Thursday 29 January 2009

Top reasons

Hi to one and all.

I’ve been looking through the newspapers today – what a wonderful, surprising world we live in!

I see that a stuntman has been injured on the Harry Potter set while filming a role as the star himself, played over the years by Daniel Radcliffe.

The injured 25 year-old, was rushed to hospital after the accident, near Watford, while filming the latest installment of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.

I’m sure I speak for everyone, when I wish this un-named man a speedy recovery.

I also see that TV presenter Denise Van Outen is now engaged to Joseph star Lee Mead – congratulations to both of them.

The age difference – Denise at 34 is seven years older than her husband-to-be – is irrelevant when it comes to compatibility.

Fame will come and go but love never dies.

Maybe that’s the romantic in me but I believe anything in life that’s worth having includes some waiting and working-hard for. I’m glad that after a tumultuous love life, including a three-year romance with singer Jay Kay, Ms Van Outen has finally found her prince.

It seems that chat show king Jonathan Ross faces a £4.5million pay cut if his BBC contract is renewed next year.

Many others, including Sir Terry Wogan, Graham Norton and Jeremy Paxman are also facing wage cuts.

Five newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky has accepted a £375,000 pay cut, to continue reading the news part-time.

Looking at the current economic climate, I take my hat off to all mentioned above, which will help save other journalists jobs at the BBC, BBC News and Five News.

It’s only when such maneuvers are being used to force people out of their jobs, that it becomes another matter.

Yes we may work hard but regardless of what salary we earn, if you ever find yourself being left out of things at work, their can be some unpleasant reasons why and unless it’s bullying or avoiding gossipy people…

1. “The Sky isn't really blue - it's actually cyan”
Do you incessantly spout unnecessary or obscure information that would make a sad train spotter jealous? Get rid of the “know-it-all” attitude or you'll make a career of lunching alone.

2. Chains of love
Are you never around because you're always out on a “smoking break?”
Limit your puffs to standard break times.

3. Workaholic wannabe
Do you stroll in late, take extra long lunches and don’t really start to roll-up your sleeves and dig into some serious work until about 2 p.m.?
Then, do you make sure everyone sees you working past 5 p.m.?
Well you don’t impress anyone; rather you’re annoying those who already have put in a full day before you even get warmed up.

4. Hello Magazine -- Office Edition
You're very good at filing away information -- about everyone in the office! If you want to keep friends, learn to keep a secret.

5. Nattering
Do you go round the office forcing one-way conversations on your innocent victims? If the only response you receive is, “Right, umm, right,” then they’re not interested in your blather. Now get back to work!

6. Mr un-clean
Leaving dishes in the sink, old food in the fridge, food splattered inside the microwave and crumbs on the break table is a sure-fire way to annoy fellow workers. Clean up your act.

7. Big mouth
Are your phone conversations loud enough to be from the speakerphone even though they're not?
Dial down the volume to keep the peace.

If you recognise yourself or close work friends in any of these scenarios, take heed. It's time to change your ways or stop having any contact with such 'friends'.

Of course you can never please everyone, but healthy inter-office relationships are necessary to properly perform your duties and for future advancement in the company.

So get rid of some of your annoying habits or mates and you'll be sure to gain some new friends and respect.

Light and Peace

Andria

PS, don’t forget to view my other internet site: www.andriagreaves.com

Light and Peace


Andria

X

Tuesday 27 January 2009

WHAT A DIFFERENCE A DAY MAKES!

I finally went to the gym yesterday – hurrah!

Because I’m still having problems with my eyesight, I can only use stationary items, such as the rowing machine and certain weight-bearing units.

Nevertheless, I’m glad that at least I can see something and thanks to my bout of having Chinese medicine treatment, I can certainly feel an improvement.

I’m not ignoring established medical advice and after nagging my doctors, I’ve secured an appointment for an MRI-scan early next month, to find out why my sight has deteriorated.

Before, they said the earliest I can be seen was July 2009!

In the meantime, my Chinese medicine therapy consists of drinking a tea, twice a day, called Bai Xian Pi, which clears Heat, expels toxins, and calms itching.

Considering my dislike of needles, I find it strange that I would ever agree to acupuncture but because I’m so desperate to get better and considering the medics don’t know what’s wrong with me – which is why eye laser treatment is out of the question – rather than sit back and feel self-pity, I’d rather get up and do something about it.

I’m going to have my next session tomorrow at 12noon, so wish me luck!

Looking at the newspapers today, most are full of Prince Harry’s former girlfriend Chelsy Davy wearing so much make-up she looked ORANGE.

Talk about looking forward to a bright future!

I’m glad that four Lords at the centre of the peers for hire scandal are being investigated.

Regardless of the political views, this is an important vindication for journalism in safeguarding the truth and preventing corruption having a base in the UK’s political structure.

US President Barack Obama has reversed the Bush regime on environmental policy and has allowed individual states in America to impose stricter car pollution laws.

Considering the USA is the world’s highest polluter, I hope this change works for the better.

Congratulations to no-longer-ginger-spice girl Geri Halliwell on getting engaged to Fabrizio Politi. I wish them both the very best in life.

Extra congratulations to pop star and actress Jessica Simpson – yes she’s put on weight but looks better for it.

Her pictures of her performing at a festival showed she had curves in the right places – good for her.

I also see that a witch has put a hex on the judges of Britain’s Got Talent judges Simon Cowell, Piers Morgan and Amanda Holden.

Real people of ignorance will accept this woman’s behaviour but the majority of us will know that her remarks were simply down to sour grapes that she wasn’t picked and simply move on.

I’m glad that Kelly Brook was able to wave and smile after she left a beauty salon in West London yesterday.

It was sad that it didn’t work out for her on the Britain’s Got Talent but as she showed years ago when she was terminated from the then Channel 4 show The Big Breakfast, this woman is a survivor and will always come up trumps.

I’ve been listening to Chris Rock on the following internet site: www.thelaughbutton.com

Even if Mr Rock isn’t your cup of tea, the various artists on this site mean you will find something you’ll like.

Don’t hesitate to visit my other site: www.andriagreaves.com


Andria Greaves - never scared.

Monday 26 January 2009

Hello!

I was a steward at the Chelsea match against Ipswich on Saturday 24 January 2009 and I can just about tell you how much fun I had!

To do a job that you’d be willing to do for free – if it weren’t for the fact that we all need money to live on – and be paid for it, while monitoring crowd safety really is a rewarding experience that I’d recommend to anyone.

I don’t support a team but I do appreciate the skill, hard work and tenacity that goes into a match, as well as the scoring and wining goals.

Credit must be shown to Ipswich, who played very well but the Chelsea team were simply stronger, fitter and faster and it showed.

Chelsea were the first to get blood, 16 minutes after the match started when Michael Ballack - who at 32 is still showing no signs of burning out - stretched to reach Ashley Cole’s low cross.

But the hone team’s defensive weakness was highlighted when Alex Bruce – son of former Manchester United player and now Wigan boss Steve – equalised for Ipswich 18 minutes later.

The roar from their fans was electrifying!

But the speed and pace of the Chelsea team once again proved to be too much for the visitors when just before the hour, Ballack scored a magnificent free kick.

The roar from the Chelsea fans at the east gate was equally impressive – and they didn’t hold back taunting the Ipswich fans by shouting: “You what?” to the now silent Ipswich supporters.

I also have to give credit to the two managers of the match, Jim Magilton for Ipswich and Luiz Felipe Scolari for Chelsea as both men remained controlled when goals were scored and remained focused on the team, making subs when necessary.

It’s easy to see that Scolari is an experienced manager, who clearly keeps his head when others around him and on the pitch were loosing theirs.

I know he’s usually noted for his temper but looking at his behaviour on Saturday, he seems to of mellowed.

The above actions from the Chelsea supporters and football team seemed to knock out the will from Ipswich, as during the second half, Chelsea again showed just why their players receive the salary they do, as you could tell they wanted success more.

Not surprisingly, they got it.

Frank Lampard, five minutes before the final whistle, scored an amazing goal that showed nothing but class and the Chelsea supporters knew they were leaving their football ground happy and content at seeing a good match and a good win.

I was also impressed by the speed of Ashley Cole who ran his legs off on the pitch, never taking his eye off the ball and made sure he helped out his team anyway he could.

When the final whistle was blown, the players were in good sprits and some swapped shirts with the opposing team.

Because it was cold, everyone had a longer t-shirt on that was underneath their playing shirt but Nicolas Anelka gave his top away without collecting one from a Wigan player.

As a result, his torso was shown to the crowd just before he went down the tunnel with just his underneath t-shirt showing. That man has a figure to die for!

The biggest cheer went to Frank Lampard, who was the last player on the field. He saluted the crowd by clapping to them just before he too disappeared down the players tunnel.

In all, it was a good day.

It’s also nice to see actress Natascha McElhone with her children at the premier of her new film The Secret of Moonacre.

Her husband, plastic surgeon Martin died in May 2008, without seeing their son Rex, who’s now two months old.

It’s good to see her again and Natascha will soon be filming agaiin, as she’s filming Heaven and Earth, which is about the first British female to gradate as a doctor – after posing as a man.

Clearly times have changed, as now that’s no longer the case, which is why boundaries must be pushed in any industry, regardless of the sex, age or race of the people concerned.

I hope to speak and hear from you soon!

Light and Peace

Andria

PS, don’t forget to visit my other internet address: www.andriagreaves.com

Hello!

Tuesday 20 January 2009

HEAVEN AND HELL

Hi to everyone.

So much is going on in the world of late!

Like many, I’m going to enjoy watching Barack Obama being sworn in as the 44th President of the USA.

His success speaks for everyone who have fought hard to get where they are today, so let us enjoy today and be thankful that people of all races are realising the importance of getting the right person to do the job, regardless of race or age.

I must admit I also feel for Jade Goody and her battle against cervical cancer.

Yes she did upset a lot of people, not just Shilpa Shetty, with her remarks in the last Celebrity Big Brother but like most people in the UK, I truly wish her a speedy recovery and hope she’s back on top form soon.

I’ve not been watching this year’s Celebrity Big Brother as much as the last time. I suppose it’s because I’ve got so much on at the moment, with study and fitting in work experience in between coursework and holidays.

I realise Michelle, the former Liberty X singer was the latest celebrity to be booted off, in a stand-off between herself and TV presenter Ulrika Jonsson.

Many people are waiting for Ms Jonsson to spill the beans on affairs with former England manager Sven Gorran-Erikson and former Aston Villa striker Stan Collymore, so I’m not surprised that Michelle was evicted.

Nevertheless, I hope her time on the show pays off and gives her the springboard to re-launch her career.

In football, it’s clear that Liverpool have dented their title hopes with a one-all draw against Everton yesterday.

But the big football story by far is Brazilian footballer Kaka saying no to a transfer to Manchester City.

It just goes to show that money isn’t everything - but it is important as he already gets £6million a year. He’s also deeply religious - Kaka recently took off his AC Milan shirt to reveal his t-shirt, which said in perfect English: “I belong to Jesus.”

He remained a virgin until his wedding day in December 2005, to his childhood sweetheart Caroline Cellco.

Those two acts alone are admirable.

Kaka also often prays with his team-mates when he meets up with the Brazilian national team.

Looking at the debauchery that exists in the world of top-flight English football - which helped to corrupt George Best who wasn’t strong enough to resist the temptations - it’s probably for the best that his move to Manchester City has collapsed.

I’m looking at where I’m going to spend my holidays and looking at the pictures of Chelsea billionaire Roman Abramovich and singer Amy Winehouse letting it all hang out – literally – during their break in the Caribbean, it’s providing amusement to the good knowledge that at least I’ll be able to enjoy mine, wherever it is, knowing that no-one but me will care about how I look – which isn’t good at the moment!

I’m finally going to the gym today to do some toning.

It will be the first time this year that I’ll be making the effort to shape up. No excuses today.

On a happier note, I see that Tilly Lockey, a three year-old girl has got a pair of false hands as hers were destroyed when he contracted the brain bug Meningitis when she was just 17 months old.

Her new hands work by sensors attached to her elbows that pick up her muscle movements.

Congratulations Tilly and I hope your campaign to get prosthetic limbs goes well.

If you want to donate anything, click on: www.givetillyahand.com

Don’t forget to visit my other site: www.andriagreaves.com

Light and Peace

Andria

Monday 19 January 2009

Career do’s and don’ts from last year and the year before

Hi to one and all again

As 2008 came to an end, I can honestly say I’ve ended it on a far better note than last year and the year before and I have to admit, that’s meant swallowing a few home truths in the process over the years, both in looking at the behaviour of others and myself; both good and bad.

I believe that everyone has a right to move on, provided they are prepared to accept mistakes they’ve made along the way as well as see and let go of shortcomings of ourselves and of others who, for whatever reason, have decided to let us down or help us look up, regardless of the reasons.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, especially since taking the bold step of learning new journalistic skills, instead of sitting back and pondering about my future, is that having a future to look forward to offer’s something no money can buy and that’s freedom.

That is, freedom to be the better person we have a right to be; as the mother of Kavian Francis Hopwood, who lost her son due to gun violence, once said to me: “the street corners have nothing to offer when you’re pushing 40. Every day we are getting older, negativity will weigh you down.”

That’s just it, as every year goes by, if we don’t use our skills or learn new ones, we get stuck in the past, when we were someone, rather than face up to the reality that is the here and now.

I admit, it’s been hard for me to learn some of the stuff I’m doing and I’ve wanted to throw in the towel at times.

But I now realise why I enrolled for this course in the first place – to have new challenges in my life and to put myself in the direction I want to be, at least career wise. Pushing yourself can be hard, but it’s said best by the poet John Greenleaf Whittier, in these memorable lines:

“For of all sad words of tongue or pen, the saddest are these, it might have been.”

So rather than lecture about what you already know, I would say here’s a few lessons I’ve learned along the way of my life and I hope they can be of use to you.

• DO PUSH YOURSELF TO ADVANCED SKILL LEVELS.

One of the most famous examples of this is Dame Kelly Holmes. Before her success in the 2004 Olympics, she was known as a good track athlete who many believed was past her best.

That changed when she got gold for the majority of competitions she entered, crushing public doubts about her ability to win under pressure.
That’s because success in this world, especially in really competitive professions, are down to two things; talent and determination and as I’ve learned from my years of seeing many people come and go, without the latter, the former won’t do you any good – the career of Madonna is also a good example of this.

As Muhammad Ali once said: “Champions aren’t made overnight… but the will must be stronger than the skill.” If you have a dream, always keep it in your mind’s eye and take mini-goals to get there one step at a time.

• DO LEVERAGE YOUR STRENGTHS.

Another famous example of this is Matt Damon, who has long been accepted as a talented actor. In 2007 he built on the success of the previous Bourne films to produce the highly successful trilogy The Bourne Ultimatum which solidified his status as one of Hollywood’s most bankable actors.

Note that he didn’t even do a film in 2008 and didn’t need to either.
In other words, don’t get resentful of another person’s ability to hone in and exploit something they are good at.

Like most things in life, it is better to develop present skills that you are moderately good at and get better at it, rather than be stubborn and refuse to accept there are areas in your life that must be developed in order for you to take the next step in your career and life.

Another thing to realise in this category is not to be determined to undermine another person’s talents.

Yes, a friend of yours might have been working at that job, or you may of wanted your friend to get that role but if someone else was appointed, realise that it’s because they were better and learn from them – if you rubbish their abilities at work and in front of them, the only result you’ll demonstrate is that you’re not a good person to work with and we know what that leads to.

• DON’T USE INAPPROPRIATE LANGUAGE AT WORK.

No matter how annoyed you are with someone or how justified you think you are to be vex, or how much you know that you can get away with being rude towards another employee, this is the one thing that always comes back to haunt both the abuser and the company they work for, especially if the situation goes further and is appealed to someone else, be it a higher boss or to an organisation outside the company.

I’ve had to read many cases of people taking their former employer to employment tribunals for unfair dismissal and the one thing that’s an underlying theme in all the cases I’ve covered is the applicant clearly refusing to join in or participate in foul behaviour at the office, whether it’s gossip, sex, drugs, race or politics.

Every employer has a duty of care towards its employees and if bad language of any sort is being used and justifying it towards other friends - which by the way is gossip, especially if one of the people you're talking about is within that group - that’s also a clear case of bullying.

Nobody allows themselves to be bullied - it’s because they have no choice, it’s made clear that either they put up or shut up.

Furthermore no amount of hard work, years or commitment will restore your reputation if you’re seen as rude and crass.

Looking at the legal responsibilities employers now have, if this applies to you, you’re likely to be seen as a liability that needs to be removed.

Furthermore the appellant may end up revealing some embarrassing remarks about what the others at the same workplace are saying about you – don’t be surprised, since you were the one happy to sit back and see someone else get picked on and be the subject of gossip and probably even encouraged it - did you really believe that you weren’t in the firing line too?

• DON’T COMPROMISE YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES.

Sadly there are too many employers and colleagues who are willing to point fingers and let someone else take the blame for wrongdoing, i.e a scapegoat, despite knowing full well that everything has to go through a procedure and that means they had to of been involved too.

There are many executives whose company ends up going bust and refuse to take responsibility for their actions, then go ahead and set up a similar business elsewhere, then wonder why it’s all going wrong again, along with a ban of being a company director for the next five years.

Others get rid of someone that really changed the fortunes of an organisation for the better simply because they don't personally like someone, then wonder why the company’s sales since that person’s departure are going south or start rubbishing everyone else but themselves, which only reinforces the reasons why they get rid of good people and keep the bad ones on.

Another famous example of this but who took steps in correcting things the right way is Oprah Winfrey.

Her school for girls in South Africa was rocked after an abuse scandal.

However the talk-show host accepted overall responsibility for the inadequate employee screening and traveled to the school to meet with parents and address their concerns.

It takes a strong person to accept mistakes and take immediate action to correct and learn from them.

Furthermore by being accountable for the problems, Ms Winfrey was showing everyone the buck stops with her and by avoiding the urge to directly or indirectly blame others, ensured that the problems were solved.

Not surprisingly, people like me admire her more for this.

The bottom line is, if you’re lacking in ethics, you have no place in the world with anyone, whether it be business or personal – that’s why Rupert Murdoch has remained a formidable force in the journalistic and entertainment world – there’s no point in hating him for that!

• DON’T GET PERSONALLY INVOLVED WITH A SUBORDINATE.

This doesn’t just mean the obvious sexual sense, such as sleeping with the boss.

This also involves employers showing a preference to a particular person or type of person, whether it’s light-skinned black men or petite white women or the gorgeous Geordie who only started five months ago and always gets promoted ahead of others who have worked just as hard and have brought in more money and success to the company.

Such behaviour is plain old-fashioned prejudice/favouritism and shows poor judgment – after all, one of the petite woman you like may turn out to be inadequate – are you still going to keep that person on, despite their shortcomings, over employing someone who although you may not like physically or mentally, or even detest, has the ability to do the work?

More to the point, do you think the company is going to survive if that’s the way its run?

Don’t you think that the company will gain a less than impressive reputation if that’s the way it’s structured?

One such case that comes to mind is married CEO Mark Everson of the Red Cross. The organisation said his extra-marital relationship with a subordinate damaged his credibility.

What’s also forgotten is the fact that the affair is likely to have a negative impact on the subordinate’s career too – who’s going to employ a person who’s more known for currying favour than doing their job?

Even if you think the person you're working with is weird, don't make the mistake of allowing personality to get in the way of profit.

• DO STEP OUTSIDE YOUR COMFORT ZONE.

The best examples of this are the performers in both Strictly Come Dancing and X-factor, who bravely go out to the public and perform on what could be their last performance.

Leona Lewis would of stayed being a receptionist if she hadn’t of auditioned for the show and since winning, hasn’t looked back.

Living in your safety zone will make you boring, dull and resentful regarding what could of been your life and when we stop taking risks, we become a shadow of ourselves, never reaching our potential and leading a life of fustration.

Who knows what it may lead to – look at Alesha Dixon now, with a new record deal and busy social life – remember how different it was for her before Strictly Come Dancing?

• DON’T BADMOUTH PEOPLE WHO MIGHT BE GOOD REFERENCES.

Again, there are many examples of a workplace hothead, someone who says exactly what they’re thinking when they’re thinking it, without thinking of the consequences.

Many even do this in front of work experience students, while forgetting that such visitors will tell their friends and so on until it reaches the ears of some very influential people who could be the key towards your next career move.

If you can’t be diplomatic, civil and show respect to your colleagues, looking at the dynamics of the workforce, many employers are going to have reservations about taking you on, no matter how skilled or talented you are.

You are simply a waste of time and space that no employer wants or needs.

There are two publications in the UK, one radio the other is a magazine, aimed at a particular community, that keep making offensive remarks about how top-rated black performers won't do interviews with them.

They fail to realise that most of these top-rated performers are well aware of the culture inside these publications, thanks to friends, Facebook and other social networking sites.

Once they find out how those companies are run, such stars do have a right not to be associated with them - after all, such high achievers have also had to work hard to achieve success beyond their race.

They t00 have fought prejudice to get where they are today - they're not going to be willing to talk to anyone from an organisation that's corrupt and clearly exercises the same type of behaviour that would of prevented them from hitting the big time!

They don't want to be associated with behaviour that would of prevented them from getting to the top - that's why they say no to interviews with anyone from these publications.

Although there are more things that can be said, I hope these help you in gaining a better life - I think this entry is long enough as it is!

Please don’t hesitate to visit my other Internet address: www.andriagreaves.com

Light and Peace

Andria Greaves

THIS WEEK IS EXCITING!

That’s because, like many in the world, I look forward to Barack Obama being sworn in as President of the United States of America on Tuesday, January 20, 2009.

Seeing his wife Michelle standing in the middle as he accepts his office will be a proud moment for everyone, not just for black people, as it shows that finally, we are being accepted for who we are.

That’s also something that black people need to accept and remember, whether we’re running a care home or a pottery class.

We too need to remember that people should be appointed to work in a particular role for their skills and ability, not because we do or don’t like a certain person.

It’s really sad when influential individuals, regardless of race, decide to terminate someone’s employment simply because they believe: “I don’t feel that it’s working out having you around” or because the top dog says “I’ll admit it, I don’t want you.”

Thanks to friends, the Internet and sites such as MySpace, more people will know about corruption that does happen in organisations that are run this way, regardless as to whether it’s organised by black, white or Asian people.

Such behaviour will catch up and backfire on the person practicing such favouritism, particularly if we get rid of people simply because ‘they don’t look right’.

Just as Mr Obama still needs to deliver as the leader of the world’s most powerful nation, we too need to show that we are competent to fulfil our role in this day and age, not just for yesterday but today and tomorrow.

When it comes to that one, our race has nothing to do with it, so let us all show that we’re not one-trick ponies, as racing world champion Lewis Hamilton says and like Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has shown, let’s get back out there and win again.

On a sad note, I’ve seen that Tony Hart, a man who introduced generations of youngsters to the joys of drawing, has died from a chest infection, aged 83, on Sunday 18th January.

I’m glad that his passing was peaceful as those like me, who are now grown up, will also remember the characters he had in his shows, particularly Morph and his menacing friend Chas, who kept getting Morph into trouble.

Although I saw the similarities, it’s only today that I found out the same studio that produced Morph and Chas went onto make Wallace and Gromit.

No doubt the tributes have flowed in but I would like to add mine by saying it was a pleasure and an honour to watch Tony Hart and I thank him for showing us how important it is to let others see our creative side.

May you truly rest in peace.

On a funny note, I’m looking forward to seeing the Second International Elvis Show, in Budapest – I haven’t got tickets for it – but no doubt they’ll be some footage on the Internet about this.

It seems good for a laugh – I’m looking forward to it.

I also see that West Ham recently defeated Fulham 3-1 on their ground. I’m glad that the Hammers, with their current financial problems, have something to cheer about.

Don't forget to visit my other site, on: www.andriagreaves.com

Enjoy life


Light and Peace


Andria Greaves

Friday 16 January 2009

I’m exhausted!

On Thursday 15th January, I came in before 9am to conduct an interview at Smoke Radio, part of the University of Westminster.

I didn’t leave the campus until 10.30pm, in order to edit and interview others, which included doing a vox pops.

Unfortunately the person I wanted to interview wasn’t available until Friday, so I had to come in the next day again, at the same time, to conduct the interview.

After completing my news package, I had to read out the news twice live, as the first script went missing.

As a result, I slurred some words, for which I’m truly, honestly sorry for, as I feel I’ve let myself and the course tutors down.

I’ve worked so hard today that I can barely feel my legs.

I also agreed to meet up with some friends who I met two years ago, after enrolling for an Indian Head Massage course – right now I could really do with that massage!

I hardly slept a wink last night, worrying about today.

I assure you I take full responsibility for my actions.

The one thing I’ve learned today is to take care of your health – it’s so important to be gentle with yourself.

I’ve also accepted that while I’m still young, I’m not as young as I used to be – ha ha!

Have a lovely weekend.

Light and Peace

Andria


PS don’t hesitate to look at my other Internet site: www.andriagreaves.com

Friday 9 January 2009

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ONE AND ALL!

That’s a heartfelt wish of happiness to all of you and I truly hope your dreams that are good come true this year.

I’ve just got to be friends again with two people I once went to primary school with – Trey Anthony, a well known Canadian comic who was in the same class with me and her brother, Darren.

It’s been really great to see and hear from them again and as the case with old acquaintances, we’ve got a lot to catch up on.

Looking at the current credit crunch, it’s all too easy to be bleak about the future but making a few changes to your own life can make you happier and more fulfilled. Here are a few tips I’ve learned along the way of my life that I hope can be useful for you.

SHOW GRATITUDE

From people letting you on the bus first – even if you were waiting in line, to another person holding the door for you, showing gratitude can make you happier, energetic and more forgiving – as well as less materialistic.

When your attitude changes, you’ll soon see the change of others for the better.

AVOID OTHER-THINKING AND SOCIAL COMPARISONS

We can’t help but make comparisons with others – I do this when looking at the other students I’m studying with, especially their clothing!

But doing this all the time can also leave you vain and bitter, as there will always be others who are better and worse off than you.

The happiest people take pleasure in other people’s happiness and concern when it’s the other way round.

TAKE CARE OF YOUR SOUL

You don’t have to take a pilgrimage in order to find the sacred in life.

A child’s laugh – I like listening to my niece – eating your favourite meal, or wearing a shirt you like, all do their bit in taking care of your soul – if you can’t live with yourself, who else can accept you?

This also includes seeking genuine purpose and meaning in life, either though pursuing goals that are harmonious and within your reach, such as a course in making money, or working in the arts.

When I went to the theatre to see Emperor Jones with a former typing colleague, I was surprised when she told me it was the first time she had seen live theatre, with exception to pantomime.

We were both glad we attended, as after the show, we ate at the nearby deli. The experience gave us both a sense of meaning to our lives, for which we are both grateful for.

FORGIVENESS

I hope these help you, regardless of whether you are a friend or just surfing the internet, as forgiveness is just as important in having a happier, fulfilling life.

I read about a man’s plight; he was called Walter, in the UK newspaper the Daily Mirror, printed on Thursday 8th January this year. His former wife’s betrayal at running off with another man and leaving him penniless when they divorced nine years ago was really sad.

He simply didn’t trust women anymore and was still very hurt at how his friends clearly knew what his wife was up to but didn’t say a word to him and carried on as if everything was fine – that one, most of us know, is also an act of betrayal and makes the pain worse.

The phrase ‘knifed in the back’ comes to mind but all this does is hold onto the pain and it’s likely you’ll build up a monster in the process. See that person as a whole, rather than just on their offending behaviour.

Granting forgives doesn’t excuse their act but requires you to let go of your hurt, so that you can see and seize new opportunities in life. Remember it’s the other person/s who were inadequate, so you shouldn’t take on their issues or problems.

When Nelson Mandela was asked by President Bill Clinton how he managed to forgive his jailors, Mandela replied: “When I walked out of the gate I knew that if I continued to hate these people, I was still in prison.”

Apologies do help as it reminds us we are all human and shows a willingness to accept our mistakes and displays our humility.

Accept them with the good grace they deserve.

If you don’t well, as the old saying goes, what goes around comes around – don’t be one of those people who realise the true cost of those words the hard way – move on.

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www.andriagreaves.com


Light and Peace


Andria Greaves