I walk every morning and always see and/or hear something beautiful that triggers off a sense of love for this world. Sometimes it feels like it takes my breath away, it always seems to centre around my heart and often makes me smile or even laugh. It also puts me in perspective as one small thing in this amazing world. Awe and wonder are two words that spring to mind. It is because of this that I believe we have to care for the world and all do our bit to help.
But I also get the same feeling when I hear of people doing caring things for other people, often selflessly, and then I know it is a good world after all

Being too busy, rushing trying to get it all done – but I have come to recognise that I often do this to myself – I am still learning to relax, not to fill every second of the day, not to feel I have to do it all. And, because I am so busy, I am chronically tired, which leads to a vicious circle -I am too tired to think clearly about how to slow down and live more in the moment and focus on what matters most.
But I do try!
What helps is this website reminding me of what is important, my husband being a good role model, my job share who is forever telling me “you can only do what you can do” and getting out into nature -I am now ensuring I get a walk every day which makes such a difference to my wellbeing.

Illness, for sure. Knowing that I had to give up or choose to go on and make the best of it. I chose to try to find positives and it has definitely shown me I could be much more adaptable and resilient than I thought, which has helped me in all other aspects by giving me the confidence to face challenges. I accidentally became executive head of three schools (didn’t step back quick enough!) and, again, was surprised by my resilience in the face of the toughest situation I had ever lived through. In the end I had to resign, leaving with no notice, as the stress nearly led to a nervous breakdown – but I had seen the schools through the worst period and lasted longer than any head in the previous 8 years! So I still feel proud of what I did, despite the way it ended.
Through these and other experiences, large and small, I have learnt to go with the flow, remain positive, adapt and make the best of things – and Covid/lockdown has shown how far I have come with this – and, by being adaptable, I have found it so much easier than those who have just lamented what is lost.
Obviously I am not perfect and have many examples where I could have done better, but I constantly surprise myself – not just with what I can do, but with what humans can survive – and survive cheerfully!

All the time! I am always curious about nature and that leads not only to interesting knowledge but often some lovely engagement with others. I am always curious about what I come across – words and their meaning/derivation; science; how a story ends; what would happen if…I derive a lot pf pleasure from the finding out and from sharing knowledge with others, all of us learning together.
Taking after my Dad, when I’m out, I always want to know what is around the next corner, which has led to some amazing discoveries – abandoned stately homes, wildlife, beautiful views, interesting people..
Curiosity has also led us to try new recipes and new foods and, as I just love my food, I always benefit from that!
Curiosity has led to me enhancing my faith and, I must finish with everyone here. I am always curious to see what everyone has written and that often sparks new ideas, new thoughts, reminds me to focus on the positive, puts things in perspective….and I always feel better afterwards.

So hard to answer as I’m not really sure what expectations I have had!
But a few things do strike me – the love shown to me by family and my husband -I am forever grateful and somewhat surprised by the strength and endurance of their love; the fact that I have come full circle -I started in a job I loved (teaching), somehow accidentally ended up as a Head Teacher of the school I was in and then executive Head of three school, nearly collapsed under the strain, took time out, struggled to find self worth again and finally have ended up back in my original school in class, enjoying the time with the children; amazing improvements to my health allowing me to live normally, at least for now….
It is good to stop and think and realise again how lucky I am.

I don’t have such “big stories” as those of you I’ve just been reading. I thought about when I left my job a while back but really, it was so stressful and I was on the edge of a nervous breakdown that it didn’t take any courage, it just kind of happened! But maybe the courage came in living with no job, no money, and a lot of recovering to do.
I think for me, I need lots of little bits of courage. For example, today, after my husband’s much awaited hair cut, we visited one of his friends for tea and cake in the garden to admire what they have done there. I didn’t know him and, to be honest, I’m not ever very good at social events! I’ve been happy in lockdown with no pressure to socialise, so it took courage to go out and try to enjoy it. I did, of course – it’s never as bad as in my mind beforehand! And as we only stayed an hour, I didn’t run out of courage!

I was brought up as a Catholic (and still am!). The basic premise of our life was to think of others before ourselves, to love, to serve…So I grew up watching my family give to others in every possible way. I saw how good this was not only for the recipient of the love, care, money, goods…..but for our family, so both from nature and nurture, I love to give. Of course, I don’t always spot what’s needed, I might be too tired or busy, I don’t always get it right, but when I can and do give, it is always worth it. I have fostered, and how much love this has brought me cannot be expressed; I teach, and I am sure I get more back from the children than I give to them. During our lockdowns, I have supported elderly relatives and neighbours and our enriched relationship is its own reward. Only today, one elderly neighbour who had a fall asked if I would walk the dog. Beautiful sunny day, sparkling sea, happy dog, birds singing…couldn’t have been nicer so my life today was definitely enriched.

As with most people, I have been given so much without even asking. I do pray regularly and I have often been given what I need, even if it wasn’t what I asked for in the first place!
I have been trying to ask for help when needed instead of just saying “I’m fine”, and when I ask, help has always been willingly given – and, delightfully, has often meant as much to the helper as to me. I have found people like to be useful and to have a chance to care.
On a more concrete note, recently I signed up for “fit mind 50” and, as part of this, I decided I would try to read totally different books from my usual. I sent a round robin email to all my family and friends asking for recommendations – and not only did I get a host of brilliant books to try (I am working my way through and, so far, I have enjoyed them all!) but it was really nice to have a catch up with everyone. I asked…and I was given.

Tricky question – inspired lots of thought. This website has helped me grow -your questions and everyone’s answers have prompted me to reflect, act, evaluate, and, hopefully, grow. I am certainly more aware of many things and try to be more conscious about my actions.
The pandemic has helped me understand more about my reactions to life. Some I am proud of so that has helped grow self confidence. Some, I realise, are actually my choice when I thought they were imposed on me from external sources. “I am always too busy” was blamed on my work, demands of others…..Now I realise it is my choice. However much time I have, I choose to fill it to overflowing. I am still trying to balance that tightrope -I need to be busy, seems to be a fundamental to me, but do I need to be quite that busy? Where is the Goldilocks point (“just right”)? So, still lots of growing to do which, rather than overwhelming me, actually excites me!

I just feel fortunate in every way. Of course, I must admit I might not feel this every second of every day – we all have our ups and downs and I have certainly had my share of downs, but in general, I can feel blessed by how fortunate I am. I have reasonable health, I grew up in a wonderful family who taught me well, developing my values, interests, skills, self confidence…..and am now married to a (usually!!) wonderful man. I live in the most beautiful place and get out and enjoy nature – so important to me. I have a nice house, a good job which I (mostly!) enjoy, lovely music to listen to, books to read, my Faith, enough food, money, clothes…
When I come to put it all down, I feel overwhelmed by how fortunate I am.
To sum it up – I am alive, loved and loving. What more could anyone want?

My first thought, I’m ashamed to say, was no one did anything! Then I read all the comments below and that completely altered my mindset. Thank you everyone! As you say, just about everything in my life needed that anonymous stranger…..too many to list but all now recognised and valued in my mind, I shall be more aware tomorrow and celebrate them all as I go! I learn so much from this website – thank you, all you anonymous strangers out there who are all making a difference to me with your questions, comments and thoughts!

I agree with many of the comments below. Not having enough self belief -for example, even when I found myself surprisingly an executive Head of 3 schools, I couldn’t believe it was right! The old imposter syndrome again! And I often feel that I am too small to live an extraordinary life and make a difference.
But when a question like this stops me and makes me think, I do feel that, as many people have said, actually my life is extraordinary every day, and I have so much to enjoy and be grateful for. That’s the beauty of this site – it does help you stop and take stock and sometimes challenge your thinking.

I guess I never really had a plan but by 34 I was getting sad I had never found a partner, and, living in a tiny rural village was trying to accustom myself to the fact I would probably never meet anyone, when I met my now husband and have had a delightful 20 years of marriage. I have also discovered I am far more resilient than I expected which I have learnt through a series of unplanned events – not always welcome at the time, but now seen as learning opportunities. I think I am often surprised by life and I have come to enjoy that, although when younger I would plan more and have expectations that were often not met – hopefully I am older and wiser now as opposed to just older!

I have been lucky enough to have had a full life, full of loving relationships, so I like to think I wouldn’t have many regrets. I think my biggest regret would have to be filling my time with work, duty to others etc etc and therefore not always having time to be spontaneous with my husband or to properly listen to him and fully engage with his conversations, concerns and worries instead of listening with just one ear. I know they say no one on their death bed ever says they wish they had worked more -I often think of this and mean to address it but…….Maybe now I will. I will certainly try.