I know we are into week two of 2024 but I haven’t posted a MM this year, so Happy New Year it is…
I hope your festive break was enjoyable and you achieved everything you needed from the time away from work. My wife (Sandra) works in retail and there isn’t much ‘time off’ allocated in this profession so it can impact us all, if we are not mindful of this. Whilst I sat and watched the sport, or a Christmas film, Sandra would be working a crazy shift to get things ready for the mad rush on sale day.
I spent time walking along the beach with the rest of the family and Sandra would be battling with returns and disgruntled customers trying to exchange items with no receipts (or manners). The crafty shoplifters taking advantage of the lack of staff, leaving the store, bags stuffed with stolen clothes, body mists or candles.
I had time off, apart from a few calls and emails, from Christmas to the New Year but Sandra was in and out of the store with only a couple of days rest. On her days off, she was cooking and hosting, making sure everything was organised, presents were wrapped and there was enough food and drink for everyone.
It is at times like these you realise, it’s not just at Christmas when Sandra works and manages the house, family and everything associated with making life easier at home, it’s all year round. She is ‘old school’, a grafter and puts everyone else first, maybe too much at times!
As for me, well I don’t say “Thank you” often enough, I don’t show my appreciation much and I can seem ungrateful at times, but I really do appreciate everything Sandra does and, has done during our 31, amazing, years together, I just need to show it more often.
Have you got a ‘Sandra’ in your life? Someone who is the glue that holds a family together and, often does things without you even knowing?
This year, as part of my goal list, I am going to be more appreciative and grateful, not only with Sandra but also with my children, my family and friends. This might have an impact on the way I see the world and, instead of becoming more like ‘Victor Meldrew’, as I get older and less forgiving, I can enjoy and celebrate all of the things I do have in my life.
Looking at life through a more positive lens will ensure I spend more time being content and satisfied, which will have an impact on my relationships, I’m sure.
Where are you putting your energy and focus, on the good stuff or, all of the things that are not so good?
Looking for the good in the world and, more specifically, in your life, can, and will, change your personal experience for the best.