Jennifer Saunders

Only recently it was announced by the press that Jennifer Saunders has had breast cancer see:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/celebritynews/7878364/Jennifer-Saunders-wins-breast-cancer-battle.html
Another woman I have more in common with! I wish her well and her family.

Happiness matters... so where is it?

It struck me last week whilst I was at work that many people seemed to be looking miserable and have lost their sense of fun in the workplace. Things can get pretty dull on the treadmill of life. I mentioned this to colleagues and suggested we explored how we could bring back the feeling of happiness and have some fun in our work place/space. Nothing wild or inappropriate just some light relief from the intensity of doing work. Then on the news that night - research has been published with evidence that happy people are more productive and work better!! What a coincidence and how apt I thought. So there we have it happiness matters and to be honest we all knew that; so the challenge is to be mindful and connected to the wonderful feeling of happiness - it takes some working on but is sure to be worth it!!! I am suggesting that work places should consider having a 'Fun Marshall' or 'Marshall's' it could well make a difference - so lets try it?

Any views or comments?

I am wondering if you would like to share any thoughts or views about my blog and/or anything about breast cancer. It would be great to read them. Thanks

Psycho-social research

I have learnt recently that Cancer Research UK have decided to fund less perhaps even no psycho-social research. This is a surprise to me as having cancer affects people in more ways than simply physically. With amazing survivor ship results there are unexpected outcomes such as emotional well being or mental health issues or work based health matters etc etc, that need understanding for the greater good so it seems very narrow to cease such funding. Perhaps all those people who fund raise should stipulate the kind of research they would like their money being spent on??? Now that's a thought!!!

Should we have high expectations?

Someone was cautioned me to be careful in setting high expectations in particular in relation to other people, as 'expectations only set you up for a fall!'. These words of caution were shared in good faith in response to a time when I felt disappointed when a set of expectations did not happen! When I thought about this, my high expectations had been unspoken and I kind of expected others to have the same high standards as myself, but allas this is not always the case. That said, I remain optimistic as I believe most people try and when I see that people try their best, that's good enough for me. This week I experienced such joy and delight when an idea I had came to fruition above and beyond my expectations. A drama performance to raise the profile of patient experiences and how little things matter in caring was part of a conference that coincided with National Carers week - check out:
http://www.nursing.salford.ac.uk/news/newsitem?id=747
Amazing! I am sticking with high expectations and will just manage the outcomes differently, in other words prepare for a soft landing not a fall!!

From the World Cup camp!!

How many people are like me and exposed to back to back football matches? I don't mind the odd game but we are watching them all, plus the pundits pre-match drivel and post-match analysis!!! Then highlights and re-plays and so on.... o well on the positive side I can escape unnoticed and the roads are quieter. To be honest its nice having something we can all join in and come together on as everyone has an opinion!! It has made me think about all the hype and build up and then how in practice its completely different, there will be surprises and shocks along the way. So much like the cancer journey, somethings can be predicted and others not!!

A good contact and amazing friend

A good friend of mine - Angela Galvin works with organisations, individuals and projects across the UK to provide creative and sustainable business strategies. Check her out http://www.angelagalvin.co.uk/angelagalvin.co.uk/Welcome.html