A Way of Being

I'm dedicating this blog to my father (who may or may not read it). So many times we have clashed over views both big and small. We are both quite opinionated on the quiet (well, him more than me - and far less quietly!!) and he would actually probably agree, which, you are probably becoming to realise is quite unusual ! Anyway, point being, I saw this and wanted to share it - even if he doesn't read it. If only we could all learn to do this - I wonder what problems it would solve?


If I do not want what you want, please try not to tell me that my want is wrong.

Or if I believe other than you, at least pause before you correct my view.

Or if my emotion is less than yours, or more, given the same circumstances, try not to ask me to feel more strongly or weakly.

Or yet if I act, or fail to act, in the manner of your design for action, let me be.

I do not, for the moment at least, ask you to understand me. That will come only when you are willing to give up changing me into a copy of you.

I may be your spouse, your parent, your offspring, your friend, or your colleague. If you will allow me any of my own wants, or emotions, or beliefs, or actions, then you open yourself, so that some day these ways of mine might not seem so wrong, and might finally appear to you as right -- for me. To put up with me is the first step to understanding me.

Not that you embrace my ways as right for you, but that you are no longer irritated or disappointed with me for my seeming waywardness.

And in understanding me you might come to prize my differences from you, and, far from seeking to change me, preserve and even nurture those differences.

Doing my bit !

Social responsibility is really important to me. From a very young age, I have always felt strongly that we each, as individuals, have a responsibility to make the world a better place (ok so you may feel the need for a sick bag at this point !!).

Between Christmas and New Year I took part in the Twixtmas.com campaign. I have listed some quotes from the site to give you a taste of what it was about:

'How could we make the most of the opportunity for the common good? What should people be doing? What could make a difference? 'the support and involvement of some good sensible people, who are similarly on a mission to do their bit to make the world better. By creating a bigger critical mass, a tidal wave of change can be created.'

'The fundamental goal is to ensure the time and opportunity is used by as many people as possible for making the world better in some way. With these small steps we begin our journey....'

It seemed like the perfect way of channeling what I believe to be really important. If we want things to be better we have start doing things ourselves. So often I read in the papers about someone doing something incredible for charity, climbing mountains or running marathons raising money for their causes. Being, though, as I don't have the build for running (let alone for 28 miles or however long it is !) I came to a decision, in spite of being told that its not good business sense and that people will think I am not of sound mind (who me ?!?!?? never !! ).

I am going to donate half a day training per month to voluntary / charitable organisations who would not otherwise be able to access the services of Journey Training. If you are interested in taking up my offer please contact me directly through the website to discuss things further www.journeytraining.co.uk

And finally, I now feel like I am 'doing my bit' !