| I’m now back in the UK after my Singapore and Vietnam escapades. This thought-provoking saying rooted in Vietnamese history (where food rationing existed from 1945 to 1990) has sparked today’s content : “Why are you looking so sad? Did you lose your rice (ration) book?” It reminds me of my article “The Art of the Smile” which you can read here and a beautiful mind map that my daughter, Lottie, handed to me when she was about 7. My own smile was evident when I read the word “mummy” (right there next to “chocolate”!) on Lottie’s brightly coloured creation. I’m encouraging you today to create a mindmap with the centre word “SMILE” then identify all the things that make you smile or, in the words of this article here on Managing your Energy, answer the question “What makes you come alive?” with the intention of doing more of these things… The next step of your exercise is to identify all the barriers, obstacles and challenges that are getting in the way of your smiles. Then come up with a plan to eliminate or limit those barriers. Below is a photo from Hoi An in Vietnam that makes me smile – beautifully coloured lanterns to add a splash of colour to your Monday (and yes! I did buy a small lantern to adorn my office here at Your Excellency HQ!). I’m looking at it now, and smiling! With best wishes and smiles for the week ahead! |
