To lead a balanced, enriching life we all know that we must eat well and exercise… because without optimal health and energy it becomes a daily struggle to reach our potential. But it is equally important for optimal health and happiness that we create balance in our lives… time to stop, relax and reflect. And I must admit, for me personally, this is my greatest challenge!

 It has been all too easy to push through my days without stopping to take a breath - because there is so much to do and never enough time to do it. The demands of running a business are endless… and even though I love and have great passion for what I do I’m guilty of not giving myself permission to stop, relax and reflect. And therein lies a symptom of an unbalanced, unhealthy life.

Taking Time Out

Over the next 7 weeks I’m finally giving myself permission to take some time out.  My husband, David and I, are embarking on an adventure – an
ultimate stressbuster!

Rather than the regular sightseeing holiday or escaping to an island to de-stress, we decided we needed a different kind of ‘circuit-breaker’. Not just a change from our current routine but a challenge of Body, Mind and Spirit. These opportunities are rare and one must truly want and seek out such an experience.

Mammoth Health’s Famous Xmas Festive Cake
 

For the past 12 years I have been making Mammoth’s famous Xmas Festive Cake. There is truly something very satisfying in making your own Christmas cake. There’s one on display in-store I made last night and this year I have made one to eat especially for our Customer VIP Xmas party Wednesday night.

(Don't forget our Christmas Party is on tomorrow night from 5:30-7pm - let us know if you can make it... we'd love to see you there).

We planted an orchard when we first built our house 12 years ago and it’s my favourite spot in the garden (where life is peaceful and serene and dreams & possibilities are realised). We planted apples, pears, olives, cherries, plums, apricots & blueberries – and over the years we’ve added to the collection with a quince, mulberry, avocado, peach, fig, almond, pomegranate, orange, lime, and lemon tree.

My very favourite tree however is our quince tree. Not only does it have the most beautiful blossom in spring but I love growing quinces because my Dad so looks forward to the harvest every year. He makes the most divine quince jelly you’ve ever seen or tasted!

Welcome to the first of our “Life in the Slow Lane” blog. These blogs will have a slightly different flavour to the others we send out - but will still subscribe to a vision of a more “balanced” and “healthy” life – something many of us strive for.

I decided to start sharing these blogs at least partly as a way to motivate both myself and Dave (hubby) to make some changes in our lives – and hopefully you will also be able to relate.
Like so many others we have increasingly found ourselves busier and busier with little time for anything it seems except work (and collapsing in front of the T.V. at night in an attempt to wind down before sleep and another full day ahead).