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Hi Reader, At my secondary school, there was a teacher called Mr Robson. He was a fearsome character yet much respected. So, when he took to the stage at our daily assembly one morning, we listened intently. It was unprecedented. Mr Robson spoke of the importance of honesty and accountability. He gave an example of being given too much change in error in a shop, and keeping the extra money as if we had won a prize. It was a perk, we deserved it, just fortune smiling on us. But, it was still wrong. He explained to around 250 teenagers that the person manning the til would likely have that money deducted from their pay. In the worst case, they could themselves be accused of stealing and lose their job. I remember we stood silent, regretful at the times we had thought ourselves lucky at someone else's expense, ignorant of the implications of our actions. This is rightly a lesson for children. But it never hurts to revisit lessons and apply them to our lives. There are consequences to all of our actions, no matter how small. I have recalled Mr Robson's assembly many times throughout my life and wonder how many other students have done the same. Sometimes the briefest of lessons stay with us to lasting effect. This was given to me to share. Don't live your life at the expense of others. Apply thought, word and deed with care.
It is your legacy.
Focus on the light, always, Natalie Attenborough |
Hi Reader, As we develop and age, much of our behaviour becomes habitual. The statistics for just how much vary greatly, but at least half of our actions seem to be driven by habit. And the implications of habitual behaviour are greater than you may imagine. As such, it is important to make a conscious effort to foster good habits. A bad habit that seems trivial now could be devastating should your circumstances change. When placed under extreme stress, there is a tendency to rely on...
Hi Reader, I give a lot of thought to the first article of the year. Not everybody enjoys the festive season. It has been described as a magnifying glass, amplifying our feelings. Some find the experience euphoric. For others it brings melancholy. But the new year offers an opportunity for change. And I want to encourage you to embrace it. None of us are on our own. No matter what your beliefs, know that there is something greater than you at work. Given the complexity of life and the...
Hi Reader, Sometime ago a friend suggested I read Confucius to help me find the answers I was seeking. I haven’t found it an easy read, some points require consideration, but that’s as it should be. And on some points I disagree. But that is also perhaps ok. Shouldn't we always make our own evaluation? We have been gifted with free will. As long as we beg to differ with respect, no harm is done. But I clearly remember the first statement that struck a chord with me. 'To attack a task from the...