I love this reminder from lovetheloa which I found on Instagram.
Don’t be afraid to Create Space for yourself today!
Quote No. 40 from Encourage Yourself Encourage Others by Anne Devine.
‘Thank you,’ two simple words that are often not so simple to say. Sometimes we brush off a compliment rather than acknowledging it and saying thank you. Sometimes we have the best of intention but being busy or complacent, we neglect saying thank you for a kindness received. Remember “A simple thank you is all that is needed.”
“Thank you” for your visit and company today!
When have you struggled to say thank you?
Le grà,
Mindfully Marie xx
(Enquiries to info.devinepublishing@gmail.com)
Quote No. 43 from Encourage Yourself Encourage Others by Anne Devine.
I feel like Anne wrote this one especially for me!
I’m enjoying the challenge of showing up to my blog, almost daily, to share Anne’s warm and insightfully encouraging quotes. I’m also writing a gratitude journal. Reading back through my Journal on Christmas Day last was the best gift I gave myself for Christmas and I’m pretty sure my happiness in sharing some precious memories flowed over onto my family.
What do you do to encourage yourself and encourage others?
Le grà,
Mindfully Marie xx
(Enquiries to info.devinepublishing@gmail.com)
Quote No.45 from Encourage Yourself Encourage Others by Anne Devine.
Our beautiful weather of the past few weeks was such a blessing. We enjoyed many meals outdoors. The best temperature we noted was around 18 degrees, as nice as an average summer’s day. But that weather has changed to much cooler, 7 to 12 degrees and showery. There is a feel of winter back in it again. I’m challenging myself to find the positives in it, such as the freshness of the air after a heavy shower.
What positives are you noticing about today’s weather where you are?
Le grà,
Mindfully Marie xx
(Enquiries to info.devinepublishing@gmail.com)
Quote No. 49 from Encourage Yourself Encourage Others by Anne Devine.
We are all learning to accept the imposed boundaries of lockdown. Some of us are finding it easier than others. Now might be a good time to consider if the boundaries we have in our own lives are helpful or if they could do with being revised. It takes courage and maturity to “Accept that what others do is their business.”
Le grà,
Mindfully Marie xx
(Enquiries to info.devinepublishing@gmail.com)
I have been writing on the topic of bullying since late last year and I greatly appreciate all the support, encouragement and insightful feedback and comments which I have received to my Bullying & Beyond posts!
In order to access the most up to date information available on bullying and gain some insights and understanding of the Government’s education policy regarding the prevention of bullying, I decided to join a blended learning programme being offered by NABC; the National Anti Bullying Association of Ireland, entitled Bullying Prevention & Intervention Online Course for Teachers. It is a ten week online programme which also includes two face to face sessions in DCU, Dublin City University, St Patrick’s, Drumcondra, in Dublin.
And so, I would like to invite you to share your thoughts with me and in doing so, help me inform my answer to the first question we have been posed…
“What do you think are the greatest challenges teachers face when dealing with bullying behaviours?”
I look forward to your thought provoking responses!
Le grà,
Mindfully Marie
S…Smile and
T…try out
A…anything silly
T…that lifts your heart
U…Ur spirit is unique and ubiquitous
E…evoke your inner child and
S…smile some more!
Kate at Aroused Friday Fun…Statues
Le grà,
Mindfully Marie xx
Calmkate, aroused Fun Friday… Unusual
Le grà,
Mindfully Marie xx
Create Space 
Highest achievers?
The results of Ireland’s Leaving Certificate State Exam were released on the 13th of August.
This exam is the culmination of five years of study and it holds the key to the future of many students.
For months before the exams, which are held each year in June, two things happen.
1. Some students don’t cast the upcoming exams a thought.
2. Some students stress themselves to the point of mental and physical distress over sitting these exams.
For weeks before the results are released in August, two things happen.
1. Some students don’t cast the upcoming results a thought.
2. Some students stress themselves out worrying about the outcome or points they will achieve.
And that is the story of life.
The students at 1. above, takes things in their stride, they do not struggle with their emotions or become anxious.
The students at 2. above, are predisposed to an anxious nature. They struggle to handle their emotions and cope with stress.
And that is the human story or condition. We are all different, in how we see the world and how we cope in the world.
The Leaving Certificate acknowledges the high achievers and rightly so! It tabulates the results and rewards students accordingly. It is a grading system. It however, fails to grade students on how they function and cope emotionally or psychologically.
So please consider a few important things.
1. Look past the A4 sheet of Academic Outcomes and see that each student, teenager, boy, girl, non-gender, behind the A4 grading system is individual, unique, different and consider how they truly feel. They may not be the highest achiever in maths or biology but they might be the highest achiever in resilience or mental health management.
2. Don’t compare them to others. It doesn’t matter what their friends or peers got. Don’t expect them to get the same results. Do expect them to react or cope in very different ways and be there for them, if their world falls apart. Be calm, be capable and let them see that by supporting each other this will all work out!
3. If you are a teacher or parent and your student, son or daughter haven’t reached the exam stage yet, then make the most of it! Tell them, right the way through school, how unique and different they are. Watch out for and acknowledge their high achievements, whether it is academic or simply turning in for school. Remind them that they have numerous talents, some of which will be uncovered academically and many, many more which will only surface when they study at the college of life!
Le grà,
Mindfully Marie xx