just got back!

I have just got back from a fun night out at Pizza Express. What a lovely way to end the day after a busy day at school. I met some great people. There was a lovely couple who have been in the business two months and are making fantastic progress. Everyone there was so positive I have come back buzzing!

this time of year

I love this time of year. OK in UK the weather can be unpredictable but generally it is quite warm in April/May and beautiful flowers are in bloom. Bluebells are one of my favourites. It is wonderful to walk through woods and to come across a carpet of bluebells.
I also like the fresh green leaves on the trees and the hedges look healthy and there are blossoms on the branches.
I was very lucky at the weekend to be able to camp near the Epping Forest. Being in those woods is inspiring!
The dogs had a pretty good time too!

positive feedback

I was thinking how lovely positive feedback is. We are all so busy in life just getting by that sometimes we don't let people know how much we appreciate the things they do for us be it that they are the friendly person who served you at the supermarket or the knight in shining armour who helped you when your car broke down.
I left a card for one of the women at work last week. I could see she was looking rather stressed and I thought it would be nice to remind her how great she is and thank her for all she does to help the school. She came to find me and was tearful as she was so touched and that is when it hit me. It is such a little thing but it means so much to be appreciated and for someone to notice you for the person you are. I have had parents of children I used to teach stop me in the street to update me on how well their child is doing now and to thank me for teaching them. This makes me feel really valued.
I have decided that I am going to make a conscious effort to show and tell people how much I appreciate what they do for me as it is clear that genuine appreciation really does make all the difference.

beliefs

What do you believe? It is an exciting question. I am very interested in what other people believe and finding out for myself what I really believe deep inside. Studying religion is fascinating and can't be ignored if I am to understand History.
Many religions have a lot in common and offer us sound ways of living. Many religious leaders are good, inspiring people but some others are not.
Being a leader of anything is a very responsible role. People look to you for guidance and direction. This puts leaders in a position of power and influence and this does have the capacity to corrupt some people.
If people act in their own best interests and deliberately exploit their followers this is an example of this corruptive influence at work.
Some people were born into a family who had a particular faith- they were taught about this faith and in turn believe themselves.
Some people were born into a family and as they grew reacted against and rejected their faith.
Some people just aren't that interested in asking questions about the meaning of life and some are convinced there is no God.
I really feel that exploring my beliefs is one of the most important things I can do.
I learn from the things I see and hear around me, I read books, I learn a little more each day and build on my learning.

smiling

Smiling really is contagious. I was walking round Sainsbury's in a good mood this evening and so I randomly smiled at people and most beamed back. The odd person looked at me like I had lost it but I focussed back on buying teabags and got on with my day.

What could be nicer?

I have taken Ollie out for a walk, had a bath and thought sit down and check my Facebook page. Ollie had other ideas though and decided to sit on my lap and wouldn't budge so I am typing this with a strange shaped dog on my lap who looks more like a large mouse than an actual dog. I have got to love him though he has such a strong personality and makes every day a right laugh!

Going for it!

I really admire people that put their neck on the line, push themselves to follow their dreams.
Every day people subject themselves to all kinds of trials ( lesson observations, contests, races) to be the best that they can be.
We drive or walk past heroes every day. People who devote their lives to improving the lives of others.
There are also people who work every day at improving their ability to paint, play music, write and dance.
I salute them all!