Love to Learn and Learn to Love

One of the many benefits of being in love is that one always remains young and excited and the best way to discover love anew each day is to keep trying something new, to learn something different and to do something you have never done before. As long as we learn we can never grow old and we would be in love, not only with another human but with life itself. Following this dictum of learning new things I constantly discover love in everyday life, be it with a person, with a thought, with life or with an activity. And my latest love is ‘rock-climbing’, which my instructor claims will keep me fresh, young, dynamic and happy for the rest of my life.

From the first moment on, as I touched the rope and looked up at the scary rock wall, I felt like a fish in an ocean. It was my natural element, this vertical world. Within this vertical arena I not only discover my true self but also find my freedom, my limitations and also the means of overcoming them. I feel like a bird soaring high above the earth and I feel incredibly happy, young and completely in love from the beginning again. When I embrace the rock it holds me like a lover and caresses my body and imagination to heightened pleasure. And as I climb higher the world below looks more and more breathtaking that we don’t realize from ground. The distant horizons leap into my view and I can only gasp and wonder; why hadn’t I taken up climbing before!

As you all know by now that I am totally an outdoor girl always looking for opportunities to explore nature and test myself and I had always suspected that there was a climber sleeping deep inside my soul. One of my favorite places that I visit often is the Samothrace Island in Northern Greece. Unlike most of our well-developed and marketed Greek islands, Samothrace regales in wild beauty, untamed waterfalls and high mountain cliffs therefore it sees barely any tourist.

Each time I visit this wilderness, I find myself inexplicably drawn to the sheer vertical rock faces and I try to scramble up the cliffs, even reaching the top of the highest summit several times. I had felt at times that my ‘free-solo’ attempts might actually cause me some grief in case of a fall or slip one day since I had no training, no experience and equipment for such rock climbing. Till one day last month I decided to join a proper climbing school in my neighborhood and obtain some real climbing skills; that’s the beginning of my new love story.

Within a week of registering at the school I found my way to the climbing wall along with my two dear friends. It was love at first sight and touch. I was jumping like a kid and couldn’t wait to put on all the equipment and go up. But the first things I learned were patience and calmness that is required to become a good climber. At the end of the first day our instructor showed us a climbing video at the world famous Meteora Rocks in Greece. When the film ended, which I had been watching breathless, our instructor informed that for our last lesson in this course we would climb in Meteora, by then we all would achieve the expertise needed for such sheer vertical walls. A cool sweat broke into my skins in anticipation and fear mixed with unknown joy. This love would be tough to please.

For the next class we head outdoors to a lovely area by a river where we find many other local climbers. We are led to the bottom of a high vertical rock face. I crane my neck up to find where it ends but I see only the blue sky. I put on my helmet and harness, with few carabiners dangling from the loops; the shoe feels tight and uncomfortable and all the paraphernalia around seem chaotic and confusing. Only after a while did things start to make some sense.

The teacher explained us the day’s climbing plan and then tied into a rope and climbs up graceful as a lizard (belayed by his assistant). He reaches the top and after securing to an anchor leans out and I hear my name sailing down. It’s my turn to follow. Even though I had been waiting for this moment right now my heart starts galloping like a mad horse. I try to look cool and walk up to the rock face, catching the eyes of the teacher atop. He beckons me to start climbing.

I hesitate a bit as initially I don’t see the nooks and holds through the rock and I am puzzled how the teacher could have climbed through with such ease and grace. He had climbed like a spider, soft and steady, barely making a whisper. He had been twisting his waist and toes like a ballerina on a wall. I wanted to climb like him.

But how did he do it? Where were all the steps he seemed to use while climbing? Did they disappear? I could see none. I took a deep breath, look up at him, fix my gaze at the big wall smack on my face and leave ground; surely and steadily without really understanding how it happened I suddenly found myself next to the instructor, secured at the anchor. I felt so proud. I patted my back while enjoying the breathtaking view around. It was like the true love’s first kiss every girl wishes for.  I was swinging up there, enjoying the view, hanging into the gaps, just by a strap. The feeling was so unique to me. I was safe yet vulnerable; I realized how fragile the balance between life and death is. My life was absolutely in the instructor’s hand, since until then; I had no clue how to get secured by myself.

In this way climbing can help us create stronger bonds between two people and as one of my climbing friend says; before you marry someone or commit into a relationship you must climb together a mountain. After the climb you can decide what you want to do.

At this point I want to emphasis that rock-climbing per-se is not dangerous. As long as you have the right equipment and training and know your limits nothing bad would happen. When done properly climbing is safer than crossing a crowded road.

When I got back home after my first outing, exhausted to my bones, I wondered why I was torturing myself in that way. My fingers were bleeding and bloated, all my carefully manicured nails were complete disaster, my entire body and limbs ached. So why was I so happy? Why couldn’t I stop thinking of this weekend’s experience? It was only then I realized that climbing came into my life only to make me a better person and reveal unknown paths, making my life more exciting.

Today, I am not a climber yet, but I intend to learn as much as I can and face whatever it takes, challenge and push my limits to learn more about my own true self, face my fears and of course rejoice life in outdoors. I truly believe that climbing will make me a better person and I would be able to excel at other fields as well. Since climbing can unlock our deepest unknown strengths. I would recommend each one of you to at least try something in the outdoors, even a hike or a walk by the sea and if you can then do clip on to a rope and go up against gravity. You would never be the same again.

I am so happy and grateful to my teachers and climbing partners for introducing me to the climbing world; a world that widens my horizons and sets my heart free.    

So my friends go out and try something new and discover the love that will make your life vivid, exciting and fun. If not climbing, I am sure that there is something else waiting for you to be discovered. You just have to go for it.

Life is wonderful and climbing helped me see it clearly.

 * Carabiners: a metal loop with a spring-loaded gate used to quickly and reversibly connect components.

Crazy Kiki’s Energy Bars

Are you looking for an easy, healthy and delicious snack? Something that will boost your energy level and mood too! In case you do, keep on reading.

Having spent most of my leisure time in outdoors, hiking, biking, running or beach combing, I realized that physical activity and fresh air increases our metabolism leading to a greater and healthier appetite. This was something my mom always said and she always kept snacks ready whenever my brother and I escaped into the outdoors as kids.

Now whenever I head off for a hike I know that after all the cardio, I will look for a place on top to rest my limbs and indulge in picnic. In fact I often hike just so I can have picnic on top of a beautiful mountain. But the question is what kind of food is appropriate for this much craved picnic?

Something that is healthy, yummy, full of energy, and compact enough to carry irrespective of the weather conditions or how long I stay outdoors!

After experimenting with different options I concluded that energy bars are the best. And not only for outdoors but these bars are also perfect as small energy bites at work or on short road trips, etc.  They are so easy to carry and super healthy. They also are a great choice for your children’s morning snack, while at school. They are perfect for so many occasions and they can keep us away from junk foods.

Since I prefer cooking at home, obtaining the raw materials from organic market in general, one day I decided to make my own bars so as to be 100% sure of its ingredients, quality and health benefits. I anyway love experimenting and trying out new things.

After several hits and misses the bar, or Kiki’s Bar if you please, became an instant hit with all my friends, so much so that we always ate up most of the bars even before reaching our picnic point. No matter how much I tried, but the bars would vanish like magic. So after trying many different recipes and requests from friends, I have now decided to share the secret recipe of Kiki’s Energy bars!

I am not a firm follower of any recipe as I like to improvise and experiment. I don’t follow any set rules but prefer to add my own twists and tempers into life as I go along. And I love getting lost as well, both in life and in cooking, only then can I make my own path rather than following a set of routes made by someone else.

I cook as if it’s a game, exciting, unknown, and impulsive where the end result can never be predicted or ordained precisely. Being creative while cooking brings in unique and undiscovered secrets that wouldn’t happen if we only follow recipes to the letter. I don’t pay much attention to the quantities, I just mix and match, sprinkle and fold as I feel, depending upon the mood and character of the moment. Therefore I urge you to lose your inhibitions and allow your imagination to take wings and trust your instincts as you follow my recipe. Modify it by all means if you feel so. Be confident and relax and the result will surely reward you.

Before you start, be sure that all the ingredients are of the best quality. Always prefer organic products. You may also take advantage of some typical local products in your area that might be suitable. For example Tahini is a local produce for me and I use it for a typical taste apart from its nutritious benefits. Even the different kind of honey gives a different result. Or even different kinds of dried fruit. Experiment with a variety of tastes and ingredients. It’s like a trip with no final destination. So, get on board and don’t fasten seatbelts!



Ingredients  

·         Oat flakes

·         Buckwheat flakes

·         Linseed

·         Almonds Brazilian nuts

·         Raisins

·         Dry berries

·         Dark chocolate plain 70% or even better 85% cocoa.

·         Tahini

·         Honey

·         Love (this is the most important…so put some more!)

 About the proportions you just have to remember one thing. The more liquid the mix will be, the softer the bars will become. Melted chocolate (when solidifies) will act as a binding glue to hold the mixture together. I normally use 1 cup of solid mixture to 1/3 cup of liquid. Stick to this golden proportion and experiment.

Though internet abounds with thousands of similar recipes with precise quantities and instructions I prefer the impulsive and ‘follow your heart’ methodology. Life without rules is freedom and it’s up to us to lead our lives in the way we feel.  Even if we do mistakes once in a while, we only learn from them and get stronger. So practice and love will bring the success.

Procedure

In a large bowl mix the oats, buckwheat and linseed. Crush some almonds and Brazilian nuts into coarse pieces and add into the oat mix.  Mix together.

Chop the dark chocolate into small pieces and put them in a bain-marie. Not in high temperature. Stir until it melts. Add honey and tahini. Stir for a minute.

 Add the chocolate-honey mixture to the dry oat mixture and mix until everything is moist and smooth. Gently stir in raisins and berries. Press the mixture into a pan (in which you will place a transparent film or butter paper) and then using the back of a measuring cup or just your fingers (I prefer the second one!) press the mixture into the pan until it is tightly packed with an even surface. Cover and place in the freezer for at least 1 hour. Cut into rectangular bars and then return to the freezer. You can wrap each bar into silver foils or butter paper for carrying outdoors.

That was all my friends. So easy, so delicious!

And remember. You can add any ingredient you feel that might match. You can add any kind of dried fruits or cereal and seeds.Or even remove any ingredient you feel so.
It’s up to your taste and mood. There is nothing right or wrong in this recipe. And even if the result doesn’t match your expectations the first time, don’t give up. Try again adding some imagination and fantasies. You are the chef and you decide how sweet or bitter will it taste or how soft or hard will it become. Eventually you will end up with a super nutritious snack that will keep you energized until dinner time!

Spring of Life

Of all the crazy childhood memories I have I often recall our weekend trips to my grandparent’s.

My entire family, including our 30 kg, hairy, collie dog, Randy, squeezed like sardines into my dad’s light blue Beatle car, and off we would go for another madcap jaunt to my parent’s home village.

My grandparents lived in the small picturesque village of Kornofolia, just half an hour drive from we lived. My brother and I watched in excitement whenever mom would start packing for our short trip to Kornofolia. Our impending explorations into the lush vagrant fields and jungles kept us on tenterhooks. Even though we needed very little my mom would overload the car responding to my dad’s nagging: you never know…we might need it. Let’s take it just in case. So we always ended up with two huge suitcases, loaded with useless things… just in case!

And to make it worse, at the back seat of the car, crushed somewhere in between me, my brother and  hairy Randy, my mom would position two big , yellow empty containers which would be filled with water.

Let me explain.

About halfway to Kornofolia village lay a bigger village; Lefkimi and it had a natural water spring, which came directly from the mountain forests of Lefkimi? I have already written about the beauty and unique fauna and flora of this forest in a previous post.

But let’s return to our story and our squeezed condition during our journey to Kornofolia. A stop at Lefkimi’s natural water spring was a must for my mom, never mind my dad’s moaning. The procedure was always the same. The spring was placed in Lefkimi’s central piazza where people could easily reach to fill their bottles or just enjoy the rejuvenating feeling of the cool gurgling water. My dad would park next to the spring and exit the Beatle as if his very life depended upon it and we would follow one after the other. Randy offloaded first, then my brother, then the first one of the yellow containers, the second one and finally I, searching desperately for some space to stretch my already sandwiched legs.

In those days I could never understand why it was so important for my mom to go to all this trouble, carrying two heavy containers filled with spring water to my grandparent’s home, since their house already had all the necessary comforts. Their tap water was not only fine to drink from but also had great fresh taste, even better than our own home. And their tap would never run out of water; so what was the reason? I didn’t understand.

It is only after I grew up did I realize mom’s wisdom, which she was trying to pass on to us that would lead to a healthier lifestyle. Now I know and I feel immensely grateful for the knowledge I gained and in retrospect I would tolerate much more ‘sandwich’ time with my brother, Randy and the yellow containers for good living; if that was the only way for gaining it!

I realized how a simple and healthy lifestyle is important for our physical and spiritual health. My mom was trying in the simplest manner possible to eliminate all the unsuitable additives contained in tap water, like fluorine, chlorine, aluminum, copper and lead.

In many cities it is perfectly normal to fill a glass with tap water and gulp it down our throat. For us in Greece this is our every day routine and we are actually very proud of the quality of our tap water. But have we ever thought of what’s in tap water? We can’t see with naked eyes but tap water often contains a range of contaminants from a number of sources. I have already mentioned some of them above. Depending on the quantity present they have an adverse effect to the smell, look and taste of the drinking water and in higher presence they can potentially have more harmful effects on our health and on our appliances.

Whereas natural spring water, emerging from the high mountain sources or from melting glaciers, contains none from the ones mentioned above. The only thing such water contain are rejuvenating elements that is highly beneficial to our health. In a holistic approach, natural spring water provides food for our spirit and nutritious ingredients for a healthy body.

It is said that people leaving in remote places on high mountains, like shepherds, are so strong, mentally and bodily that they have magical powers. This happens due to their long term interaction with nature, the spring water they drink, the fresh air and the milk and cheese they produce from their goats. They nourish themselves with what nature offers in its simplest form. The simpler they live stronger they become. 

My grandfather was a shepherd. I remember how strong he was. When I was a young girl he looked like a giant to me. He had a pair of huge, rough hands, with which, I believed, he could break even a rock into tiny pieces. I remember his words so clearly. His secret motto for longevity was:  always drink natural spring water, breath fresh air (he meant to spend as much time as possible in outdoors), eat simply and light and always smile.

Ever since I am trying my best to stick to my grandpa’s advice, so I smile as often as I can, eat simply, light, and spend as much time in outdoors as possible and finally try to drink as much of pure natural spring water as I can manage to find.

But how often can I find pure natural spring water in the middle of a city? So, I am trying to find the best alternatives whenever I am unable to find a clean spring close to where I live. At home I use Reverse Osmosis (RO) water filter for the tap. A more economic solution is the usage of Brita filter, which at least takes out lime-scale. I also add some fresh lemon juice or natural salt into the water to “charge” it.

My mother always advised ‘Kiki, let the water breathe.’ I only understood the meaning when I grew older. For example, after filtering the water through a Brita filter, I put it in a glass container and I don’t cover the top of it, so it can “breathe”. As the water reacts with the air, it releases toxic chloride and takes oxygen from the air (you can see the bubbles collecting in the water). Breathing requires at least 30 minutes.

Of course the last solution is to buy spring water in a glass bottle from a shop, but it’s not ideal as we can’t actually know the exact background of the company and how long the water has been sitting in the bottle.

For those who live in clean nature, free of pollution, you can collect rain water or even melt ice or snow. And remember that fresh organic fruits (like coconut water) also contain lots of live water.

So every time I go outdoors I always seek for the “hidden” springs to fill my bottle. I get so excited when I hear the mesmerizing sound of the gushing water that I can climb or get into the jungle no matter how high or difficult to reach it may be. Sometimes I even end up being totally wet by falling into the river or scratched by thorns but the satisfaction is so big that there’s no regret.

The benefits of spring water for mind and body are so important to me that I could do anything to find it.

Grandpa…I wonder how long would I live following your advice!

Happiness is a Choice

This morning I wake up, do my everyday workout, and enjoy a nutritious breakfast and go out to seize my day. It is a fantastic day; the shining sun offers every opportunity for me to create the best day of my life. A good friend of mine always says: Today is the only day that we can actually act and do something to either change our lives completely or in case we already have our dream life then to simply embrace and enjoy it to the most.

 So I jump onto my bicycle, letting the warm breeze caress my unruly hair. As I bike along with a song on my lips, I suddenly hear a friend holler while waving at me. We hadn't seen each other for a long time, so I stop immediately and we start sharing our life stories.

My friend is a handsome man; tall, blond, with a pair of mesmerizing blue eyes and he runs a successful company of his own. He is married to a gorgeous woman and they have two wonderful babies. I presume most people out there would indeed feel blessed to be in his shoes.

As we chat along I start feeling weird; hearing him moaning about his life, our Greek crises, about the bills and his over charged credit cards and of his lack of free time. Then he starts moaning even about the weather that it’s too hot; what else do you expect during June in Greece! He keeps talking while sweating (only after a while do I realize that I am wearing one of my hot short pants; perhaps the heat is induced).

I feel really sad about him, because even though he has everything he probably seeks in life, he focuses on what he doesn’t have and in all the negativity that exists anyway.  Ok, we all know Greece is in crises; financial and cultural too. But should we stop dreaming and do nothing either to reverse or to improve the whole situation? Should we stay blindfolded within our self-created so called paradise (which isn’t making us happy either) watching our life pass by as a meaningless sham full of pretence?

No; certainly not!

We must stop moaning and start doing. Dreams are good. But without action, without hard work, persistence and insistence we will never achieve our dreams. Even if you don't feel ready yet for the change or even better be the change, at least stop moaning and complaining. See the positive side of life. The glass of life is always half full. Because even if indeed it is half empty your negative perspective and views won’t fill up the other half. Instead a more optimistic attitude would help in adopting a happier life and achieving your everyday goals, no matter how big or small they are, will become easier. A positive view of life will surely lead you to a happier life. I know it works. I have applied it personally and realize the results.

Here I will give you some tips with examples of how positivity can lead to a happier and more fulfilling life, no matter what the issues are:

·        Embrace life for what it gives you. We live in a wonderful world. Nature supplies us free the most vital things that we need to live like the air we breathe, water we drink and the sun and so many nutritious food found in the wild free. Spend time outdoors and you will soon realize that all the stress you may feel will disappear immediately. While being in nature words like stress, worries and problems sound smoother and lighter and mostly they even don't exist.

·         Embrace God (whatever that means for each one of us, for me nature is god) for what you have: Instead of doing what my blond friend did with his life, feel grateful for what you have. If you have a woman or a man who loves you and takes care of you, don't focus on his/her negative side of character, but encourage him/her get the best out of him/ her. Be thankful for what he/she has and does for you. If you have a job but still not your dream job, either be thankful for having a job (unemployed people would die for being in your shoes) or start working in creating the appropriate conditions or procure the skills needed for starting your dream job.

·         Start smiling. It is contagious. The power of a smile is so powerful that it can solve and even take you out of sticky situations.

·         Start socializing with positive and optimistic people. Friends are good. But if they give you stress, why should you put up with them and their misery? Your time is limited and priceless. Spend it only with those who make you feel happy, who are creative and get the best out of you. For sure we must stand by our friends when they are down and stressed but not with those who choose continuously to remain gloating in their misery and refuse to emerge out of their sorry shells.

·        Seek for alternative ways to get informed about worldwide news. The majority of TV Channels mainly focus in disasters, poverty, wars and negative news. They try to scare people. Control them. Stop torturing yourself. There are many e- radio stations and e-magazines which focus in the positive news. So many praiseworthiness things are happening worldwide but no one speak or write about them in the main TV and radio channels. Here are some web sites I dig out after a research and I propose to all of you.

            https://www.upworthy.com

            https://www.buzzfeed.com

            https://positivenews.org.uk

   https://www.dailygood.org 

·        Discover happiness in small and simple things. How often big and extraordinary things happen in your life that gives you the ‘big’ happiness? Rarely; this is why we should start finding happiness and beauty in small things which occur every day. In that way there will always be a reason for which we will celebrate and embrace life. Small things happen every day. They may be small and ordinary but if viewed as a gift they offer great pleasure and happiness. 

Being the master of our own lives it is up to us to make it what we want and mostly it is about making the right choices. I have already made my choice. I have chosen Happiness.

I am happy because I choose to be. It needs no other reason to substantiate or authenticate.

Happy Living – Style Simply

Girls, let’s honestly confess that every time we get ready for a big night out or for a special evening with a handsome guy, we spend too much time in front of our wardrobe, with onset of panic that there’s nothing appropriate for the occasion to wear. To make it worst we spend the whole evening thinking which outfit would suit best for the occasion and then we squander at least couple of hours more in making all the possible combinations with the skirts, shirts, dresses and accessories that our overloaded closet is stuffed with. And the result! A stressful evening, wastage of precious time, upset mood, confusion, panic, which often leads us to a boutique store where our already over charged credit card gets charged even more.

As I believe that simplicity is the key to happiness in every field of my life I applied it into style too.

 Here are some basic tips which can make our life simpler yet be stylish and fabulous at the same time.

Before you rush out with your overcharged credit card to the next boutique store, please take a deep breath, don’t panic and stand in front of your closet, and separate all clothes which you haven't worn for the last two years. Give these clothes away immediately to those who really need them. You don’t, or you would have used them. This has twin benefits: creates space for you and you help the needy. Emptying your closet and life of things that you don’t really need is therapeutic. This action alone will make you feel light and blissful.

To look smart and classy and stylish yet simple all you need are these 5 pieces of clothing: a nice white shirt, a little black dress (LBD), a nice pair of jeans, a pencil skirt, and a plain blouse. All these should be of good quality. In case you don’t have one or some of these then get them and you are on your way. With these 5 pieces you can look classy, elegant and fresh from morning to night.

The next step is to get rid of all the extra clothes, which are similar in color, looks, design, texture and material. Give these away to charity.  

Now, let’s go shopping! Aha, I can see that catty smile on your face now. Let's go for a dress. In order to look stylish under any circumstances, buy one dress of really good quality, in classic style which would last for many years and would never go out of fashion. If you are not sure about the style, trust designer labels like Giorgio Armani or Salvatore Ferragamo. They know us better much better and they want us to look sexy and elegant at the same time. If you think designer labels are too expensive, buy them during sales. Many big outlets and super stores have sales up to 80% off. Even if this price is few times more than a cheap dress of lower quality, it is still a better bargain since it lasts much longer and of much superior quality.

When a man looks at a woman dressed in a sexy, elegant dress, he doesn’t really care if it’s new or has been worn before. Men don’t even think such things.  All that matters to him is the woman inside the dress. So my friends invest in one classic dress of great quality without cutting costs. Instead of several cheap dresses of low quality buy one expensive dress of top quality. In the long run the latter delivers more value for money.

Now let’s look within us and find the simplicity rule of style and elegance that lies inside.

Last evening I was invited to an elegant party of rich and classy people and for a while I pondered what would suit the occasion best! To begin with my closet doesn’t have that many dresses anyway. I had less to choose from so it should be simple. Fewer the options in life we have, simpler our lives will be. And soon enough it hit me that I could actually put on anything that I felt comfortable in, which makes me look good and showed my character and body to their best advantage. It wasn’t so much about the dress or the accessories, it was more about me and how I felt from within.

If I felt sexy, that’s how I would look, no matter even if I cover every inch of my skin. If I felt confident, any classy dress would make me look confident. What’s most important is to first be who we really are and who we want to be for the occasion and then dress accordingly. Rather than wear a dress and try to fit your persona into it. A confident and classy woman can carry away anything with elegance, charm and savoir faire. So more than my outfit I groom my inner beauty and my love for living. It is cheaper, healthier and life transforming. 

I am who I am and I love myself exactly the way it is. I have accepted myself and I feel limitless. Things for me are so easy now since not many choices are left to enmesh me. Love yourself, love your imperfections and soon your enchanting beauty will entice people.  

 

 And never forget that beauty grows deep within us. Let it emerge and bloom like a flower. No matter what you wear, if you don't feel beautiful, you will never look elegant. Put on your biggest, sincere smile and let your grace captivate men.

So always remember: simplicity leads to perfection.

A friend of mine, who is one of the happiest people on earth, once told me: People should keep just three outfits; two in their closet and the third one in the store. The first one to wear and the second one to use when the first one needs washing. The third one in the store is to replace the first one when it gets too old. This way you don’t clutter your closet or mind and you never go out of style. Don’t turn your closet into a store. In that way you never put yourself under stress, wondering what should you wear since there are no other choices; the third one will be lying in the store waiting for you to buy it when time will come. Not before that. So in that way life becomes really simple and easy.           

Ok, I am not telling you to throw away all your clothes today! Just try from now on to be simpler and think twice before you go out shopping.

 My life has changed dramatically since I started following the above simple tips and believe me I feel happy and content every day, since now I find beauty in every single thing, no matter how simple or small it is.