Create Space
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
January 15, 2018 at 9:58 pm
Beautiful post Marie! I am sorry your energy is low but I hope you feel better! I love what you said that your are not fibromyligia or your WordPress stats, you are an amazing woman that fights the battle of a chronic illness. I know it can be SO difficult sometimes but you do an amazing job at staying positive and strong. I am sending you lots of love and comfort!!!!
LikeLiked by 2 people
January 15, 2018 at 10:16 pm
Alyssa your reply has me smiling inside and out! Thank you for your beautiful words but then again I know from reading your posts that you ‘are’ beautiful exactly as you are! I embrace your present of love and comfort!! Thank you for reading and replying! Xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 15, 2018 at 10:24 pm
I am so glad my reply had a good effect on you! I also thank you for your truly kind words. I really do try my best to be positive and offer as much love and comfort as I can. I know life gets SO difficult sometimes and it gets hard to see the bright side, but there is one even if it is hidden! I am so happy that we have been able to connect because I love all that your write and your kind heart!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 15, 2018 at 10:46 pm
Thanks Alyssa for your affirmation! Keep writing…keep sharing!
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 15, 2018 at 11:05 pm
You are very welcome!!! I promise to keep writing and be positive!
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 15, 2018 at 11:01 pm
Marie, I love how you write “My illness does not define me as a person.” So powerful. And empowering! The way you share your challenges, gives me perspective about my own. You are teaching us all. And for that, I will always be grateful. (This is who you are! A teacher. A writer. A muse.) Andrea xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 15, 2018 at 11:13 pm
Gosh…I’m rendered speechless and from someone so educated that is indeed affirming, thank you Andrea! I have learned much through my journey and that of my two children. I am grateful for the insights I have gained and if I can shape even one life for the better or ease someone’s struggle by sharing something I have learned then I will have lived true to my unique being! Again best wishes and I would love to be one of your students!!
Marie xx
LikeLiked by 2 people
January 15, 2018 at 11:44 pm
😊😘😘
LikeLike
January 15, 2018 at 11:18 pm
Ps. I’ve just created a “Positive feedback” notebook to save your message…to revisit…to practice gratitude…to know I am more than and no more than! Thank you again Andrea!
LikeLiked by 2 people
January 15, 2018 at 11:51 pm
Oh my goodness. What a beautiful idea. You warm my heart. ♥️
LikeLiked by 2 people
January 15, 2018 at 11:41 pm
I can’t agree more. I share my poems and stories not looking for sympathy but to give help in understanding. Myself and maybe helping someone else know they are not alone in the same journeys.
I do hope you feel better!! Keep fighting the good fight!
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 15, 2018 at 11:57 pm
Knowing we are not alone is all we need, knowing we are connected, to others, to support each other and learn from each other and make a positive impact for change! Thanks for your kind wishes. I will feel better after self-care and saying ‘no’ without anxiety or guilt! Thanks for reading and replying!
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 16, 2018 at 1:01 am
Such a beautiful and inspiring post! Sending virtual hugs and bread!! 😉😂💚
LikeLiked by 2 people
January 16, 2018 at 5:06 am
Thank you for continuing to read and respond Roda. Your feedback is important to me. I am learning as I go and grateful that something I say resonates with others! I love your hugs and bread!!!😂🤗
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 16, 2018 at 7:41 am
Sorry you aren’t feeling so great Marie. I do love your attitude my friend. Please get in touch if you want a chat. Have another virtual hug! Dx
LikeLike
January 16, 2018 at 9:53 am
Thank you Darren, knowing you can empathise is everything. I have taken quiet time and feel rested. I appreciate you taking time to reach ‘outwards’ and reply! Virtual hugs work wonders!
LikeLike
January 17, 2018 at 7:08 pm
I am so sorry that you are struggling right now, and anytime. You are a compassionate and sweet soul. I understand chronic pain so keep warm, seek joy, and stay rested! =)
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 17, 2018 at 8:39 pm
Thanks Brenda for your lovely kind words! Back to good form the following day thanks to acceptance of it for what it was and enough experience to know it needed quiet time and rest! I love your tips!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 18, 2018 at 4:45 pm
I’m so glad you are feeling better! =)
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 18, 2018 at 4:21 pm
I thought you seemed a little tired yesterday, Marie but it didn’t dim your quality work like the Communications assignments or persevering with a lethargic computer. Stay strong and for a lift click on this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5C6I7j96hE&index=1&list=RDMMc5C6I7j96hE
LikeLike
January 18, 2018 at 9:41 pm
John thanks for your uplifting words, they make all the difference! I enjoyed this great version of ‘I can’t go for that’…brought me right back!
LikeLike
January 18, 2018 at 9:58 pm
D’Stuff 😀😀😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 19, 2018 at 1:24 am
I hope you feel better tomorrow or even later today xo YES you are more than a number or illness or … anything else that limits your beautiful heart.
LikeLiked by 1 person
January 19, 2018 at 9:34 am
Thanks Christy for your thought-filled encouraging words! I look forward to your visits! I have tried and tested strategies to manage it, which pay off! The next morning I was ready to get back out there again and always with a visceral sense of gratitude! Best part…I save myself the guilty conscience and the consequent added emotional exhaustion! Glad it’s Friday today – no work! Working part-time is another strategy. Hope you have a pleasant weekend ahead which includes some self-care also!
LikeLiked by 1 person