The
Coaching Bit
Last week I
didn’t write about the shocking bombing in Manchester as I was still processing
the information. With time I have developed my response.
Words alone
cannot express how I feel about the shocking incident, but as with any event in
life, I try to find the good. So I began by looking for the helpers. All those
hundreds of people from the emergency services, those in the area who supported
the wounded and the homeless who gave assistance. If proof were needed that
there are many, many more good people in the world than bad, then this is it.
Then I
thought about the fact that this country is, at this moment, probably far safer
than it was before this dreadful event occurred.
And I am sure
that we have all been appreciating and holding our loved ones a little closer
since the event.
I think that
the best thing any one of us can do is remember that love is stronger than hate
and share that love with everyone we come across in our daily lives. So smile
at strangers, let the waiting car go in front of you, do a random act of
kindness for a stranger and make the world a happier and more loving place.
Snagging
list
How are you
getting on with your snagging list?
I was able
to complete several ‘snags’ from my list over the holiday weekend – but I have
also added some as well!
It is
amazing how much better I feel each time I can cross of a ‘snag’. I feel a
little lighter, somehow, as if a weight is diminishing. So if you haven’t tried
this idea yet, I encourage you to have a go. I have
· trimmed all the bushes (by that I
mean hacked down hard) which lets light into the lounge and makes it easier to
move around the garden.
· I have planted up all the pots
and hanging baskets
· I have cleared all the unopened
mail and filed the contents, which has cleared my desk (and so my head)
· I have had a cull of my books and
cleared a few that I haven’t read in spite of the fact that I have had then for
several years.
· I have done some research and I
have begun to go through each room, clearing clutter (work in progress)
The
Styling Bit
The Holiday Capsule
Wardrobe
The holiday season is upon us and for those lucky enough to be escaping
for a week or two there are issues to be resolved. I put my hand up and admit that
I am completely incapable of travelling light – it is a struggle to carry my
bag to the car even for a weekend away! If I am going away for a whole week or
more the problem really doesn’t bear thinking about. I take every item of
suitable clothing out of my wardrobe along with all shoes and accessories and a
jumper or two in case it is cold in the evening. (For Goa in April – am I mad?)
I then struggle to cram it all in, weigh the case and get cross and upset
because it exceeds the weight limit and I now have to make choices.
So this year I am going to do things differently. I am going to learn to
travel light by taking a capsule wardrobe. I have researched the issue
thoroughly and I would like to share my findings with you.
The first thing to consider is the sort of holiday you are going on. Is
it a beach holiday, city break, safari or cruise? They each need a very
different wardrobe of clothes. Then think about what you will be doing each day
and whether any of these have special requirements such as hiking boots for
long walks or tops to cover your shoulders and arms for visiting some religious
sites. Is there likely to be an occasion where a posh frock will be required?
If so pack just one and use the local or hotel laundry service if required. If
not then just don’t pack it! (I am really struggling with this piece of advice
as I always pack at least one just in case!) One really comfortable pair of
‘walk anywhere’ shoes or sandals is usually sufficient, in a neutral colour
that can be worn with dresses, shorts, jeans or trousers.
Many holidays involve lounging by the pool or on the beach, shopping,
sightseeing and nights out at restaurants or a show. This can mean a selection
of clothes that, these days, will put you seriously over your weight limit and
out of pocket before you have even hit duty the duty free shops or boarded the
plane! However, with some clever mixing and matching and some multi-tasking
staples it is possible to look perfectly dressed for all occasions and still
come in under your weight limit, which is great because that means you can
bring more back with you.
The easiest option is to wear an outfit out in the evening and then wear
it again the following day with a change of shoes and fewer accessories.
Current trends can easily be dressed up for evening and down for day so you
always look stylish.
I have a list of basic items to go into your suitcase that should see
you happily from night to day, beach to shops for a week or two with clever
mixing and matching and the occasional use of the hotel laundry service or some
handwashing. If you coordinate all your colours you will have an even more
versatile look. The dresses and shoes will see you happily through shopping
sprees, sightseeing and more formal business meetings with no problem.
I have written a full report which includes a list of essential clothes
to pack, the best beachwear for your body shape and more tips to save you
weight and space, which is available to members of my “Inspired to Succeed”
membership group. (www.successandimagecoach.co.uk/services )
I hope you enjoy your holiday and look stunning throughout your stay. My
goal this season is to take a capsule wardrobe that is significantly under the
weight limit. Wish me luck!
(Author of Amazon number 1 bestselling e-book “Success with Style: How to Create a
Signature Look That Says You Mean Business”)
