Is fully digital really the way forward?

I have lively discussions with a friend who believes crypto currency is the way forward. He doesn’t see how those who are not so engaged in the digital world would see it as unreal and disengaged from day to day living.

I’ve recently started learning about mining and what the phrase ‘Ireland is open for business’ really means. I’ve also watched the documentary Burn, on Netflix. I’ve only recently re-engaged with wanting to be aware of what is going on and what it means for the wider story.

Now, if somebody is providing information I want to know their sources and how they are being funded. I think people should wear the sponsorship badges so we have full transparency.

I get annoyed when people are dismissive of concerns and how gaslighting is engaged as a tactic.

I didn’t have the world wide web when I was growing up. I had a series of books called the joy of knowledge. Between these and my secondary school education I feel I had an idea of how much I didn’t know.

The world wide web in many ways has hampered this continued learning but I am thankful for those who put their efforts into blogging. I feel for the most part blogs have passion and understanding.

I watched today as my other half opened a parcel which arrived in the post. It was the seeds we had ordered for the coming year. I expected the seeds in packets with a label. What was sent was a color document stapled to each packet providing easy to read instructions and information.

So maybe the way forward is a mix of digital and printed material.

and just like that…..

No, I am not writing about Sex and the City. I never really got into watching it.

I’ve not said much publicly about Covid and the way life changed 2 years ago. In Ireland we had the longest lockdowns in Europe, as I understand it. Yes, I live rurally after years in London and I thought I had adjusted to it all. Mentally I had more of a challenge in settling into the feeling of restrictions.

Now, suddenly and literally overnight nearly all restrictions have gone. I had come to enjoy the feeling of space in shops and not being knocked by an over eager shopper with their trolley.

I ask myself why can’t we continue with some of the good habits started. Personally, I’ve not had a cold or a cough in the last two winters and I’ve enjoyed the feeling. I’ve started the years stronger rather than trying to pick up the pieces and get ready for spring and summer.

I’ve signed up to a fitness challenge at work. I have no hope of winning anything but I am looking for ward to the feelings of taking part and the chat. I’ve signed up to the virtual gym pilates classes offered by Laya. I would never have thought about doing any of this previously – because I wouldn’t have felt physically strong enough.

Life has changed. I have changed and I’m not sure I want to change back.

When clever marketing goes wrong.

Today is supposedly ‘Blue Monday’. I get loads of messages from wellbeing groups talking about it. But is it real?!

I think we should have a better description and more than just a message about mental health or holidays. Money management is an issue for many; not just those who haven’t enough. We seem to be entering an era where everyone is being affected with rising food and energy prices.

Blue may well be an apt description of cold and hunger.

We should instead look to place mark this monday to check in on people and genuinely ask ‘How are you?’ and ‘Is there anything you need?’

Here’s a link to an article you may find interesting.

https://www.cipd.co.uk/news-views/changing-work-views/future-work/thought-pieces/blue-monday

Are we civilized?

A big question and one I don’t have a straight answer for. For all the good and technology we have at our disposal the civilized path is not one used by the many. Many of us think we do but when we raise a fist, a voice or even unkind thought is that not a sign of being uncivilized.

The latest taking of a life in Ireland is a great hurt. A young woman setting about keeping a New Years resolution – to go jogging. The hurt is probably more profound because where her life was taken was on a path named in honor of another who is missing.

What about every other woman in past, present and future?! What about every other person having to be on guard in their daily routine of life.

Society isn’t civilized when people live in fear or stand by while others endure.

“If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.” – Desmond Tutu

The oppressor doesn’t have to be anything other than a fear.

How many of us live in a fear of some sort?!

Recognizing themes

Recognizing themes in our lives is important. It helps in reflection exercises we might carry out.

It can be we are not able to pull the information together ourselves and need assistance. I think this in itself is useful. The next part can be tricky and that is finding the right help/support. Personally, I’ve found help and support in many different ways over the years. I have not limited myself to a one system solution.

Over the years my body hasn’t always been on top form and it has taken a combination to improve it. I won’t say make it better. As the way I see it the body, and mind, need constant maintenance and attention.

These days I would say I am in my best health. Everything seems in moderation and eating fresh from the vegetable plots during the summer months a definite bonus. I’ve learned how to store food over the winter so as still to enjoy the summer sun and freshness. I have a healthy approach to work and see it for what it is; a necessary need to support my life.

Have you thought about exploring themes in your life?

How my life has changed.

A hot day on Victoria Street, London

This is one of the last photos I took when working in London, UK. It is meaningful as my first attempt at finding a job when I arrived there was with an employment agency on this street.

The irony the local job centres said I was too qualified for the jobs they were advertising and the employment agency said I wasn’t qualified enough.

I reverted to looking in a local paper and applying for jobs that way. Using this method I was successful. More importantly I showed up and was keen. It was a basic office job but we all start somewhere.

Fast forward to 2018 and I was again looking for work but in a different country. I didn’t have any joys going through what I thought would be the usual channels. My hard earned qualifications and experience in the UK didn’t make much difference in Ireland. So, I started again.

My other half found an advert for temporary administration work. I applied and started the following Monday. I found myself in a very different work environment. I found it hard going people around me were younger and well established. I was a bit like a rabbit in headlights. Stunned and mightily annoyed I was having to start from scratch again. That feeling soon passed and I secured a longer term contract.

I am still with the company 3 years later. I have now accepted it does what it is meant to do; pay the bills and give me freedom to explore and build on what I feel I really want to be doing.

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Here we go again

another year and hoping to be older and wiser. Older yes. Wiser, ah, I am still working on it. I see this as a continued journey. I see being being wiser as being a little further along the journey than others.

Series 1 Episode 3 – Music & Me

I’ve continued with the podcasts and here is Episode 3. There is one more episode in this batch and I’ve really enjoyed making them. The patience from my editor is greatly appreciated. I have also learned when I am not on form no point in recording. This podcast has 7 edits as opposed to one or two for the others. An important understanding I feel.

I hope you enjoy the podcast and I’d love to hear your thoughts on it.

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