But I Smile Anyway…

“Talking is so important. But so is listening.”

~Anon~

So true, Spidey.

I love talking. And when I cannot talk, I enjoy typing those thoughts. It is so therapeutic.

But as much as I know it is important to free your mind of certain burdens by talking, it is just as crucial as listening to others.

They have the same need to talk and let go.

And if you want people to listen to you, there comes a time when you need to be prepared to be that sensitive listener, too.

I like to talk, lots, but I like to think I am as good a listener to those who need it, too.

So, Peeps, what do you think? Are you a good listener? 😊

“The beautiful journey of today can only begin when we learn to let go of yesterday.”

~Steve Maraboli~

Something really meaningful there, Spidey, thank you.

It’s not as easy as it seems to let things go.

We can see people out there holding onto something that is slowly turning their life upside down, and we can advise them to let it go.

Because we know that is usually the best way to carry on with life.

But when that same wisdom is turned onto ourselves, sometimes we forget to take our own advice.

I’m generally pretty good at letting things go, but I am human, too, and sometimes I find that. I am holding onto stuff I cannot change unless others are willing, so that is something I have realised more and more recently.

I have to let it go.

I can deal with it when the time is right, but not worry myself sick over something I cannot alter.

The time will come.

Until then, I can unburden myself.

Get a little respite.

So, Peeps, are you able to let things go? 😊

“A negative mind will never give you a positive life.”

~Unknown~

What a great quote, Spidey!

I am a firm believer in the power of positivity.

I’ve always touted myself as a ‘glass half full’ kinda gal all my adult life.

I was probably that when I was younger, too, but I didn’t consciously think about it.

But even the most positive person can flag when they are exhausted.

That was definitely me last week, possibly before I realised I was experiencing burnout… (Which I mentioned last week).

It was becoming tough to see the light. That negativity was seeping into each and every aspect of my thinking as tiredness leeched my energy away.

But you know what it’s like. You can’t just switch off from everything. If only it were that easy.

At least I was on school holidays. I can’t stop being a mum but I can ease off other responsibilities. This was why I took the decision to stop forcing myself to write since I couldn’t even think straight.

And even though this is my opportune word time, what with the stresses of work gone, I knew that if I carried on pushing, I would break.

I have begun to feel a bit better this last week.

I had time with my best friend when she came over for a few days. There have been good moments with the kids, too.

And we have a short break planned, too, so I have that to look forward to.

It feels like there is plenty to think positively about, and just that thought has made me feel so much better.

Here’s to the spark igniting again in a healthier way!

So, Peeps, how do you bring yourself back to thinking positively? 😊

“Burn bright, not out.”

Hamza Khan

This speaks volumes, Spidey. Thank you for this quote.

I listed all the things that I need to do over the summer, last Sunday, and after the first few days of my summer holidays, I felt quite positive, but this week has been a bit different.

Maybe I am coming down with something, or maybe my body is really screaming at me to just shut off for a while.

So, this past week, I did that. I had intentions of writing every day. Even if I could hit 1k words every day, that would be me, happy.

But aside from scheduling a few posts, and around 1.5k words since Monday, I realised I was trying to pour from a very empty jug.

I gave myself permission to switch off from my writing, which gives me so much pleasure, but equally, can stress me out, especially if I am writing substandard words because I am too tired.

I had a couple of appointments to attend, as well as a wedding for a very special couple, plus a shopping trip planned with the in-laws. None of these could be rescheduled.

But I could choose when to write my words.

I cannot hit burnout because I have a deadline. My words and stories are important to me, and they need to come as and when they are ready.

Life has been so busy/hard recently, I have to give myself a break.

We managed to book a short break away, too, because I think the whole family needs it.

The words will flow, soon enough, I am sure. But I am not going to dim my glow just to write when I am not in the right place. I cannot go back to school in September already burnt out.

So, Peeps, do you remember to give yourself permission to switch off? 😊

“Don’t count the days. Make the days count.”

Muhammad Ali

Love a bit of Muhammad Ali, so thank you for that great quote, Spidey, to kick off the holidays!

As you know, I am now on my school summer break.

It’s that stretch of time when people unused to working in education think us teachers lounge about and do nothing for 6 weeks, or longer.

WRONG!

Firstly, I have five weeks officially out of school. Secondly, just because the kids aren’t in doesn’t mean we aren’t. Sure, I won’t go in every day, but I will be, at some point, as we have to get started on clearing the classrooms and getting ready for the new arrivals. Paperwork needs completing, as well as general decor. I have a new teaching member of the team who will need some guidance as to what we have available to use to pretty up what will now be her room.

Plus, the holidays are the only time I can sit back for a while, then get on with that other passion of mine; writing.

Book three is due out next year, and I need to get it written! So I have to make good use of the days I have out of school. This will be on top of other commitments and events we have planned over the break, too.

So far I have added 2,600 to the manuscript and written myself a skeleton plan for the story. I have been scheduling other posts that are going to be featured on my blog, plus I have at least 2 articles to write for other blogs as a feature!

I will be filming a Youtube interview with someone and being a featured speaker at the Thriving Authors Seminar in August, too! Eeks!

I think I am making the days count, Mr Ali!

So, Peeps, do you try and stay productive in some way or another, over your breaks? 😊