfHappiness #SpreadKindness #EmpathyEveryday #JoyOfHelping #SmallActsBigImpact

"Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change opportunities into blessings." -William Arthur Ward Show gratitude for your team this holiday with a custom gift from Dan the Sausageman. Find out more about corporate gifts at the link in our bio. - #corporategifing #holidaygifts #thankfulness #gratitude #corporategifts #appreciation

Happy International Day of Happiness, everyone The 20th day of March is International Day of #Happiness, celebrated throughout the world. Established by the #UN General Assembly in 2012, the day aims to make people around the world realise the importance of happiness in their lives. As #Nigerians, we are believed to be one of the happiest people on #earth, even in the face of numerous hardships. We find happiness in the most unusual way, mostly calling it 'catching cruise' in order to stay above the surrounding drowning water of sadness. Personally, I've always been in the pursuit of happiness, drawing fun and #laughter from my #environment ever since I discovered as a child that I easily and inexplicably get #sad, #depressed and #suicidal as well. I've considered #therapy many times in the face of suicidal thoughts since being a #teenager, and despite having overcome such #thoughts in recent years, I've come up with different methods to stay #happy. There are #temporal, not-to-good, not-too-bad means of achieving happiness like #celebrating with #friends and #families, taking #alcohol and other #hallucinogenic substances, eating good #meals at the right time, having #sex and being with #loved ones, some forms of #debauchery here and there, and #dancing like the fellow in the video below, there are also simple #behavioural #changes that can enhance one's happiness. <<< Kindly continue in the comment section>>>

𝗠𝘆 𝗳𝗮𝘃𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗮𝘀 𝗘𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝗽𝗵𝗮𝗻𝘆: 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝟭𝟯 𝘄𝗶𝘀𝗵𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿! (𝗔𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗶𝘁 𝗴𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗮 𝗯𝗶𝘁 𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹! 💫) The 'RAUHNÄCHTE' are a special time marked by specific customs and rituals. It is a period for reflection, tidying up, cleaning, calming down, letting go, and setting goals for the next year. 😌 This is the third year I am doing this tradition. Before Christmas Eve, I take time to reflect on my year, to understand what happened, what I achieved, how I felt, why I felt the way I did, and so on. Then, I think about how I want to feel, live, work, be, and travel in the upcoming year. I ask myself questions like: 👉 What do I want to achieve? 👉 What do I want to let go of? 👉 How do I want to feel? 👉 How do I want friends and family to feel around me? .... I write down these 13 wishes on little pieces of paper. 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗻𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗮𝘀 𝗘𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗘𝗽𝗶𝗽𝗵𝗮𝗻𝘆, 𝗜 𝗯𝘂𝗿𝗻 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘀𝗵 and 'give it to the universe.' On the last day, 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘀𝗵 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀. This is the wish I have to take care of in the next year.🎋 Reflecting on the past two years I've followed this tradition, all my wishes have come true.🙏 𝗛𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻? 𝗗𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗮𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿'𝘀? #newyears #traditions #remotework

Weekly Wisdom & Inspiration: Celebrating Life As I considered a topic for this week...my spouse suggested "Celebrating Life in all its Phases". Somehow, I linked to Bing Chat with AI and here's what it said 🤓: "Life is a magnificent tapestry woven with threads of magical holidays, special events, and cherished moments. Yet, nestled between those grand occasions lies something even more precious: the joy of celebrating life every day. 🌟 Boundless Opportunities for Happiness: - Recall a memory that fills your heart with joy—a family trip, a milestone birthday, or a cherished holiday. Each of these moments was a celebration. When we celebrate, we express gratitude for the positive forces in our lives. Gratitude amplifies the goodness around us. - The beauty? We don’t need a specific date on the calendar to be thankful. Regularly celebrating gives us endless chances to appreciate life’s blessings. Peaceful Appreciation: - Life often becomes a pursuit—chasing better jobs, bigger houses, and more possessions. - Celebrating what we have shifts our focus. It makes our blessings burn brighter and invites new ones. - By consciously enjoying the present, we step off the treadmill of endless striving. Inspiring Others to Feel Joy: - Choosing optimism inspires those around us. - When we opt for a fun, enjoyable path through life, it ripples outward. - Our choices can change not only our own lives but also the lives of others. Remember, celebrating life isn’t about following a specific formula. It’s about being thankful, optimistic, and fully present. Whether it’s dancing with loved ones, creating your own quirky holiday, or savoring a summer storm from your porch, celebrate with gusto! 🎉🌸"

Living is a special occasion... Living is a special occasion, and it's something that we should celebrate every single day. Just like my cutlery set that belonged to my great-grandmother, people often tell me to only use it on special occasions. But I don't believe in that. Every day that we wake up healthy and alive is a reason to celebrate. Life is precious and not guaranteed, so why wait for a special occasion to acknowledge its significance? Every day is a special occasion in its own right. The simple act of being alive, breathing, and experiencing all that life has to offer is something to be grateful for. We often get caught up in waiting for the big moments to celebrate, like birthdays, anniversaries, or holidays. But why not find joy in the little moments that make up our everyday lives? Whether it's enjoying a delicious meal, spending quality time with loved ones, or simply appreciating the beauty of nature, there are countless reasons to celebrate each day. Using my great-grandmother's cutlery set daily is my way of honoring her memory and recognizing the beauty in the everyday. Life is too short to save the best for special occasions. Every day is a gift, and we should cherish it as such. Raise a glass to the simple joys and everyday miracles. Let's celebrate life and all that it has to offer, every single day. Because living is a special occasion, and it deserves to be honored and celebrated as such. #lifecoaching #sfbt #hopetherapy #simplejoys #celebratelife #celerbrateeveryday #wellbeing #wellness #mentalfitness #celerbratethesmallvictories #smallmoments #loveyourlife #mentalfitness #strengthtraining #youarewhatyouthink #begreatful

🌟 Celebrating National Smile Month! 🌟 As we kick off National Smile Month, I find myself reflecting on the simple joys in life that bring a smile to my face, without costing a dime. In a world where we often equate happiness with material possessions, it's important to remember that some of the greatest sources of joy come from the things that money can't buy. Here are a few things that never fail to make me smile, and best of all, they're absolutely free: 1. Sunshine on My Face: There's something incredibly uplifting about feeling the warmth of the sun on my skin, especially after a long winter. 2. Laughter with Loved Ones: Sharing a genuine laugh with family and friends is priceless. It's in those moments of pure joy and connection that I feel truly grateful. 3. A Walk in Nature: Taking a leisurely stroll through a park or along a nature trail always leaves me feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. The beauty of the natural world never fails to bring a smile to my face. 4. Acts of Kindness: Whether it's holding the door open for a stranger, offering a listening ear, or receiving a random act of kindness from someone else, the generosity of the human spirit never fails to inspire a smile. 5. Quality Time with Pets: The unconditional love and companionship of our furry friends are priceless. Spending time with my dog always brings a smile to my face and fills my heart with joy. 6. Random Encounters: From striking up a conversation with a stranger to sharing a smile with someone passing by, the little moments of human connection in everyday life are truly priceless. This National Smile Month, let's take a moment to appreciate the free joys in life that bring us happiness and gratitude. Remember, the most valuable things in life are often the ones that money can't buy. 😊 #NationalSmileMonth #Gratitude #SimpleJoys #Happiness

--- 🌟 **Embracing Life's Journey with Family** 🌟 Life is a beautiful tapestry woven with threads of love, laughter, and shared moments. 🌸 As we navigate the twists and turns, our family stands as the sturdy frame that holds it all together. 💕 🏡 **Home Is Where the Heart Is**: Whether it's cozy family dinners, late-night conversations, or weekend movie marathons, home is where we find solace. Cherish those little moments—the aroma of mom's cooking, dad's hearty laughter, and sibling banter. 🏠 👨👩👧👦 **Family First**: Our family isn't just a group of people; it's our anchor. They celebrate our victories, wipe away tears during tough times, and remind us of our worth. Let's raise a toast to the bonds that shape us! 🥂 🌿 **Growing Together**: Like a garden, families need nurturing. We plant seeds of kindness, patience, and understanding. With time, they bloom into strong relationships. 🌱 🌅 **Sunrise Conversations**: Ever noticed how the best talks happen during sunrise? Maybe it's the promise of a new day or the quietude that encourages vulnerability. Share your sunrise moments with your loved ones. ☀️ 🌟 **Hashtags for Connection** 🌟 - #LifeUnfiltered: Because life isn't always picture-perfect. - #FamilyTies: Celebrating the bonds that tie us together. - #CherishEveryMoment: Reminding us to savor the present. - #HomeSweetHome: Where love resides. - #TogetherWeGrow: Nurturing relationships. - #SunriseTalks: Those heart-to-heart conversations. Remember, life is a journey, and family is our compass. Let's embrace both with open hearts. ❤️ #LifeAndFamily #LoveAndLaughter #FamilyFirst #Gratitude --- 🌟👨👩👧👦🌿

While celebrating another birthday with my girl, I am grateful for having adopted a multifaceted approach that has helped myself to get away from a lot of struggles and pain. 1. Self-Acceptance and Compassion Embracing oneself with kindness and understanding is a critical step. This involves recognizing and challenging internalized negative beliefs about aging and self-worth. Self-compassion helps to soften the harsh self-criticism and create a nurturing internal environment. 2. Redefining Beauty and Value: Shifting the narrative around beauty and self-worth can provide immense relief. This includes redefining beauty to encompass a range of attributes beyond physical appearance, such as confidence, kindness, intelligence, and resilience. Valuing oneself for a broader set of qualities can diminish the anxiety associated with aging. 3. Mindfulness and Presence: Practicing mindfulness helps to anchor oneself in the present moment, reducing anxiety about the future or regrets about the past. Mindfulness can enhance appreciation for the current stage of life, fostering a sense of peace and contentment. 4. Building Support Networks: Surrounding oneself with supportive and positive individuals can provide emotional strength and perspective (and yes it is ok if you don't have it). Engaging with communities that celebrate diverse forms of beauty and success can be empowering. 5. Pursuing Passion and Purpose: Engaging in activities and pursuits that resonate deeply can bring a sense of fulfillment and joy that goes beyond superficial measures of worth. Discovering and dedicating oneself to passions and purposes can instill a lasting sense of accomplishment and intrinsic value. My favorite birthday wish is To be the authentic self and be honest and grateful for who you are today:)