The universe in all its wisdom, takes us on a journey that to us seems somewhat random, punctuated with highs and lows. Just when we think we have it all figured out, then comes an unexpected twist.

My friend and former colleague Ryan Hopkins has had his fair share of these twists and turns that have played havoc with his wellbeing. Horrific injury, work redundancies, Bulimia, depression and loss of a dear one. You can read all about them in his new Amazon bestselling book "52 Weeks of Wellbeing" (I'll drop a link in the comments so you can get your copy).

It is this journey that has fueled his passion to see more people experience well-being as a right, not a privilege.

In the introduction to the book, he makes the point that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to wellbeing, things that are happening out there affect us differently.

While there are environments that are more conducive to well-being, we can all take responsibility for the things within our control to enhance well-being.

This series will explore key themes in the book aimed at helping you develop a personalised well-being regime based on doing small things consistently over time that move the needle significantly.

As you will discover when you read the book, it involves visits to the loo. As Ryan put it, you can "flush and flourish".

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The throne room

By Frank Bolaji Irawo

I visit the room

It summons me repeatedly

I sit on the throne

Sometimes as much as 8 times a day

To pay my dues, a penny or two

The place of release

My mind is at peace

I take a breath or two

Here is my chance

To do what's good for me

Wellbeing hack that I need

Here is the deal

Mind, body and soul

Wellbeing made right

Little by little

Like the tortoise over the hare

Slow and steady beats boom and bust

Now I'm no longer forlorn

As I flush and flourish

Every time I'm called

To the throne room

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I am doing stretches the first time I visit the loo in the morning. What small thing can you do when you use the loo that can enhance your well-being?

Order the book - https://www.amazon.co.uk/52-Weeks-Wellbeing-No-Nonsense-Fulfilling-ebook/dp/B0CLKYRZG6

(if you are outside the UK, search for B0CLKYRZG6 on your local Amazon site)

Engaging a billion people from the toilet | Ryan Hopkins | TEDxShoreditch - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQPoK7Y1vxE

Like Ryan's experience, I had never given much thought to walking in nature until the pandemic hit.

I guess we don't pay much attention to the opportunities around us till our access to them is restricted.

I started mindful walking because a friend of mind assured me it would help keep me centred and calm.

Paying attention to the wonder of creation and reflecting on the beauty I had taken for granted gave me a new lens on life. Noticing so much I had taken for granted.

Take a trip outside and reacquaint yourself with other manifestations of nature.

Here is what came up for me when I met this tree.

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The Tree

By Frank Bolaji Irawo

I have been past a thousand times

This time I stopped

To pay it mind

There it was like a stranger found

I know by now its name was 'Tree'

This tree was a family

With roots, branches and leaves

None were playing the same tune

Every part is on its own journey

Fed from Mother Earth

To which some had already returned

So much it had lost and shed no tears

You would be forgiven for thinking it dead

Its bark looking dry and dishevelled

But it was all a clever illusion

Hiding emergence new of life

Hi Tree, happy to meet you in amazing wonder

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What might you meet when next you are outside mindfully?

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