"Life is too short to wake up in the morning with regrets. So love the people who treat you right, forget about the ones who don’t and believe that everything happens for a reason. If you get a chance, take it. If it changes your life, let it. Nobody said that it’d be easy, they just promised it would be worth it."

SOMETHING TO REMEMBER THIS CHRISTMAS

I wanted to share this with you at Christmas because it reminds us all that we should 'never save something for a special occasion. Every day in your life is a special occasion'. Remember that each day, each hour, each minute, is special. Live for today, for tomorrow is promised to no-one.

ANOTHER BLOOMING CHRISTMAS... THANK YOU!

Christmas is a time for people, families, love, kindness and giving and I have been lucky this year to have spent so much time with people I love and care about... you know who you are... thank you for spending some time with me during the year.

THIS CHRISTMAS, REMEMBER TO HAVE COFFEE WITH FRIENDS!

After another interesting year, always remember that if you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you. Pay attention to the things that are really important. Play with your children and grandchildren. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your partner out to dinner. Play, sing, dance and laugh a lot! Have coffee with  friends. There will always be time to clean the house and fix that squeaky door. Whatever you do, take care of the things that really matter.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

THIS CHRISTMAS REMEMBER THAT FAITH, FAMILY AND FRIENDS MATTER MOST!

I have recently had a reminder that I am getting older and it has made me pause, reflect and think about the things that matter most in my life! I suppose it isn't surprising that when it comes down to what really matters, faith, family and friends are the things that make life worth living!

THIS CHRISTMAS MAKE SURE THAT YOU EAT CHOCOLATE!

Chocolate is made from the seeds of the tropical cacao tree. The Greek term means literally "food of the gods". Cacao beans were used by the Aztecs to prepare a hot, frothy drink with stimulant and restorative properties. Chocolate itself was reserved for warriors, nobility and priests because the Aztecs valued its ability to confer wisdom and vitality.

THIS CHRISTMAS I AM GOING TO BUY SOME MARBLES!

I haven't been very well and it's funny how Christmas brings everything into sharp focus.... we need to be with friends, families and those we love. Let me tell you story that has helped me keep a good perspective on my own priorities.

In the hurly burly of work and our struggle against the challenges and problems life throws at us where there is never enough time or money to get by or to get ahead we can forget the things that are really important. This is the theory of "a thousand marbles."...

SLOW DOWN, YOU MOVE TO FAST!

I know that I am not a great example but I struggle to understand why everyone is in such a hurry all the time. We all constantly rush from one appointment to another place with little regard or care for anyone else; jumping traffic lights, ignoring the needs of others and pushing past people without looking or caring. I don't understand why it is but it appears that no-one seems to have any time or patience anymore and I was reminded of this wonderful poem by Brian Patten, one of the Liverpool poets.

THE FORGOTTEN HALF!

“Our interest is in the provision of an education that gives young people the experience and skills to continually build their careers once they enter the labour market. We urge 
that the education system be less focused on pushing young people through the hoops of assessment that lead on to higher education, and more focused on equipping them with the capabilities to progress through the labour market.”

In their report ‘The Forgotten Half’, produced for The Private Equity Foundation, Demos outlined a series of recommendations to help young people thrive and succeed; focusing on the employability skills, character, literacy and numeracy they need to succeed in work and life; giving them the support they need to stay on track and the experience of the world of work alongside mentoring.