It has been used to build houses, make pottery, keep creatures cool, and is one of the oldest words in the English language. Mud. The word dates back to at least 1400 and is derived from the original term “muddle”, meaning the lowest or worst of anything. This ‘lowly’ material can also make
Did you know that the same chemicals that are released during sex and eating are released when you are engaged in a creative activity? The reward centre in your brain releases a neurotransmitter called dopamine when you do something pleasurable. Dopamine acts as a natural anti-depressant, which means getting creative can bring you
They may not put food on your table, but compliments will put joy in your heart and can be just as beneficial to your brain as a cash reward. The beauty of this psychological reward is that it gives as much to the giver as to the receiver.
I recently found myself in an embarrassing situation. I was watching a movie, The Good Little Dinosaur, with one of the Goddesses when I felt my chest tighten and my eyes start to tear up. It was a poignant part of the movie where the little dinosaur had to say goodbye to a special
Have you ever thought about what it takes to run a marathon? I hadn’t – until recently when one of my sons entered one. Brendan’s involvement made me curious and the consequent research led me to believe running a marathon is much like living a life. You have to overcome fear, train yourself
A constant theme among the grandmothers in my circle has been a feeling of contentment – a sense that their life has come full circle and is complete. There is no argument this is a wonderful feeling, but what if I told you that the contentment you’re feeling now could lead to
When you come across a cardboard box, what do you see? For many, the answer will be a box. Others will see a container in which to store things. For crafters, the answer is possibilities.
It’s not something we want for our loved ones. It’s not something we want for anyone. When people are sad, our first urge is to take their sadness away, make them happy again. When the people around us are happy they are giving out positive energy, which we benefit from. Our consciousness is
Have you ever found yourself trying so hard not to sound boastful that you highlight to others what you think your life is lacking? People often use negativity as a shield to protect themselves from the unkind judgements and jealousies of others. They sweep their happiness under the rug and hide it
Did you know Australia is considering placing traffic lights in footpaths to stop tenacious texters who don’t look up from walking into traffic? The city of Augsburg in Germany is already trialling the in-ground traffic lights along tram lines. Seems like an interesting way to spend tax dollars when schools, welfare agencies, and
