BE REASONABLE!

In life we are called to be a balanced, reasonable person, someone who looks at the whole picture and makes intelligent choices.

To be reasonable depends on how educated we are, not just ABC's, but socially intelligent.

We have neighbours, friends, family, connections with the world at large and so it takes a sound and reasonable mind to allow the Truth to emerge.

We may often see things differently to other people. Our tastes and values can be so different, yet there is a guiding light to help us to become reasonably-minded people.

We have the gift of Faith. Let's use it.

FOLLOW your DREAM

Today, in a world of recession and so much talk about how bad things are etc. it's important to follow your dream, whatever it might be.

Are you a writer? An actor? A dancer? A landscape Gardener?

Whatever puts vitality and passion into your life, follow it. Do it!

Life is so short and what a pity for us not to have a dream, an inspiration that gives zest and fun to our lives.

We will always have our 'duties', our work and looking after those to whom we have responsibilities etc.

This is all good. Our main duty in life is to love, yet remember we also have an obligation to love ourselves truly.

Following our dream is God's way to inspire us to be happy and sane.

Be ready...

How important it is to be ready, be ready for whatever comes our way.

The insecure person will want to have everything 'under wraps' so nothing goes wrong, yet this can lead to anxiety and fear.

The secure person will prepare and therefore have confidence in their ability to deal with whatever comes their way.

This is a good approach to life, to be ready to face each day and welcome the challenges that we are faced with.

After all, what would life be like without a challenge. And the positive-minded person will know that each difficulty is also a learning curve, helping us to become a better, more rounded person.

So, be ready...

YOUNG AT HEART

I had the opportunity to chat with two young people who have come to Ireland to experience our culture etc.

Wicklow has been their home for the past few weeks and they have so many experiences to add to their treasure of cultural wealth.

They have already travelled to many countries and will visit many more, finding work to support themselves.

They embrace the world and instead of sitting in a comfortable home and 'google' they go out and gain personal experiences of countries and people.

What a wonderful gift it is to be young at heart!

GRAN CANARY

I've just returned from a wonderful holiday in Gran Canary, an island of the north-west coast of Africa. It was a great experience for me, especially as a writer, to focus on people and their lives.

Arguineguin, where I stayed, is mostly a Scandinavian community, dappled with English and Irish people.

I had planned to study my Spanish notes, yet soon found myself practising what Danish I could remember.

This community of very actively-retired people are impressive. They keep fit and live disciplined lives, physically, mentally and spiritually.

Having made an investment in property, it works out cheaper for them to spend the winter living in a warm climate with no heavy fuel bills etc. And of course, much healthier!

With the average temperature of 25 degrees and constant sunshine, Gran Canary is a haven of peace and relaxation.

On Sundays, the Norwegian Choir sang some beautiful hymns at the local Church. It was a delight to listen to them, a large group of actively-retired people who simply love to sing.

They say, 'To sing is to pray twice.'

A local Canaries woman told me that the group move over to Gran Canary in October and stay until May.

No wonder they all look so happy and healthy.

I guess HOME is where the heart is...

TAKE TIME OUT!

It's important, especially when we are busy to take time out. When we feel we have no time to relax is when we have most need to take a break.

Such a simple thing as relaxing can save our sanity and perhaps even our lives.

When we decide to take a break, we allow our minds to unwind. We open ourselves up to more than we can see in the present moment.

A closed mind can not make progress and will lead to a dull and un-interesting life.

Whereas a mind that is open will expand spiritually and mentally, allowing us to see beyond our own limits.

So, whenever we feel up-tight, the answer is found in a quiet relaxed moment. Take time out!

THE GIFT!

The fact that each one of us is unique is a perfect setting for being creative.

Whatever we feel drawn to can be an indication of where our creative-self is to be found.

Is it writing / painting / gardening / hill-walking / music /drama ?

Perhaps we are a peoples-person and this is where our gift lies.

We might be some or all of these, yet there is special gift that we have been given and that will lead us on to becoming a truly holistic person.

When we read the lives of the saints, we are given an idea of how God draws people through their gifts.

So important then to have an open mind and listen to our calling.

We owe it to ourselves to be the best that we can be, and most important of all to be happy in following our gift.