After the wild winter weather we’ve been having (50’s and rain, then 30’s and snow, then 20 and sunny and all over again) I’ve caught a cold. Or it caught me. Sore throat, sniffles, sinus headache, aches, yucks. And, of course, on my days off from my other job. Doctor’s advice is get more rest. Sure. He doesn’t live in my world. So I tried some of my own medicine. Rather, Inggrie’s medicine. I sell it at the winery. TehKu’s My Cold Reliever. It did help. I feel much better after two days of the herbal tea. Others have tried it, too, and feel that it does help. Yes, I got more rest. But, the course of illness seems to be shorter and of less severity than I normally get when I get a winter cold. My Cold Reliever. Two thumbs up.
Tea and Reflection – A New Year’s Beginning
Gone is the old year and here is the new. This is the time when people “wipe the slate clean” and vow to make a fresh start. It’s time to set aside last year’s challenges and reflect on the year to come. What are you hopes and dreams and goals? It’s time to find your resolutions and make them happen. A reflection tea combines moments of solitude and new beginnings with focused new resolutions.
Here’s How to Host Your Own:
Locate a quiet place in your home. This could be a spot near a fireplace, a corner chair in your bedroom or even your bathtub. The key is finding a place you will be alone for at least an hour. Make sure your spot is free from distractions. Shut off that phone and hang a do not disturb sign on the door. If you have children arrange play dates so that they are out of the house. It’s time to focus on you and your resolutions.
What You Will Need:
Candles and Matches
Journal and Pen
A pot of your favorite tea (brewed and ready)
Your favorite teacup
A plate of your favorite cookies or tea treats
(bubble bath if you choose to relax in the tub!)
Classical or instrumental music to set the mood
Reflection/Focus Book: Consider using one of the following
Your Best Year Yet! 10 Questions For Making The Next 12 Months Your Most Successful Ever by Jinny S. Ditzler
The Best Year Of Your Life: Dream It, Plan It, Live It by Debbie Ford
This Year I Will: How To Finally Change A Habit, Keep A Resolution or Make A Dream Come True by M. J. Ryan
What To Do:
Put on the background music, open your journal and pour yourself a cup of tea. If your mind is buzzing start by making a “dump list.” Rapidly write a list of every topic or thought that comes to your mind. It will be crazy and random.
New Year’s Resolution – Lose Weight
Shop for Batteries
Make dinner
Read article
Enroll in school
Finish making tomorrow’s cupcakes
Sew a button
Finish work project
Get gas
Write until you come to the end of your crazy thoughts. Suddenly you will feel focused and at rest. Sip your tea. Ponder the taste of the tea. Ponder the refreshment you feel. Now you are ready to reflect on your fresh new year. This is the birth of a resolution.
Using the book of your choice read a chapter or two and follow the instructions. Get your mind in the game. Journal your accomplishments for the past year, even if you don’t feel you have any. You will be surprised at how many amazing things you really got done in the midst of chaos.
The most important key to this time is reflection and action. Take time for yourself and refresh your focus. The best resolution is designed when your mind is clear and your heart is focused. Now is the best time to plan.
Tea at the Unicorn Wine Guild 