At long last we've made it through what felt like a never ending January, counting the pennies while trying to battle the extra Christmas pounds... But here we are, finally in Feel Good February. Hooray!

What a perfect time to relax, reflect and look after yourself. We all have our rough days, weeks or months and that's OK, it's how we cope with it that counts. Call a friend... Get your hair done... Have a massage... Attend a wellbeing class... Volunteer for a good cause... Do something that reminds you of that person you want to be and be good to yourself.

You could always pop in and join us at our Take 5 4 U sessions, each Friday in February. Each week has a different theme all based around taking a few moments away from real life stresses. Join in the activities (full programme available here), have a friendly chit chat with our team or just sit and let us make you calming brew.

Remember to Take 5 and feel good this February...

January 2020. Can you believe it?

A new year... A new decade... New beginnings...

So how are those New Year's Resolutions going? 6 days in and still going? We're very impressed if you are!

If not, never mind. We all understand, new year's resolutions are tough. So today, on the first Motivational Monday of the decade we'd like to remind you of one little thing. You don't have to wait until January 1st 2021 to get back on the bandwagon, every day is a new start and a new chance to do something great.

Don't let the past hold you back, leave the regrets and fears in 2019. Try something new, set yourself a challenge, meet new people, build bridges or simply make a point of making time for yourself. Let 2020 be all about being the best version of you that you can be!

We'll be here with you every step of the way!

Is everyone else feeling festive?

After Christmas In Abbotswood we certainly are! And what an amazing day it was too...

Some of you may have heard this little poem recently, after a special advert popped up on Facebook...

There are a few special words of thanks to be said, so on behalf of all of us in Abbotswood:

Phil, Nessa, Barbara, Kerry (Abbotswood Action Group) and Alex (Southern Brooks Community Partnerships) for your hard work throughout the year organising Christmas In Abbotswood. Thanks also go to all the volunteers who helped us out on the day.

Dodington Parish Council for your help with advertising.

Yate Town Council for funding and installing the Christmas tree.

South Gloucestershire Council, Councillors Tony Davis and Louise Harris for funding the event.

And lastly...

We estimated that 500 people joined us to celebrate this year so we wanted to thank you all for helping us keep our community Christmas spirit alive. 

No arguments. Today is a happy day! Just accept that today is a happy day.

Even in times of sadness or hardship there will be a reason to smile. Just one smile can make a lot of difference and lift your spirits, so make the effort to find the thing that makes you happy today.

It could be something amazing that has taken you surprise... Like winning the lottery!

Or it could be something that value and gives you a purpose and strength... The love of your family. Aww, nice warm fuzzy feelings.

Or it could be a teeny tiny gesture from a stranger... Holding the door for you're running for cover from a rainstorm.

We're happy because it's nearly Christmas, we love Christmas In Abbotswood. It might have been a laborious task cutting out flyers but it shows that there's not long to wait until the big community event. Hooray!

So what makes you happy today?

If you ask yourself often enough, every day could become a happy day...

It's Motivational Monday again! Yay!

For anyone who may not already know we ran a photography competition in September. We had a few comments from people saying 'I'm not as good as the other photographers' or 'I don't have the skills for that'. Well, how do you know until you try? Why should we compare ourselves to others and lessen our opportunities in the process?

​How often do you tell your friend that they're talented or beautiful? How often do you tell that same friend they stand as much chance in the world as anyone else, because we're all equal?

How often do you tell yourself the same thing?

So let's all agree to stop judging ourselves and thinking someone else is better. We all have our own paths to take and you never know where that path may lead.

Stop comparing yourself to others. If you really must compare yourself to someone, compare yourself to the person you were yesterday and aim a little higher tomorrow.

You might just be the person someone else admires... 

Here at AAG we believe in being the change you want to see, so we're introducing motivational monday. A series of mini blog posts, on the first monday of the month, starting your month with a little glimmer of inspiration...

​And we're starting with...

The occasional duvet day is well deserved, but what about when that turns into a duvet weekend... Or longer...

What promises did you make to yourself that have yet to be followed through? More quality time with friends and family? Making the jump and finding yourself a new job? Knocking a few pounds off the number on the weighing scale? Adding some pennies to the holiday fund? Now seems like a good time to tick off a few items on the personal to do list... 

Come on folks! Let's get up, get active and get inspired!

​We're with you all the way!