MILLESIMAL FEBRUARY 2024
CHEF SHIVANI SHARMA: CRAFTING CULINARY MAGIC WITH CONSCIOUS CHOICES"
CHEF AND FOUNDER GOURMESTAN AND BLISS BITES GCC
SHIVANI SHARMA
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We would like to take this opportunity
Chef Shivani Sharma, an alumna of Le Cordon Bleu with 18 years of culinary experience, is recognized as a culinary virtuoso. Dedicated to fusing flavor and wellness, she creates exquisite gluten-free meals that are as delightful to the palate as they are to the eye. she is also the founder of Gourmestan and Bliss Bites GCC
Artist of the Month As a woman entrepreneur in the culinary industry, how has your journey with Gourmestan challenged and reshaped traditional perceptions of women in business, particularly within the realm of food and hospitality? In the culinary world, women have always faced limited representation, but now there is a transformative shift underway. Despite the challenges, I firmly believe that women are destined to become the driving force in the food and beverage industry. As a female chef, I too encountered numerous hurdles in establishing Gourmestan. Each obstacle was an opportunity to prove that women can excel in culinary innovation. We are natural creators, capable of revolutionizing gastronomy. Breaking free from traditional norms, Gourmestan is a pioneer in the use of millets and has challenged societal mindsets. By crafting clean and wholesome alternatives to conventional products, from cheeses to desserts, we prioritize not only taste but also gut health. I am proud to be a woman shaping the culinary landscape, determined to inspire future generations and redefine the narrative surrounding women in the food industry.
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Your 15-year culinary journey is marked by resilience and innovation. How do you see the role of women evolving in the dynamic landscape of the culinary business, and what advice do you have for aspiring female entrepreneurs entering this field? Embarking on my 18-year culinary journey and the continuous innovation, has been no easy feat. The dynamic landscape of the culinary business demands perseverance and a commitment to pushing boundaries. Women can seamlessly transition into dynamic roles within the F&B industry. Despite the challenges, women possess innate qualities that make them adept at excelling in this field. To aspiring female entrepreneurs entering this sector, my advice is twofold. Firstly, adopt an open-minded approach. The F&B industry has both its shining moments and its darker aspects, requiring entrepreneurs to be strong and flexible. Secondly, embrace risk-taking. While you may have an exceptional product, success in F&B hinges on understanding market dynamics and consumer preferences. Being open to calculated risks can set you apart in an industry where innovation and adaptability are paramount. In essence, F&B is a gut-based business that demands courage, creativity, and resilience.
Juggling different roles is a common challenge for entrepreneurs. How do you manage the various aspects of Gourmestan while also balancing other responsibilities, and what strategies have you found effective in maintaining a work-life balance? I believe in the idea of multitasking and that everyone has the potential to achieve big things. As a mom, daughter, friend, and business person, I manage different roles by having ongoing conversations with people in my family, social circle, and work.
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Balancing responsibilities isn't a complex task for me; I just live my life and use my 24 hours wisely. To maintain this balance, I rely on a key strategy - building a strong team. I don't try to do everything alone; I believe in creating a team of capable individuals, my second liners, who take ownership and responsibility for tasks. Together, we navigate challenges, share ideas, and shape the direction of our work. This teamwork approach has proven effective in managing both work and life, and I strongly advocate for it as a path to success.
In your role as a founder and chef, you serve as a guiding light in the hospitality business. How do you foster a positive and inclusive work environment, especially for women in your team, and what values do you believe contribute to a successful and supportive workplace culture? My approach to training individuals revolves around accentuating their positive tendencies, believing that by reinforcing strengths, weaknesses naturally fade away. Cultivating a positive and inclusive work environment is fundamental, and can be achieved through open communication and team building. I maintain constant contact with my staff, alike in India and Dubai, fostering a family like atmosphere. I don’t view my team as employees but as individuals with unique contributions and concerns. Instead of being referred to as the boss, I'm embraced as an elder sister. This familial approach encourages my team members to share their everyday challenges, thereby fostering trust and understanding. Listening is a key and recognizing the importance of interpersonal connections in the key. I firmly believe that contributing to the success of individuals within the team ultimately leads to the success of the entire brand.
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Gourmestan is at the forefront of promoting gluten-free and vegan options, aligning with a vision for green eating. How do you see this commitment influencing not just your menu but also encouraging a broader shift towards sustainable and conscious dining habits in the community? My commitment extends beyond just curating a menu; it encompasses creating a culture of sustainability and conscious eating within our operations. I consistently advocate for a cleaner, simpler approach to food. I challenge conventional norms by demonstrating that even staples like bread and cakes can be crafted from healthier alternatives like millets. Observing a definite shift in communities towards sustainability, I am a staunch advocate myself, and value simplicity in my own diet. While there is growing group awareness in organizations promoting sustainability, individual awareness is yet to catch up. My commitment involves reaching out to individuals, educating them about mindful eating, and fostering a mindset shift towards cleaner and fresher choices.
"I firmly believe in the detrimental impact of consuming frozen, processed items and advocate for waiting for seasonal, fresh produce to maintain a healthier lifestyle."
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In the context of your vision for green eating, how does Gourmestan actively contribute to environmental sustainability, and what initiatives or practices do you hope to inspire within the culinary industry to promote eco-friendly and health-conscious choices? My commitment to freshness goes beyond just sourcing local produce; we prioritize direct engagement with farmers, even from remote villages, rather than relying on department stores. I aim for utmost freshness, and dream of establishing an organic farm to create a sustainable farm-to-table concept. All our items are biodegradable, including the packaging. We take pride in supporting local production, firmly believing in India's potential for nature-friendly initiatives. In our pursuit of health-conscious choices, we recognize that people are not merely health-conscious but health-aware. We strive to instil clarity and awareness in our clientele about what goes into their bodies and, subsequently, their families. We are committed to transparency and it reflects in our biodegradable product line, contributing to a shift in mindset, where awareness leads to conscious choices. We are building trust with our customers, offering a brand that aligns with their health goals. To prioritize a sustainable business model, we steer away from online platforms, focusing on cultivating regular clients who value the longterm benefits of health and well-being. Ultimately, our vision is to engrain the idea that good health requires fresh and clean eating.
February edition 2024
FEBRUARY 2024 EDITION
INVESTING IN ELEGANCE TIMELESS JEWELRY PIECES THAT TRANSCEND TRENDS WRITTEN BY: PRERANA JAIN, FOUNDER OF BOLI
Embracing elegance in jewelry extends beyond temporary trends, particularly within the context of weddings. The significance of a wedding day necessitates jewelry that surpasses temporal styles and embodies an everlasting beauty. Timeless pieces become symbols of love and sophistication that seamlessly integrate into that monumental occasion. While weddings are steeped in tradition, the demand for unique and contemporary pieces is ever-increasing. The charm of timeless jewelry, offering a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity comes to the forefront. At Boli, our innovative approach sets us apart as we craft jewelry that effortlessly merges classic designs with a modern twist. Our dedication to creating distinctive pieces aligns with the sentiment of weddings, where each detail is carefully chosen to symbolize eternal love. In the world of fashion jewelry, trends often dictate choices. However, at Boli, we understand that elegance surpasses momentary influences. Our collection features pieces that capture the essence of timeless beauty, ensuring they remain relevant and cherished long after someone’s wedding day. Millesimal Magazine
From intricately designed engagement rings to classic necklaces, each creation from Boli is a testament to our commitment for crafting lasting pieces. The versatility of our timeless jewelry is another aspect that makes it perfect for weddings. Beyond the ceremony, these pieces seamlessly transition into various settings, including outdoor events. Whether it's a garden reception or a beachside celebration, the understated charm of Boli adds sophistication without overshadowing the beauty of the surroundings. What distinguishes Boli is not only our commitment to timeless elegance but also our global approach. In an industry often characterized by uniformity, we celebrate uniqueness. Our designs draw inspiration from a myriad of cultures, ensuring that each piece tells a story that resonates with a global audience. This diverse perspective is not just a nod to the current fashion landscape but a visionary approach to creating jewelry that transcends geographical boundaries. As Boli expands its global reach, we bring with it a fresh perspective on fashion jewelry. Our commitment to crafting pieces that stand out in the crowd is evident in every collection. We don’t believe in following trends; but in setting them. Our global success is a testament to the universal appeal of the timeless elegance of our work. Whether worn by a bride in a bustling city or by someone at an intimate outdoor gathering, Boli’s jewelry captures the imagination of individuals who appreciate long lasting charm. Choosing jewelry from Boli is an investment in timeless sophistication. From weddings to outdoor events, our unique pieces transcend trends and also redefine them. Our global approach and commitment to diversity make us trailblazers in the world of fashion jewelry, promising a future where elegance knows no bounds.
"GAY TERMINATION IS NOT ABOUT RACE!" WRITTEN BY: MARK M. BELLO Happy New Year! It promises to be interesting, probably the most critical election year since the Civil War. Speaking of civil war, I have chosen the Claudine Gay-Harvard ouster as the subject of my first oped of 2024. Gay is Harvard University’s first black female president. Her tenure is the shortest in school history. Many academics have written or spoken out to protest her ouster. I am saddened for Harvard and higher education. This is Harvard being attacked by mob rule. . .” Harvard Professor Ryan Enos told CBS News.
“This is an attack on every Black woman in this country who’s put a crack in the glass ceiling,” argued Reverend Al Sharpton. Morehouse College President David Thomas said: “To turn the question to the legitimacy of President Gay’s selection because she is a black woman is a dog whistle we have heard before—black and female, equal, not qualified. We must call it out.”
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HUNDREDS OF HARVARD FACULTY MEMBERS SIGNED A LETTER IN SUPPORT OF GAY: “We, the undersigned faculty, urge you, in the strongest possible terms, to defend the independence of the university and to resist political pressures that are at odds with Harvard’s commitment to academic freedom . . . The Critical work of defending a culture of free inquiry in our diverse community cannot proceed if we let its shape be dictated by outside forces.” Over 600 people have signed this letter. In my law practice, I spent most of my adult life advocating for the less fortunate. After retiring from the active practice of law, my legal thrillers have tackled issues of white supremacy, sexual assault, police misconduct/traffic-stop shootings, especially as they relate to the black community, the immigration crisis, and anti-Semitism. I call out injustice where I see it.
Frankly, I’m angry that Gay’s well-deserved ouster has been linked to “mob rule,” “politics,” or “race. The crisis at Harvard University with Claudine Gay has never been about race. It has always been about antiSemitism. We all know the genesis of the crisis. On October 7, 2023, Gaza’s ruling Hamas brutally and maliciously attacked a peaceful, law-abiding kibbutz in Israel and killed 1200 + men, women, children, and infants. Israel declared war. Its prime minister promised that the war would not end until Hamas was destroyed. Unlike most victimized countries, Israel warned the people of Gaza to leave the region. After a long pause to allow for these evacuations, Israel began its campaign, mercilessly bombing Gaza, killing any Hamas soldiers and citizens (human shields sacrificed by Hamas) standing in its way. Anti-Semitic students decided that Israel was “entirely responsible for the unfolding violence” and not the brutal Hamas terrorists who beheaded children and raped and murdered women. The protestors took to campus streets shouting things like “from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free,” “Zionism is racism,” and waved Nazi Swastikas. The students’ behavior was so deplorable that three university presidents were called to testify before a congressional committee. Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, a hypocrite on these issues, asked the three female presidents, two white and one black (Claudette Gay), a simple, softball question: “Does calling for the genocide of Jews violate your school’s code of conduct?” Gay responded that it would “depend on the context.” What?! What if the protest called for the systematic genocide of black students? What would her answer have been then?
After the hearing and the almost universal criticism of her answer, Gay tried to walk back her statements, saying that “those who threaten our Jewish students will be held to account.” But it was too little, too late. Gay wasn’t the first college president fired over the incident—Penn president Liz Magill was ousted shortly after the hearings. No one argued that her ouster was dictated by mob rule or happened because she was white, Christian, or female. She was ousted for failing to denounce terrorism and anti-Semitism. Gay and her supporters now cry that “racism” or “mob rule” were reasons for her ouster. Shame on them for playing the race card in a controversy over the scourge of campus anti-Semitism and calls for genocide not heard in America since the Nazis threatened global democracy in the 1940s. The issue, this time, academics, is not race; it is Jew-hatred. Let’s keep our eyes on the ball, shall we?
2024 FEBRUARY EDITION
RISE AND SHINE: MORGANISEME'S GLOBAL MISSION TO TRANSFORM SCHOOL MORNINGS WRITTEN BY : Becky Hirst, Founder of MorganiseMe™
MILLESIMAL FEBRUARY 2024
As a mother of two juggling the demands of work and family life in Adelaide, my mornings were once filled with the overwhelming mental load of remembering everything my daughters, Elsie and Florence, needed for school. The chaos of tracking sports kits, instruments, library bags, and various daily essentials became a daily struggle. That's when the idea for MorganiseMe™ was born. When my youngest daughter Florence started primary school, my mental load doubled, and the traditional methods of using a paper checklist on the fridge were no longer cutting it. I needed a modern, efficient solution that would help streamline our mornings. Frustrated with the lack of suitable options, I took matters into my own hands. I realised that what I needed was a simple checklist for what they each needed each day, accessible on my phone, no matter where I was. I envisioned an app that focused solely on organising school mornings, a tool designed by a mum, for mums. With a full-time job as a selfemployed community engagement officer, finding spare time was a luxury, but the drive to create a solution kept me going.
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Collaborating with an app developer, I turned my vision into reality, and a beta version of MorganiseMe™ was proudly launched in January 2023. The app's premise was straightforward – users add their child's name, create a reminder list for each school day, and set up to receive a push notification at the specified time. The impact was immediate. The app not only simplified my mornings but also allowed me to focus on one task at a time, reducing the stress and chaos. The kids loved it too, as they could easily access the list on my phone's home screen each morning. Elsie, my eldest daughter, saw the benefits and started using the app on her own phone. 12 months after launching the beta version, now with a user base of over 1000 and growing organically, the positive feedback and demand for such a tool reaffirm that MorganiseMe™ is filling a real need for parents all around the world. MorganiseMe™ is not just an app; it's a lifestyle change. The latest version, released in January 2024, introduces a multi-user login feature, allowing families to collaborate on the daily checklist of things to pack, making mornings smoother for everyone. This feature is a game-changer, as it promotes shared responsibility and balances the morning routine among all family members.
MILLESIMAL FEBRUARY 2024
Unlike other overwhelming parenting organising apps, MorganiseMe™ focuses on one job – reminding parents of what their kids need in their backpacks each morning. This simplicity, coupled with practical features, positions the app as a uniquely homegrown solution to the nationwide challenge of hectic school mornings. MorganiseMe™ is poised to make a significant impact globally, offering not just an app but a lifestyle change that promotes collaboration, support, and shared responsibility. For families seeking a more streamlined morning routine, MorganiseMe™ is available for download on both iOS and Android devices. The free version covers essential features, while the Premium subscription at $4.99 per year provides additional benefits like an adfree experience, the ability to check off items as they are packed, and a celebratory confetti explosion when all items are packed. Looking ahead, my ambitious goal is to achieve a $3 million annual turnover within three years. While the financial returns are motivating, the satisfaction of creating something that eases the morning chaos for my family and countless others is immeasurable. In conclusion, my journey from overwhelmed mum to a Parent Tech app founder has been both challenging and rewarding. Knowing that I've made a difference in the lives of parents around the world keeps me motivated. As I look toward the future, my vision for MorganiseMe™ is not just about helping families organise their mornings; it's about revolutionising the way we approach the daily chaos, making every morning a little more manageable and a lot more enjoyable.
5 KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM BECKY’S JOURNEY SO FAR Transforming Chaos into Bliss Becky's journey with MorganiseMe showcases her commitment to turning chaotic school mornings into organised and blissful experiences for families worldwide. The app's simplicity and effectiveness reflect her dedication to creating a practical solution for the daily challenges parents face.
Fostering Mum-Driven Innovation As a mum herself, Becky identified a need for a specific tool to streamline school mornings. Her hands-on approach to solving this problem resulted in MorganiseMe™, a uniquely mum-driven innovation. The app's success highlights the power of addressing real-life parenting issues with tailored solutions.
Having Ambitious Goals Becky's vision extends beyond personal convenience. With a three-year goal of achieving a $3 million annual turnover, she exemplifies an entrepreneur driven by ambitious aspirations. Her focus on growing a user base and expanding the app's reach demonstrates a strategic approach to turning her side hustle into a profitable venture.
Shared Responsibility for Morning Routines The introduction of the multi-user login feature emphasises Becky's commitment to promoting shared responsibility within families. By allowing the entire family to collaborate on the daily checklist, she envisions a more balanced and less stressful morning routine for everyone, breaking away from the traditional burden falling solely on mothers.
More Than an App, A Lifestyle Change MorganiseMe™ isn't just an app, it’s a movement. It represents a small lifestyle change for families seeking a significantly more balanced start to their day. Becky's dedication to simplicity, coupled with practical features, positions MorganiseMe™ as a beacon of hope. As the app evolves, it stands as a testament to the power of innovation in simplifying the complexities of family life.
THE PAST AS PRELUDE: EVERYTHING IS REINVENTION WRITTEN BY: ROBERT KESTEN In "A Christmas Carol" the past can't be changed, the present altered, and the future is yet to be written. The future is determined by the present and the past. The Spirit of the Future is pointing down a dark path if we don't overcome our fears and complacency. We talk a good game, sometimes we believe it, but at the start of a new year we should find a few moments to be honest with ourselves. Humans will do almost anything to avoid change. Domestic abuse victims stay in the hell they know rather than take a chance on one they do not. The financial markets, political figures, & business want stability; we like consistent weather and climate...a reason a majority live in the temperate zone.
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The unknown triggers the oldest part of our brain and puts us on alert. Many fears to fly, fast cars, high floors, even swimming can make grownups tremble. So, the more we accumulate, the more we have to lose, the more we want to control the world around us. People who have amassed power, even more so than wealth, hold the most fear and lash out most brutally. They seek to convince the public of their good intentions and righteousness, even as they scapegoat those who are unable to protect themselves. It is easy to make others the enemy when protecting your power. Empires, dictatorships, religious hierarchies, and all fashions of dynasties have done this. Across the ages control over the sources of energy have led good people to do horrific things. Protecting the wealth of those controlling energy has ended empires, brought down kingdoms, and created new political and economic forces. Very simplistically, the Dutch clung to wind and water and were overcome by the British use of coal. When oil and gas surpassed coal the sun set on the British Empire. Now those economies try desperately to hold on to the infrastructure that made them into gods who are richer than Midas. They do so even as the world changes and needs a dramatically different energy source. Their power is willing to sacrifice democracy itself. They are willing to destroy the nations they built into modern empires to keep their place in the world order. Nations, businesses, and powerful loners with no ties to the decaying system are challenging it and winning with new power sources that change lives one city at a time. As they ramp up, oil and gas strike back, clawing and striking fear in the public that their way of life will be a tragic remnant of what it could have been if the current system is lost. Political figures call for more drilling, more degradation, and seeking immediate riches as the sunsets on antique energy systems. From manpower to horsepower, to water, wood, and steam, to coal, oil, and gas. Change is fraught with turmoil, not because of the change, but because those who had accumulated wealth had too much invested to make the change. They would tank the economy or the nation itself rather than move on.
The economic, political, military, and social machine tied into oil is so great, there is nothing the spider web will not do to keep its power and wealth. In a world where change is hard, where people fear it so, we hear the calls for scapegoats, we hear voices calling out those who are not like us as the enemy, as those responsible for the subterfuge, as those destabilizing our schools, communities, businesses, and democracy. The fights going on across the globe over land is paygrades below the heads of those in control. They are pawns in a much bigger war, a war for the energy, water, and power of the next 1,000 years. The power is not interested in trans youth, Gaza or Israel, Ukraine, or Sudan, it seeks a destabilized world where their power and strength can move in as governments teeter and powerbases shift. This war that will control human beings, government, and power over 8+ billion humans under its control. The people behind this movement know you are focused on survival, the dead and dying will keep you occupied, the destruction of the planet will keep you in the streets, fear of election results if nations, staying afloat as boats sinks will keep you up at night, but it won't matter. Change is coming with overwhelming force and consumes all in its wake.
FEBRUARY 2024 EDITION
"Unlocking the Power of Journaling: Benefits, Challenges, and Tips"
AUTHOR: KATHY EDWARDS
DO YOU RECALL COMING HOME FROM SCHOOL AND SITTING ON YOUR BED TO POUR YOUR HEART OUT IN A SPIRAL-BOUND NOTEBOOK? Those wide-ruled pages provided so much relief. However, many of us began writing as teenagers and subsequently stopped. Once you entered maturity, you may have stopped keeping a diary. However, the concept and its advantages remain valid. It's now known as journaling. It's as simple as putting down your ideas and feelings to comprehend them better. Keeping a journal might also be beneficial if you suffer from stress, despair, or anxiety. It can assist you in gaining emotional control and improving your mental health.
WHY DO PEOPLE KEEP A JOURNAL, AND WHY DO THEY START Charles Darwin, Marie Curie, Thomas Edison, and Frida Kahlo were among the most influential personalities in history who kept comprehensive journals of their lives. Those journals served two purposes: they functioned as a permanent record for posterity and, presumably, as a cathartic release for the individuals who wrote them. Even if you don't think you need either, maintaining a journal has a lot of advantages that you may start enjoying right now. Perhaps you'd like to leave something for your children that tells them about your life and what you've accomplished. Perhaps you're more pragmatic and looking for a means to channel your creativity. Maybe you just need the cathartic release that frequent writing provides. Whatever it is, they're all fantastic.
BENEFITS OF JOURNALING Keeping a journal has numerous advantages. Here are the top main reasons to start a journal right now:
KEEP YOUR THOUGHTS IN A LOGICAL ORDER. Diaries assist us in organizing and comprehending our ideas. You can keep track of daily occurrences, thoughts, and feelings related to specific experiences or viewpoints. Your journal entries can be tagged and archived in Journey.
REDUCED STRESS. An excessive amount of stress can be harmful to your physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It has been established journaling is an excellent stress management technique, as well as a healthy practice that reduces the negative effects of physical stress on your health.
GOOD FOR MENTAL HEALTH Finding a healthy manner to express yourself is one of the strategies to deal with any overwhelming feeling. As a result, keeping a journal can help you manage your mental health. Journaling can assist you in the following ways: Control your anxiety. Reduce your stress levels. Dealing with depression Keeping a journal can help you manage your symptoms and enhance your mood by: Assisting you in prioritizing issues, worries, and concerns. Keeping track of any symptoms day-to-day so you can learn to detect triggers and better control them Creating a space for positive self-talk and recognizing negative ideas and behaviors.
SET AND ATTAIN YOUR OBJECTIVES. Your objectives, ambitions, dreams, and new year resolutions can all be written in a notebook. By writing them down in a diary, you can track your progress and stay inspired to reach your next goal!
RECORD IDEAS ON THE GO. One of the advantages of maintaining a journal is that you can keep track of all of your thoughts in one spot, at any time, and from anywhere. You can jot down ideas in your journal whenever they occur to you. You can come back to these ideas later to explore for additional connections, draw conclusions, or even come up with a new idea!
CHALLENGES STOP YOU FROM JOURNALING Have you ever started writing in a journal with the best of intentions, only to forget about it? Did you commit this year to "journal more" but aren't sure how to go about it? I understand! Things aren't always easy when it comes to journaling. You've reached the end of your time limit. You've forgotten. Using the same journal over and over again becomes tedious. You're having a bad day and intend to "catch up later." Here are a few of the challenges.
A LACK OF TIME When it comes to sustaining a continuous writing practice, many people complain about not having enough time. Here are a few basic ways to get through this particular stumbling block: Instead of writing whole phrases, use dot points. Find a journal that doesn't require a lot of your time. A thankfulness diary is an excellent example, as it only requires you to write down three things for which you are grateful. Write once a week instead of every day. Write in your journal during commercial breaks on television, during your commute, or before you go to bed.
THINKING THAT IS "ALL-OR-NOTHING." "All-or-nothing" thinking is a negative thought process in which your thoughts are divided into extremes. "I'll never be good at journaling," for example, or "I skipped a day in my notebook, so I might as well stop." You may believe that you must write for a specific period of time and that if you are unable to accomplish so, you are a "failure" who "may as well not do it." When these thoughts arise, try to recognize them and gently challenge yourself to change them. "I won't be able to write a complete page today, so I'll wait until tomorrow instead," for example, maybe replaced with "I'll write a few sentences today - it's fine if I don't get to a full page."
HAVING A TOUGH DAY You might feel compelled to skip your journaling session if you're having a bad day. But the fact is; journaling can help you improve your mood and good feelings and minimize the symptoms of despair and anxiety. Remember that journaling might help you feel better after a difficult day! Also, consider writing prompts that are more "positive," such as: Today, I found something that made me happy... I'm thankful for... Today, I'm grateful that I... I'm excited about...
JOURNALING BY HAND OR ON COMPUTER, WHICH ONE IS BETTER? Journaling is an excellent way to encourage mindfulness, keep note of significant changes, and bring a variety of healthful activities into one's daily. It can be tough to decide whether to handwrite a journal or type it on a computer when you first start. Both have advantages and disadvantages, and any method can benefit you for whatever reason you started journaling in the first place. Whether you write or type your journal is a matter of personal preference. Handwriting journals are popular because they are slow and methodical. Others appreciate the convenience and quickness that typing a journal provides. In general, people who are just getting started with journaling should figure out what they want to get out of it and make choices based on that. Because journaling methods are a matter of personal opinion, examining the advantages and disadvantages of each method can assist you in deciding where to begin.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU WRITE IN A JOURNAL? When it comes to keeping a journal, how often should you write? The frequency with which you write in your journal is personal and will vary depending on your interests and goals. For most people, writing in a journal a few times a week, such as every other day or 3-4 times a week, is an appropriate quantity. Journaling is a very personal activity that is done only for one's own enjoyment. As a result, no one but you can tell you how often you should write in your journal. Set goals and become more self-aware of your sentiments around journaling to find the optimum quantity of journaling for you.
IS MAKING A JOURNAL A REGULAR HABIT A GOOD IDEA? Writing a diary may appear to be a cliche or a youthful habit. However, it has been shown to be proactive in enhancing the general mental health and well-being of individuals who practice it regularly. Writing is a great way to express one's feelings, secrets, thoughts, and other emotions, in addition to being a creative outlet.
IS KEEPING A JOURNAL A HEALTHY HABIT? Writing a diary is a great, healthy practice to get into if you want to rid your mind of any distracting ideas that are causing you to worry or distress. It's also useful for figuring out how you're feeling and what factors of your life are contributing to it. The art of keeping a diary may be incredibly therapeutic in many ways, and our life experiences can often be the catalyst for that release. It's no secret that life can be tremendously stressful one minute and incredibly wonderful the next. As a result, keeping a diary can become a habit to keep track of life's ups and downs in a consistent and healthy manner.
HOW MUCH SHOULD YOU WRITE? There isn't a fixed amount of writing you should do each day. (And you're not required to write every day; you are permitted to take breaks.) To achieve steady development and feel good about your writing, you'll need to figure out how much you should write every day or week. You'll gradually be able to lift heavier weights and run longer distances if you stick to a fitness routine. Your capacity to write is similar to a muscle in that the more you use it, the stronger it becomes. A reasonable aim for you, in the beginning, could be to write 500 words every day. Those 500 words may have grown to 1,000 in six months. In a few years, you might be able to write 2,000 words every day that you like.
FINAL THOUGHTS To help you get started with journaling, consider the following suggestions: Make an effort to write every day. Every day, set aside a few minutes to write. This will make it easier for you to keep up with your journaling. Make it simple. Always have a pen and paper with you. You can then write down your thoughts whenever you choose. Your smartphone can also be used to keep a journal. Whatever comes to mind, write or draw it. Your journal doesn't have to be organized in any particular way. It's your own personal space where you may talk about and create whatever you want to express your emotions. Allow your thoughts and words to flow freely. Don't be concerned about spelling errors or what others might think. When your world seems to be in disarray, keeping a journal might help you bring order to it. By expressing your deepest fears, thoughts, and feelings, you gain a better understanding of yourself. Consider your writing time as a kind of personal relaxation. It's a chance for you to relax and unwind. Write in a calm and relaxing environment, perhaps with a cup of tea nearby. Take pleasure in your journaling time. And you'll feel good about yourself since you're taking care of your mind and body. I purchase all my journals from Doing Business, beautiful bespoke hand made journals.
www.doingbusiness.com.au
HARMONY BEYOND BORDERS: NAVIGATING THE CEO LIFE WITH A REMOTE TWIST WRITTEN BY: PAUL M. VRATUSHA
Today when every decision can significantly impact the trajectory of success, the art of balancing professional ambition with personal wellbeing has become increasingly valuable. My own journey towards achieving this balance began with a deep-seated desire to integrate my career aspirations with my personal life in a meaningful way. My quest for equilibrium led me down an unconventional path. Moving away from the traditional corporate ladder, I, along with my partner, embarked on an entrepreneurial venture. We founded a digital marketing agency, a decision that was not just a career move but a lifestyle choice. This venture was a reflection of our professional ambitions and a testament to our commitment to living a life that blended our work and personal interests seamlessly. The decision to fully embrace remote work was a pivotal moment in our journey. It was a strategic move that allowed us to shatter geographical barriers, creating a diverse and dynamic team whose members were spread across the globe. This model did not just benefit our business; it enriched our lives personally. I found myself dividing my time between three locations - each distinct in its character and pace. My first base was in the vibrant and ever-bustling city of London, a hub of innovation and business. My second home was nestled in the tranquility of a farm near São Paulo, offering a serene escape from the urban rush. The third was in Ljubljana, the enchanting capital of Slovenia, known for its artistic heritage and picturesque landscapes.
This triad of locations was more than just places to live; they represented the diverse facets of my life and work. London's energetic pace kept me connected with the latest trends and developments in the digital world. The serene farm in Brazil was where I found solace and rejuvenation, allowing me to disconnect and reflect, thus nurturing my creative thinking. Ljubljana, with its rich cultural heritage, kept me inspired and grounded, reminding me of the beauty in diversity. Our remote work model was not without its challenges. As a CEO, managing a distributed team meant navigating different time zones, cultural nuances, and communication styles. However, these challenges were outweighed by the benefits. Our team, diverse in its geography, brought together a wealth of perspectives and ideas, creating a melting pot of creativity and innovation. The flexibility afforded by remote work also meant that our team members could choose work environments that suited their personal preferences, leading to increased productivity and job satisfaction. The impact of this lifestyle on personal relationships was profound. The ability to be physically present with family and friends, without the constraints of a fixed office location, strengthened personal bonds. It allowed for a deeper engagement with the communities we lived in, enriching our understanding and appreciation of different cultures. In embracing this remote lifestyle, we also adopted a philosophy of continuous learning and adaptation. The digital landscape is everchanging, and staying ahead meant being agile and receptive to new trends and technologies. This philosophy extended beyond our professional lives; it became a way of living, continuously exploring, and embracing new experiences.
The journey towards harmonizing professional and personal life is ongoing. It is a journey marked by a series of choices - choices that define not just the success of our business but the quality of our lives. It's a journey that challenges the traditional notions of work-life balance, suggesting instead a work-life integration, where work and personal life coexist, each enriching the other. In conclusion, our journey has been more than just building a successful business; it has been about creating a lifestyle that celebrates freedom, creativity, and personal growth. The harmony we seek is not a destination but a way of living, constantly evolving and adapting. As we continue to navigate the challenges and joys of a CEO life with a remote twist, we remain committed to the belief that true success lies in finding joy and fulfillment in both our professional and personal lives. The remote work model has not just been a business strategy; it has been a catalyst for personal transformation. It has taught us the importance of flexibility, resilience, and open-mindedness. These qualities have not only shaped our approach to business but have also influenced how we engage with the world around us .One of the most significant learnings from this journey has been the realization that geographical boundaries are often self-imposed limitations. By embracing a remote lifestyle, we have been able to tap into a global pool of talent, ideas, and opportunities. This approach has not only enriched our business but has also provided us with a deeper understanding and appreciation of global cultures and practices. Moreover, our journey has highlighted the significance of technology in facilitating this new way of working. The advancements in digital communication tools and collaboration platforms have been pivotal in making remote work a viable and efficient option.
They have allowed us to maintain a cohesive team dynamic, foster open communication, and collaborate effectively despite the physical distances. Environmental sustainability has also been an important consideration in our remote work model. By reducing the need for daily commuting and office infrastructure, we have been able to minimize our carbon footprint, contributing to a more sustainable future. This commitment to sustainability extends beyond our work practices; it is embedded in our personal lives, influencing our choices and behaviors. As we look to the future, we are excited about the possibilities that this remote lifestyle holds. We are committed to continuously exploring new ways to blend our professional and personal lives, ensuring that we remain agile and responsive to the changing dynamics of the business world and our personal needs In essence, the journey of "Harmony Beyond Borders" is a testament to the power of choice, adaptability, and innovation. It is a narrative that challenges conventional norms and encourages others to rethink their approach to work and life. It is a story of how breaking free from traditional constraints can lead to a more fulfilling and enriched life, both professionally and personally. In a world where the lines between work and life are increasingly blurred, our experience offers a perspective on how to navigate these complexities with grace and purpose. It is a reminder that in the pursuit of success, one does not have to sacrifice personal happiness and well-being. Instead, with the right mindset and approach, it is possible to create a life that is both professionally rewarding and personally fulfilling.
MAGAZINE 2024
THANK YOU FOR READING
EDITOR IN CHIEF SEJAL AGGARWAL
@MILLESIMAL_OFFICIAL