Built of white stones from the La Turbie region of France the Cathédrale de Monaco is one place really wanted to see while visiting Monaco. This Roman-Byzantine-style building, also known as St Nicholas Cathedral, which hosted the fairytale wedding of Princess Grace and Prince Rainier III on 19 April 1956 also houses their remains in the Grimaldi vault – where husband and wife lie side by side. Admission is free, and when there aren’t any services taking place, hundreds of visitors wait patiently in line to pay tribute to their beloved Princess Grace - a lady who despite her royal status remained one of the people without any airs and graces.
The life lesson here is that a position of power doesn't have to change you as a person. Princess Grace, was so loved because despite fame and fortune, she remained as graceful as her name.
Situated on a hill with a view of the city of Granada in Spain, the Alhambra is a palace which has been built over centuries to reflect ‘the very beauty of Paradise itself’. Its many construction phases (beginning in the 9th Century as a citadel; developing in the 14th Century to become a Muslim palace and ultimately, in the 16th Century, housing Charles V) have retained the ‘paradise on earth’ theme as each new section has been added. These have included column arcades, fountains with running water and pools designed to reflect the architecture. The gardens are lush with flowers and foliage. It truly is a paradise. I was struck most, however, by the genius of the Arabic architecture, engineering and design which utilised no modern technology. Even though the sun was freely admitted, the air flowed in such a way that even on the hottest days, the rooms remained cool and airy and it was as if nature and architecture were blended as one. The feeling that I had at this place was so enriching that I really didn’t want to leave.
In the hustle and bustle of life in the city, one forgets to appreciate the beauty and tranquillity of nature and the fact that it is entirely possible to incorporate the natural environment into the design of our modern buildings. In this way we can enjoy the convenience of peaceful, airy rooms without the ambient noise of modern technology. The more we integrate our lives with nature, the more enriched we are.
Kleptomania (Klep-toe-MAY-knee-uh) is a well-known impulse-control disorder characterised by the recurrent failure to resist impulses to steal items even though the items are not needed for personal use or for their monetary value. The individual experiences a rising sense of tension before the theft and feels pleasure, gratification, or relief when committing the theft. The stealing is not committed to express anger or vengeance. It is also not done in response to a delusion (false belief) or hallucination (false sensory experience).
(Presented as part of my YOU-Q: Finding Your Inner Winner talk and coaching journey)
Character Traits are words which you would use to describe someone, or which other people would use to describe you.
Have a look at the list and choose the 5 traits that you would like to be known for.
(Presented as part of my YOU-Q: Finding Your Inner Winner talk and coaching journey)
Knowing your values is important, because values give you direction. If you have to make a decision in life, it is your values that will help you make that decision. Your values act as your compass, and you need to know where your true north is if you want to stay true to your path in life.
Have a look at the list of values and decide which are the most important to you. Choose only 3.
The Step by Step Values Guide on the second page will help you to make your choices.
Article as it appeared in Cosmopolitan magazine. By Glynis Horning
A better, more fulfilling life could be just seven searching questions away.
It can be tempting to settle for the life you’re living, the career you’re carving, the relationship you’re caught up in. But do they truly tap into your talents and teach you to be your best self?
Are you concerned about some aspect of your appearance, so much so that it negatively affects your lifestyle? For instance, do you spend many hours a day checking your 'defect' in the mirror or do you, perhaps, spend hours attempting to hide what you regard as a flaw. Maybe you actually remain at home, avoiding dating and other social interactions. If this is you or someone you know, you might perhaps have Body Dysmorphic Disorder – a little-known mental disorder.
While backpacking through America I spent some time in New York City. This is where I had a delightful encounter with a tramp which I shall never forget.
He came up to me begging for a quarter. By that time in my travels I was fed-up with being accosted by tramps asking for money. I reluctantly handed over a quarter, while at the same time engaging him in a discussion about why I needed the money more than he did. To my surprise he listened to my story, then handed my money back, saying he agreed with me, I needed the money more than he did. With smiles and cheers we went our separate ways. I was so amazed that he took the time to listen and respond in such an unexpected manner.
The life lesson here is that if you are genuine and share your truth, people will open their hearts in return.
Article as it appeared in Weigh-Less magazine. By Natasha Liviero
Conflict usually leads to poor choice of communication, making the battle worse. However, conflict in itself is not bad when managed in a positive manner. People are a package deal. Reasonable conflict facilitates better understanding of each other, ultimately enhancing the relationship.
"Fortune Favours the Brave" - Section of the main article as it appeared in Your Family magazine. By Kate Turner
While she loved her career as a successful psychologist, Durbanite, Claire Newton, 46, had also always dreamt of sailing the high seas.
