Get in touch

Kim Forrester is an award-winning author,
holistic well-being educator, and consultant.

Kim Forrester Consulting

PO Box 6494
North Dunedin
Dunedin 9010
NEW ZEALAND

e: kim@kimforrester.net
p: +64 22 154 8108
WhatsApp: +64 22 154 8108

kimforrester_

Blending science & spiritual philosophy to inspire deeper wellbeing. New book: www.thrive52book.com

Kindness is all around you - if you look for it! 😇 Here's an inspiring little snippet about the power of choosing happiness from my recent chat with @jack_vandy_ on @radiowanaka. #happiness #wellbeing

Aust/NZ: Looking for a great Mother's Day gift? 🌷

Thrive is beautiful and full of goodness and inspiration; the perfect way to say, "You matter, and you deserve to be nurtured". Learn more at thrive52book.com (🔗in bio)

#mothersdaygifts❤️ #wellbeingbooks #formum

Taha Whānau / Social Wellbeing in the workplace.

Taha Whānau / Social Wellbeing in the workplace. 🌟 Studies show that nurturing friendships at work can enhance your happiness and mental wellbeing. Even without becoming 'friends' you can improve your health and mood by engaging with colleagues. Here are three beneficial ways to connect at work:

🫶 Cultivate personal bonds: Ask about weekend plans and activities.
🫶 Be supportive: Show empathy after tough meetings.
🫶 Engage in social events: Join work gatherings and organise fun outings.

#WorkWellbeing #Friendship #MentalHealth #Community #WhareTapaWhā

When it comes to social wellbeing, face-to-face ma

When it comes to social wellbeing, face-to-face matters 💚 In our demanding and busy lives, digital connections have their place, but the research is clear: in-person interactions are vital for our overall wellness. There's simply something special about human-to-human connection that screens can't replicate.

So, while messaging online is convenient (and sometimes, necessary) please make sure to prioritise quality face-to-face time with your friends and loved ones for a healthier, happier you. 🌟💖

#Wellbeing #InPersonConnections #Community #FaceToFace

Did you know having some form of spiritual view or

Did you know having some form of spiritual view or faith is great for your wellbeing? It can feel difficult to integrate a spiritual practice into our modern, educated world. However, there is A LOT about the universe we are yet to understand, and research shows that connecting with anything transcendent or spiritual helps us thrive in several ways, including:

🕯️ Reduced anxiety, depression, and stress
🕯️ Enhanced sense of peace and balance
🕯️ Greater mental resilience and emotional health
🕯️ Better immune function and longer lifespan
🕯️ Improved self-awareness and personal development

What brings you out of yourself and into the transcendent? How can a form of spiritual awareness help you thrive today?

#SQ #SpiritualIntelligence #spirituality #holisticwellbeing

Hanging out with Frankie, my canine sidekick, at P

Hanging out with Frankie, my canine sidekick, at Piako Stationery Supplies in the beautiful town of Te Aroha.

We're bringing Thrive to the people on this glorious Friday afternoon. 💕

#booklaunch #thrive #TeAroha

Hey, hey! It's the International Day of Happiness!

Hey, hey! It's the International Day of Happiness! 😀 To celebrate the power of happiness, here are five science-backed ways you can boost your happiness right now, using your phone. Ready? Let's go:

😊 Send a message to someone you've not spoken to in a while, or an acquaintance you'd like to know better. (Note: they'll likely be more happy to hear from you than you think!)
😊 Unfollow or mute a social media account that often leaves you feeling down, upset, or envious
😊 Send a thank you note to someone who has done something helpful or kind for you lately
😊 Choose a favourite photo and make it your screensaver or wallpaper
😊 Make an online donation at a crowd-funding site or charity website

No matter what life is throwing at us, happiness truly is in our hands. So, take steps today to feed your joy and inner wellbeing. 🌸

#WorldHappinessDay #InternationalDayofHappiness #Happiness #HolisticWellbeing #ChooseHappiness

A gentle reminder: we cannot judge our way to happ

A gentle reminder: we cannot judge our way to happiness and wellbeing. In fact, reducing judgement of others is key to enhancing our familial and social wellbeing and, by extension, our ability to thrive as individuals.

Here are some powerful tips from the Institute of Humane Education on how to be less 'judgy' and more open to others' life choices:

🩷 Distinguish between actions and people: Judging actions is fair—it's what judges do. But separate the actions from the individuals. This allows for clarity and objectivity without personal bias.
🩷 Know their story: Everyone has their own history and struggles. We all have imperfections. Cutting someone some slack can foster understanding and compassion.
🩷 Reflect on being judged: Recall how it feels to be judged. Would you want to add to someone else's suffering? Use this reflection to temper your judgement.
🩷 Notice the impact: Judging can harm your relationships and create negativity. Letting go of judginess can be liberating, fostering acceptance and healthier connections.

By consciously reducing our initial judgements of others, we create a more supportive and empathetic community and a greater capacity for personal joy and wellbeing.🌿💖

#wellbeingtips #holisticwellbeing #WhareTapaWhā #socialconnection

A sense of belonging is a fundamental element of t

A sense of belonging is a fundamental element of taha whānau—the family and social wellbeing aspect of the Te Whare Tapa Whā model. It’s about feeling connected, supported, and valued within your social circles. To enhance your sense of belonging and (importantly) help others feel like they belong, try these tips:

🫶 Prioritise authentic connections: Actively seek out groups and connections where you can be your most authentic self.
🫶 Make an effort: Put yourself out there, join activities and groups that align with your interests, and engage with others.
🫶 Be patient: Acceptance, attention, and support from group members may take time. Be persistent and patient.
🫶 Practice acceptance: Focus on the similarities that connect you to others, and remain open to new ways of thinking.

Strong relationships are vital for wellbeing, so let’s work on fostering a sense of belonging for ourselves and those around us. 🌿💖

#TahaWhānau #Wellbeing #Belonging #Community #Connection

✨ The wellbeing magic of celebrating others' suc

✨ The wellbeing magic of celebrating others' success✨

In contemporary social research, it’s called freudenfreude. Buddhists call it mudita. But, regardless of the name, did you know celebrating others' success is crucial for strengthening relationships and enhancing our own happiness and contentment?

The joy we feel in others' successes acts like social glue. It makes relationships more intimate and enjoyable, propels kind acts, fosters resilience, improves life satisfaction, and helps people cooperate during conflicts.

So, if someone in your world has reason to celebrate, leave envy behind. Actively share in their joy, embrace freudenfreude, and enhance your wellbeing and your relationships!🌟💖

#Freudenfreude #CelebrateSuccess #Wellbeing #PositiveEmpathy #Community

Ikigai, a Japanese concept meaning "reason for bei

Ikigai, a Japanese concept meaning "reason for being," is one of the many ancient wisdom practices that can enhance your daily life. Each morning, take a moment to align what you love, what you're good at, what the world needs, and what you can be rewarded for. This practice leaves you connected to what's most meaningul and inspiring for you, and creates an authentic sense of purpose and fulfilment.

This week, why not practice Ikigai daily to boost happiness, wellbeing, and a deeper connection to your life's journey. 🌟💖

#Ikigai #Wellbeing #Purpose #Happiness #DailyPractice

Loneliness is more than just an emotional experien

Loneliness is more than just an emotional experience—it can be profoundly detrimental to our wellbeing. As Dr. Vivek Murthy, former Surgeon General of the United States, highlighted: “Loneliness and weak social connections are associated with a reduction in lifespan similar to that caused by smoking 15 cigarettes a day.”

This startling comparison reminds us that our connections and relationships are not just nice to have—they are essential for our health and longevity. To enhance our wellbeing, we must reach out, connect, and reduce loneliness, not only for ourselves but also for those around us who may be feeling isolated or withdrawn.

This month, let's make a conscious effort to foster these connections. Whether it's a friendly chat, a heartfelt message, or simply spending time together, these small acts can make a big difference. Together, we can generate greater personal wellbeing and create a supportive and connected community. 🌍💖

#Wellbeing #PersonalDevelopment #Connection #Community

Thank you to everyone who came along and contribut

Thank you to everyone who came along and contributed! 💕😇
Check out Thrive at www.thrive52book.com

Your connection with others may be often unseen, b

Your connection with others may be often unseen, but it is inescapable. This matters.

Research shows that we are all profoundly interconnected. Qualities such as happiness, kindness, hope, and inspiration are not just personal traits—they are contagious and can spread through our social circles. This means that the way we work on ourselves and interact with others has a significant impact on both our personal wellbeing and the wellbeing of those around us.

By being mindful in our interactions, and choosing to surround ourselves with positive influences, we can create a ripple effect of positivity and inspiration. This not only enhances our own lives but also contributes to a healthier, more supportive community. 🌍💖

#InterconnectedWellbeing #PersonalDevelopment #Community #Kindness #Hope

Friends, it's time to grow beyond “good vibes on

Friends, it's time to grow beyond “good vibes only” 😇 Toxic positivity - or enforced constant happiness and positivity - can be incredibly harmful to our wellbeing. Instead, research shows that the allowance and experience of a full range of emotions is key to mental and emotional health.

By recognising and accepting *all* our feelings, we can process and learn from them, appreciate life’s joyful moments more deeply, and foster personal growth and emotional stability. 🌟💖

#Emodiversity #Wellbeing #MentalHealth #EmotionalBalance #PersonalGrowth

Understanding Taha Whānau: The Power of Connectio

Understanding Taha Whānau: The Power of Connection: In our journey toward personal development and wellbeing, we often focus on physical health, mental resilience, and spiritual growth. However, one crucial aspect is sometimes overlooked—our relationships and connections. This is where the concept of Taha Whānau comes in.

Taha Whānau, from the Te Whare Tapa Whā model of Māori health, emphasises the importance of family and social wellbeing. It's about recognising that our sense of belonging, love, and support from family and friends significantly contribute to our overall health.

Throughout March, I’ll be sharing tips and reminders to help us all nurture these vital connections. Let’s not forget that a strong, supportive network can be the foundation for thriving in all other areas of life. 🌿💖

Stay tuned and let’s strengthen our relationships together! 💫

#wellbeingtips #holisticwellbeing #WhareTapaWhā #relationships

See you next Wednesday, Dunedin folk! #booklaunch

See you next Wednesday, Dunedin folk!

#booklaunch

Is "I love you" a little too much for you? 🫢 Ex

Is "I love you" a little too much for you? 🫢 Expressing love can feel vulnerable and uncomfortable for many, but it’s essential for deep connections. If "I love you" feels too scary to say, try these heartfelt alternatives:
💚 "You mean so much to me"
💚 "I care deeply about you"
💚 "You make my life better"
💚 "You hold a special place in my heart."

It's ok if you embrace the power of love in your own way. 🌟

#Love #Connection #HolisticWellbeing

Incorporating movement into our daily routine will

Incorporating movement into our daily routine will boost mood, reduce stress, and enhance our overall wellbeing. 🌟 Here's how:

🤸‍♀️ Endorphin rush: Exercise releases endorphins, the body's natural mood enhancers, which can help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety.

🤸‍♀️ Stress reduction: Physical activity reduces stress hormones like cortisol, promoting relaxation and a sense of well-being.

🤸‍♀️ Improved sleep: Regular exercise can improve sleep quality, which is essential for mental health and emotional wellbeing.

#HolisticWellbeing #ExerciseForMind #MentalHealth

Seen today in PaperPlus Dunedin! My latest creatio

Seen today in PaperPlus Dunedin! My latest creation, Thrive. #grateful

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