My time for others.

A smile and a listening ear.

My surroundings, nature, silence, people. So much inspires me in different ways it cannot be just one thing. I am lucky to have so much around me, I am grateful for all the inspiration I have in my life.

My younger sister Rachel, it will be seven years on Feb 1st since we lost her. She was only 26 when she passed and I wish I had been more grateful of her when she lived, but I guess we just take each other for granted too much. I am grateful every day that she is my sister.

I am aware that i need to do this more often. I know i can be abrupt and short with my husband but often do not realise until i have said what i have said. Pausing would be good for me to take stock before i make comment.

To me it is to give my whole heart to others. At present this has meant time to my family, visiting before Christmas as I will not see most of them this year.
However, this has meant my husband has been at home without me, and this has led him down a dark path again.
I am finding it difficult to make my heart reach everyone I love and my heart seems to be breaking a little because of it..
Wholeheartedly? I feel like I have a hole in my heart right now.

By respecting others beliefs and opinions. Not always easy in this world of prejudice. I stopped to buy and talk to a Big Issue seller, other than my normal lady, and got ‘tutted’ by a passer by. I do not know why they tutted but the action towards us felt wrong. People so easily judge, including me sometimes, but surely we are all the same creation?

Being fortunate to have an escape to nature as and when I need it. Woods, cliffs, heath land, lakes and the sea all in walking distance. I can escape the difficulties of life easily. I know this is not easy for others and that makes me feel blessed.

Giving with an open heart and mind and not expecting anything back in return. Far too often generosity is linked to money and that is disappointing to me. Anyone can give generously and it does not have to cost a thing.

what a pertinent question today. I have been thinking that I have been neglecting my daily practices, my diary, my thoughts, my gratefulness. I guess a loss sometimes makes things take a back seat. To be honest, i feel a little lost.

Currently I know I need to focus of freeing myself up for me. I need to be able to make sure that I stay healthy and happy otherwise I am no good to others. I need to keep my mind on track and stay positive in dark times so that I can be the light for others as I want to be.

.The deaths of my sister six years ago, my step-dad last ear and my step-mum last week. Life is so fragile yet death somehow develops resilience.

To see light in darkness and death when it could be very easy to embrace the darkness.

By linking what I do to the needs of others, be that other people, animals, nature, groups etc.

The wonder of nature, sunshine in the rain, smiles of my nieces, the stars, music, anything that can bring peace to my busy mind.

My worries for others, the pangs I feel in my head and heart.

As someone who did for her family the best she could.

That things always get worse before they get better… but that they always get better. This motto makes me believe that i can turn every negative into positive, even if i do not realise it at the time.

By staying positive and putting that positivity into a difficult situation i know i have to contend with.

The Big Issue is a street newspaper in the UK. It is written by professional journalists and sold by homeless individuals to help them earn money.