Just in time!!!

Hi everybody.

Well, I’ve just managed to get this post on by the end of the month -admittedly by the skin of my teeth.  

Can you believe this time next month a quarter of the year will be gone?  I was talking recently to some friends and saying that my main problem is I’m ‘time poor’ (to say nothing of just about making ends meet like most people at the moment).  But I have to say given a choice I’d definitely prefer increasing the deposits of ‘time’ in my particular ‘bank account of life’ than money. OK yes, it’s nice to have that bit extra to spend on some treats but if you’re working all hours to earn more, when do you ever get the time (to say nothing of energy) to enjoy it?

I met up with a few girlfriends Saturday afternoon for coffee.  The sun was shining, we were in a cafe in a lovely country park and we spent a couple of hours chatting, laughing and catching up on each others lives.  It was lovely.  It wasn’t a holiday, or a new pair of expensive shoes or a fancy meal out with a gorgeous man but I wouldn’t have swopped the time being with my friends for any of that (well, maybe the meal & gorgeous man would have been a close call...........OK, forget the meal.............) 

We’ve just started the period of Lent which for many is very significant.  You may know much about Lent - its origins, religious significance and the traditions that surround it or you might be thinking ‘Lent’ what’s that then?  Something to do with all those pancakes I stuffed myself with last Tuesday?

One of the traditions of Lent (which lasts 40 days by the way) is to give something up – particularly something we enjoy.  Most people pick some sort of food –chocolate or cakes.  Alcohol is another one - a detox period for some depending on how much you normally drink.

I don’t really drink much and I know there’s no way I’d stick to no chocolate so I’ve decided I’m going to try and give up moaning. Yep, you heard right – moaning.  Specifically I’m going to stop moaning about my job.  I know the chances are I’m going to fail (probably all already have) but at least having put it in writing hopefully it will make me think twice over the next month or so every time I’m tempted to have a good old moan. 

And boy, do we love a good moan.  Come on, admit it, there’s nothing we love more than bending someone’s ear when we’re feeling overworked, underpaid and unappreciated.  Someone  nodding and saying things like ‘I know exactly what you mean’ or ‘my boss is just the same – has no idea the amount of work I do’.  Or the classic ‘Lunchbreak – what lunch break?’ (Ooooohhh –I can feel a halo of martyrdom forming above my head as I write...........)

I know I’ve said this before but I don’t think it hurts to remind ourselves just how fortunate (most) of us are.  When we acknowledge life could be a lot worse its much easier to take time out to think about those who truly are in a much worse position than ourselves, either in this country or elsewhere in the world.  It never huts to stop and count our blessing.

Anyway, as it’s gone 11pm and I’m determined to get this posted before the month ends I’d better close now.

If you’re giving up something for Lent then I wish you perseverance and success in your effort.

God bless

Jules xx