Time and the right conditions not only preserve but bring about something of beauty – Marie Clancy.
With a new goal in mind, I’ve had to reluctantly decide to refrain from writing new blog posts, for the immediate future. To keep my blog active I am instead going to re-run my existing posts.
I’ve had to come to this decision so I can dedicate time to my writing project.
I am in the process of compiling my Bullying & Beyond posts into a book. To give adequate time to this project I have to be proactive in managing my health (due to the challenges of living with CFS/Fibromyalgia, as anyone living with a chronic illness will understand).
I’ve really appreciated your constant company while I shared my Bullying & Beyond posts.
Your friendship, encouraging comments and shared experiences have played a huge role in helping me overcome the pain of supporting our children through school bullying and has enabled me to reclaim my voice and write about our experience. I am so grateful to all of you for this gift!
If you would like to share any information about supports available in your area or if you would like to research any bullying prevention and intervention resources that are relevant to where you live I would be delighted to hear from you and look forward to your participation.
I hope you will continue to keep me company and continue to share your thoughts with me. I will of course reply to any comments received!
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
Thank you so much Miriam. I am so grateful for your kind wishes! B&B posts started out as just a wish to share small insights in the hopes of easing the pain for another parent or child and I never even considered a book! But time changes everything and small goals grow into slightly bigger ones! Xx
Sounds like a very worthy endeavor. Finishing an important book like that understandably doesn’t leave much time for blogging. Good luck with your book. 🙂
Thank you so much, for reading and for sharing your encouraging message! My goal and hope is that it will be of support to parents who struggle with the pain of bullying. Time is limited but moreso when it is impacted by fatigue, so something has to be sidelined for the present! Xx
Isn’t it just so affirming when people really understand! Thank you for your empathy and wise quote “Energy to be portioned out for only the most important activities. I’m sorry to learn of your similar struggle and wish you comfort in knowing the lesson you’ve obviously learned so well is now of comfort to me! Have a lovely weekend. Xx
Thank you so much Kamal! I’m waking up this morning to so much support and encouragement. I feel a huge sense of gratitude for the wonderful community I’m part of and all the friendly voices that share their warmth and love so freely with me! Xx
You are welcome, Marie and we as a community are always there to support each other and spread warmth and love everywhere we go. Much love and light to you.🙏🙏🙏🙏😊😊😊😊
Thank you so much Ann for your kind wishes and reassurance that you’ll still get something from my reposts. Keep sharing any thoughts or comments with me, they often spark a new awareness!
Perhaps not any easy decision to make but it makes sense, you need to do what’s best for you so you can focus your efforts as needed. I take my hat off to you for all the blogging you’ve done up to this point, let alone writing a book! I’ve often thought of a book myself, but I’ve done nothing but watch as other bloggers put pen to paper (or fingers to keys) and write their own books. But here you are, you’re doing it.. wishing you all the very best with the book, Marie, I think it’s a wonderful thing to do!
Caz thank you for your sincere message. You’ve been a constant supporter, offering me lots of encouragement along the way! You are a dedicated blogger, always committing time and attention to your thoughtful and insightful posts and responding to posts with wonderful comments. If anybody should be compiling a book it should be you. You have oodles of excellent posts, one more professional than the next. Have you approached any newspapers or magazines with a view to running a column or articles? I assume you have a qualification in journalism or similar from the quality of your work.
Thank you sooooo much sharing supports available in your area. You are my first contributor! I really appreciate it! I hope you are as well as is possible! Le grà, Marie xx
Thank you for sharing!!.. all the best with your new adventure and book, I know you will do well!!.. WordPress is just part of your life, you cannot ignore the rest and concentrate on just one part…. 🙂
Until we meet again…
May flowers always line your path
and sunshine light your way,
May songbirds serenade your
every step along the way,
May a rainbow run beside you
in a sky that’s always blue,
And may happiness fill your heart
each day your whole life through.
May the sun shine all day long
Everything go right, nothing go wrong
May those you love bring love back to you
And may all the wishes you wish come true
(Irish Saying)
Dutch its so lovely that you always share an Irish saying which I love because being Irish I never think to use them myself! I really love and appreciate your faith in my ability to get this done! Thanks for your regular visits and encouragement! Wishing you well! Le grà, Marie
Thank you so much Janie for your encouraging words, it’s got quite a way to go yet but I’m learning to take it one step at a time!! Have a peacefilled week! Xx
I SO encourage to write that book, Marie. I totally understand how we can only do a certain amount of things and not compromise ourselves. Good for you making a very difficult decision! Please let me know when you publish ….. I wish you only the very very best! (((HUGS)))!! xo
Thank you so so much Amy for your encouragement, it really means a lot to me! I’m slowly getting better at making difficult decisions! Wish I had that skill when my children were being bullied!! Don’t worry, there will be firework or two and a gentle fanfare when I reach my goal!!
Thanks Mich for your affirming comment and kind advice! I will try to pace & prioritise as best I can! I’ll be looking forward to your company and interesting posts!
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February 28, 2020 at 8:54 pm
Wow! Sounds very exciting! I wish you the best!💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 28, 2020 at 9:41 pm
Thank you so much Kim, it will come about when the time is right! Thanks for your constant company. X
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February 28, 2020 at 9:21 pm
absolutely perfect! Well done, hope people take up the invite … I will as time permits 🙂
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February 28, 2020 at 10:09 pm
Thank you so much Kate! I really hope so too, people have so much lived experience and supportive information to share! Xx
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February 28, 2020 at 11:23 pm
exactly and to know that it may help others is so important … no point in keeping real help private 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 28, 2020 at 11:51 pm
True Kate! Appreciated!! Xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 28, 2020 at 9:38 pm
so very happy for you!!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 28, 2020 at 10:10 pm
Thank you so much Wendi, I really appreciate your good wishes! Xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 28, 2020 at 11:29 pm
you are very welcome. I am cheering you on. 🙂
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February 28, 2020 at 11:52 pm
Soaking up every bit of it Wendi for the busy time ahead! Xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 29, 2020 at 1:03 am
🙂
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February 28, 2020 at 9:59 pm
Hi Marie, good on you for having the passion and commitment to compile a book. What an incredibly worthwhile project. I wish you well xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 28, 2020 at 10:15 pm
Thank you so much Miriam. I am so grateful for your kind wishes! B&B posts started out as just a wish to share small insights in the hopes of easing the pain for another parent or child and I never even considered a book! But time changes everything and small goals grow into slightly bigger ones! Xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 28, 2020 at 10:18 pm
Yes they do and I think what you’re doing is so great.
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February 28, 2020 at 10:22 pm
You lightt my heart and remind me that this is the right path! Thank you Miriam. Keep sharing your amazing adventures. X
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February 28, 2020 at 10:25 pm
Yes, it is your path Marie, just as I know I’m on the right path. xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 28, 2020 at 10:03 pm
Sounds like a very worthy endeavor. Finishing an important book like that understandably doesn’t leave much time for blogging. Good luck with your book. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 28, 2020 at 10:20 pm
Thank you so much, for reading and for sharing your encouraging message! My goal and hope is that it will be of support to parents who struggle with the pain of bullying. Time is limited but moreso when it is impacted by fatigue, so something has to be sidelined for the present! Xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 29, 2020 at 12:45 am
You’re most welcome. I get that about the fatigue. Often that’s my biggest battle. Energy to be portioned out for only the most important activities.
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 29, 2020 at 8:55 am
Isn’t it just so affirming when people really understand! Thank you for your empathy and wise quote “Energy to be portioned out for only the most important activities. I’m sorry to learn of your similar struggle and wish you comfort in knowing the lesson you’ve obviously learned so well is now of comfort to me! Have a lovely weekend. Xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 29, 2020 at 1:57 pm
Yes knowing you’re not alone can make all the difference 😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 29, 2020 at 7:08 am
Sounds good, Marie and all the very best. Our support and motivation is always there with you. Keep it going.
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 29, 2020 at 9:07 am
Thank you so much Kamal! I’m waking up this morning to so much support and encouragement. I feel a huge sense of gratitude for the wonderful community I’m part of and all the friendly voices that share their warmth and love so freely with me! Xx
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February 29, 2020 at 10:00 am
You are welcome, Marie and we as a community are always there to support each other and spread warmth and love everywhere we go. Much love and light to you.🙏🙏🙏🙏😊😊😊😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 29, 2020 at 8:02 pm
Good luck with your book! And no worries, we’ll enjoy reading your older posts!
LikeLiked by 1 person
February 29, 2020 at 9:43 pm
Thank you so much Ann for your kind wishes and reassurance that you’ll still get something from my reposts. Keep sharing any thoughts or comments with me, they often spark a new awareness!
LikeLike
March 1, 2020 at 9:00 am
Perhaps not any easy decision to make but it makes sense, you need to do what’s best for you so you can focus your efforts as needed. I take my hat off to you for all the blogging you’ve done up to this point, let alone writing a book! I’ve often thought of a book myself, but I’ve done nothing but watch as other bloggers put pen to paper (or fingers to keys) and write their own books. But here you are, you’re doing it.. wishing you all the very best with the book, Marie, I think it’s a wonderful thing to do!
As for resources or interventions, I’m not too sure but in the UK there are things like Samaritans as a free phone number you can call. There are a few websites with advice and guidance, too – https://youngminds.org.uk/find-help/feelings-and-symptoms/bullying/
https://www.bullying.co.uk/
https://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-is-child-abuse/types-of-abuse/bullying-and-cyberbullying/
https://www.nationalbullyinghelpline.co.uk/
Caz xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 1, 2020 at 6:33 pm
Caz thank you for your sincere message. You’ve been a constant supporter, offering me lots of encouragement along the way! You are a dedicated blogger, always committing time and attention to your thoughtful and insightful posts and responding to posts with wonderful comments. If anybody should be compiling a book it should be you. You have oodles of excellent posts, one more professional than the next. Have you approached any newspapers or magazines with a view to running a column or articles? I assume you have a qualification in journalism or similar from the quality of your work.
Thank you sooooo much sharing supports available in your area. You are my first contributor! I really appreciate it! I hope you are as well as is possible! Le grà, Marie xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 1, 2020 at 2:20 pm
Thank you for sharing!!.. all the best with your new adventure and book, I know you will do well!!.. WordPress is just part of your life, you cannot ignore the rest and concentrate on just one part…. 🙂
Until we meet again…
May flowers always line your path
and sunshine light your way,
May songbirds serenade your
every step along the way,
May a rainbow run beside you
in a sky that’s always blue,
And may happiness fill your heart
each day your whole life through.
May the sun shine all day long
Everything go right, nothing go wrong
May those you love bring love back to you
And may all the wishes you wish come true
(Irish Saying)
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 1, 2020 at 6:36 pm
Dutch its so lovely that you always share an Irish saying which I love because being Irish I never think to use them myself! I really love and appreciate your faith in my ability to get this done! Thanks for your regular visits and encouragement! Wishing you well! Le grà, Marie
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March 1, 2020 at 7:04 pm
All the best to you in your new writing project Marie! We’ll be here waiting and hopefully reading your new project when you’re ready to show it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 1, 2020 at 7:22 pm
Thank you so much Janie for your encouraging words, it’s got quite a way to go yet but I’m learning to take it one step at a time!! Have a peacefilled week! Xx
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March 2, 2020 at 11:31 pm
You too dear Marie! xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 1, 2020 at 10:02 pm
I SO encourage to write that book, Marie. I totally understand how we can only do a certain amount of things and not compromise ourselves. Good for you making a very difficult decision! Please let me know when you publish ….. I wish you only the very very best! (((HUGS)))!! xo
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 2, 2020 at 12:20 am
Thank you so so much Amy for your encouragement, it really means a lot to me! I’m slowly getting better at making difficult decisions! Wish I had that skill when my children were being bullied!! Don’t worry, there will be firework or two and a gentle fanfare when I reach my goal!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 1, 2020 at 11:53 pm
Wow…congratulations Marie on your upcoming projeft and take your time along with taking care of your health.
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 2, 2020 at 12:23 am
Thanks Mich for your affirming comment and kind advice! I will try to pace & prioritise as best I can! I’ll be looking forward to your company and interesting posts!
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 2, 2020 at 12:42 am
We will be waiting for your book Marie as it will be a great help
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 2, 2020 at 5:28 am
Thanks Mitch, I’ll think of that if I meet any obstacles!
LikeLiked by 1 person
March 6, 2020 at 1:14 pm
I’d like to add my own very best wishes to the chorus above! xx
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March 6, 2020 at 8:39 pm
Thank you Darren, you’re a much appreciated supporter, right from the start!
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