Shadow Footprints

I love this time of year, after Christmas and before everyone is back in the office.

Here are some of the reasons:

1. There are several statutory holidays.
2. The Christmas rush is over, and people are less stressed.
3. Boxing Day sales.
4. Many people are off work, with time to relax and catch up with friends.
5. There is still an opportunity to get hyped for New Year's Eve, especially if you're in Scotland with Hogmannay.
6. I like the opportunity to go into the office on the days between the statutory holidays; it's less frantic, and you can get things done with less interruption with many people away.
7. It's a minimal number of days to take off work if you want to get away, and visit family, friends, or just other places.
8. In NZ it's the start of summer vacations.
9. Towns are quieter, with many people on holiday.

What do you like about this time of year?
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Being an introvert is no reason for not travelling by yourself. Indeed it can make the experience even better. Shyness, of course, is a different story, and one I'm not covering here.

Travelling alone gives you room to breathe and time to enjoy the luxury of being yourself.

Read more »

If you are visiting Wellington, here's a few things to check during your stay.

Grab a coffee from one of the many great cafes. Any cafe serving a locally roasted coffee (Celcius, Caribbean. Emporio, Fuel, Havana, L'affare, Mojo, Peoples, and Supreme) is likely to make a great coffee the way we like it in Wellington. Double shot is the standard so ask for a sngle shot, or a large cup if you're not sure.

Wander along the waterfront, checking out the sculptures and the Wellington Writer's Walk.

Te Papa has many exhibitions worth planning to see. Circa Theatre is right next door if you'd rather take in a show. Take a walk by the lagoon, over the City to Sea Bridge to Civic Square and visit the City Gallery. Further around the waterfront toward the railway station is the Museum of Wellington City & Sea, celebrating Wellington's social, cultural and maritime history.

If fitness is more your thing, the Wellington waterfront is a popular running option. Early morning, or late in the day you'll see runners along here.

Cuba Street is only minutes away from Te Papa, with the Bucket Fountain and many boutique stores. You are close to Arty Bees where you are sure to find that book you have been looking for.

The entertainment district of Wellington is centred around Courtenay Place, with a busy nightlight, but please, make sure the night before the conference is a quiet night.

There is a vast choice of eateries in Wellington. Try Sweet Mother's Kitchen, Capitol, or Logan Brown. Stay for the weekend and enjoy brunch at the Maranui Surf Life Saving Club. If craft beers are of interest, then the capital is the place to come.

Wellington's iconic cable car is a great way to get up to Kelburn at the top of the Wellington Botanic Gardens. Look over the city before meandering your way down to the The Lady Norwood Rose Garden.

Weta Cave of Weta Workshop is well worth seeing. I recommend the Window into Workshop tour.

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Lifehack has a post about 8 Tips To Feel Good About Yourself Without Making Any Comparisons.

1. Develop gratitude for what you have.
2. Recognize that life isn’t fair.
3. Resolve to compete with yourself only.
4. Change what you can, accept what you can’t.
5. Develop clear goals.
6. Take an honest look at why you don’t feel good about yourself.
7. Change your behavior.
8. Focus on making others feel good.

Check out the full details on the Lifehack site.

Psychology Today has 10 Ways to Feel Better About Yourself

1. Keep going.
2. Trust yourself.
3. Be friends with life.
4. Watch your thoughts.
5. Summon the strength you have inside.
6. Learn to love yourself.
7. Don't want too much.
8. Don't get insulted.
9. Recognize that disappointment is part of life.
10. Deal with your fears.

Of the two sites, I think Lifehack offers tips that work better for me. Google, of course, provides many other sites.