Things that Inspired Me in January: Books, Music & People

‘Morning Affirmations’ & ‘Sleep Rituals’ by Jennifer Williamson

Jennifer runs a fantastic blog, “Aim Happy”, that I’ve been following for awhile. Her articles are fresh, insightful, and authentic. I purchased her first book, ‘Sleep Affirmations’, a few months back and loved it. It’s not so much a book to read from cover to cover, but one you keep by your bedside for a daily dose of mindfulness. A bit of a mental and emotional nightcap, if you will.

So when she approached me to ask if I would like to receive her latest books, ‘Morning Affirmations’ and ‘Sleep Rituals’, I said a definitive ‘yes’! Jennifer has a special gift with using words as a form of inspiration and encouragement. Her way is gentle, exploratory and truthful all at once. These affirmations have been helpful in reducing my anxiety or stress, as they guide my mind to a better state.

Buy ‘Morning Affirmations’ Buy ‘Sleep Rituals’

Great Minds Don’t Think Alike

There have been many creative geniuses over the centuries, yet their methods and paths to success can be rather polar. I always find contrasts and comparisons like these interesting, and this book explores the many ways of thinking in brief. From Coco Chanel to Leonardo Da Vinci, Nick Cave to Björk, you’re sure to find something intriguing or relatable to here!

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Singapore Spoonie Meetup

Sherry runs a Facebook support group for people with autoimmune diseases in Singapore, and does a lot of volunteering work in her free time. She also pushes for better healthcare policies from the government, in a bid for a better quality of life for us all. Considering that she lives with chronic illness herself, this is pretty admirable to say the least!

She recently opened her home to those of us in the FB group, for a simple and relaxed gathering. Whilst I’ve never been one to attend support groups of any sort, I thought I’d attend this one as Sherry is a lovely person. I also wanted to challenge my own perspectives and meet other local spoonies.

There were only seven of us, but it was enough of an interesting mix! Personalities and backgrounds aside, each of us had different autoimmune disorders, which amounted to 10 – 20 in total. It was interesting to be in a room where the ratio of sick people outweighed the healthy :p Thanks for organising this meetup, Sherry!

Electric Toothbrush

Recently I didn’t have my charger with me, and learned just how much I missed using my electric toothbrush! I used to mock my boyfriend for needing help to brush his own teeth, until he bought me one. Once you go electric, you never go back – it’s true.

Since then, I’ve tried two different ones. I prefer the shape of my previous toothbrush which had a flat head. My current one juts out, which requires that I open my mouth wider while brushing. This can be painful when the joints in my face or jaws are inflammed.

I much prefer the bristles and circular motion of my current toothbrush however, as it does a more thorough cleaning job. In fact, my dentist recently asked what toothbrush I was using, and said that it was doing a good job reaching all the right areas.

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Crabtree & Evelyn Rose Ultra-Moisturising Hand Therapy

This was a gift, and yes I don’t mind receiving hand creams, lotions and potions! In fact I think it’s pretty fun to try new stuff out, especially when they come in floral or musky scents 🙂 This hand lotion smells divine; I rub it all over my hands, then cup them to my nose and inhale deeply before bed. Scents influence my mood and psych, and doing this little ritual helps me to relax.

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