Source: honeyandvenom.tumblr.com via Claire on Pinterest
On being simple.
Before now, I've been described as simple, and not in a pleasant way. In a 'less than' way.
Like that's a bad thing.
Like loving rainbows and kittens and walks in the rain is bad. Like a life of good books and dear friends and happiness and Christmas countdowns is a bad. Like days spent happy, fulfilled and content are not as aspirational as striving, pushing and having one's elbows out at all times.
Now don't get me wrong, I have my own hopes and dreams. But the whole rat race, the coming out on top, the driving ambition....I don't really understand it.
Maybe I am simple. Maybe I'm not smart enough to be that way.
But I'm definitely happy.
I just like to smiling. Smiling's my favourite.*
And keeping things simple, focusing in on what fulfils and energises me, helps me to smile. In fact, it's something I'm aiming for more and more as I get older. The joy and comfort of simplicity makes me a better, happier person. So simple I shall be.
* of course, I get mad and sad like everybody else (especially when I'm hungry and tired!). And of course there are bad moments and horrible things that happen, and I, like everyone else, try my best to muddle through like everyone, but for the most part? I'm a pretty happy girl.
Pinterest: Words
I am a sucker for a good quote. My wall at school has tonnes of them, and when I was younger I used to keep notebooks of clever sayings around for counsel, comfort and inspiration. Nowadays, thank the Lord for the internet, because I can pin any quote I like to the board I have for quotes over on Pinterest!
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This is one of my very favourite Lewis quotes. I love the gentle, scholarly way he discusses faith and belief and love. Such an interesting man, such an incredible mind.
I'm a big Emerson fan too. His poem 'Definition of a Successful Life' is one of my favorite pieces ever.
Worth remembering, in this season of reports and new houses and exams!
I remember having a good old chat with my friend Richard about this a year or so ago. We agreed on this. I'm a big fan of showing up, of being there, and failing that (because geography messes with us all), making time to call, write or email. It's so nice when people make time for you, or when you do the same for them!
It seems so simple and obvious when it's put like that!
I would like PJs with this on. A quote to cherish, for sure!
Encouraging
As much as is may be cool to mock Oprah in some quarters, I often think she has some really interesting things to say (I'm a fan :)). My friend Naomi and I enjoyed her show and even both have the 20th anniversary DVD (thanks again, Nai!). I've been thinking about this quote a lot recently, as my class and I have been chatting about friendship and teamwork and being helpful and supportive of others. I shared this quote with the boys last Friday and was really impressed with their take on it.
I think it's so important to have people in your life who lift you up and encourage you, and really feel lucky to have lots of friends who do. It takes effort (as does everything good!) to help and support and give people a chance, but it's so good for you! I love the feeling I get from deploying a heartfelt compliment, celebrating with a friend or giving attention to the little things my friends do which make my world a sunnier place. I also love when someone takes the time to extend a kindness my way. Words are definitely one of my love languages!
It often feels like being kind also sits at odds with a lot of what the media does (and encourages us to do) - they always seem to be tearing someone down, bashing them, willing them to fail. It makes me sad to see that sometimes. as much as I may not care for someone, it can really get me down when the press go at them. Of course, when someone's actually done wrong (lying, hurting people etc.) I understand and think the press does have a duty to state facts and draw judgement....but to me the papers often seem full of just nastiness about peoples' lives (This person's put on weight! This actress has a nanny! This man bought something cheap, not designer!). This may be why I avoid papers much of the time. They seem to want us to think that by tearing someone else down we build ourselves up, but heaven knows that never works. To quote Mean Girls:
"Calling someone fat won't make you any skinner. Calling someone stupid doesn't make you any smarter. Ruining someone's life won't make yours any better. The only thing that you can do in life is solve the problem that's in front of you."
I'm going to continue to try to lift up others with my words and deeds. To encourage. To celebrate. To gossip less and listen more. I'm going to make sure my friends and family and pupils know how awesome and special they are. Because I think this stuff matters.
Because it's good to remember...
Counting blessings, as always. Wishing you all health and happiness, as ever. Have a great weekend!
Words are my friends
Sometimes a nice quote is just what you need! Thank heavens for Pinterest.
From: joann.com
From: crushculdesac.tumblr.com
From: designyoutrust.com
Hope you're all having a fab weekend.
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From: joann.com
From: crushculdesac.tumblr.com
From: designyoutrust.comHope you're all having a fab weekend.
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