The concept of time is a relative one, as physicists will tell you. We all know how long and complicated a dream can often seem: yet, in our own waking timeframe it is no more than minutes of deep REM sleep. As people age they say that the years seem to go faster, and that is based on the fact that they actually do, in relative terms; one year as a proportion of our lifetime is a smaller proportion than it is in relation to a younger person. Put more simply, a child of 4 would be experiencing a quarter of their respective lifetime within a year; whereas an adult of 40 would be experiencing a 40th which would not seem as long to them. So, as we age the years are melting away faster and faster as far as our perceptions are concerned. This time of year is one of reflection for most people as they recognise this and think about whether life is rolling out as planned. For others no plans are made and life just happens, and before they know it, the opportunities become fewer and potential remains unrealised.
I am one of those who becomes particularly retrospective in the build up to the New Year. I love my life more as each year passes, and I want to continue to make the very most of the experiences I encounter. I believe that there is a silver lining in every occurrence, no matter how hard that may be to find initially. I also believe that without mistakes and challenging times there is a limit to how much we can grow. We need to face situations that provoke growth and maturity, and decision making, in order to benefit fully from the privilege we have of our existence as homo sapiens.
Politicians and orators normally deliver their views in 3 key points, for maximum impact and recollection. I have used this approach to identify 3 key lessons I have learnt over the years, which I can remind myself of simply and regularly. They are as follows:
- Every day in life is precious and should count. Just as we don’t notice our children grow, or our parents (and ourselves) age, on a daily basis; when we look at photographs taken years previously, we can see the huge changes. These changes have arisen as a result of the cumulative effect of those occurring within singular days. So, although we cannot see daily visible changes, they are happening, and over time are significant. We can bring about altered mental and psychological changes too, not just physical ones. So it is important to grow, learn and change for the better each possible day.
- There is an adage that if you hang around with chickens you will start clucking, but if you hang around with eagles you will soar. The impact of who we associate with cannot be overstated. If we are around others who encourage our ambitions and support us, who believe in us, who know how to laugh, how to see the silver lining in everything and who are hungry to make the most of their lives, then we too will adopt the same approach and regard it as the norm. If, on the other hand we mix with people who consider the rain and wind to be ‘bad’ weather, who find fault in those things around them, who complain about their ailments and who lack energy for life, then these people will bring us down, not raise us up. Minimise contact with those who cannot see the opportunities and the amazing wonder of life, and who focus on the less positive aspects.
- It is critical to be true to yourself and to develop strong ethics and values; to think carefully what the purpose of your life could be and what you would want to have achieved by the time it is all over. My view is that life is a journey of self-development, and whilst I am passionate about business, and helping our clients to achieve their aspirations, my commercial drive and desire to achieve in a conventional sense, would never override my belief that honesty and fairness are not to be sacrificed. Treating others as you would like to be treated is essential. Trying to make people feel good and improve their view of the world usually creates a win-win situation. This is why we enjoy such strong and good relations with our clients. Our care and concern for them is genuine and personal and we take great satisfaction in helping them.
In summary, life is short and precious. Evaluate and appreciate every single day. Recognise that how you spend that day and with whom, will make you into the person you will be tomorrow.
Think about 2015 and make it a year where you finish it having achieved something you are proud of. If you take chances and risks this coming year in relation to your work life or relationships, do not just judge your success by the traditionally regarded outcomes such as financial gains or maintaining the relationships, but think also about how the experiences have helped you to develop as a person. Sometimes we have to experience getting things wrong to ultimately get it right. I don’t know where you are on this wonderful roller coaster of a ride, but we hope that, at SkinFirst, we can help you to get there with success.
If you would like to book a treatment or course of treatments for 2015 please see our treatment section http://www.skinfirst.co.uk/treatments/ or contact is on 01925 446688. If you are not from the Cheshire area please see our salon locator to find someone close to you who uses our equipment http://www.skinfirst.co.uk/buy-laser-hair-removal-machine/store-locator/.
If you are interested in purchasing an advanced IPL machine with radio frequency, a radio frequency standalone system, a body contouring machine, or a water and oxygen machine, then please also contact us on 01925 446688 or email contact@skinfirst.co.uk. We have several training courses running in January for laser and IPL and also radio frequency. We are also introducing level 4 courses soon.
Wishing all of you a wonderful time over the holidays and the very best for 2015.
The SkinFirst Team
