Oak + Pine Society’s Post

Our under-appreciated gems - UK NATIONAL PARKS I've been guilty in the past of travelling across the globe in search of adventure and rugged nature. It's taken me to some stunning places and provided me with some epic experiences, so I'm not knocking it. However, we have A LOT of untapped nature, hikes and scenery a stone's-throw from major UK cities which a lot of people overlook. At MERA we want to celebrate the beauty of the UK's & Ireland's national parks. That is why all of our offsite's use these hidden gems as our classroom. We tap into their natural resources, use them as a setting to rekindle those all important connections and harness their incredible restorative powers. Humans have long understood that nature is fundamental to well-being, however, many of us have lost touch with nature, at great cost to our physical, mental, and emotional health. Our off-sites are designed to enable companies to harness nature’s toolkit, spark resilience and boost productivity that will last long after the off-site is finished. Feel free to get in touch with any questions : [email protected]

A couple of months ago I had the chance to visit my dream city. NYC! Thanks to Nora Ephron rom-coms and Meg Cabot books consumed while growing up - I had romanticized it to be a place where dreams came true, magic was all around and anything was possible. I was nervous to be there. What if accidentally blocked people on the sidewalk while taking too many pictures? What if I couldn’t figure out the subway system? (spoiler: I couldn't) What if the city I had built up in my imagination didn't live up to my expectations? And then just around the corner, I spotted something that made me pause. A quote that said: “You can think positive just as well as you can think negative.” When I was younger, I prided myself on being able to anticipate worst-case scenarios as a kind of defense mechanism. My reasoning was, if any of them ever came true at least I wouldn’t be caught unaware! It was much later that I learnt our bias for negativity was an evolutionary necessity - we developed it to look out for dangers and potential threats in order to survive, and passed it to future generations. To think positively or expansively on the other hand, doesn't come as naturally to us. To train our minds to imagine beyond rationale is an act of resistance to live a richer life. Seeing this quote at that very moment helped me zoom out of my state of worry. I was in the greatest city in the world! I looked around and noticed how the city accepted and embraced everyone. People were always on the move, but kind enough to help a tourist with directions or cafe recommendations. The towering skyscrapers that seemed oh so important and intimidating initially, were enveloped in a blanket of warm golden-hour light. I was in love all over again. The universe has a funny way of taking you by surprise. Or maybe it was just New York. :) #newyork #travel #perspective

Thanks for sharing this great article Roland!

Here are a few reasons why you should explore more your own city... 1. You’ll get new eyes- it will push you to take roads and corners you’ve never taken before. Getting lost in streets you’ve never been to and seeing new and beautiful things you never realised were there make you see your city in a new light. 2. You’ll learn about your city's history and heritage- by exploring your own city's history, you will get a better understanding of its heritage and be able to bring this with you while travelling abroad and share it with the people you meet. 3. Meet new people- you have to engage in a conversation with a complete stranger somewhere while exploring your own city. You’ll be surprised by how interesting some conversations can be and how they can have a big impact on you! 4. You’ll feel refreshed- exploring your own city can be very refreshing since you will see new things and get a completely different perspective about the place you live. You just need to remind yourself that you can find beautiful things right where you are. #edinburgh #scotland #glasgow #visitscotland #uk #edinburghlife #Edinburghcity #edinburghscotland #RentinEdinburgh #EdinburghStays #travelphotography #VisitEdinburgh #EdinburghHotspots #Airbnb #ExploreEdinburgh #ExploreScotland #PropertyInvestment #ShortLetManagment #PropertiesinEdinburgh #TravelTips #ShortStayinEdinburgh #Touristinmyowncity

As the managing director of Crown Relocations #SouthAfrica, a leading force in #international #relocation, Ian Pettey has witnessed firsthand the #challenges and triumphs that come with #moving #families across #borders. International relocations represent not just a change in #geography but a profound shift in #culture, #lifestyle and #identity. 

Relocating in the summer is a fantastic idea, and Belfast is the perfect city to make your new home! Here are a few reasons why summer is the ideal time to make your move: 📌Optimal Weather: Enjoy the pleasant summer weather while moving and settling into your new home. The warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours make the moving process smoother and more enjoyable. 📌School Holidays: If you have children, relocating during the summer holidays allows them to start the new school year fresh and ready. It also gives them time to adjust to their new surroundings and make new friends before the school term begins. 📌Vibrant City Life: Belfast truly comes alive in the summer with numerous festivals, outdoor events, and cultural activities. From the Belfast Mela and Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival to relaxing strolls in the Botanic Gardens, there’s always something exciting happening. 📌Outdoor Exploration: Take advantage of the summer season to explore Belfast’s beautiful parks, scenic coastal paths, and historic landmarks. The city’s outdoor spaces are perfect for family picnics, cycling, and weekend adventures. 📌Smooth Transition: Moving in the summer means less disruption to your daily routine. Many businesses have quieter periods during the summer months, allowing for a smoother transition into your new home and community. Ready to make the move? Let’s get started on your summer relocation journey in Belfast! #SummerRelocation #BelfastLiving #PropertyIsPersonal #MovingHouse #RelocateToBelfast #BelvoirBelfast #Belvoir #PropertyExperts #PropertyUK #UKInsights

🌟 The Real Treasure: Embracing Our Role as Temporary Visitors 🌟 Ever feel trapped in the relentless pursuit of material possessions and status? It’s a common struggle. Many of us chase after more—more money, more stuff, more recognition. But what if we viewed our lives through a different lens? Here’s a story and perspective shift that might resonate deeply: The Legacy of the Old House 🏡: Imagine a grand old house, passed down through generations. The current family argues over its upkeep, inheritance, and renovations. Yet, the house itself remains unchanged. It’s the people who come and go, leaving their mark. This house symbolizes our time on Earth—a temporary caretaker’s role. The Fleeting Moments ⏳: Reflect on your own life. How often are you caught up in disputes over possessions, status, or who gets what? Imagine embracing the notion that we are all merely temporary caretakers of our time and resources. The Power of Perspective 🔍: By understanding that we’re not here forever, we can shift our focus to what truly matters—relationships, kindness, and respect. Imagine a world where empathy takes precedence over greed and collaboration replaces competition over material gains. Our Responsibilities 🌱: As temporary visitors, we have a profound responsibility to: Protect Nature 🌳: Sustain natural resources and preserve ecosystems for future generations. Foster Humanity ❤️: Show empathy and kindness to one another, creating a supportive and inclusive society. Respect the Earth 🌍: Practice environmental stewardship, minimizing our ecological footprint, and advocating for sustainable practices. Let’s embrace the idea that we’re visitors here. Our true legacy isn’t in what we own, but in how we care for each other and the world around us. Let’s be caretakers who foster joy, respect, and kindness. Together, let’s make our time here truly meaningful. 🌍✨ #PerspectiveShift #Empathy #Respect #Materialism #Stewardship #Legacy #ConflictResolution #EnvironmentalResponsibility

Moving to a new city can be rewarding, however it can be challenging settling in after your move. Here are some tips to help you adapt to your new city in the most seamless way possible. ➡️ Explore Getting to know your new environment allows you to get familiar with where you live. The sooner it stops being foreign and strange, the faster it will feel like a place you belong. Start by exploring your immediate neighborhood and move outwards from there, finding nature paths, shopping centers, parks, and more. Keep reading: https://bit.ly/3X3HYAK

Unlock the freedom to live life on your own terms. Senior living isn't just about convenience – it's about embracing a vibrant lifestyle filled with endless opportunities for growth, connection, and fulfillment. Say yes to a community where every day brings new adventures, where your well-being is prioritized, and where you can thrive in an environment tailored to your unique needs and desires. Don't just imagine it – experience the extraordinary possibilities of senior living today

Thinking about moving? Make sure your move is a well-informed one! Dive into researching local schools, nearby amenities, and commute times to ensure your new home meets all your needs. The perfect neighborhood is out there waiting for you—take the time to find it and make your next chapter the best one yet.