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
April 10, 2020 at 3:45 pm
It’s a painful reality, Marie, you’re right. I don’t think any of us will come out of this unscathed in some way. Stay safe & have a restful Easter ♥ xx
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April 10, 2020 at 9:49 pm
Changed and stronger hopefully Caz. Xx
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April 10, 2020 at 4:26 pm
Happy Easter to you and your family Marie.
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April 10, 2020 at 9:51 pm
Thank you Len,, what a lovely message and likewise happy Easter to you and yours, stay safe!
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April 12, 2020 at 4:12 pm
Thank you for sharing!!.. hope all is well in your part of the universe and each and every day is filled with love and happiness… 🙂
“Portrait of a Friend”
I can’t give solutions to all of life’s problems, doubts,
or fears. But I can listen to you, and together we will
search for answers.
I can’t change your past with all it’s heartache and pain,
nor the future with its untold stories.
But I can be there now when you need me to care.
I can’t keep your feet from stumbling.
I can only offer my hand that you may grasp it and not fall.
Your joys, triumphs, successes, and happiness are not mine;
Yet I can share in your laughter.
Your decisions in life are not mine to make, nor to judge;
I can only support you, encourage you,
and help you when you ask.
I can’t prevent you from falling away from friendship,
from your values, from me.
I can only think of you, talk to you and wait for you.
I can’t give you boundaries which I have determined for you,
But I can give you the room to change, room to grow,
room to be yourself.
I can’t keep your heart from breaking and hurting,
But I can cry with you and help you pick up the pieces
and put them back in place.
I can’t tell you who you are or who you will be
I can only love you and be your friend
(Adam Clarke)
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April 12, 2020 at 9:21 pm
All was well here Dutch but is all the better now by your lovely comment and sharing of this wonderful “Portrait of a friend” by Adam Clarke. Thanks Dutch, stay safe & well.
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April 14, 2020 at 4:13 pm
How I love this!
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April 12, 2020 at 8:02 pm
I really agree
Happy Easter 🐣
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April 12, 2020 at 9:29 pm
Thank you Saania! Likewise happy Easter wishes from Ireland!
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April 14, 2020 at 4:13 pm
Honestly empathy is the greatest gift that we can give to someone grieving.
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April 14, 2020 at 6:02 pm
I agree Parikhit and that takes practice as we can never know how a person is really doing.
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