Lifes priorities-have you got yours figured out yet?
Mine seem to change every couple of years, but I always seem to have the same priotities and just shuffle them around in order of importance. Money, career, lifestyle, relationship, children. Not necessarily in that order, in fact that's probably the only order they've never been in.
Right now, I'm sitting on the beach, looking out to sea with the suns warmth upon me and I know that I'm in the midst of another change.
For the last 2 and a half years the top priorities in my life have been career and money, and do you know what? It has made me thoroughly miserable. I've missed my kids so much. I've missed the feeling of relaxation and peace that I feel right here and now when I look out to sea and hear the waves break the shore. I've missed going to bed at night knowing that I'd spent the day doing what makes both my children and I happy. I've missed my friends. I can't do it any more. So I've resigned.
Ok, there's also the fact that I've been diagnosed bi-polar to take into consideration. That and the fact that my symptoms are a tad out of control at the moment. Another good reason for sitting back and taking stock of life and what I want and need from it.
What I want and need is to know that when I close my eyes for the last time, I can be content in the knowledge that I've done my best. That I've done my best by my children and importantly, that I've done my best for myself. That I've savored and cherished life and its sensations and experiences.
So I'm changing my priorities and right at the top come my family and myself. The career can take a nose-dive and I'll happily wave to it as it passes me by. And we'll sort the money out as we always do. And next time I sit here my children can sit next to me and look out to sea and I'll know -i've got my priorities right.
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Sunday, August 05, 2007
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Zip, Zip-here I come!
Warning to all drivers in the Neath area....remain off the roads on Friday the 25th. My advice to you would be to take the train on that day, or even better, ring in sick and stay home. You see, the 25th is the day I take my Compulsory Basic Training and (hopefully) ride my new scooter home.
Please meet the Piaggio 'Zip'.
The situation with the trains and the difficulty I have in commuting back and fro to work forced my hand and persuaded me to get some wheels (even if it is only two).
Heres the confession though: I am petrified! Why is it, when I have suddenly made this decision, the TV is teaming with news stories about the huge number of bikers killed on our roads every year?!
And why is it now that the council have decided to dig up the roads in Neath and start to resurface them, leaving uneven roads and potholes inviting me to take a spill the very first day?!
I have to get over the fear though, face up to it and get riding, because try as I might, I cant cope with our dreadful rail service anymore.
Ok, its not very 'Green' of me. I hear you. But hell, the bike does 100mpg and I promise to find out if I can fill the thing up with bio-diesel...ok!
So there, I've warned you, you cant say I didnt.
Miranda's got a scooter...be afraid, be very afraid!
Please meet the Piaggio 'Zip'.
The situation with the trains and the difficulty I have in commuting back and fro to work forced my hand and persuaded me to get some wheels (even if it is only two).
Heres the confession though: I am petrified! Why is it, when I have suddenly made this decision, the TV is teaming with news stories about the huge number of bikers killed on our roads every year?!
And why is it now that the council have decided to dig up the roads in Neath and start to resurface them, leaving uneven roads and potholes inviting me to take a spill the very first day?!
I have to get over the fear though, face up to it and get riding, because try as I might, I cant cope with our dreadful rail service anymore.
Ok, its not very 'Green' of me. I hear you. But hell, the bike does 100mpg and I promise to find out if I can fill the thing up with bio-diesel...ok!
So there, I've warned you, you cant say I didnt.
Miranda's got a scooter...be afraid, be very afraid!
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
A travellers lament
Ok, so we all know there's a WAG election coming up in a few days. I've read all the literature from all the parties (yes, even the little ones), and I've watched the PPB's and numerous political programs over the weeks. I know who I'll be giving my vote to but all that could change if someone from any god damn party, any one at all, could promise me without a doubt to improve the rail service! I am mightily cheesed off with sitting on train station platforms aimlessly waiting for trains that are either very delayed or just don't turn up at all. I am sick of having to leave the house at least 90 minutes before I'm due at work and catching trains that are too early for me but I get them just incase the train after just doesn't turn up. How the heck is this country to have a hope in hell of meeting any targets to cut the number of cars on the road when we have such a dire excuse for a rail service. If I worked for a rail company, particularly Arriva, I'd be bloody well embarrassed! If I worked for a rail company and I found myself at a party being asked the typical question "what do you do?" , I think I'd be more inclined to tell people I worked for the inland revenue!
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Thursday, April 26, 2007
Praise be for my blackberry!
Well, after what feels like a lifetime of crazed girlie longing, I am finally the proud owner of a blackberry. A BB 8800 to be exact. And this is my first post from 'berry baby' undertaken whilst I sit enjoying a coffee in town. Over the years, friends have come to realise how absolutely useless I am at keeping in touch. Months can go by before I raise my guilty head and apologise yet again for going awol. Now there's simply no excuse. Wherever I am I can be found - by phone, email, text and msn. Hmmm, is this really a good thing? Watch this space for stories about me lobbing the damn thing in the river Neath. And no, I have no intention of publishing my number ;)
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Monday, January 22, 2007
Twelve valuable steps to raise your self esteem
Like many people, I am guilty of bouts of low self-esteem. I have a terrible habit of questioning all my actions after the fact, and usually coming up with negative responses. Sometimes all it takes to get over this doubt is for someone to say, "Stop being an idiot Miranda. You did the best you could. You were right." Other times it niggles away at me for ages, sometimes months!
I came across the piece below whilst surfing and I'm going to try to remember the steps to see if it makes a difference to my outlook. Afterall, 2007 is going to be more POSITIVE :)
Miranda
As adults, we can choose the messages we accept or reject. As Eleanor Roosevelt said, "No one can make you feel inferior without your permission."
Building high self-esteem is a process, not something you can develop overnight," says Jeffrey Keller. "Yet, I believe every person has the capacity of high self-esteem. The question is, are you ready to make a commitment to increase your self-esteem?"
If your answer is yes, here are 12 steps to get you started:
Step One
Stop comparing yourself with other people. There will always be some people who have more than you and some who have less. If you play the comparison game, you'll run into too many "opponents" you can't defeat.
Step Two
Stop putting yourself down. You can't develop high self-esteem if you repeat negative phrases about yourself and your abilities. Whether speaking about your appearances, your career, your relationships, your financial situation, or any other aspects of your life, avoid self-deprecating comments.
Step Three
Accept all compliments with "thank you." Ever received a compliment and replied," Oh, it was nothing." When you reject a compliment, the message you give yourself is that you are not worthy of praise. Respond to all compliments with a simple Thank You."
Step Four
Use affirmations to enhance your self-esteem. On the back of a business card or small index card, write out a statement such as "I like and accept my self." or "I am valuable, lovable person and deserve the best in life." Carry the card with you. Repeat the statement several times during the day, especially at night before going to bed and after getting up in the morning. Whenever you say the affirmation, allow yourself to experience positive feelings about your statement.
Step Five
Take advantage of workshops, books and cassette tape programs on self-esteem. Whatever material you allow to dominate mind will eventually take root and affect your behavior. If you watch negative television programs or read newspaper reports of murders and business rip off; you will grow cynical and pessimistic. Similarly, if you read books or listen to programs, that are positive in nature, you will take on these characteristics.
Step Six
Associate with positive, supportive people. When you are surrounded by negative people who constantly put you and your ideas down, your self-esteem is lowered. On the other hand, when you are accepted and encouraged, you feel better about yourself in the best possible environment to raise your self-esteem.
Step Seven
Make a list of your past successes. This doesn't necessarily have to consist of monumental accomplishments. It can include your "minor victories," like learning to skate, graduating from high school, receiving an award or promotion, reaching a business goal, etc. Read this list often. While reviewing it, close your eyes and recreate the feelings of satisfaction and joy you experienced when you first attained each success.
Step Eight
Make a list of your positive qualities. Are you honest? Unselfish? Helpful? Creative? Be generous with yourself and write down at least 20 positive qualities. Again, it's important to review this list often. Most people dwell on their inadequacies and then wonder why their life isn't working out. Start focusing on your positive traits and you'll stand a much better chance of achieving what you wish to achieve.
Step Nine
Start giving more. I'm not talking about money. Rather, I mean that you must begin to give more of yourself to those around your. When you do things for others, you are making a positive contribution and you begin to feel more valuable, which, in turn, lifts your spirits and raises your own self-esteem.
Step Ten
Get involved in work and activities you love. It's hard to feel good about yourself if your days are spent in work you despise. Self-esteem flourishes when you are engaged in work and activities that you enjoy and make you feel valuable. Even if you can't explore alternative career options at the present time, you can still devote leisure time to hobbies and activities, which you find stimulating and enjoyable.
Step Eleven
Be true to yourself. Live your own life - not the life others have decided is best for you. You'll never gain your own respect and feel good about yourself if you aren't leading the life you want to lead. If you're making decisions based on getting approval from friends and relatives, you aren't being true to yourself and your self-esteem is lowered.
Step Twelve
Take action! You won't develop high self-esteem if you sit on the sidelines and back away from challenges. When you take action - regardless of the ensuing result - you feel better about yourself. When you fail to move forward because of fear and anxiety, you'll be frustrated and unhappy - and you will undoubtedly deal a damaging blow to your self-esteem.
The "real you" is a magnificent, unique being with enormous potential and capacity for experiencing love of yourself and extending love to others. As your self-esteem grows, this "real you" emerges. You begin to take more risks and not be afraid of failure; you aren't as concerned with getting approval of others; your relationships are much more rewarding; you pursue activities that bring you joy and satisfaction; and you will make a positive contribution to the world. Most importantly, high self esteem brings you peace of mind ... when you're alone, you truly appreciate the person you're with - yourself.
® Katherine Fox, CCHT 2007
I came across the piece below whilst surfing and I'm going to try to remember the steps to see if it makes a difference to my outlook. Afterall, 2007 is going to be more POSITIVE :)
Miranda
As adults, we can choose the messages we accept or reject. As Eleanor Roosevelt said, "No one can make you feel inferior without your permission."
Building high self-esteem is a process, not something you can develop overnight," says Jeffrey Keller. "Yet, I believe every person has the capacity of high self-esteem. The question is, are you ready to make a commitment to increase your self-esteem?"
If your answer is yes, here are 12 steps to get you started:
Step One
Stop comparing yourself with other people. There will always be some people who have more than you and some who have less. If you play the comparison game, you'll run into too many "opponents" you can't defeat.
Step Two
Stop putting yourself down. You can't develop high self-esteem if you repeat negative phrases about yourself and your abilities. Whether speaking about your appearances, your career, your relationships, your financial situation, or any other aspects of your life, avoid self-deprecating comments.
Step Three
Accept all compliments with "thank you." Ever received a compliment and replied," Oh, it was nothing." When you reject a compliment, the message you give yourself is that you are not worthy of praise. Respond to all compliments with a simple Thank You."
Step Four
Use affirmations to enhance your self-esteem. On the back of a business card or small index card, write out a statement such as "I like and accept my self." or "I am valuable, lovable person and deserve the best in life." Carry the card with you. Repeat the statement several times during the day, especially at night before going to bed and after getting up in the morning. Whenever you say the affirmation, allow yourself to experience positive feelings about your statement.
Step Five
Take advantage of workshops, books and cassette tape programs on self-esteem. Whatever material you allow to dominate mind will eventually take root and affect your behavior. If you watch negative television programs or read newspaper reports of murders and business rip off; you will grow cynical and pessimistic. Similarly, if you read books or listen to programs, that are positive in nature, you will take on these characteristics.
Step Six
Associate with positive, supportive people. When you are surrounded by negative people who constantly put you and your ideas down, your self-esteem is lowered. On the other hand, when you are accepted and encouraged, you feel better about yourself in the best possible environment to raise your self-esteem.
Step Seven
Make a list of your past successes. This doesn't necessarily have to consist of monumental accomplishments. It can include your "minor victories," like learning to skate, graduating from high school, receiving an award or promotion, reaching a business goal, etc. Read this list often. While reviewing it, close your eyes and recreate the feelings of satisfaction and joy you experienced when you first attained each success.
Step Eight
Make a list of your positive qualities. Are you honest? Unselfish? Helpful? Creative? Be generous with yourself and write down at least 20 positive qualities. Again, it's important to review this list often. Most people dwell on their inadequacies and then wonder why their life isn't working out. Start focusing on your positive traits and you'll stand a much better chance of achieving what you wish to achieve.
Step Nine
Start giving more. I'm not talking about money. Rather, I mean that you must begin to give more of yourself to those around your. When you do things for others, you are making a positive contribution and you begin to feel more valuable, which, in turn, lifts your spirits and raises your own self-esteem.
Step Ten
Get involved in work and activities you love. It's hard to feel good about yourself if your days are spent in work you despise. Self-esteem flourishes when you are engaged in work and activities that you enjoy and make you feel valuable. Even if you can't explore alternative career options at the present time, you can still devote leisure time to hobbies and activities, which you find stimulating and enjoyable.
Step Eleven
Be true to yourself. Live your own life - not the life others have decided is best for you. You'll never gain your own respect and feel good about yourself if you aren't leading the life you want to lead. If you're making decisions based on getting approval from friends and relatives, you aren't being true to yourself and your self-esteem is lowered.
Step Twelve
Take action! You won't develop high self-esteem if you sit on the sidelines and back away from challenges. When you take action - regardless of the ensuing result - you feel better about yourself. When you fail to move forward because of fear and anxiety, you'll be frustrated and unhappy - and you will undoubtedly deal a damaging blow to your self-esteem.
The "real you" is a magnificent, unique being with enormous potential and capacity for experiencing love of yourself and extending love to others. As your self-esteem grows, this "real you" emerges. You begin to take more risks and not be afraid of failure; you aren't as concerned with getting approval of others; your relationships are much more rewarding; you pursue activities that bring you joy and satisfaction; and you will make a positive contribution to the world. Most importantly, high self esteem brings you peace of mind ... when you're alone, you truly appreciate the person you're with - yourself.
® Katherine Fox, CCHT 2007
Your children are not your children
Your Children are not Your Children
They are the sons and daughters of life's longing for itself.They come through you but not from you,And though they are with you yet they belong not to you.You may give them your love but not your thoughts,For they have their own thoughts.You may house their bodies but not their souls,For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow, which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.You may strive to be like them, but seek not to make them like you. For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.
© Kahlil Gibran, 1923, 1973.Found in Kahlil Gibran, The Prophet
They are the sons and daughters of life's longing for itself.They come through you but not from you,And though they are with you yet they belong not to you.You may give them your love but not your thoughts,For they have their own thoughts.You may house their bodies but not their souls,For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow, which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.You may strive to be like them, but seek not to make them like you. For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.
© Kahlil Gibran, 1923, 1973.Found in Kahlil Gibran, The Prophet
Saturday, January 06, 2007
Blog Revisited
I think I just about fell off the edge of the world in 2006.
It was a strange year with lots of potential regrets and lots of lessons learned.
I returned to the job market at the tail end of 2005 and have hated it ever since.
I rapidly remembered why it was I was glad to leave the nursing profession 6 years previously.
The caring profession?! Not to each other. Nursing is a profession full to the brim with women (I have never seen these atributes displayed by male nurses) who display the most bitchy, back-stabbing qualities I have ever come across.
And yes, I am generalising. But then, its my blog, I'll generalise if I want to ;)
Nursing also seems to attract more than its fair share of people with personality disorders, from bullies and delusions of granduer to those with more extreme disorders.
I hate being back amongst this pit of snakes.
And I long to be at home with my children.
My significant other tries his best at home but he doesnt see what really needs doing around the house, he doesnt feed the children what I'd consider a healthy diet and he spends an unhealthy amount of time in the virtual world of SL.
I want to be a mum first ...not a nurse. Nurse Miranda isnt happy, she's down-right miserable.
Therefore in 2007, my main aim is going to be to attempt to sort out my work-life balance, thereby creating a happier Miranda and family.
So, I will be mostly blogging about:
Work-life balance and lifestyles;
Our Home-Education journey and,
Losing weight and shaping up;
TTFN!
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