Looking After Each Other

By Marilyn Allen

                                                 

                                                     

Our society is made up of people from all walks of life, children, adolescents, adults, the elderly. As we all enjoy the lovely weather we are fortunate to have these days, let us remember that some of the elderly also want to enjoy walks in the park, a ride on the bus or anything to catch some rays of sunshine. The elderly have worked extremely hard over the years and in some cases, their taxes have created and supported the infrastructure we have in society today.

A bit of consideration for the elderly to show we are a really caring society will not hurt anyone. For instance, helping the elderly cross the road, allowing them to the front of the queue when you can see they are struggling to stand for long periods, offering them a seat on the bus or train, a short conversation or a simple smile can help cheer someone up. A lot of older people have no one to talk to. Can you imagine how alone it would feel with no one to talk to for long periods of time?

Do remember that as a society, we are living longer and so will grow old eventually. If we set good examples, we will benefit from an "elderly friendly society" later on in life.

Security on a Muggy Night

By Marilyn Allen

It has been a glorious day with wonderful sunshine but it feels a bit muggy tonight.  It might be a good idea to remember to close your windows  before sleeping, especially if you live on the ground floor or first floor  of your building!

Love The Sun, Love Your Body Even More...

Keep a bottle of water with you to sip during the day.
Use sun screen cream and reapply as required (read instructions).
Try to avoid the sun around mid-day.
Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes.
Wear a sun hat to protect your face.
Wear appropriate clothes so your body does not over heat.
Open windows but be security/safety concious.
Avoid the underground around mid-day if you can!

Enjoy your day!

Forgiveness

By Marilyn Allen

Trust is a vital element in a relationship  as it relates to  honesty, reliability and integrity. It is sometimes painful for some people  who have been "wounded in the past" to build enough trust in a relationship. It can be argued that without trust, a relationship is not solid.

 So, when a relationship is violated and trust is broken, can the relationship recover?

What Are You Eating?

By Marilyn Allen

Photo by Marilyn Allen  Farmer's Market Stall, Alexandra Palace ©2010


Summer is the season to eat fresh fruits and vegetables, washed down by lots of fluids to keep you hydrated. We do not necessarily have to eat exotic fruits which tend to be expensive this time of the year. Local produce tends to be cheaper  and equally nourishing. 


If you buy at Farmer's Markets, they tend not to last long because they are organic but you can liquidise (blend) and freeze your fruits so you have wonderful purees on the scorching days for your juices. It is also a way to keep children hydrated and eating fruits (especially for those who refuse to eat fruits fresh from the stall). 


Strawberries tend to freeze well.


Which fruits are you eating?

Sun Protection

By Marilyn Allen

Photography by Marilyn Anim-Addo-Allen © 2011  Crouch End On A Summer's Day

What a beautiful morning it is! A cool breeze and a healthy dose of Vitamin D, nature's way of looking after us.


However, it is going to be very hot this afternoon so please look after your skin. In as much as we love the sunshine, please remember to splash on some Sun Protection Cream (SPF 15 and above). The worst thing is to burn so badly that for the rest of the summer, you cannot enjoy the sunshine. Also, drink plenty of water keep your body hydrated! 


Good luck!

Relaxation For The Summer Season

Photograph by Marilyn Allen © 2005 Sunrise in Crouch End 

By Marilyn Allen


I have decided to read for relaxation this summer. I do feel that is very important to switch off from my work, after my working day, otherwise  my brain does not get time to recuperate  for the next day and I could leave me feeling tired all the time, meaning, not being at my best the next day.This applies to most people who work on their own  most of the time or  those who do not interact much with others in the normal course of the day. Having said that, there are some people who share an office but still feel alone!


As time is such a precious commodity these days, it is sometimes almost impossible to pursue simple  relaxing things such as  taking a walk everyday for 20 minutes or going to the gym as recommended by many health practitioners, or knitting (do not mock), dancing or sports. Financial pressures mean, socialising e.g. meeting friends for drinks after work have been reduced. Hence, my taking up reading for pleasure. So... I am reading 'The Fry Chronicles, by Stephen Fry. Very light hearted.


Are you an avid reader/lover of books or like me, rediscovering reading for pleasure? (As an academic, I had to read as part of my work). What are you currently reading?


Which ever hobby you take up this summer to release tension and stress, do it with passion. It will help you develop and grow a little every day. It might even make you feel happy!


Remember, everyday comes with one little step forward towards your goals, whatever goal that is! Enjoy, and be happy!