Recycling: The NANNAFESTO

I knew I kept this gem for a reason. Have been cleaning out work emails from the cache recently.... enjoy.

Young Nanna-ism is about finding the Nanna within and nuturing her. It is about recognising the benefits to mental and physical health of the occaisional nanna-like activity. Young Nannas cherish their inner nanna and thereby find the way to enlightenment

How do I know if I'm a Young Nanna?
If you have ever done any of the following, you have already made contact with your inner nanna:

Put on a nice warm singlet or spencer on a cold day

Bought a pair of shoes because they had a nice sturdy strap, firm rubber soles, a medium heel and looked like they'd wear well

Stayed at home on a saturday night with a cup of tea and The Bill

Knitted, crocheted, or indulged in other handicrafts

Rustled up a batch of scones or a cake on a sunday afternoon

Got up early and pottered about cleaning cupboards

Reminded your flatmate to take a jumper as they leave the house

Glared at ill-mannered school children on the bus

Used any of the following phrases: "I don't know how they walk in those shoes"; "When I was a girl we never/always..."; "her ___ was so tight you could see her ___"; "Oh dear, I don't have my glasses"

Experienced deep satisfaction at the sight of a clean kitchen

Gone to bed early with a good book and the cat

What do I do with my Inner Nanna?
When you have made contact with you inner nanna, it is your duty to let her express herself. At first you may find it hard, and even embarrassing to accept your inner nanna. Start slowly in a place where you feel comfortable and safe. You may need to coax your inner nanna out with some eucalyptus oil, a lavendar bag, or perhaps a butter menthol. Now carry out one inner nanna-ism. Don't rush yourself, and stop if you feel uncomfortable. Do this every day, and you will soon find your inner nanna more forthcoming.

Soon your inner nanna will express herself spontaneously. You will find your inner nanna pops up at the times when you need nurturing. It's important not to fight your inner nanna, she knows better than you do when you are in need of a nap, a warm jumper, or a nice cup of tea. Your inner nanna is always looking out for you.

What if my Inner Nanna begins taking over my life?
Some people find that their inner nanna gets a bit out of control. You may suddenly be overcome with an urge to visit a bingo hall; or find yourself scolding your boss for not wearing a singlet. At times like these, it is helpful to have a quick nanna-repressent handy. You could carry around a walkman with some heavy metal music; or try eating some of those nasty foreign foods or drinking a can of coke in the street with your shirt untucked. These will send your inner nanna burrowing for cover, and you can resume normal adult behaviour, hopefully without too much embarrasment.

If you follow these instructions, you should be able to develop a warm and caring relationship with your Inner Nanna, and become a true and proud Young Nanna. Young Nanna-ism is all about balance. Treat your Inner Nanna well, and you will find she brings just enough sensible shoes, early nights and nourishing soup to your life. Remember, it's not about age, it's about your state of, ummm, oh dear, my memory's not what it used to be, love.

Created by Betty-Sue, 20 September 2001.