“I don’t say no because I am so busy. I say no because I don’t want to be so busy.”
About Agni Skafidas
How to be mindful in the present
For the 16th time, the Emirates Literature Festival took place again last week. What a great event it was this year! Filled with exciting and insightful presentations from John Torode, Julie Lewis to Michel Bussi, workshops and masterclasses and plenty of activities for kids, it was such a wonderful way of spending some time in an almost different world, the literary world.
One of my absolute favourites is Ian Rankin, the Scottish crime writer who created Inspector Rebus. While having heard Rankin speak before, this time was very special to me. He captured my attention for his entire presentation. Listening to his stories was so amazing that I forgot the exhaustion from my overnight flight and I was truly in the present. I was mindful!
National procrastination week – I procrastinated…
Isn’t it ironic to write about national procrastination week a week after it took place? It amuses me as, like most of us, I can also procrastinate certain tasks and am actually quite good at that at times. Even now, I’m procrastinating. Being home alone, I can watch “The Peanuts Movie”. Yes, I hear you. I should either watch the film or write the post. Focusing on one thing is quicker than working on 2 activities at the same time. Sometime, I too have to revert to doing two things at once. And so procrastination starts.
Why do we procrastinate?
Saturday quote
“Life can only be fulfilling when we see the material world in a spiritual light.” (Andreas Moritz)
Visiting new parents – Give them some peace of mind
A number of my friends and neighbours welcomed a tiny bundle of joy into their life. The cute little boys and girls are growing by the minute and with them, their parents are adjusting to their new responsibilities. Despite having seen many kids grow up over the years, one question which always seems to be on my mind is “What do you the parents when visiting their baby for the first time?”
Speaking with other new parents, I’ve started collecting some of their biggest challenges and how any visitor can help the new parent. Here are my top tips for you to give parents some peace of mind:
Japan, KonMari and sparking joy
I’m super excited to write this post in Tokyo, Japan. A project is taking me to this fantastic country and what a great way it is to learn more about organising in small spaces. For us in the Middle East, space is often not an issue. Villas and apartments are substantially larger than in Europe or even in Japan, where the average apartment is a mere 59.7 sqm (642.6 sq ft).
It’s not surprising that the Japanese have taken residential organising to a whole new level.
Saturday quote
“You’ve always had the power, my dear, you just had to learn it for yourself.” (Glinda – Wizard of Oz)
The No Spending Month – Update
February was my no spending month. While I had built in some provisions, it was a totally new journey and I’m glad I ventured out for 29 days! The results were rather surprising, despite not knowing what to expect from and for myself even. Here’s what happened:
How to have an organised home office
Keeping the home office organised is a very common struggle for many of my readers. One of my clients and I spent a very productive decluttering session, purging, sorting and organising her papers and files. It was so rewarding seeing her achieve peace of mind by knowing where everything is now stored and according to her preferences.
I want to help you to be as productive as you can be in your home office and compiled some top tips for you:
Saturday quote
“Life is short. Focus on what matters and let go of what doesn’t.”