Wednesday, 18 December 2013

the term winds down

It is almost the end of the term and children and teachers across the land are starting to see an end in sight and are really starting to look forward to the Christmas break.
I love Christmas so long as it doesn't become a trial for people spending too much money and trying too hard to make it 'the best year ever.'
Personally I like to keep it simple.
I love looking at the cards and little gifts I have been given and take pleasure from other people enjoying their gifts but most of all I like the time to spend with the people I care about.
It doesn't matter if I can't meet up with people on 25th December itself. I find the whole season special and enjoyable and so I am happy if I can spend time meeting up with friends and family over the Christmas period.
I really like going out for a walk with Ollie on Christmas day. Most people are extra friendly on Christmas day and say 'hello' as we walk past.

Tuesday, 17 December 2013

making the most of odd moments!

I was driving home from the school where I worked today and I had leaflets in my pocket for one of my businesses. I delivered the leaflets before returning home and it really didn't feel like a chore.
I am enjoying making my own decisions so much it gives me lots of extra energy and every little thing I do to promote my businesses so people know what services I provide is a step in the right direction.
I feel very optimistic about the future knowing that I can work a little on my Plan B every day!

Monday, 16 December 2013

gingerbread

I made gingerbread biscuits with lots of children today at the school I am currently working at.
They all loved cooking and the results were very edible and nice to look at. Tomorrow we ice them.
What a brilliant thing to be doing with so many children. They were all engrossed in what they were doing, they were all cooperating and they were all enjoying themselves.
This is being done for Friendship Week where the whole school makes and does helpful and kind things for people. What a brilliant idea!

Sunday, 15 December 2013

making a difference

Tiny things make a difference. Every tiny step you take in the right direction moves you closer to achieving your dreams.
Some people are in a dark place right now and have little or no room left in their thoughts to dream. This is an unpleasant but not a hopeless place to be. There will be a tiny spark of hope lodged away somewhere  and it can be ignited into a small flame which can rapidly develop into a hot fire! I believe this to be true for everyone.
You can be the match to relight that fire for them.
When life gets tough and people feel saturated in gloom they need help, understanding and support to revive their hope and optimism. They don't need someone to do everything for them or to tell them what to do or what their dreams or goals should be.
Deep down inside they know what their hopes and dreams are. All they need is someone to care and to give them a little bit of their time to listen to them with no strings attached.
I think that is all any of us really need to help us to pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and carry on along our life path.
You don't know who you touch every day as you go about living your own life. Just a tiny act of kindness to one person can really make all the difference to them. In turn once they are back on track they will be in a position to help someone. I think this is how the World works and it is wonderful.

Saturday, 14 December 2013

the difference

The difference one person can make. My son missed a bus connection as his first bus was delayed and yet most of the people he asked for help/information at the station were less than helpful and were pretty rude. One woman was friendly and kind and made sure he was able to catch the next bus.  That one person made a bad situation better.
A friend of mine was at the hospital awaiting important scan results which didn't arrive. The consultant took full responsibility and apologised which made things more bearable for my friend.
When I think back over the last few days, weeks and years these people stand out over and over again. They often appear at times when you are feeling sad, lost or vulnerable and they somehow manage to offer hope and understanding. Even if they can't take away the root cause of your fears they are somehow able to help you hang on in there and give you strength.
Some of these people are our friends and family but many are complete strangers who go out of their way to help you.
To all those guardian angels out there- you are the unsung hero's that help us all to enjoy our lives more and cope with our challenges and I would like to say thank-you!

Friday, 13 December 2013

family

I am excited as my son is back from uni for a couple of weeks. I pick him up fro the bus station in a few minutes time!
I just had a chat with my daughter on the phone. She finished uni for the term next week and I will be seeing her soon too.
Ollie the Wally is going to come with me to pick up my son. He will be overjoyed to see him as he hasn't seen him since September and he is a fiercely loyal little critter and sees Jack as one of the pack.
Happy days, it is the weekend and there is a nice bottle of wine chilling in the kitchen. :)

Thursday, 12 December 2013

Christmas wishes

Do you make a Christmas wish as you stir the Christmas pudding/cake when you make it?
If you have never done this I recommend you do. It is lovely making your own cake/pudding and tradition has it that as you stir the mixture before cooking you make a wish and don't tell anyone then see if your wish comes true.
I love doing this as it makes you really focus and think what your one wish for the year ahead would be.
Now I am waiting to see if my wish comes true!