Work-Life Balance

Start a Virtual Book Club

by 1deas · Jul 19, 2020

If you love books, why not start a ‘virtual’ book club.

It’s very easy.

Here’s how.

But first…

Why Would I Want to Start a Book Club?

Because you…

Love reading books.
Want to discover great recommended books.
Want to chat with other like-minded people.

And a multitude of other reasons!

But a Book Club Will Take Too Much Time!

Good news! A ‘virtual’ book club won’t do that.

Whenever they think about a book club, many people think about going out to meet up with people.

Another evening taken up. And a babysitter to arrange.

But nowadays, that isn’t a problem.

Because we can enjoy a book club online.

On a Zoom or Jitsi video call.

Won’t all the Book Club Members Be Strangers?

You could start your own brand new book club by inviting just friends.

The Easy Way to Start Your Online Book Club

Create a Facebook Group.

Then, invite everyone that you think will enjoy your book club to join it.

If you know everyone in the Facebook Group, you might even decide to create a WhatsApp group too.

Invite your book-loving friends to your book club

Decide on a good book (not too lengthy for your first meeting) and tell everyone in the group what it is.

Arrange a Zoom or Jitsi meeting.

Then enjoy your first Book Club virtual meetup, chatting about the book…

With absolutely no going out!

And no need for a babysitter!

Who is a Virtual Book Club Best For?

It’s perfect for any age, any niche, any social group.

And it’s so easy to do!

Book Club over the Internet – perfect for any age, niche or social group

So who will you invite first…?

Learn a New Word or Two

by 1deas · Aug 14, 2019

Ever wanted to express yourself more clearly?

Why not expand your vocabulary.

You could learn a new word every day.

Yes, I know. You might not remember all 365 words during a year.

But you’ll probably remember some of them.

In fact, some of them might be better forgotten.

For example… when did you last use the word ‘antidisestablishmentarianism’ in conversation?

How do I do that, then, David?

There are some great apps for Android and Apple.

There are some great apps to help you learn new words

Choose one, and start to increase your vocabulary.

And the next time we meet, share some of them with me in conversation.

But you’re not allowed to use ‘antidisestablishmentarianism’!

One More Benefit

Think of your future Scrabble scores!

Hang Around With Wise People

by 1deas · Aug 1, 2019

I like to hang around with wise people.

Why?

Because you never know what sort of wisdom you’ll pick up from them.

You never know how wise people can help you

As I write this article, I’m reading a book called ‘Wisdom Wins!’ by Stephen Matthew.

Maybe that’s influenced this topic. But whatever, it’s a fascinating book about a fascinating topic.

Enjoying the book, 'Wisdom Wins!' — Enjoying the book, ‘Wisdom Wins!’

If only I was around in the days of King Solomon, reputed to be the wisest man who ever lived.

Anyway, I picked a few of King Solomon’s proverbs and made a video from them.

Yes, I know Solomon didn’t speak with a Welsh dialect, but it adds to the effect. Watch the video – it’s only 88 seconds long.

And then tell us in the comments box which wise person from history you’d like to spend an hour with in your local pub.

All that wisdom is from chapter 20 in the book of Proverbs (in the Bible) if you want to check it out.

Have an Independence Day

by 1deas · Jul 3, 2019

Everyone needs their own Independence Day.

Mine was 4th July 2016.

That’s when I handed in my notice – and announced I was taking early retirement.

What’s your Independence Day?

The day you gave up smoking?
The day you made a life-changing decision?
Day one of your world tour?

My Independence Day just happened to fall on 4th July.

It wasn’t planned that way.

But it certainly didn’t go unnoticed.

So go on…

Make a decision
Plan the party
Set off some fireworks in your garden

No need to wait until 4th July.

Be independent. Be free.

Watch a Sunrise

by 1deas · Feb 17, 2019

On a recent overnight aeroplane journey, I was unable to sleep.

Those overnight flights get me every time.

So I read a book and occasionally glanced through the window… not quite sure what I was expecting to see.

Suddenly I caught a glimpse of the sunrise.

And as we continued our journey east, slowly the orange tint on the horizon became stronger until it lit the whole sky.

And I marvelled at the sight from 50,000 feet up in the air.

You don’t need to fly in an aeroplane to appreciate the dawn.

You just need to wake up early and take a look out of your window.

Or better still, take a walk.

Marvel at the colours.

Be grateful for the new day with its new opportunities.

Spend a moment in quiet meditation or prayer.

And then continue your day with freshness and purpose.

Kick The Leaves

by 1deas · Oct 17, 2018

What a great day to go outside and have lots of fun!

How, David?

It’s Autumn here in the UK.

In fact, it’s Autumn in the northern hemisphere… unless you live in the US, of course, where it’s “Fall”.

So it’s a great time to go and kick some leaves.

Listen to the rustle beneath your feet.

Marvel at the vibrant red, brown, green and gold colours.

Smell the fresh air and the damp ground.

Feel the cooling temperature as the evenings arrive quicker, bringing a wonderful warm haze and beautiful sunsets.

Then look up and see the trees.

Take a few pictures of the red and golden leaves against the clear blue sky or fluffy white clouds.

It might be different tomorrow.

Overnight rain or wind could change the whole landscape.

Enjoy it now whilst you can. Have some fun and create incredible memories.

Go on. You have permission!

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Join a Club

by 1deas · Sep 21, 2018

Join a club.

No! I don’t mean a place you go dancing the night away!

Maybe something like a craft club, where they knit and crochet…

Good Yarn Wigan — Good Yarn meet up every Monday morning and Wednesday evening in a coffee house in Wigan

Or a speakers club, where you can do a bit of public speaking and let other speakers give you feedback.

In a walking club, you can explore the great outdoors with like-minded ramblers.

Like to sing? How about meeting up with a local choir? Or forming one?

Are you a tech geek? There are lots of clubs with enthusiastic techies.

Where Can I Find a Local Club?

There’s a good website where you can find nearby clubs and meet-ups.

It’s called Meetup.

They have an app too.

Well worth checking out.

Write a Poem

by 1deas · Aug 16, 2018

Write a poem.

Bring out your creative side.

Writing a poem — Bring out your creative side – write a poem

Then read it to entertain a few friends.

Or post it on your blog for the world to read.

You could make your poem humorous. Or serious.

Make it rhyme. Or not rhyme.

If you need a bit of help, here’s an article I wrote…

How to write a funny poem (you can also listen to it on the same page).

Coffee With Friends

by 1deas · Aug 4, 2018

An hour spent catching up with a friend is an hour well spent.

You can…

Bounce ideas off each other. Encourage your friend. Listen to their story.

The cost?

About a fiver for the two of you.

The benefits?

Priceless time with friends. So go on… Send your friend a text and arrange to meet up in your favourite coffee shop tomorrow lunchtime.

Go for a Walk

by 1deas · Oct 3, 2017

You certainly don’t need to walk across Striding Edge like this chap.

Even a short brisk walk around your street will be beneficial.

Why should you go for a walk?

There are loads of benefits!

For instance:

Happiness

Get an endorphin boost – completely naturally.

Weight loss

You’ll burn calories – and enjoy doing so.

Energy Boost

Leave your desk behind and get some fresh air. You’ll perform better afterwards.

Sunlight

The best source of vitamin D (great for your bones and the immune system).

Exercise

Tone up without a monthly gym subscription

Active Brain

They say walking even prevents dementia.

Health

It’ll lower your risk of disease, diabetes and cancer, and strengthen your heart.

Ideas

You’ll get great ideas and inspiration on a walk.

This was a rather condensed version of a great article about why walking is great for your health which you can find here