Wednesday 25 February 2015

What can I sell you?

Hello. I will have a picture free post today. Not that it matters how many pictures I post, I pay Google the exorbitant fee of £4 per year which gives me way above the permitted capacity to store them.

I got a book out of the library which is one of those 'how to books', the sort you pick up and dip into when you have a few  minutes to spare. Stan the library man is swapping some of the books in the non fiction shelves, where I usually have my nose. He has taken note of my comments that I am struggling to find books which I haven't already read, among those which I have no interest in reading. Good old Stan the Van Man :o)

The book is all about how to grow a business through the internet, using Facebook, Twitter, Google, Youtube, Instagram, Pinterest, and more. The man is so good at following his own advice his book is up there with the Amazon best sellers. Clever chap, writing about how to use social media to market your business, then adopting the strategy of, 'do as I say', and reaping the rewards.

I've come to the conclusion that this is where I am falling down at the first hurdle. I don't preach the, 'do as I say', method, I am more like a 'this is what I do, you can please yourself,' sort of girl. Maybe I ought to be thinking about writing a self help book myself, incorporating all my common sense ideas and logical thinking. Several flaws with that, I can't be bothered, I don't want a job, and I don't need the money. But what I can do is peddle my wares here in a fun, tongue in cheek way, dishing out what I see as the bleedin obvious, while drawing on my many experiences at the University of Life.

If you want to take advantage of joining my 'tell it like it is' course, here is an opening offer which you might like to consider. No monetary recompense is required, it is free for the taking. The only investment you will need to make is a large deposit of your time, depending on how long you want to stay on the course. A good starting point would be to click on the 'Reflections on Life'  button on the side bar and re read the posts in this section. It will familiarize you with my style, and will give you some alternative ideas that you may not have  thought of.. If you have already read these, a quick skim over will suffice.

So, to join my course you need to invest some time. How much is entirely up to you. As with anything in life, the more time you give to something the better you get at it. Common sense really. If you want to improve your sewing and cooking skills, practice, practice, practice. If your aim is to get rid of the dead wood, you need to start pruning, so why not do it now.

Over the years I have had a lot of people saying to me, 'Ooooh, I wish I could do that'. My reply, 'You could do if you really wanted to'. This is then followed by the excuses, why they couldn't possibly do it. I say to them, don't wish your life away, don't ever wish you were someone else, or somewhere else. What I do, I do it for myself, you could do the same. You are in the here and now, life doesn't stand still, time is running out. That's common sense to me.

I am often called an inspiration, I feel quite chuffed about that, but I don't want you to read about my life then feel a bit miserable because you think you are missing out on something. That's not the aim. You don't have to be like me, you don't have to follow my example, all you have to do is take control of your own life and steer it in the direction you want to go. I really really want you to do that, will you make a start today?

If you are happy most of the time, that's great, if you are happy all of the time, that's brilliant, you are where you want to be. I suggest you keep a happy diary, note down the times when you are happy, and the times where you are not. Is it a good balance? We all have to do things we don't want to, that's life, but to repeatedly do the things we really don't want to do, that's daft. I don't repeatedly get my Dyson out, and do the dusting, because I get no pleasure from it at all, but I do get pleasure out of getting the best food bargains, it's a challenge, it's fun to try and beat the system, and to keep on top of the game.

All through my life I have been able to move on, don't like my job, get another one. don't like the boyfriend, get another one. Resistance to change can lead you up a dead end. I don't want to be in a dead end, I want a way out, and that is down to me, no one else. The only dead end I expect to be in is when I am on my death bed, hopefully by that time I will have done all I want to do, and going through the door will be a happy occasion.

Love the words of this song.



Are you with me on this? If it aint broke you don't need to fix it, but if your engine is a coughing and a spluttering and about to conk out, why not give yourself a full service. You can do it.

Thanks for reading, and best wishes.
Toodle pip

 

30 comments:

  1. Good post! My personal mantra is "living a life of elegantish frugality whilst wearing a new-to me silk shirt rather than one of hair" or put a simpler way living a life that's cheap but cheerful!
    Arilx

    ReplyDelete
  2. You are so right! I so often get people looking at my exhibited work, and saying, oh I would love to do that but I don't have the time. Well, everyone has exactly the same amount. It's about whether you have the priorities, and the will and the ability to rise above the many failures in the life of art, and all of that. I've made art even when I did seven years of 18 hour days, seven days a week, tending a totally disabled husband who could not be left. In fact it becomes even more urgent then, since you need to preserve yourself and who you are.

    So yes, it's about what you really want to do! and it's wise not to wait, since tomorrow won't be any easier than today. Wise words from you today, Ilona. Well, most days, if it comes to that!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I love this post, well said Ilona.
    I agree, you truly are inspirational, you have given me lots to think about and ponder on as I go about my day here in Texas.
    We have snow and ice this morning, so I will not be venturing outside, time to make a start on new beginnings me thinks!
    Thank you, I read your posts every day and enjoy them.
    Pam in Texas

    ReplyDelete
  4. Youare a tonic Ilona, fun, interesting, upbeat but never preachy (is that a word?). I got so tired of hearing myself moan last year, my thought for this year is Just do it, so far it seems to be making life more interesting
    Twiggy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Go for it Twiggy. Life is too short to moan.

      Delete
  5. You need not sell me...I am in complete agreement. I do enjoy reading your posts. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Brilliant advice and, of course, a brilliant song.
    xx

    ReplyDelete
  7. Wise words from a wise source:-)

    ReplyDelete
  8. I agree with Twiggy--you are a tonic, Ilona. I love reading about your life. My problem is that I have never been very industrious--hate housework--and I seem to waste a lot of time. I don't even watch TV (except Downton Abbey and Doc Martin in the years it is on).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi M. What about trying to split your day up into bite size chunks of two hours. When you have your coffee in the morning write a list. Housework two hours, garden two hours, sewing two hours, baking two hours, shopping two hours. Give each job a start and finish time. Make it one hour if two is too long. Only a suggestion if you want to be more organised. Carry on as you are if you are happy with how you spend your time at the moment.

      Delete
  9. I accidentally clicked on the message above and it posted before I was finished. I wanted to add that I have turned over (yet another) new leaf and am trying hard to accomplish something every day that I could look back on and say, "I did that." I am lucky enough to have a home office but I am embarrassed to say it is a pigsty. Over the past week, I have put everything away, caught up on the filing, and cleaned everything from the ceiling fan to the carpet, and a lot in between. Now to keep it that way--that's the hard part. I actually have pretty good storage, but it is not utilized well, so my next project is to reorganize my stuff so I will be inclined to put it away and be able to find it the next time I want it.

    I have a whole house like this, but I thought I would brag a bit about what I've just finished! (as in, this morning).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Little steps, but keep up with it. If you have too much stuff it might be easier if you gave some of it away. I can be a bit untidy at times.

      Delete
  10. I'm with you all the way Ilona:) Love the term "University of Life" how true. There are many times I laugh at myself thinking "Ilona would be proud" when I've done a particular thing which I learnt from reading your blog:) Linda x

    ReplyDelete
  11. Just a little note to say how refreshing your blog is:) It has taught me many great lessons but you have never dropped to the banalities of telling me how to fold items in my cabinet drawers :) great recipes, great crafting tips and beautiful helping hands offered for life. Blessings to you and thank you for your originality :) xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Daisy, you made me smile. The world has gone mad. If you are happy with your messy drawers like I am, then so be it :o))

      Delete
  12. People listen to you BECAUSE you are not a do as I say sort of girl. And you're great at wrapping up serious ideas in a fun way...if there is no fun in your life, it's a sign something is wrong!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree with your first point. I can't stand people lecturing me about how I should live, just because it works for them. Everybody is not the same!

      Delete
  13. Never a dull moment with your blog! I admire your attitude to life and you make me want to make the most of what I have rather than striving for things that are not important. I doubt I will be on my death bed wishing I had bought that new sofa - though I may be on my death bed wishing I had allowed more happiness into my day to day life and done more for others. Debbie

    ReplyDelete
  14. Very wise words, Ilona. You've helped me look at how I can add fun to my life even though I have responsibilities that take a good deal of my time. Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for that reminder, Barbara, there are some responsibilities that we just cannot walk away from. As you so rightly pointed out, adding bits of fun to the mix makes life that little bit more interesting.

      Delete
  15. Great post today...taking risks has always been a part of my life, maybe too often. But I'm here and have lots of experiences from those times I stepped outside the box.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Loved your post today, really good topic. I went looking for your reflections area and ended up reading most of your 2014 posts ;). Have been visiting your blog for a month or two,finally was inspired to write you. Many thanks for your writings. I also have an allergy to clothes folding instructions ;). Your site is lively, well written and make me smile on days when I need it. Thanks again from sunny Arizona.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Hilogene, what a lovely name. I wish I could say it's sunny in Scunny, but not today, looking a bit gloomy. Not to worry, I'm off out to visit a friend in an hour. Thanks for sending a comment, I love it when people say hello.

      Delete
  17. Yes, indeed, you are inspiring, smart, funny,sensible and industrious and kind and giving a truly authentic woman who seems to cope well with whatever life hands you.(I think I have said that before,tee-hee)I'm drawn to the frugal narrative ,yes, but, there's more to it.When I read your blog there is such a sense of your strength,adaptability and independence,at a time of life where many start to falter,you definitely thrive and greet life with enthusiam and spit in the eye of the system, and really don't care what people think.Also all your ideas,tips and help are at no cost except the internet connection fee,to me, which is very nice.Life is what you make of it,I think, and it really is up to ourselves to make the most of it,whatever our circumstances,and we really should never measure ourselves by another's yardstick,nor should we others with our own.I just paddle along doing the best I can for who I am and hope to meet my end at peace and with curiosity about what's coming next,no regrets.Great topic today,and if you ever do publish a book I'm sure it would be very interesting,helpful and fun to read.Thank you, bye for now, D.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Destemona, Love your comments, they are always full of energy, I feel the vibes. Enjoy your paddling.

      Delete
  18. I like the way you just go for it and dance to your own drum. You do not preach, just say it how it is. I like a bargain too and can not remember the last time that I paid full price for anything. With the exception of some staple foods that do not vary in price that is.

    ReplyDelete
  19. I love reading your posts every day - thanks :)

    ReplyDelete

Some comments will be accepted. I decide which are published.

Note: only a member of this blog may post a comment.