Sheridan Smith has done it again! She has given an amazing performance in the brilliant BBC drama ‘The C Word’ of the touching but encouraging story of Lisa Lynch who helped so many people in writing her blog and being honest about how she felt.

During the one off drama whilst Lisa is having a session with her counsellor she honestly refers to being British and how we don’t talk about dying. A long time frustration of my own and something I have tried to fight all my life in small ways; in trying to be a better friend/family member that will discuss the C Word and dying and in my own writing projects.

It has also encouraged me to help hospital support groups by discussing and writing about experiences -the thing about being ill or dying is that one feels alone but when somebody is brave enough to share we realise that we are not alone and that not only helps us make sense of it all but be positive about each day and what it may have to offer.

What a great legacy Lisa has left her family must be so proud. She has helped so many people and the irony that her counsellor offered her a copy of her own book spoke volumes.

I remember a boyfriend’s mum saying how she would like to come back to this world next time as one of the Queen’s Corgi dogs as they are well looked after.

I think I would come back as a cat as they have it pretty good too and manage to keep their independence and lead a rather intriguing secret life.

I also look at my cat’s perfect body shape with an outfit that lasts all year round, so no ironing either. Not sure about the whiskers though.

As a cat lover I am certain they know and can see far more than we credit them for…and I definitely think they see spirits..including the spirits of other cats.  Now there’s a thought.

Oh to be pampered and adored eh!

When there is so much going on in the world that leaves one wondering  -what has happened to the structure of our society and mankind? It does the soul good to see how people pull together when there is a world disaster.

The tragic earthquake of last Saturday has yet again proven how amazing people can be when they set their minds to it. Seeing the joy of the rescue teams when they saved the teenage boy after five days of entrapment proves miracles can and do happen.

UNICEF are working hard to raise the funds to help a nation in such need through no fault of their own. Well done to EE phone company for making it simple to donate via text. Had an interesting chat with one of their staff today and we thank  God for humanitarians.

As somebody once said ‘the grave yards are full of people that were well meaning’. In life we so often come across people who have their own agenda, which they no doubt genuinely believe is for the greater good.

However, often they are so blinkered or on a mission that they ignore constructive advice and misread the signs that may actually help them achieve their goal but in a much better way for all concerned.

They sadly choose to proceed like a bull in a china shop and remain amazed when they are presented with the bill for broken plates and thrown out of the shop.

Often the bullish approach can bring success but when the well-being of others is at stake they play a dangerous game of Russian roulette, especially if  the people concerned are young students pre-exams. Students need as much support as is available at what is such an important stage of their schooling, and this support must be as a collective approach with everybody working together.

I recently encountered such a creature and made great use of all my counselling and people skills and remained calm, but as we all know unless complaints are followed through situations will remain the same and mistakes repeated.

This week I have had several conversations with people that work within education with children who are at the mercy of teachers who maybe need their soft skills enhanced before applying within school.

Though in balance my own experience with local schools has been extremely positive with majority of teachers not only being brilliant at their chosen subject but who go the extra mile and some for their students and communicate well with parents too.

I will always stick up for the vulnerable it’s what I do…and yes Mother was right my principles will quite likely be the death of me!  Maybe that should be principals!

It’s not a case of trying to make people change who they are, but change the way they view the opinions and sensitivities of others. Listening is a good starting point and maybe they could try that or seek direction from those that are getting it right and are actually in charge of the ship. Thank god for great headteachers!

Midweek rant over…

No matter how old you are nothing matches a walk in the woods when the bluebells are out. As soon as you step into the purple carpet you start to realise that elves, goblins, fairies and pixies really do exist and anything is possible. Just as we once believed as children.

Seriously, getting out into nature’s wonderland is a great way to recharge the batteries and have time to enjoy splendour what may just take a short car journey to reach.

Bonus for me was to catch up with a lovely friend; receive some tips for preparing my daughter for university, munch our way through naughty cakes and then walk back to the car to work off the calories.

I needed a long overdue break away from the screen and returned all the better for it. Now to decide what needs my best creative attention and add some magic dust that I had collected .

I am at my happiest when I have just read something amazing or discovered somebody who is.

I recall many years back a client, and one that helped me become disciplined in business writing used to say how sexy the mind of an intelligent woman was. So true but this is equally so of a man with a brilliant mind.

There are some writers that not only write inspirational works but go on to inspire generations of scientific minds and this must be said of Dr Roberts Lomas BSc PhD (Salford) MIEE.  Now he is intellectually sexy! Knowledge is indeed power and for many an aphrodisiac but this particular writer known for his wonderful books on masonic theories also helped inspire the DaVinci Code!

Wow and Cool just two words two younger relatives with enquiring minds have used to describe him this week. Come on kids we can do better than that surely?

If you have managed to keep a few special friendships through the madness of life you are indeed fortunate.

Those fab ones; that stay the test of time, see you through the bad times and are genuinely happy for you when things go well or you have something new to discuss.

You don’t have to see them every day, week or month but when you do you just engage instantly, have fun, can share confidences as though you were continuing a conversation…which is of course true…the laughter and chatter never ends.

They love you for who you are, are rarely shocked or judgemental and will join in your latest crazy idea with dangerous enthusiasm. These are the ones that like you are still 18, in their heart…at times to the embarrassment of their teenage children!

If you are reading this…you know who you are Mrs.C.