Fika My Coffee

 Fika is a twice-daily social coffee break. A cherished custom of the Swedes. It can be enjoyed alone, in pairs or in groups, indoors or out. It is a time to rest, slow down and appreciate life's small joys. We should all observe such a custom.

 As a tike I remember enjoying the aroma of dark robust Chinese coffee and enjoying the taste of it with plenty condensed milk accompanied by goreng pisang (deep fried bananas), or/and deep fried tapioca, or/and steamed goodies, or/and a very spicy rojak (vegetable salad).

 Begin the day with a cuppa and end it after dinner with a cuppa, that's me and sometimes I have a cuppa in between too. For me and my kind there is good news.

 Caffeine has a positive effect on memory, normalizes the brain function and prevents it from degeneration. It improves energy, alertness and the ability to complete complex tasks. Because the coffee bean contains heaps of antioxidants cells are protected from free radicals helping prevent disease. And to top it off it enhances ones sense of well being and happiness.

 For a good cuppa try the French Press, it is an energy efficient brewing system that retains more flavor and essential oils lost to filters in a percolator.
   
 Be warned - Coffee can cause calcium loss leading to osteoporosis. Because it dehydrates wrinkles are a reality. And the fluctuations in the blood sugar can contribute to weight gain.


 

 

R.I.P. And L.I.P.

 Being aware of death begets perspective. The awareness that our days are limited helps us live fearlessly and intentionally.

 When we live like there's no tomorrow we tend to stay in unhappy relationships, dead end jobs and have unfulfilled dreams and plans. We forget to tell our feelings to loved ones. We hide from criticism and judgement.

 Sadness over not being the most famous, thinnest, prettiest, having status or undelivered revenge is a trait of the one who lives forever.

 Many people including the ancient Greeks and Buddhists practice death every day, reminding them to live more boldly and kindly.

 If you don't live your dream someone else is going to hire you to help them live theirs'. Have the courage to live a life true to you, be your authentic flawed self. Don't work too hard, stop and smell the roses. Speak your mind (tactfully) and be open and honest. Don't regret not having made the time and effort that your family and friends deserve by staying in touch. Don't get stuck in a rut and pretend to be content, familiarity can be too comforting. 

 Do something today and every day in honour of your true self and don't hold back.

Rest In Peace
Live In Peace

Dopa Cocoa

 Falling in love, listening to music, even exercise are some triggers that release dopamine that gives us a feel-good calm.

 But chocolate, oh my chocolate not only triggers the release of dopamine but has an intense and long lasting effect on our bodies. Helping boost mood and ease depression by relaxing mentally and physically. Giving us a sense of well being.

 Although cacao has never been proven an aphrodisiac, it has had this reputation throughout history.

 Go on, have that chocolate. But remember to consume chocolate with a high cacao content to reap all its healthy benefits.

 Death by Chocolate

Mind Over Matter

 Our thoughts and emotions exert biological and physical changes, wielding incredible power over our health. Positive thoughts and attitudes strengthen our immune system and boost positive emotions relieving stress. Studies have shown that optimism, and happiness are some of the positive attributes associated with a lower risk of hear disease, lower levels of inflammation and stronger antiviral and antibody responses. By distracting our mind away from pain stimuli we are even able to drastically reduce our pain.

 Our happiness is not dictated by circumstance alone.

 To be happy choose to accept your unique flawed self, take a positive approach in everything you do and think, connect with other people and be a part of something bigger by doing things for them, stop and smell the roses, exercise mind - learn new things, and body - eat well and exercise, and set goals.

 Do one thing at a time.

Hero, Anuradha Koirala

 Born on April 14, 1949. She is a social activist and founder of Maiti Nepal. She taught English for twenty years. And was inspired by Mother Teresa towards the betterment of humankind.

 In 1993 she founded Maiti Nepal with the aim to provide services to children and women trafficked within Nepal for sexual exploitation. To date, Maiti Nepal has three prevention homes, nine transit homes, two hospices and a high school. Conducting a wide range of activities such as awareness campaigns, community sensitization, rescue operations, apprehending traffickers, providing legal support to the needy, women empowerment programmes, providing anti viral therapy to the HIV positive.  Everyday more than one thousand children receive aid. She has liberated twelve thousand girls from brothels.

 She has been awarded thirty national and international prizes in recognition of her courageous acts and her achievements in the cause for children's and women's rights. She was also appointed as a state minister in honor of her contributions.