ONE THING TO TURN BUSYNESS INTO BREAKTHROUGH
When did life get so busy that we became unable to live it?
2016 is an Olympics year.
I’m looking forward to watching the Rio games, being reminded of the joy of London 2012. And the whole of the UK will be thinking exactly the same thing:
If only this were the Winter Olympics.
In the winter, that well-loved sport of curling appears on the TV, and Britain proves to the world why it’s Great.
No other nation on earth can say, “Hurry, hurry, hurry, hurry, hurry,” at that speed, with that level of sincerity.
And I think I know why.
The West generally, the UK in particular, and very specifically London, has become a world leader in hurrying.
Recent years have seen the introduction of the takeaway espresso cup. Under what circumstances are you in so much of a hurry that you don’t have time to drink an espresso before you’ve left the coffee shop?
The other day I saw a guy who was so intent on replying to an email on his BlackBerry as soon as possible, that he actually stopped drying his hands in the bathroom to do so.
When did life get so busy that we became unable to live it?
I have a suggestion: stick time in the calendar for reflection – to stop, think, and make sure all the stuff that’s filling your time is actually helping.
Here are the rules:
- Start realistic – give yourself one hour every six months. You’ll instantly realise it isn’t enough, but this is very achievable. ISN’T IT.
- Move it, don’t delete it – if something else comes up at the same time, don’t just delete it from your calendar, move it instead. And always move it sooner!
- Think about where your life is heading – where you’ll be in 1-6 months and 1-6 years.
- Think about what you’ve learned since the last reflection time – taking the time out to do this will teach you what you should have learned already!
And one final tip, if I may.
Redeemer recently finished a set of meetups – I met up with a group every Monday morning at 7am for nine weeks.
Another set of meetups will be starting soon – make sure you sign up when the window opens, so that you get the regular time to reflect with others on what’s important in life.
MY MATERNITY LEAVE CHALLENGE...AND YOUR OPPORTUNITY
Another mummy blog about kids....but it's relevant for everyone, I promise!
Since being on maternity leave I have loved hanging out with my two boys.
I feel incredibly blessed to be a mummy, and thank God every day for the two little dudes he blessed me with.
But after six months I was getting itchy feet to do something other than:
- changing nappies
- sterilising bottles
- washing clothes
- cleaning the house
- dressing boys
- (followed by undressing boys when one is sick all over himself and the other one hasn't made it to the bathroom in time)
As much as I love doing all of these things, I felt like I needed an extra challenge to add to my week!
Redeemer's just finished running its first term of meetups.
I had the pleasure of hosting a parent and toddler meetup at my home. I invited parents from Redeemer, as well as other local mums that I've met over the last few years.
Despite being a reception teacher at a local primary school, for some crazy reason I felt the need to turn my own home into a classroom for 9 weeks!
My flat was full of baby equipment and all sorts of toys. It felt like mayhem, but the kids had a blast.
It turns out toy trains, cars and the play kitchen were the most popular toys!
We sang songs together, and snack time was loved by all (adults and kids).
Mums enjoyed connecting with one another, sharing stories and advice about the latest milestone their children were going through.
It was a great experience I felt privileged to be a part of, and I met some cheeky adorable kids and some incredible new mum friends throughout.
I had 49 kids and parents through my door over the 9 weeks!
When our final session came to an end earlier this week, one thought came to mind:
Why should this end?
The answer is - it shouldn't!
I am heading back to work next month, and will be surrounded by many other kids that will keep me busy...but the opportunity is there for someone else to host next term!
As I summarised my ramblings of my last blog in 5 easy steps I thought I would do the same:
- Take on new challenges
The tots group is just my example of taking a risk in leading something new. You could lead a meetup in the future! - Use your skills to connect with others
I've discovered I'm actually good at being with kids! It's probably because I am a big kid at heart (and so is my husband, he keeps me young). Think about what your skills are - how can this help you connect with people locally and build friendships? - Try not to focus on WOE IS ME
Don't feel sorry for yourself if you feel that you don't have any friends and haven't been invited to things. That was their loss not having you there. Instead, make the first move and... - Invite people to an event
It doesn't have to be in your own home. It doesn't have to be run by you. Everyone loves being invited to something. From experience, not everyone will turn up - so be brave, and invite twice the amount you were planning on. - Love being local! (That's my blog copyright if you'd not noticed)
Enjoy your surroundings, the people around you and what Ealing has to offer.
WHAT STARTING A NEW JOB IN LONDON TEACHES US ABOUT BEING A CHRISTIAN
Starting a new job in London can be intimidating, but I've found the answer...
Starting a new job can be intimidating.
After many years being part of the furniture in my previous job, I now find myself surrounded by people who know the environment, and each other, really well.
I've started apologising for having to ask where things are in the kitchen, who has the key to the stationery cupboard, who to ask to get business cards sorted, and what number to call for IT.
I still haven't found the quickest route from the tube station.
And working in London brings its own challenges. My new boss is really busy and expects me to be productive even though I've barely finished my first week.
But I've found the answer.
There's one thing that's going to open up opportunities for success here, and it's disappointingly obvious.
Become friends with people.
I know, that's nothing to do with work, but if I'm surrounded by friends, this intimidating scenario flips on its head.
Suddenly, it's easy to ask questions, because they're my friends, and it's just nice to hang out with friends, isn't it?
In business this is called networking. But people hate that word.
If you hate that word, I'm sorry for what I'm about to say: Jesus wants us to be experts at networking.
Jesus said that the single biggest indicator to the world that we know him is that we're best of friends with one another (John 13:35).
Let me encourage you then to make friends!
Two easy ways to do this:
- Join a Meetup! This one's a #nobrainer. Click here, and register today.
- Just ask someone to come over for a meal. Or drinks and snacks. Or go out for a coffee. Or go bowling. Or go watch a film. Or go for a walk. Or whatever.
Want friends? Be friendly. And enjoy yourself doing it!