Islands

I think we are each our own island in a way. It is as if each of us is given a space to fill with our own self. It is a joy to form a strong core, then add the decoration of our talents and interests… to fill that island with joy and individual light.

This time of year seems to be when we look to our own lives and see how we can improve them. For some it’s the endless diet or detox programmes. For me it’s the constant quest to simplify and reduce the stresses in my life.

I am very much of the opinion that we are not fixed islands at a safe and constant distance from others. We are rather more like floating masses. We influence those around us, and are influenced by them. Most of my stresses come second-hand from other people. That makes it more attractive to pull up the draw-bridge, build strong walls, but it is not how I should be.

Far better to take the good of me, the best of me and reach out with it to those close who matter to me. What better to do than share a smile, a lightness of moment and mood.

I know who I am. I know what are my strengths and always try to show and share them. I try to hide the bad and negative about me, even though I often fail.

I have come to the conclusion that we are here to be the very best versions of ourselves that we can be, and to then share that with the world around us.

Reach out to and encourage others. You never know when you might make a real difference to someone else, just by being yourself!