I love watching women in cafès having heart to heart conversations.
I love listening to my male students having whole-hearted conversation at break time.
I love when my students get knee deep in conversation during group discussions.
I love when students gain enough confidence to join into conversations and share their opinions.
I feel sad when students tell me they haven’t spoken a word of conversation to another human being since our previous class.
I feel it’s time to make a change, to make a difference…We all need conversation!
So let’s reach out and start a conversation with someone today. In a shop, on the street and if you lack confidence in your conversation skills and all else fails…come to Ireland and kiss the Blarney Stone…guarantees you an instant…Gift of the Gab!
Hi... failte (Irish for welcome! and pronounced fall-thhha).
I'm a newbie to blogging, here just over a year, but what a great year it has been!
I've turned the corner to 50 recently and two things become more relevant...time and experiences!
Material possessions are less important! Using time wisely and truly experiencing each day holds a new significance for me!
If you wish..., a little of the back story...
I''m blessed to be married to a kind and loving man for 28 years, we have two children now 19 and 21.
As I approached 40 and searching for something more, whilst holding down my then part-time legal secretarial work, I trained as a voluntary adult literacy tutor, with the hope of helping adults improve their literacy skills and have a second, and better experience of learning!
However, little did I think that wanting to help others improve their lives would see my own life improve beyond measure also!
You see for years I found it difficult to know what to do as I watched our two children suffer at the hands of bullies. Their struggle began to change when I returned to education! Through education I slowly gained valuable knowledge, I grew in confidence and self-esteme and it had a ripple effect!
By 2014, aged 47 I had completed a Higher Certificate in Literacy Development and a B.A. in Adult Education. I love my work as an adult educator, particularly when adults trust me enough to let down their defences and 'let me in'. Then I can help them by getting to know what makes them 'tic' and what 'lights their fire!'.
As an added bonus along the way I've realised that I also have a love of writing and that writing is cathartic (providing psychological relief through written expression of built up emotions), both for my students and myself. This blog enables me to pursue that new-found interest and I've really enjoying reading your blogs, sharing comments, getting to know so many people and gaining new perspectives. I also like to share any little 'gems' of learning I've gathered along the way!
Thanks for sharing your stories and for helping me realise that it is all possible...and that together we write a truly better story!
Much love,
Marie x
Good conversations are healthy for all!! I am not able to go anywhere without chatting with someone. I chat with the cashiers at the stores and even have gotten to know the people the the drug store near my house. Maybe it is the Irish in me that keeps me talking!!!! Take care Marie and Happy New Year!!!
What a great combination and you’ve spoken regularly and so fondly of your grandad! I’m glad ye were so close! Do you know what part of Ireland he came from?
I honestly do not know what part of Ireland my family was from. I would love to be able to find out but unfortunately I do not have a good relationship with my family. None of them are very Irish!
I agree! Conversation is such an important way to connect with each other, and also with our own thoughts and feelings. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve discovered something about myself just through talking (really talking, not just mindless chit chat) with someone else!
Couldn’t agree more Ann…there is a big difference between chit chat and deep conversation. Both have their place! Also social media is a good way to connect and have conversations, relieving isolation and sharing ideas but I still think it can’t replace face to face conversation. As for self-conversations and self-reflection, life would be just auto-pilot without it!! Thanks Ann for connecting and prompting more thought provoking conversation!!
This is a fun post , Marie. The gift of gab, indeed. And yes jsut to visit the Blarney Stone will create its own conversation. And the walk the walk through the park to get there is beautiful too.
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January 1, 2018 at 4:57 pm
Irish here too !:) Happy New Year.
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January 1, 2018 at 5:54 pm
Fantastic! I love how we are everywhere!!
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January 1, 2018 at 6:59 pm
Good conversations are healthy for all!! I am not able to go anywhere without chatting with someone. I chat with the cashiers at the stores and even have gotten to know the people the the drug store near my house. Maybe it is the Irish in me that keeps me talking!!!! Take care Marie and Happy New Year!!!
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January 1, 2018 at 8:37 pm
Thank you Alyssa! No wonder I felt a bond with you…us Irish are everywhere!!
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January 1, 2018 at 9:08 pm
I am a crazy mix of Irish, Italian and Spanish! Yes, us Irish are everywhere and wonderful people!! My Grandfather was a very sweet old Irish man!!!
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January 1, 2018 at 9:52 pm
What a great combination and you’ve spoken regularly and so fondly of your grandad! I’m glad ye were so close! Do you know what part of Ireland he came from?
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January 2, 2018 at 1:58 am
I honestly do not know what part of Ireland my family was from. I would love to be able to find out but unfortunately I do not have a good relationship with my family. None of them are very Irish!
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 1, 2018 at 9:46 pm
Gift of Gab! Love it! I’ve never been to Ireland, but someday!
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January 1, 2018 at 9:55 pm
Glad you like it Janie and who knows maybe someday! Dreams do come true!
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January 2, 2018 at 1:18 pm
Yes they do! Here’s to enjoying dreams coming true! 🙂
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January 2, 2018 at 3:11 pm
I agree! Conversation is such an important way to connect with each other, and also with our own thoughts and feelings. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve discovered something about myself just through talking (really talking, not just mindless chit chat) with someone else!
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 3, 2018 at 5:31 pm
Couldn’t agree more Ann…there is a big difference between chit chat and deep conversation. Both have their place! Also social media is a good way to connect and have conversations, relieving isolation and sharing ideas but I still think it can’t replace face to face conversation. As for self-conversations and self-reflection, life would be just auto-pilot without it!! Thanks Ann for connecting and prompting more thought provoking conversation!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 11, 2018 at 12:03 am
This is a fun post , Marie. The gift of gab, indeed. And yes jsut to visit the Blarney Stone will create its own conversation. And the walk the walk through the park to get there is beautiful too.
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January 11, 2018 at 2:57 pm
Glad you enjoyed this post Donna and the place itself!
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