Order

Is your life in order?

Our lives are typically often hectic and filled with stress. There seems to be so many demands placed upon our time, that those things that matter most, are frequently sacrificed for those things that matter least. Can you relate to that?

For example, my office space had become so over run with stuff and clutter all around, it took me an age to find and locate key materials. It was a mess. Figuratively speaking, in some ways, my office space had become a metaphor for some aspects of my life.

Subsequently, several weeks ago at the start of lockdown, I made a firm commitment to change. I put some time, attention and energy into my office space. I have literally thrown out 1000’s of pieces of paper, lots of useless stuff and junk galore! I’ve been challenging my hoarder psyche… and it has been so liberating!

This one simple act, has helped me to refocus again on those things that matter most of all in life, its quite simple really – purpose, family, service and work!

What can you do today to declutter and put your life back in order?

Connections

Is disconnection from Wi-Fi an annoyance in your home? It was in ours! “The Wi-Fi is down again” was often a topic of daily conversation.  Resetting the router became a regular household activity.

After some investigation, I discovered the router was over 10 years old – and was overdue for an upgrade. Eventually, I ordered up a new router, and during lockdown – being forced to slowdown – I took the time to set it up correctly. In turn that day, one by one – mobiles, laptops, a tablet, a smart speaker and televisions were all reconnected. Result – no more daily disconnects.

Similarly, these last few weeks, I have noticed something about my personal behaviour. Just like my faulty old router with its technical problems, over the years, I’d become disconnected from far too many of my colleagues, acquaintances and too many friends to even mention. Perhaps, with age too, I had become a little slower!

It was time for an upgrade! With a little focus, slowing down during lockdown has allowed me to speed up again, strengthen my signal and reconnect – one by one! It’s been great fun, lifting my spirits and catching up on a lot of personal news stories!

If you are feeling disconnected, in need of a lift, why not reconnect – go for that upgrade today!

Serving

What can I give today?

That thought alone – has helped me to endure the challenges of recent weeks. How often have you intended to help, but something else has come along and you’ve left others to help instead?

Right now we are surrounded by so many in need of our attention, our help, our encouragement, our support, our comfort, our sympathy, our understanding and our kindness. Kindness is what charity is and being kind is what we do when we have charity and compassion. The charity that we render unto others will surely define each of us and the organisations that we work for. Indeed l know that charity never faileth.

In times past when the busyness of the world blinkered our view of reality, perhaps we didn’t see? But now that we have been forced to stop and step back – take a look around, what do you see? In the grand schemes of things, perhaps you have been focused on things that don’t really matter at all?

What can you do to help someone in need today?

Storms

I celebrated my birthday in lockdown yesterday.  One of my daughters posted this picture of me on my Facebook page, which she’d obviously kept hidden from me for a while! 😊

It’s from a few months ago, atop one of my favourite visitor attractions, the Wallace Monument in Stirling, Scotland.

As I recall, it was a relatively clear day. There was however a gale force wind howling all around the top of the Monument, blowing visitors in every direction.  As I looked at the photo, it occurred  to me – the wind was so strong that just to stand still and in order to stand straight, I had to lean into the wind.

Figuratively speaking, there are some mighty strong winds, whirlwinds even, howling all around us at this very moment in time.

I sense too that many may feel that they are being tossed to and fro in this perilous storm of global turmoil.

My invitation today is a simple one, consider what you need to do to stand tall – lean into the wind and figure out what you need to do in the current storm.

Step by step, little by little, you can and will get through this.

Like all real storms, the winds will eventually pass.

Teaching

How do you learn?

Experience has taught me that the best way to 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐧 something is actually to 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐢𝐭.

It is really a simple principle.

Several times recently whilst grappling with learning on virtual platform technologies, I was reminded about the very moment you feel that you’re responsible to teach something. In that moment, I know that I learn it so much better. At least I know I do ……do you?

Why is that?

I recognise I delve into things a little deeper, I pay more attention. I work much harder to understand. I’ve noticed too that I ask better questions to gain clarification. I study and explore more. In essence its because I feel much more responsible, not only for my own learning, but I recognise too that I need to convey that learning with power, conviction and understanding to others.

So – do you really want to learn something? Then go on, give it a go – 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐢𝐭!

Learning in Lockdown

The first 50 days (and counting) in lockdown. Here is what I learned.

I have some good habits and routines already in place. I’m an early riser, I study, meditate, plan my day, set my goals and take regular exercise. Work has changed from mostly face to face, to all virtual. So, what have I been learning?

Waiting is hard – I still have much more to learn about patience!

These last 50 days I have learned that patience is far more than simply waiting for something to happen. Rather, patience requires that I actively work towards a worthwhile goal by focusing on those things I can control and choose not to get discouraged when results don’t appear as quickly as I’d hoped for.  It also requires that I have had to put on hold some of the biggest desires of my heart for a little while longer by making alternative plans. (Charity Skydive – on hold ☹)

Patience means actively waiting and enduring really well.

In these challenging times I have learned not to be dismayed or to give up too easily, when I know that I’m doing the best I can.  I am also beginning to understand that I should be satisfied with my progress even though it may come very, very slowly at times.

In what area of your life do you struggle to be patient?

What have you learned during lockdown?

Bored?

Bored? Confused? Fed up? Scunnered? Fatigued? Unhappy? Floundering? Depressed? Down? Gloomy? Flagging? Weary? Sad? Flat?…..

All of the above?

Yep – its tough at the moment, for sure.

This week when it was getting tough, I learned a very powerful lesson (again). It’s a simple thing, that will overcome all these feelings….

What is this straightforward remedy?

Forget yourself and Serve.

Serving others with love, will open the door and flood your life with greater meaning, purpose and joy.

Why not give it a go today! You know you want to! I promise you won’t regret it.

3 Principles of Happiness

These last few weeks I have really enjoyed reading my journals.

Whilst doing so, I was reminded of a little story that I’d love to share.

Before we hastily return to our pre-lockdown life, please consider these three principles that have helped me considerably.

https://youtu.be/5WXckWfM2Tw

Punctuality: A Rare and Powerful Virtue

Punctuality is becoming a rare skill in today’s fast-paced world.

Yet, being on time can transform relationships, productivity, and self-confidence.

I’ve mastered punctuality through self-discipline and preparation.

Rarely am I late.

Just yesterday, a colleague commented, “bang on time!”

However, on the virtual learning session of 20 participants, there were 8 who never turned up and only 2 of the 12 who did show up were on time.

A single lateness can have a domino effect on others’ and the people with which they interact.

It made me reflect on how much I value being punctual—it’s not just about arriving on time; it’s about respect and dependability.

Preparation is key.

I leave early, allowing buffer time for unexpected delays.

If a face to face meeting starts at 9:00, I aim to be there for 8:45.

And if its online, I’m always a few minutes early.

Arriving early lets me relax and prepare, reducing stress and setting the tone for the day.

Punctuality isn’t just about organisation; it shows you value others’ time and take your commitments seriously.

Unfortunately, tardiness is becoming common, creating frustration and lost opportunities.

How often do you find yourself running late?

This week, commit to small changes: plan ahead, set reminders, and add buffer time.

Notice how it reduces stress and enhances your interactions.

Punctuality is a reflection of respect—for others and yourself.

Are you ready to make it your strength?

Choices

Earlier this morning, I discovered this poem circulating on social media – appropriately written for our time. Before hastily returning to your pre-lockdown life, please consider these words. I hope we will all choose a better way. Enjoy!

“And the people stayed home. And read books, and listened, and rested, and exercised, and made art, and played games, and learned new ways of being, and were still. And listened more deeply. Some meditated, some prayed, some danced. Some met their shadows. And the people began to think differently.

And the people healed. And, in the absence of people living in ignorant, dangerous, mindless, and heartless ways, the earth began to heal.

And when the danger passed, and the people joined together again, they grieved their losses, and made new choices, and dreamed new images, and created new ways to live and heal the earth fully, as they had been healed.”

𝑨𝒇𝒕𝒆𝒓𝒏𝒐𝒕𝒆: The poem is attributed to various authors from 1869, 1919 and even now in 2020 variations of the name Kathleen O’Mara, Catherine M. O’Meara and Kitty O’Meara. My own research indicates it was written only a few weeks ago for our day by Kitty O’Meara.

What are you choosing to change?