Compliments | But I Smile Anyway...

Spidey’s Serene Sunday – Part 139

15 Oct 2017 37 Comments

by Ritu in Spidey's Serene Sundays, Thoughts Opinions & Memories Tags: Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Calm, Compliments, Inner Peace, Quote, Serene, Spiderman, Spidey, Spidey's Serene Sunday, State Of Mind, The Dalai Lama

“If a person’s basic state of mind is serene and calm, then it is possible for this inner peace to overwhelm a painful physical experience.” – The Dalai Lama

Perfect quote Spidey, form a most serene being too!

I am learning more and more that this state of inner peace is what gets me through on certain days.

But I Smile Anyway is my blog name, because I try to see the positivity in everything, and I feel that having a smile on my face allows me to think about everything with a brighter light.

There are days, and these days have been occurring more often in this academic year, due to my chopping and changing classes mid-week every week, and having some really challenging children to teach, that sometimes I close the door at the end of the school day and think I am ready to speak to Hubby Dearest about packing it all in.

Then I sit back, breathe, write it out, or speak to someone, and realise that once I am calm, things aren’t really that bad. There are folk out there who have my back, people who are happy to give support and advice, and that I don’t really want to quit. I was born to do this, and a little thing like an ‘interesting’ group of children will not get the better of me. I just need to think of other ways to deal with the issues that are arising…

So when you are in a fix, or a pickle, if things have got the better of you, give yourself time and find that core of inner peace. rethink your problems, and deal with them with a fresh, calm head.

We can all do this.

Have a Serene Sunday Peeps!

Spidey’s Serene Sunday – Part 138

08 Oct 2017 37 Comments

by Ritu in Spidey's Serene Sundays, Thoughts Opinions & Memories Tags: Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Broken, Calm, Compliments, Glowstick, Quote, Serene, Spiderman, Spidey, Spidey's Serene Sunday, Strength

“It’s OK to be a glowstick. Sometimes we need to break before we shine.” – Anon

What an absolutely fantastic thought Spidey has brought to the table this week!

I rather like the idea of being a glowstick.

The thought that something broken can give the greatest results.

There are often situations in life where you are pushed to your limits. You work yourself to the bone. You wear yourself so thin that that final straw easily breaks the proverbial camel’s back.

But this saying makes me think that being broken is not a bad thing. Being broken means that you get a chance to peer inside yourself, and find that inner strength and glow that you would have never realised was there, had you just plodded along.

So if you are feeling broken, if things haven’t gone the way you wanted, summon the strength to mend yourself, and allow that strength to carry you forward to bigger and better things!

Thank you, Spidey!

Have a glow-tastic Sunday Peeps!

Spidey’s Serene Sunday – Part 137

01 Oct 2017 47 Comments

by Ritu in Family, Spidey's Serene Sundays, Thoughts Opinions & Memories Tags: Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, blogily, Calm, Compliments, Quote, Serene, Spiderman, Spidey, Spidey's Serene Sunday

“If you see something beautiful in someone, speak it.” – Ruthie Lindsey

Thank you, Spidey!

This seems to be an apt quote, after my Friday post on receiving compliments – found here.

If you see something that you admire in a person, a quality that makes them stand out, you should let them know (and I don’t mean in a crazy stalker-ish way, because you fancy them!)

It might be a smile that lights up the world around them, or a way with words. Maybe it’s the way they care for others, or how they are able to create masterpieces from little nuggets of nothing.

Tell them.

They may not know how to take it, but a compliment is something that is often looked back upon, and cherished.

Have a great Sunday Peeps!

Taking Compliments – #FridayFeelings

29 Sep 2017 87 Comments

by Ritu in Thoughts Opinions & Memories Tags: Blog, Blog Post, Blogger, Blogging, Compliments, Fraud, Life, Reality

How are you at taking compliments?

Are you one of those who is able to graciously take one, smiling and not looking smug, or do you colour up and just not know what to say?

I’m not quite sure where I stand.

I don’t get outwardly embarrassed – it’s quite hard to flush as an Indian! But on the inside, I feel like a bit of a fraud taking a compliment.

The other day, my mum was so proud, telling me that one of my Hubby Dearest’s aunts had been on the phone to her, and within the conversation, she had mentioned how she thought everyone should have a perfect daughter-in-law like me.

That was so very sweet to hear, but I am good with the outward appearances. My parents have brought me up well, to understand about respecting elders, how to speak to everyone, having a smile on my face, and being happy to help.

I can do all that easily, but I’m not perfect, seriously. I still have my faults. I don’t do all the cooking and cleaning for my in-laws, I can get a bit stroppy with them, heck sometimes I don’t actually want to go there EVERY DAY, but I do. Because that is what a good daughter-in-law does.

I’m a wonderful wife and mother, apparently.

No, I am good at making sure everyone is fed, and had clean clothes. I know all homework is complete and I am a fantastic taxi service.

But I’m too tired to spend quality time with my Hubby without wanting to just fall asleep. I spend half the time yelling at my kids because I have used up all my patience on the children in my various classes.

My colleague told me she looks up to me, as a teacher.

I’m good. I’m not great. She is absolutely fantastic. I am calm and have a way with people so I can keep myself organised (Virgoan trait), and I can tell stories amazingly.

But I don’t think I am an inspiring teacher the way she is. There are days I want to walk out of the classroom. I don’t know my craft inside out – sometimes I totally wing it!

And as for being ‘Best Blogger’…

Really? I love what I do on this blog. I try my hardest. Yet I look at others, and I am in awe of them and what they achieve. I’m not the ‘best’. I just put my heart and soul into it, and I hope for the best.

But I’m not inspiring. I don’t write things that are out of this world, just my jumbled up thoughts and interpretations.

So you see, I feel like a fraud. Somehow the outward appearance belies what I really am, and how I feel inside… And when someone compliments me, I feel awful, because I know it’s a facade…

I’m not some role model – I’m just me…

Though there is one thing that is true… I will most definitely always have a smile for you!