Thanks to all the folk who are my 'clients'...

Photograph copyright: Francesca Arnold, 2010

I was thinking today just how much I've learned from the amazing people I work alongside. I've described them as 'clients' in the title, but, of course, it's only the professional relationship which requires this distinction - I see you as people actually (hence the quotation marks). When I hear about the crap you deal with daily; the tragedies and heartbreak you struggle to deal with - when I witness this, and see you dust yourselves down, join together and get on with life, I am humbled and inspired. I think about you, and sometimes worry about you too. I am not eloquent enough to find the words that express the power of how I feel when I think about this community - a group of people often brought together by hard times/events, but definitely not defined by it. I can't find the words, but I trust you know that my sentiments are heartfelt and completely genuine.

Sharing some quality time...

Someone gave me their time...

Thank you to the friend who gave their time to me today. You were excellent company and I thoroughly enjoyed myself.

The bluest sky!

Sometimes it can be as simple as stopping to notice the transilient beauty of a blue sky. 

On Friday 23rd April, I savoured such a moment, and captured a glimpse of this on my newly acquired camera. If you want to find out more about the context for this, visit the Ragged Ramblers blog. 

Thanks to Adam O'Grady

Thanks to Adam O'Grady the designer and maker of this lovely new window at Guestwick church. He has  shared a wonderful vision which is giving people great pleasure, and has the potential to be a catalyst for wellbeing in his community. Read here for more about this.

Colin Howey <*((((><(

Great to meet you all!

If you get the balance right, a little movement carries great weight

Yesterday, I met some really talented, caring, interesting, playful and creative people. We were attending a wellbeing training day facilitated by the energetic and - in my view, inspirational - Andrew Willoughby...

Sue, Peggy, Alan ("GOG"), Steven, Rosie, Margarite, Maggie, Szara, Marie, Helen, Janet, Pat, Maureen and, of course, Andrew...


Thanks! I learned something - and in many cases, lots of things - from every one of you.

PS Apologies if I've spelt any of your names wrong...

Click on the fish to return back to main blog...

<*((((><(

An act of kindness... music for my soul

Wow! When I got home this afternoon, a mate - and comrade! - I've known for years had posted a DVD of soul legend, Bobby Bland, through my door. He's also introduced me to a recent discovery of his, Johnny Adams, who I'm listening to now.

This thoughtful act of kindness and generosity gave me a real lift - a really Wellbeing enhancing act!

Thanks Dave ;-)

<*((((><(


Click on fish to return to main blog...

Thanks Sylvia!

The woman on the next table struck up a conversation with me. We talked about changing the world, and talked about some of our journey - the pain and the overcoming of obstacles. She was so open and honest, and I could feel her 'presence' - her dignity and intelligence. We intuitively trusted each other. She recommended some books and projects to me, and at the end of our conversation we shared a hug!

Thanks Sylvia for your random act of kindness!

To return to main blog, click on fish
<*((((><(

Thanks Ben, for supporting me...

Thanks to my neighbour Ben. Last night, when I was feeling really low, he took the time to listen to me with kindness and empathy. It really did help to lift my spirits. Thanks mate!

<*((((><(

Sue's Act of Kindness

On Sunday I attended the Five Ways to Wellbeing themed, 'Fair at the Forum'. I got to meet lots of interesting folk, and thoroughly enjoyed myself. One person I got chatting to was Sue Baylis, a counsellor whose website is included on the sidebar links of my main blog. Sue is very open and enthusiastic, and her big, generous heart was exhibited when, without any prompting whatsoever, she gave me a jar of brain-enhancing Omega 3 & 6 capsules for free. Thanks Sue!

To return to main blog, click HERE

Conversation with 'Stranger'...

Yesterday, I was in Lakenham, Norwich. Having just left the East City Children's centre (Cavell Primary School, Duckett Close), I decided to walk a different route. I took the path along what was once a railway track. Disoriented, I had two choices and chose the 'wrong' one (of course!). As a result, I had walked a fairly long way away from the city centre when I began to realise that all was not as it should be.


Anyway, I decided to ask a young woman the direction to the city centre. She laughed and told me that I was walking in the wrong direction. I laughed too! She had been walking along, reading a book as she went. I asked her what she was reading and we chatted for a while as we walked along. It was a lovely day for a stroll, and it felt really good to talk to a friendly 'stranger'.


Anyway, this young woman is today's giver - she gave me her time, her advice and was good company. If you happen to stumble in on this, then 'thank you'. Connecting doesn't cost anything, and in the wonderful words of my friend Shaun, "it can only be good!"


To return to 'The Whole Perspective', click HERE


<*((((><(