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What does Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche, Thomas Mann, Victor Hugo and I have in common? Honestly speaking not much, they are well-known people and are all dead since long. However, we have all four enjoyed the healing thermal water in Bad Ragaz, Switzerland.  The thermal bath in Bad Ragaz has a history dating back to 1242, when hunters discovered a warm spring in the Tamina gorge. According to tradition, the monks of a nearby Benedictine monastery soon recognized the healing effects of the water, which has a low mineral content and a temperature of 36.5°C. The first spa guests were lowered into the gorge on ropes, to enjoy the warm water. Already in 1840, some clever, business-minded persons built a four kilometer long pipeline to bring the water to Bad Ragaz, to make it more accessible. This was the starting point of Bad Ragaz gaining a worldwide reputation as a bathing and spa resort, thus attracting Europe's celebrities. They all wanted to benefit from the thermal water, which is said to have a range of positive effects on the human body, such as boosting the metabolism, circulation and improving cardiac function. Thermal bath year 2019 Today, there are several pools with different temperatures, jacuzzi, massage jets and an outdoor section: all to maximize the well-being. The bathing is done in a Swiss orderly fashion with discrete, flashing arrows making sure you do not stay too long by one of the massage jets, but move on to the next one. The whole place has a calming, soothing ambience and people only speak in low voices. I left feeling relaxed and recharged. The medical effects for me are yet to be seen, but I do hope the thermal water gave me a much-needed health boost. Nevertheless, it was a very pleasant and relaxing experience, and I got to spend it with a dear friend of mine. Thank you Katharina! 
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 If you look at lists of what people are most afraid of, public speaking is almost always among top 5. It is common to feel uncomfortable and getting very nervous when all lights are on you and you are at the center of attention. The good thing is, facing this fear and doing it anyway, together with learning some basics of how to speak in public, are often enough to overcome at least some of the public speaking fear. And of course, the more speeches and presentations you hold, the more confident you get. Over the cause of my working career I have held hundreds of presentations and speeches. Some good, a few brilliant and definitely some boring and bad. However, I enjoy public speaking and find it most of the time rewarding and fun. For me it all starts with: who is the audience? Based on the audience I try to tailor a message to get the desired outcome. It is two completely different things to speak about robotics in front of a high school class or delivering a robotics sales pitch in a customer meeting. It is also important to take every presentation seriously, be well prepared and to have rehearsed several times. I am almost always a bit nervous, and it is not only negative as I feel it makes me more focused. Inspirational speaker Last week, I was invited as inspirational speaker at an event in Sweden. I felt honored and privileged to get the chance to talk about the importance of "here and now", joy and appreciation of life! It was also a good opportunity to increase awareness about ovarian cancer and of course to promote my foundation. I hope to get more such chances and who knows maybe this is my next career!?   On June 2nd 2018, I wrote my first ever blogpost. When I look back and compare it with what I have written lately, I can see that my writing certainly has evolved. The texts are longer, more colorful and I hope more interesting to read. They have also definitely become much more personal, as I share my thoughts, feelings and what I am experiencing more openly. My Good Life Formula Today's blogpost is my 52nd and so far my posts have been a mix of personal reflections and stories about completing actions on My Survival List. As I have written earlier, it is definitely not a competition and ticking off actions is not the main point. More importantly, the list gives me a direction and a future orientation. In my situation a future outlook is essential, as it demonstrates hope and a belief in a tomorrow. However, tomorrow is tomorrow, what we have and are certain of is now. Hence, full focus on the presence, here and now, enjoying and cherishing the moment. I am alive, life is great, let's enjoy! Last but not least, healthy egoism, which starts with self-awareness and with a recognition of one’s needs and values. Healthy egoism is not the self-centric, boasting egoism, but a self-reflecting version, where I listen to me, my wishes and desires. I decide where I want to spend my time and with whom, because that makes me happy, and gives my life meaning and purpose. To summarize: Future outlook + "here and now" + healthy egoism = Good life It works for me, does it work for you?  |
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AuthorHi, my name is Lena and I am a cancer survivor. I hope you enjoy reading my blog posts. If you want to subscribe, click on Contact. Archives
November 2019
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