So often one hears people saying how they have lost their sense of purpose, more often than not it is a feeling of bewilderment following the death of somebody close.

Are we really lost, or, are we just overcome with grief? Probably a bit of both I suspect.

Many of my close friends are either nursing and/or losing their parents and elderly relatives and gradually joining the bereavement club.

Working with the elderly I know they are often depressed and with good cause as they see their close friends sadly pass away and they wonder if they are going to be next.

This feeling to a certain extent hits us all as bereavement makes us question our own mortality. All the more reason why we should really live our life one day at a time and make the best of each day.

When I spout such words of wisdom I get accused of being happy clappy and religious which I am most definitely not…just being positive and grateful, religious no spiritual yes!

Keep smiling..that too keeps people guessing!

Optimists gosh we are so annoying!!

 

 

Anniversaries are a mixed blessing they can be a good reason to celebrate or a time for reflection. Today is the 50th anniversary since my father died suddenly, I was seven.

Speaking this morning with my brother  we both agreed it is a shame we didn’t have the opportunity to do and share things in our lives with him. He was 17 when dad died and revealed how he would liked to have had a beer with dad.

My own book on bereavement ‘Dancing in my Dreams’ (which I hope will get published this year) was called so having had a dream I was ballroom dancing with him…which alas I never did.

I remember my Mother saying how she had regretted that us children never knew Eric the man, just dad the provider.

So if you are reading this and have a dad make a point of telling him how much you care and consider yourself extremely lucky.

P.S. Dad…thanks for the white feather which arrived this morning!

Cyber bullying is on the increase and the fallout is something which schools are having to deal with on a daily basis.

“What many people fail to realise is that some cyber bullying activities could be criminal offences under a range of different laws, including the Malicious Communications Act 1988 and the Protection from Harassment Act 1997.”

A few surprising / alarming statistics, taken from Anti-bullying Alliance:

• Nearly a quarter of children don’t let anyone know they are being bullied.
• The National Centre for Social Research reported in 2011 that over 16,000 absences from school at any one time are due to bullying.
• Farringdon et al in 2012 reported that being a victim of bullying increases one’s risk of depression in later life…with bullies having a 30% chance of being depressed too!

Please see my full article on Innovate My School’s website:

http://www.innovatemyschool.com/industry-expert-articles/item/1670-how-schools-can-tackle-cyberbullying.html

Don’t forget February 9th is Safer Internet day and may be an excellent opportunity for parents and schools to approach this subject and help children/students who may be suffering in silence.

 

Fellow spiritual folk, had an amazing dream last night in which I saw my beloved mum (Dolly).  I was watching a huge musical extravaganza where the singers were singing ‘hello dolly’. I was singing along and remembering my lovely mum singing along to Frankie Vaughan singing that song on the radio.

Suddenly I was looking through a window…she was on the other side and we were looking at each other and smiling as the singers sang loudly ‘you’re looking swell dolly…’ and I thought yeah mum looks really well.

I woke myself up shouting, singing and trying to wave at her and speak to her. Wide awake I felt really good and happy, bathing in the warmth of her love…gone but not forgotten.

I read this morning that tomorrow is ‘Global belly laugh day’ which made me chuckle my funny mum could make me really belly laugh and not just one day a year! She often said how a good laugh is as good as a tonic…and of course laughter is one of the best medicines.

This week for one good reason or another I have been feeling ‘thoughtful and reflecting’ and know it’s best to try and keep a sense of humour and perspective whenever possible.

Get laughing!

Please, please don’t forget to support the Students Union and lobby your local MP’s to work towards saving this necessary educational support.

These monies are truly essential to a lot of full term students of any age, but remember our children are the future for this country and as such their university education should be a top priority and not on the list of cutbacks.

We want our government to look elsewhere for ‘savings’ they certainly know how to waste it!

 

 

I was sitting in the Accident and Emergency department with a friend when the news flashed across the TV screen that Alan Rickman had died and I am shamefully  behind with my blog.

A superb actor, who I remember fondly from ‘Truly, Madly Deeply’ a brilliant film where he played the ghost returning to help his partner cope with her bereavement. The beautiful scene of him playing ‘The sun ain’t gonna shine any more’ singing with Juliet Stevenson and I guess the words from that song ring true now he has died.

He went on to play such a convincing baddie in ‘Robin Hood Prince of thieves’ and my daughter’s generation of course know him as Severus Snape from the Harry Potter films. There have been such heartfelt and respectful comments from his fellow actors of his generous spirit and encouragement for younger stars.

You hear so often how top actors have such huge egos but we get the feeling he was a real gentleman, kind and not the baddie he portrayed in his roles.

How sad that we have now lost two great guys age 69 this week and both from cancer. I like to think the overwhelming love of their fans helps the families in some way with their grief…as long as their privacy is respected.

Like most people today I am saddened at the death of David Bowie. His music was indeed the backtrack to so many people’s lives spanning several generations.

I traveled musically with him starting I guess with space oddity, fond memories of listening to Fame belting out in night clubs, and summer drives listening to oh you pretty things…

If Zarr is reading my blog watching you perform Let’s Dance is etched in my mind… the man had soul.

Too many great songs to mention…but who can forget the vision of him in that amazing blue suit on stage performing at Band Aid? The man had great talent, great style and great karma.

Our thoughts and prayers must be with his family and close friends.

 

 

This is not the first time I have written about this subject on my blog. All credit to Loose Women today for having such an emotive discussion about this somewhat viewed as taboo subject.

What an amazing brave and honest appearance from June Sarpong who recently lost her brother. The rainbow photo being re-tweeted on twitter was a beautiful and positive way to bring awareness to this subject and remember her brother.

We should all do what we can to encourage male friends and relatives to open up about their emotions and support those charities increasing suicide awareness and helping families come to terms with their grief.

The day my Mother ended her struggle with Cancer there was a double rainbow so rainbows also poignant to our family too.

 

Don’t forget along with acts of kindness don’t under value the simple art of kissing.

I am busy finding that right publisher for ‘The little book of kisses’ ; my offering about this tender subject and my quest to help save the planet by making our own warmth and energy.

Valentine’s Day here we come.

 

 

 

On February 9th it is Safer Internet Awareness day and well-worth supporting and promoting.

The modern age of technology brings with it sadly cyber bullying and the opportunity for some to groom our children. So I am happy to promote this event.

Earlier blogs I mentioned I had started the Anti-bullying Alliance’s free online course. I have now completed this and recommend it to anybody within education or support services or for parents that just want to be more aware.

Excellent course, great resource material and very easy to use. Modules only take around 45 minutes to do, seven in all and can be completed at your leisure. Time well spent.

Anybody wishing to donate to this charity or find out more about their organisation please visit their website:-

http://www.anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk 

Stay internet safe and keep your children safe.