How the Years have passed...Kindly of course!

If you are guessing, I am second row on the end (Left) The joker in the pack!
An amusing story of meeting the Chief Constable was when He noticed my Moustache. (Mexican Bandit Style)
With a glint in His eye He made it clear that He had noticed it and said" Not a great choice for the job you have chosen".
Great days, great people and brilliant training for life.
And no...In my own time with the years passing I had to grow up and the Moustache went.....making me look much younger of course.
Its just good DNA!

Truth can change things...but we may need to set the lead first

As the end of 2011 comes rushing forward I can see much to reflect on this Year.
Its been unusual at best and thrown up some challenges to test resillience.
People are more anxious than I have ever seen them and I detect as a consequence an Increase in "Me First".
For many, December will be a time to remember that the gap between the "Haves" and"Have Nots" has widened ever further.
Whilst many will feel protected at the top end, the uncertainties in the air trouble them more than ever.
I often read about poverty around the World, feeling sad that my fellow Man inflicts brutality against the weak and vulnerable.
In truth,often rejected by many, there is poverty on our own doorstep.
100% of people say they care but the reality is that 10% actually do something, however small, to show a quality that is commendable.
I am a realist. I now that equality for all is often spoken of by those seeking power over others, with little progress on the ground. I would suggest that History is proof of little progress and its worth taking a moment to be honest about it.
My heart goes out to Families who find themselves in dire straights and who have little confidence of being noticed.
When and how we can, lets put a little more kindness back into our community.
Seeing beyond ourselves may not be easy but seeing the outcome for others is Inspiring.
Its time the 90% realised that when we all care together, even in small ways, we share the responsibility of our communities who are stronger for it.
It takes courage to admit that we could and should be helping others more than we do.
It begins with ourselves and sets the lead for others.
Begin locally and work outward....

Business is best with nice people

I have been fortunate to travel throughout Europe on Business.
On more than one occasion I used Tivoli Hotels in Portugal for our annual conference with my distributors.
Portimao became a favourite setting for everyone, being in a lovely marina.
Its been some years since I organised this now, but Claudia Pinto at Tivoli has written often to see how life is.
Sometimes in business you meet people who become friends and this is an added bonus.
Thank you Claudia for staying in touch.
Special people are hard to find and the memories of time in Portimao burn brightly.

Dignity is such a fine recommendation

Its sad that so often the most dignified behaviour comes from real despair.
For anyone who has had to watch a Loved one challenged by Cancer struggle or lose their battle, the empty feeling cannot be explained.
An observer feels helpless whilst the sufferer feels so much is left to say and do.
Its frustrating on all sides.
Staying positive is vital for everyone.
A photograph taken at a Hospital Bed during Cancer treatment with one holding the others hand and declaring "This is all I can do" is a poignant expression of feelings.
It is also a symbol of Love and Care and what else can any of us give.
Its reassurance is Immense.
Its a shame that real Dignity is often revealed through the most trying times.
Never take life for granted and fill it with as much Love as you can for those special people in your life.

Be a positive Influence

We all Love people with boundless positive energy and Love of life.
Why is it that every time I listen to Dolly Parton i feel uplifted?
She has written great songs for others but what a great Singer....still doing what She does best.
Latest release:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jXrlSP-SHMM

Is it me Dan....or are people watching us!

Yep, I think we have to give way on the consensus for this one Dan. We do look pretty serious!

That said,it is of course true.

Very serious about social and economic issues in both Barnsley and South Yorkshire in general.

As Member of Parliament for Barnsley Central, Dan Jarvis knows that Politics will never fix the Ills of Society.

The solution is not in Westminster.

What makes our relationship, and I hope our Friendship firm, is that I do not do Politics and Dan can see beyond them too.

It’s a healthy and Impartial stance.

People are what matter and local communities face some grim challenges right now. Working together never mattered more.

“I don’t know about you Dan but being serious is thirsty work. Do you fancy a Pint?”

There, I knew that would work.

Back to being serious tomorrow.

What you say has Power - But beware of Damaging Others

An old jewish tale well illustrates the consequences of spreading hurtful gossip. Told in various forms, the gist of story is as follows.
A man went about town slandering the town's wise man. Later, the malicious gossiper realized his wrong and went to the wise man to ask for forgiveness, offering to do whatever was necessary to make amends. The wise man had one request: The gossiper was told to go and take a feather pillow and cut it open,scattering the feathers to the wind. Though puzzled by the request,the gossiper did as he was instructed and then returned to the wise man.
"Am i now forgiven?" he asked.
"First, go and gather all the feathers," the wise man responded.
"But how can i? The wind has already scattered them."
"It is as difficult to repair the damage done by your words as it is to recover the feathers."
The lesson is clear. Once spoken, words cannot be retrieved, and it may be impossible to undo the hurt they cause. Before spreading a bit of gossip,we are wise to remember that we are, in effect, about to scatter feather in the wind.