My friends appreciate that if forced to choose a persona, I’m definitely more Mulder than Scully (if you’re not familiar with these terms – characters, actually – you will certainly understand what I’m on about by January 2016). I’m a truth-is-out-there, we-are-not-alone, life-does-not-end-here kinda gal. But, it’s because I actually do believe in ghosts, spirits, mediums and another life (or lives, as the case may be) that I’m rather well-read on the topic.
If you’re not or do not care, don’t bother reading on.
Review The Unbelievable Truth
My brother and I have discussed the spirit world and paranormal experiences at length since a young age. We’ve always been ‘aware’. Additionally, I’ve met gifted psychic mediums and know for absolute sure the ‘real deal’ exists (on the Gold Coast in Australia, actually).
I’m always interested to hear what people have to say on the topic of connecting with life after death, so was intrigued to discover details on Gordon Smith’s newest release and have the opportunity to review The Unbelievable Truth.
Gordon is touted as being one of the UK’s most gifted mediums (of interest to me, now I’m based in London!). I’ve just finished his book and am happy to report I found it an enjoyable, enlightening read, covering topics of age-old interest and debate, including life after death, reincarnation, near death experiences, and encounters with ghosts and spirits.
Here’s a few of my personal take-aways:
The difference between psychics and mediums – I’d always used the term interchangeably, but Gordon says it’s mediums who are responsible for putting you in touch with dearly departed friends and family. Psychics are insightful with regards to life circumstances; and future-tellers are gifted with another certain gift. Some possess a mix of these talents; some are simply (sadly) frauds, preying on the vulnerable.
On reincarnation, Gordon discusses the paths we can take which might see us moving on into a spirit world (where, incidentally, we keep evolving and learning – we don’t just cross over and dwell in the light, as far as I can tell); Or, we might come back and live another life, learn some more lessons, and move forward towards a higher understanding of life and living.
Be good in this life because you don’t leave it behind; karma moves with us, no matter where you end up.
While I understand ‘ghosts’ to consist of various types, in particular, ‘residual energy’ and ‘intelligent energy’, Gordon describes ghosts as that energy (or imprint) which is left behind in a place or space (residual). A ghost is something that appears, but isn’t actually interacting with us. However, Gordon says spirits are the intelligent entities that are actually trying to communicate with us – they move things around, show themselves and communicate important messages. Interestingly, he believes most paranormal activity is actually a manifestation caused by the emotions of a person or group of people – a proposition I’d not previously considered.
We keep learning on the other side, but the more you pursue enlightenment here (and associated appreciation of gratitude, empathy and kindness), the smoother your transition might potentially be, no matter what ‘the other side’ may be.
Gordon infuses a warm sense of Scottish storytelling and humour within his tales of personal experience regarding life as a medium, and empathy into stories about those who he has helped by way of connecting to lost loved-ones. I enjoyed his descriptions of how mediums and psychics gain their information, his explanations around many misconceptions or myths surrounding paranormal activity, and appreciated his frank explanations of what mediums can and can’t do. He discusses his evolution from gifted child to practiced medium too, and it’s interesting to learn how this is a craft – like any other – that needs to be nurtured and honed over time.
Up until now, the book I’ve enjoyed most which explains this theme has been When Ghosts Speak, by American, Mary Ann Winkowski. Gordon’s book is akin to this in my mind, explaining extraordinary notions in layman’s terms. If you’re a believer and seeking further insight into how mediums communicate with the spirit world, how you might benefit from sitting with someone like Gordon (provided they’re legitimate – although he discusses this too), and what lies in store after this life, you’ll definitely be interested in this read.
The Unbelievable Truth by Gordon Smith (Hayhouse)
Click here for more information
Who was your favourite teacher growing up and what do you remember most about them? I’m confident most of you would describe how they made you feel and the sense of excitement and the confidence you felt on your road to discovery.
The function of a teacher is both diverse and meaningful. Teachers have a greater responsibility than simply standing in front of a class delivering material. It is now mandatory for them to teach social values and etiquette, mediate conflicts and most importantly develop positive-teacher student relationships.
A child’s academic and social development hinges on a teacher’s capacity to develop a positive and long lasting relationship. Students who have a healthy relationship with their teacher are more likely to achieve gains or experience success when they feel valued and respected than students who don’t have a personnel connection to the teacher. A student is more likely to show more engagement in an academic setting and display less disruptive behaviour when they experience regular communication, praise and guidance from their teacher. Positive teacher-student relationships promotes their desire to learn.
Canter and Canter (1997) make the statement that we all can recall classes in which we did not try very hard because we didn’t like our teachers. This should remind us how important it is to have strong, positive relationships with our students.
Imagine for a moment. You have a boss who makes you feel valued, respected and appreciates you as an individual. Are you more likely please your boss? How would you then feel if your boss didn’t value you as a person and lacked respect for you? This is how a child feels. That’s is why it’s critical to develop a positive supportive classroom environment. It’s important to remember, students are more willing to want to please you and behave appropriately when they are treated with respect and appreciated.
What to do │ fostering positive teacher-student relationships
Be patient, engage in conversation and actively listen
Get to know each child, the lives they live and learn about their interests and needs
Spend time with them individuality and seek out the those who are reluctant or problematic
Show students you want them to be successful through words and actions
Create a positive environment and enhance relationships among peers
What not to do │ fostering positive teacher-student relationships
Accept that treating a child with respect and being nice is enough. Teachers set high standards for their students and encourage opportunities for students to make a personal connection with their teachers and their peers.
Don’t admit defeat too quickly in your efforts to develop a positive teacher-student relationship.
Rita Pierson states, “It’s hard to learn if you don’t feel connected. Which means that kids don’t just need a teacher, they need a champion, someone who believes in them, invests in them, nurtures in them the belief that they can be more than they are, that all kinds of things they don’t imagine are possible”.
Cooper and I were chatting this morning about how to make time for personal endeavours; that is, how do you find the time to follow your heart? You see, I’m a little more adept at juggling a lot of things because I’ve been forced into being organised through running my own business, and doing absolutely everything as a sole trader. While I am working full time now in a gig I love, I haven’t lost the habit of always ‘doing something’ (although, I think that’s a personality type too – perhaps you relate!). Plus, I’ve got stories to share and messages to promote – hence TLL.
I know plenty of people who want to design a slightly different life for themselves, or pursue other passions entirely aside from their current work situation. But it’s really challenging, with family commitments, work, life and that irritating nemesis, tiredness!
The conversation got me thinking about what advice I’d give to Cooper, or anyone else struggling with an already packed program when it comes to work/life balance. I’ve learned a thing or two on my own, but also through observing others – including super busy mums – who have successfully created a life and/or business they love.
Have a listen…
Key take-aways
How to find the time to follow your heart:
Set time aside each morning – just 20 minutes is all you need. If that means you have to get up early (short-term pain for long-term gain), then do it. Start now.
I live by my mornings now, and strongly suggest you spend the first 5 to 10 minutes of yours in contemplation about the day to come, and how great it’s going to be.
Spend another 10 minutes or so in inspired action towards your ultimate goal. Write/blog/mind-map/watch a motivating YouTube clip. Start the day off on a positive note.
Keep a notebook (or equivalence) with you to jot down goals, ideas, dreams, plans, gratitude lists and things you want – do this throughout the day! Not only will this exercise attract better things into your world, it’ll cheer you up in the process.
Do one small thing towards your goal/dream/big idea every day. No action is too small.
Keep an eye out for opportunities to learn, in the form of webinars and free online activities that will only take up an hour or so of your time each week. Subscribe to your favourite service-providers or coaches’ email alerts.
Utilise YouTube – set up your very own motivation playlist, and save clips in there that you can access at any given time, day or night. Clips might include TED Talks, motivational monologues, 10 minute mindfulness meditations, videos by business or spiritual coaches… Whatever gets you going.
Reflect before sleep, on the day that’s been. Be proud of your actions and set an intention to keep moving forward tomorrow.
What does serendipity mean to you? In my world, it’s about more than coincidence; it’s when things – people, places, scenarios – come back around, and become significant. It is about when you knew there was something there all along, but it’s not until years later that you’re proven right.
Life is full of great surprises, and these types are some of the nicest. Here’s a quick story about how my mate, Amy (the Hardy Traveller), and I, recently ‘got to know’ each other – years after we initially met.
What’s Amy say about it?
“I started my blog blindly in September 2014 (she is still a baby) with nothing but passion, enthusiasm and a hunger to learn. I’ve succeeded with very little media experience behind me. Through Facebook, I was in contact with an old ‘colleague’ also in the industry. She kindly fed me her wisdom, and through various discussions we realised we had a lot more in common than merely travelling and blogging. Sarah told me about TBEX Costa Brava, and I realise as I’m writing this that it seems weird to suddenly go away on a trip with an ex-colleague, whom I’d worked with briefly many years ago and we’d never socialised! But I jumped at the chance, and so pleased I did.
Happily ever after, we now have a good solid friendship! And that’s just the icing on the cake; TBEX has left me with friendships across the globe, a bucket load of new information and ideas, contacts and a ridiculous amount of opportunities to work with people I respect and admire. The seminars were top notch; those alone have given me so many open-doors for the future, but the real life-changer for me came from just hanging out with really interesting, inspiring, encouraging and like-minded people… like Sarah!
Without being totally dramatic, it’s changed my life – there is a lot to look forward to!” -Amy, The Hardy Traveller
All that big life stuff happened because we ended up in the same little office, south of London; just for a short while – me from Australia, Amy from… somewhere else in this big old town! Perhaps we didn’t end up working that job just because it was a way to make money. Imagine if we were meant to meet there, in order to inspire each other further down the line?! We think that’s entirely sweet serendipity, and we hope you agree.
Do you honour serendipitous occasions in your life? If you’ve got a story, do share – drop us a line in the comments below.
Super easy eBook training. Could social media be working better for you?
Work smarter not harder. Learn how in just one day. It’s super easy!
Super Easy Social Media by Sarah Blinco
You’ve told me that you want to know how to produce great content in the shortest amount of time. I know you want to increase business leads and engagement on social media. I agree you can make this happen, so I have simplified all you need to know into 5 easy, actionable steps.
You’ll be interested in this eTraining if:
You are a busy business owner, manager or marketing manager who wants the ultimate super easy social media cheat sheet which will enable you to streamline content, business promotion, engagement and measure social success in just an hour a week.
You are a student or work-at-home parent who thinks you’ve got what it takes to make money managing social media accounts (perhaps it’s your friend’s or a family member’s business page); but you just need a bit of training on how to do it all really well in a professional context.
You are a blogger or sole trader needing that one extra special ingredient that will boost your social media branding beyond where it’s stuck at right now.
You CAN master producing efficient, original and engaging digital media content for effective business branding in less than a day.
Does your child talk to you? I mean really talk to you, about important topics like boys, girls, alcohol, drugs and the one that starts with S (sex).
When children reach that delicate period known as puberty, it can be a confusing time for both parent and child. Children begin noticing changes in their body, mood swings and not to mention those raging hormones.
For some parents it’s that overwhelming feeling of frustration and helplessness when you try to offer guidance and your child rejects you and disconnects the lines of communication.
Most adolescents are under a lot of pressure, both academically and socially, while also discovering who they are and where they fit into a society that is forever changing. It is possible to be a part of this journey and maintain a strong relationship with your child.
How to get your teen to talk to you? – communication is key.
“Communication is the key to developing positive relationships” –Kath Bunney (student services professional)
How to get your teen to talk to you
1. Listen – Actively listen. Stop what you’re doing and listen. Show them that their thoughts, ideas and feelings matter and their concerns are being heard.
Listening is the best way to find out what your teen knows or needs. Just listen and then say, ‘Would you like advice?’
2. Don’t lecture – when adults yell, exaggerate, get frustrated, roll their eyes, sigh, it turns teens off and they stopped listening. As a result, the relationship suffers.
3. Take a breath before speaking; smile, look friendly and set a positive tone. Keep the conversation happy and upbeat.
Happy conversations are more likely when you’re both in a cheerful mood. The conversation will decline quickly if either one of you is upset. Never demand they tell you their problems or what is bothering them.
Friendliness gets the point across quicker than sarcasm, scolding or a lecture.
4. Distraction – Before you ask too many questions offer them a snack.
Let’s be honest, how many a good conversation is had over food?
5. If you’re hoping to make a point keep the conversation short, simple and to the point.
Timing can play an important role in how the conversation goes. Choose short sentences over paragraphs.
You’re the parent, you know you have life experience; you don’t need to flaunt it and waffle on.
6. Don’t be afraid to ask open-ended questions to encourage them to open up. Allow for their point of view.
Teens are at a stage of their life where they feel they know more than you do. Okay, they might know more about pop culture and technology but it isn’t the whole story.
7. Understand how your child likes to communicate. Driving in the car, cooking dinner, kicking the footy, waking the dog or in a quiet place with no distractions can be a successful way to get little bits of information from your child.
I can remember many a conversation with my mum on the way to school.
8. Look at yourself. How strongly you feel about certain topics such as teens engaging in sex, and using drugs and alcohol may prevent your child opening up to you.
If your child already knows what you’ll say about this topic why would they bother asking?
9. Be consistent and thank them for opening up to you.
“The importance of listening to your child as they are growing up cannot be underestimated. The listening I am talking about is when you give your child the time and opportunity to share their problems.
It is not necessarily about jumping in to give them the solution; it is about giving them the space to verbalise the myriad of issues that the young person has to grapple with as they move from child, to young person to young adult.
What your son or daughter may be looking for is knowing that they have been heard and understood rather than wanting a ready-made solution to their issues”.
-Paul Campbell (school principal, Australia)
The most important parenting skill is effective communication. Parents need to start early – well ahead of the teen years.
Show your child it’s okay to talk about anything. Don’t wait until your child is in schooland a teenager before you try to work on the relationship.
And of course, if you are struggling with any challenges, consult a local, trusted professional or two for advice – ideal people to talk to include a teacher, principal, child psychologist, school chaplain or counsellor, but do not leave it until things are really bad. Prevention is better than cure.
Do you have a question, concern or comment? Please drop us a line below or on social media to get the conversation going.
Welcome! We are Sarah + Cooper, Aussie expats living in the UK with our Westie dog, London. We like to inspire on how to travel for longer and to live and work from anywhere. Our most popular content here is about seeing the world with your pet, remote working & digital nomadism, and house + pet sitting. Create a global life of your dreams at any age! Subscribe to find out more :)
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My friends appreciate that if forced to choose a persona, I’m definitely more Mulder than Scully (if you’re not familiar with these terms – characters, actually – you will certainly understand what I’m on about by January 2016). I’m a truth-is-out-there, we-are-not-alone, life-does-not-end-here kinda gal. But, it’s because I actually do believe in ghosts, spirits, mediums and another life (or lives, as the case may be) that I’m rather well-read on the topic.
Who was your favourite teacher growing up and what do you remember most about them? I’m confident most of you would describe how they made you feel and the sense of excitement and the confidence you felt on your road to discovery.
