7 Severn

The Britannica Dictionary states: –

Neglected:
To fail to take care of or to give attention to (someone or something). To fail to do (something).

Isolated:
Separate from others.

Lonely:
Sad from being apart from other people.
Causing sad feelings that come from being apart from other people. Not visited by or travelled on by many people.

If this is where you are right now. Please know, there is always something that will take us out of our current state or experience. Sometimes. It is easy to overlook what and who we already have within our lives, and get ourselves into a muddle. At times, it is down to us to make the first move.

As some of you will know. I like to turn things around during discussions. Let us do that here and now – with a little word game. The initials of this week’s topic spells “NIL”. Which naturally sums up the collective feeling, that today’s topic brings.

Now turn that word – and therefore yourself around – and see that you now have “LIN” as the new word of focus. What words can you think of, that begin with those letters?

The first obvious choices I have are:-
Link, Linked, Linking. You never know what may come about through such games and where they may lead. Let’s take things a step or two further, using the three words I have suggested and a little inspiration of your own.

Take three blank sheets of paper and write one of my suggested words at the top of each sheet.

Now. Think about the people you have a link with. Have linked with. Or have/may have a potential linking with – through introduction for instance – and write their name on the respective sheet.
Next to their name, write down a word or two that represents the link you have or potentially have.
They may be long or short lists. Either way is OK.

Once you have done this, let’s take things further still where the real fun can begin and I suggest here, three ways to move things forward.

Set those lists aside for the time being.

1. Alleviate the current feeling of Neglect/Isolation/Loneliness (NIL), in the practice of 5 Things Gratitude.
What 5 things are you grateful for in your life?

The idea is to encourage a positive focus and it is highly recommended, that you practice this each day.

2. After you have done this. Practice Visualization by asking yourself, what does my ideal day look like?
In this exercise, only the very best of everything will do. So really go for it, by:
*seeing only the favourable.
*hearing only the good.
*smelling only the most aromatic scents, foods.
*touching only the finest quality.
*tasting only the most exquisite and/or succulent.

I’ll start you off. A good day for me looks like:

“I wake up feeling so relaxed and well rested. Having had the best night’s sleep ever… (continue the description of your ideal day, ending when you return to bed).

When you’re done. Read through it and visualise yourself in that moment. Keep this writing as your “someday plan”.

3. Work on that plan you’ve been putting off.
We all have plans, from the grandiose to the miniscule.
For this exercise, we’re going to Brainstorm our ideas. On a clean sheet of paper, write down the name of your project/plan in the middle of the sheet and draw a circle around it. Now put out your Broad Branches on what is required. For instance:
*People.
*Equipment/Materials.

I will stop there to allow you to continue, as it is your Project/Plan and not mine.

I would however – at this stage – encourage you to look at those three lists of people you made earlier. By their respective linkage to you. Who could/would you need to speak to in this research stage. Don’t be biased or judgemental – just highlight their name as potential avenues of approach. When you feel able, begin approaching them on your idea. For instance:
Invite them for a coffee – if you know them, stating you would like their advice and value their opinion.
If you don’t know them – then maybe a more formal approach would be best and write them a letter, requesting their advice. Whichever way you choose, please do be mindful and courteous. This will strengthen the bond between you in any potential future meetings and correspondence. Be also mindful, they may reserve the right to decline any participation in your request. If so, then remain courteous and move on.

Finally. We all go through this “NIL” stage to some extent. If this is a recurring event in your life, then a little forward planning is highly recommended and you now have a little research under your belt towards that effect.

As ever. Please do reach out for assistance, should you require it.

I will end by wishing you all a very Merry Christmas, and if Christmas isn’t your thing. Then a very Merry You! Either way, it’s all good.

Thank you for reading.

Next Week. We’re discussing: Melancholic – Depressed – Sorrowful.