Sweat Today, Success Tomorrow: My week of screaming little children has shown me hard work pays off

Three Thinking - Edition 021 - Friday 31 July 2015

A 48 page script, including six songs, 29 Primary School children and four days. What could possibly do wrong?

The children knew that, if they put in hard work on
Tuesday, they'd reap the rewards on Friday. A wise
lesson for us all! Image - 123rf.com

This was the question I found myself asking on Monday morning as I arrived at a local secondary school to help with a week-long Summer School. The plan was to allocate parts, learn dialogue, lyrics and dance routines, set the show on the stage and do two performances of the 1 hour play on Friday (today). A very ambitious plan, I felt, and I wasn't too sure how it would all come together!

I can safely say that all the hard work has paid off. From 9 - 4 each day for the past four days, the budding performers have put blood, sweat and tears into learning dozens of lines and dances, and found the energy to run through Robin Hood and the Sherwood Hoodies countless times. It really has amazed me how committed, passionate and hardworking the seven to eleven years olds have been...and they are an inspiration to us all!

Wise words on putting in sweat today
in order to enjoy success tomorrow!

Because tonight, I have no doubt those 29 children will delight their parents with their performances, the result of a great deal of hard work and determination. The secret ingredient to their success, I believe, has been belief - they believed on Monday that they could pull off a full scale production by Friday and (with fingers crossed for tonight!) they have.



There is a well known quote that reads;

Some succeed because they are destined but most because they are determind

Not all the children were born to be on the stage. But all were determind to do a great job. It's the only way you can succeed.

  Determination today leads to success tomorrow (Aremu Sunday). So put the hard work in today, and reap the rewards tomorrow.  

THINK & REFLECT - Work hard today, reap the rewards later. There's no success tomorrow without sweat today!


Article by an exhausted Ben Wardle, who just so happens to be doing it all again with a new set of Merry Men next week!

As the Special Olympics take place in L.A, it's time to celebrate everyone for who they are.

Previous Special Olympics Medalists.    Image courtesy of nameplace.com. 

Three Thinking - Edition 020 - Thursday 30 July 2015

The Special Olympics are currently underway in Los Angeles, with over 6,500 athletes with intellectual disabilities competing on behalf of 165 countries. According to the website of the Games, the Special Olympics is a global movement of people "where every single person is accepted and welcomed, regardless of ability or disability".

A competitor in the 2010 Europe-Eurasia games.
Image - specialolympicsblog.wordpress.com 

We all have different, strengths, weaknesses, talents and gifts. Some of us are born naturally clever, and seem to have all the odds in our favour as we go through life. We succeed in getting the exam results, jobs and opportunities we want, and we manage to fulfill our dreams and aspirations single-handedly. Others need a little more help and support; a helping, steady hand is often needed to ensure they can cope with the pressures and challenges of life. 

Inevitably, it's the successful and very capable high-flyers who garner the most attention and public exposure, and the main Olympics are among the most watched events ever to have taken place. Those who perhaps struggle a little more and need a little more support in order to flourish are often, not intentionally, forgotten or left behind by society. 

A beaming competitor
in a recent games
Image - ct.gov

This is why the Special Olympics are so fantastic. They are shining the spotlight on the most wonderful, inspiring and praise-deserving people on the planet. The Special Olympic athletes have overcome huge barriers to get to where they are today, and their strength, bravery and determination to live life to the full, despite their intellectual disability, is both incredibly inspiring and breath-taking. 

Back in the late 1950s and early 1960s, the founder of the Special Olympics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, saw how those with intellectual disabilities were often ignored and neglected - despite the many talents and gifts they had to offer - and routinely placed in custodial institutions. Fortunately, we have come a long way since then, but there is still more to do.

THINK & REFLECT - So please, show your support for the athletes competing in this week's Special Olympics in LA, and champion a belief that the gifts and talents of each and every individual deserve to be celebrated, irrespective of disability, race, gender or ethnicity. 

As you relax in the sun, spare a thought for the millions of carers selflessly looking after the sick, elderly and disabled 24/7

Three Thinking - Edition 019 - Wednesday 29 July 2015

As you busy about your holiday preparations, I wanted to provide you with some 'food-for-thought', in the form of an extract from Melanie Reid's column in The Times Magazine. Melanie, who is tetraplegic after breaking her neck and back in a riding accident, writes movingly each week, and this week's piece, in which she discussed the supposedly negative connotations of the word 'carer',  was no exception.

"Consider this, as you pack your swimwear and sunscreen: more than four million unpaid carers in the UK will not have a summer holiday. Half of them, in fact, haven't had a holiday for five years. Three quarters of them work more than 50 hours a week and a third of them never get a break of any kind"

Melanie wrote movingly about carers
in the Times Magazine. Image - The
Times.

There are two different types of carer; the selfless souls who take up the role as a career, and the also selfless souls who are thrust into caring for a loved one in need of care and support. The phrase 'unsung hero' seems to have become quite a cliche these days, but I really do believe it rings true for the unpaid carers who give up all their time to care for a loved one, and the often very low paid carers who make giving the sick, disabled and elderly the best life possible the central part of their working lives.

But these 'unsung heroes' who go about their job each and every day, are not saints. It's important we recognise this, writes Melanie, and it's vital we don't take them for granted. Melanie refers to a book by Hugh Marriott when she writes that 'it is perfectly normal to get guilty, angry and frustrated, and understandable to have murderous thoughts about the person you have to look after'. They are not perfect "carers" - they are humans, too. We can never take the contribution they make to millions of lives for granted, and I for one cannot understand why so many selfless carers are forced to get by on the minimum wage.

So here's today's THINK & REFLECT - to spare a thought for the four million unpaid carers, spending each and every day looking after ill or frail relatives , and to perhaps think about what YOU can do to support a friend or family member who works as a carer.

Why it's time to climb into someone else's skin and walk around in it (metaphorically, of course!)

Three Thinking - Edition 018 - Tuesday 28 July 2015

With Harper Lee's new book 'Go Set a Watchman' at the top of the book bestsellers chart, I decided I would read the original, To Kill A Mockingbird, first published over fifty years ago. One of the quotes still fresh in my mind are the following wise words from Atticus Finch, a lawyer, to his two young children, Jem and Scout;

Harper Lee may have written these words over half a century ago, but I believe they still ring true today. We are often quick to judge others, about anything from their sexual orientation to their skin colour or ethnicity, and many of us are often quick to cast assumptions on others. 

These wise words urge us to take a different approach, to employ empathy instead of casting assertions and pre-judging someone. 

We have been gifted with incredible minds that allow us to think in an extraordinary way and, crucially, use our imagination. We can use this creative thinking to attempt to understand someone else, see their point of view and try to understand their perspective on a situation or circumstance. By doing this, we can attempt to establish their motives for performing a certain action or saying a certain thing, and then work with them and be more accepting of - and indeed celebrate them for being - who they are. 

We are all incredibly different, and this is something we should certainly celebrate and cherish - I believe it is one of the things that makes our time on Planet Earth so enjoyable. But we can, all too often, struggle to understand others and those who are "different" often face discrimination and persecution. By, metaphorically of course, climbing inside someone else's skin and walking around in it, we can begin to understand and empathize with them more, making us more tolerant and compassionate towards them.

So next time you find yourself being prejudice or casting assertions about someone, try to see things through their eyes. 

Image Credit - likesuccess.com

Article by Ben Wardle for Three Thinking. 

'We're all going on a Summer Holiday'...and here's why it'll be good for you!

Three Thinking - Edition 017 - Friday 24 July 2015

The schools have broken up, the airport security queues are getting considerably longer and drivers are refuelling ahead of the long drive to the seaside. It can only mean one thing: the Summer Holidays are here!

'Your summer holiday is your time to enjoy doing
what you love' - whether that's relaxing on a beach
or skydiving! Image: amieandgracie.com

We live such busy and hectic lives - there is always something to worry about and another job to do - which is why it's so important to have time to relax and enjoy yourself. The summer holidays offer the perfect opportunity to take a break, enjoy the sunshine and treat yourself. They also offer us a fantastic opportunity to spend time with loved ones, visit new attractions, towns, cities and countries, and treat ourselves to all sorts of delicious foods and treats.

Summer is a chance to
forget the dull daily
routine!

Life can often become monotonous, dull and depressing, especially as the piles of paperwork and household chores pile up. All we can think about is having enough money to get by and maintain our lifestyle, and we are endlessly thinking 'I will soon be able to enjoy myself'. Well the summer holidays is the chance when all that hard work pays off and the 'soon' part of that phrase goes out of the window.

Summer is the perfect time to celebrate what life is all about - enjoying yourself and being happy! You don't need to worry about the next job or follow the daily routine...you can simply celebrate being in the moment and having a good time.

Whether you choose to relax on a beach in the glorious sunshine, or go on an adventurous trek through a desert or something crazy like high-wiring, make sure you remember your summer holiday is your time to enjoy doing what you love. 

Have a lovely Summer, whatever you are doing!

Oscar Wilde adored the simple pleasures in life: Here's why you should too...

Three Thinking - Edition 016 - Thursday 23 July 2015

It was Oscar Wilde who once remarked:

"I adore simple pleasures. They are the last refuge of the complex"

Often, we all get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life. It's all to easy to scroll through the twitter feed of someone like Kim Kardashian and believe we can never be happy unless we have all the fame, houses, clothes, assistants, holidays and money that they have. As a result, we spend our lives endlessly desiring more-and-more possessions and status...yet we never seem to be able to be happy.

The way to happiness is through enjoying
simple pleasures.
Image: ishafoundation.org

That's where simple pleasures come in. Enjoying these 'simple pleasures', from a cup of tea and a good magazine or a long relaxing bath to going on a long, peaceful walk or spending time with someone you love, is the real key to happiness.

So I challenge you to remember that enjoying the little things is the secret to a happy, fulfilling life filled with joy. Enjoying these simple pleasures costs you next to nothing yet brings priceless happiness and joy. So halt the pursuit of ludicrous wealth, fame, houses and clothes: celebrate the simple things in life.

Here is just a small selection of ideas...

Take a break and enjoy a nice cup of tea
and a biscuit at your leisure.Image - phrase.org.uk

Take a relaxing and peaceful stroll.Image - news.stanford.edu

Have a good chat with a good friend.Image - budtoboss.com

Settle down and enjoy your favourite TV programme.Image - express.co.uk

"We are life, we are intelligent, we must know" - Stephen Hawking on the new hunt for Alien life

Three Thinking - Edition 015 - Wednesday 22 July 2015

A Google Images search for 'aliens' provides all sorts of weird and wonderful results, from a deliriously happy one-eyed blue blob and a three eyed, childish looking green creature to more sinister pale zombie-like beings that wouldn't look out of place in an episode of Doctor Who. 

One of the many images a search for
'aliens' online provides.
Image: pbs.org

Yet aliens are no longer simply resigned to sci-fi films and children's imaginations; a new $100 million project to hunt for 'intelligent aliens' has just been launched.

Someone looks rather friendly! A
google search result for 'aliens'
Image - mydeathspace.com

Many of us are now fascinated with the prospect that there may be other life "out there" - although I should think we hope that that life is not as sinister, malicious and evil as some films and nightmares may make out!

It was earlier this week that Professor Stephen Hawking, the world-renowned scientist, declared: "Somewhere in the universe intelligent life may be watching the lights of ours aware of what they mean". He added: "We believe that life arose spontaneously on Earth. So in an infinite universe there must be other occurrences of life". 

It was Issac Newton who remarked:
"What we know is a drop,
what we don't know is an
ocean" 

With that thought in mind, I believe we should optimistically look forward to any findings the new hundred-million-dollar project to hunt for intelligent alien live may provide. The chairman of the project, known as Breakthrough listen, said on Monday that it is a "huge gamble...but the pay off would be colossal" continuing: "We don't know what we will see, it may be organic life or machines created by a long dead civilisation, but it would transform our view of the universe".

As a species, we have an incredible desire for understanding and information. We now know a great deal about our own planet, yet still feel overwhelmed and amazed when we think of how tiny we are compared to the ever-expanding universe in which we find ourselves. The new project will, hopefully, usher in a new era of understanding of the universe...and may even save us from a deadly alien invasion!

THINK & REFLECT - Think about how incredible the ever-expanding universe is, and think about how tiny our planet is in comparison. Allow this thought, and the realization we don't know incredibly little about the universe, to make you more open minded and passionate about pursuing new understanding and knowledge.

Is refusing to donate your organs after death selfish? The challenging issue of Organ Donation.

Three Thinking - Edition 014 - Tuesday 21 July 2015

The loss of a loved one is an absolutely terrible experience, and the period we spend mourning can be the darkest time of our life. Immediately after the death of a loved one is a time of great shock, grief and despair...yet it is also the time the most courageous and selfless of acts take place. It is the time when relatives may consent and allow the organs of a loved one to offer another human being life, in the form of an organ transplant.

Challenge: Think about your attitudes to Organ
Donation - would you consider getting a Donor
Card? 

Organ donation after death has been in the news recently, with the news that 1,282 people donated their organs after dying last year. Organ donation can be a difficult decision, both personally and ethically, but it is certainly agreed by many that it can bring life out of death, and joy out of sorrow.

From a religious aspect, it really forces us to confront what we believe about life after death: when I think about a 'Heaven' or other sort of afterlife, I ask myself whether I would be there in physical form, respiring, walking, eating, sleeping in the way I would during my life as a mortal being here on Earth. If the answer is yes, then I would certainly want to keep my organs so I can exist in that supernatural World! If the answer is no, and that the afterlife I "travel" to is spiritual rather than physical, then why don't I use the opportunity to bring happiness and joy - my last act of selflessness and kindness - by giving life to another human being when I clearly no longer need my organs?

Is it selfish to refuse to donate your organs after death if you don't need them any longer? Does the fact that more than 1,200 people died whilst waiting for an organ transplant (or were removed from the list because of deteriorating health) in the UK alter your answer to that question?

So make sure you spend time thinking about your mortality, how you could do good and give life, happiness and hope after your own death, and ask whether organ donation is for you. It's vital we confront big questions, such as whether we would give consent for the organs of a loved one to be donated if they suddenly passed away, so we are not overwhelmed if such an eventuality were to come along.

THINK & REFLECT - Think about your attitudes to Organ Donation; would you consider donating your organs after death? Would you need them any longer? What good could you do by donating your organs to bring life to another human being?

Please feel free to share any views, comments or questions below.
You can read more about Organ Donation, via the NHS website, by clicking here. 

Love her or hate her, Nicola Sturgeon should inspire you to stand up for your views

Three Thinking - Edition 013 - Monday 20 July 2015

Whilst many would strongly disagree with her political opinions, I don't think anyone would dispute the fact that Nicola Sturgeon is a strong, determind individual who stands up for what she believes in.

Nicola has worked hard to get to where she is today.
Image - Guardian.

Yesterday, the First Minister of Scotland celebrated her 45th birthday, just the latest in a long line of celebrations that have included becoming First Minister of Scotland, her triumphs in the General Election TV debates and the SNP landslide at the Westminster elections in May. Nicola has not been handed all this success on a plate - she has worked incredibly hard to get to where she is today - and she is regularly attacked in the right wing press and by 'trolls' on social media. But let's hope she enjoyed her birthday and took the opportunity to reflect on all her incredible achievements.

What can we all learn from Nicola? That you should stand up for what you believe in. She will have been fully aware that her belief Scotland should be an independent nation would cause division and anger many, but she still decided to fight for the cause she passionately believes in. We need more individuals like Ms Sturgeon who will stand up and voice their views and concerns when they think their is injustice or that things are not the way they should be...these individuals are the lifeblood of democracy.

You don't have to agree with what Nicola says, but at least respect her for her hard work, determination and willingness to stand up for what she believes in. For these reasons, she is an inspiration to us all.

THINK & REFLECT - Celebrate the fact that we live in a democracy and get involved; sign a petition, join a campaign group or political party and stand up for what you believe in.

The Weekly Review: The most popular posts from the past six days

Three Thinking - Sunday 19 July 2015 - The Weekly Review

A very warm welcome to The Weekly Review, your weekly look at the most popular Three Thinking posts of the past six days.

Caitlyn makes her
inspirational speech.

THE MOST READ POST OF THE WEEK: Caitlyn Jenner's plea to accept people for who they are

This week's most popular post was our Saturday Read on Caitlyn Jenner's inspirational speech at the ESPY awards last Wednesday. The moving speech will inspire you, and we should all follow her advice:

'Learn as much about another person to understand them better'

Spending time with someone will help challenge stigma and discrimination, and will be beneficial for both of you. You can read our full article by clicking here.


EDITOR'S CHOICE: Pope Francis on how to deal with criticism and dialogue 

We strongly recommend you read our post detailing how Pope Francis believes you should deal with criticism. The Pope's three-point-plan is as follows:

• 1. Receive the criticism or opposing view in a calm and accepting way. 
• 2. Do active research and think about their perspective; study their viewpoint.
• 3. Engage in free-flowing dialogue about the issue.

Being able to accept that we all have different views - and recognising this as a positive thing - is vitally important if you are to live a happy and enjoyable life. To read more, click here. 

That's an order.
Image: Pinterest. 

AND FINALLY... Enjoy your day of rest!

If you're looking for an excuse to enjoy a relaxing day, then look no further than our article on why plans to open more shops on a Sunday are causing controversy. Our article, which you can read at your leisure by clicking here, orders you to pencil in more 'me' time in order to escape the 24/7 culture that is turning us all into robots who are forever working an never get the chance to enjoy life. 

And that brings another week to a close. Thanks very much for your company, it has been a pleasure. Make sure you keep an eye on our blog each weekday for more reflective and thought-provoking reads. Enjoy the rest of your day.

Why Caitlyn Jenner's inspirational acceptance speech should be watched by everyone

The Saturday Read
Three Thinking - Edition 012 - Saturday 18 July 2015

Inspirational Caitlyn accepted her award on Wednesday
evening. Image via Google Images. 

The definition of the word unique, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, is 'Being the only one of its kind; unlike anything else'. Whilst there are many similarities between humans - the fact that we all rely on oxygen in order to survive, for example - I think it is fair to say that we are all pretty unique and 'unlike anything else'! We can accept that we are not all direct clones who like, say and do the same things...we all agree that we are all unique. So why, all too often, do people fail to accept others for being unique? 

It was when receiving the ESPY Arthur Ashe Courage Award on Wednesday that Caitlyn Jenner spoke out about the persecution and discrimination trans-gender people face, simply for expressing themselves. Jenner, formerly known as Bruce, spoke of the thousands of young trans people who are being 'bullied, beaten up, murdered and committing suicide' - just because of who they are. Can you imagine being persecuted or even killed, simply because of who you are? 

I don't think we'll ever be able to understand what would motivate someone to attack, persecute or bully another human being simply because of the way they express themselves. Every human wants to be accepted and to be given respect for who they are, so why do some individuals feel they don't have to accept and respect others? Enough is enough, and Caitlyn's message couldn't have been more powerful.

Here is a very simple principle that will have an enormous affect on the happiness and wellbeing on the life of each and every one of us;

"I want to promote a very simple idea: accepting people for who they are...Accepting people's differences"

 Once we accept we all have our differences and then put this into practice by accepting people regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation or other 'difference', we can start to create a society that supports each and every individual and indeed celebrates the fact we are all unique. In the words of Ms Jenner,

"Trans people deserve something vital. They deserve your respect. And from that respect comes a more compassionate community, a more empathetic society and a better world for all of us".

So let's all follow Caitlyn's example and respect, embrace and celebrate each person for who they are. Be who you truly are, not who you think others wants you to be.

THINK & REFLECT - I'll leave you with one more quote from Caitlyn Jenner's inspirational speech, and I hope this will provide you with food-for-thought for the day ahead;

"Learn as much about another person to understand them better"

...don't just judge someone, work to understand them and realise that they, too, are human.

Meet the Political Leader who is proud to be open about his faith...and why that's a good thing.

Three Thinking - Edition 011 - Friday 17 July 2015

"My faith is in Jesus Christ, I put my trust in Him. I count him as my Lord and saviour, and I'm in no way ashamed of that"


- These words were spoken earlier this year by Tim Farron, who yesterday won the race to become the leader of Britain's Liberal Democrats party. It was in the same interview that Mr Farron remarked: "My faith is my faith, and nothing is going to change that". 

How much should faith and politics mix, if ever? Politicians in the UK seem to try and keep their faith hidden, believing it either to be a weakness or an irrelevance whilst, according to Tim Farron, "In the US, everyone has to invent faith to get elected". Do you find a politician who holds the same religious - or non-religious, as the case may be - views as you more favourable or more reliable? Does it matter what faith the decision makers of our country hold?

A Christian would undoubtedly try to follow The
Golden Rule every moment of every day.
Image - shopirish.com

I would argue that knowing the faiths of our MPs, Cabinet Members and Prime Minister is vitally important. Our religious views do not just underpin whether someone should be fined for dropping litter or whether we should impose new rules on what schools can serve at lunchtime - your religious views underpin absolutely EVERYTHING you do and think at every single moment in your life...You cannot halfheartedly believe you were created by an all-powerful, all-knowing God!

So it's vital that politicians are more open about what they believe in, and that their openness encourages healthy debate and discussion in wider society. Every decision each one of us makes is, whether we are conscious of it or not, motivated by our religious beliefs.

So ask yourself - what do I believe in? And how does this affect how I act each and every day?

THINK & REFLECT - Really think about your religious beliefs and then see how you apply them to your everyday life. 

To Pluto and Beyond! Why science's latest success is a reminder of the importance of patience when making progress

Three Thinking - Edition 010 - Thursday 16 July 2015

Why do humans feel a desire to know more about a
planet 3 billion miles away? Read what Samuel Butler
has to say below.     Image via the BBC.

Where on Earth (no pun intended) would humans be if our species had never made progress? I reckon we would  most likely still be simple foragers, going about our business, living hand-to-mouth in little groups without a care in the World, and without the ability to understand concepts such as progress. 

Fortunately, Evolution gifted us with incredible brains that can really think and, as a result, our species has made extraordinary progress...but that progress, from simple foragers to complex world-rulers has taken time.,.hundreds of millions of years, in fact!

The Pluto probe is a prime example of how time and investment is needed if you are to reap the greatest of rewards; the New Horizons probe has spent over nine years travelling three BILLION miles to the dwarf planet! Scientists are now enjoying great rewards - and photographs! - for their patience and perseverance in their pursuit of progress and discovery. 

The Pluto Probe has taken almost a decade to reap the
rewards we are seeing today...take your time when
making progress!

As a species, we are fascinated by knowledge and discovery, and I have no doubt this is what has made Humankind so successful. But where does this love of progress, this desire to know more about the unknown, for example faraway planets, all come from?

It was Samuel Butler who remarked:

"All progress is based upon a universal innate desire on the part of every organism to live beyond its income"

...we want to be and to know more and more, all of the time! So seize that desire for progress, and keep making your life more fulfilling and enjoyable.

But remember, the Pluto Probe has been nine years in the making - you need to be patient and to invest time and effort in making progress. If you do, you'll reap the rewards in due course.

THINK & REFLECT - Keep in mind that a beautiful flower doesn't grow overnight. It takes time, patience and careful cultivation before you can reap the rewards. Perhaps the wait and patience needed is what makes the final result even more rewarding?

Here's how Pope Francis recommends you deal with criticism and arguments in your everyday life...

Three Thinking - Edition 009 - Wednesday 15 July 2015

"Every criticism must be received, studied and then dialogue must ensue"

These wise words were yesterday imparted by Pope Francis in response to a question about how he deals with criticisms of his teachings. It is both refreshing and uplifting to see such a high profile individual with a great deal of power go out of his way to ensure that he takes into account opposing views to his own.

All too often, we seem to be rather selfish and believe that we and our views are always right - a  'my way or no way' mentality. We tend to argue with anyone who questions our beliefs, and thereafter view that person in a more negative light...and see them as being in the wrong. This refusal to see someone else's point of view can often lead to tension, anger, violence and - in extreme circumstances - even War.

Pope Francis' way of thinking offers us an excellent new way of looking at criticism, a three-point-plan that we can put into action in our daily lives. We can replace our arguing and refusal to see someone else's point of view with this three point plan:

1. Calm acceptance that different people see things in different ways

2. Active research and thought about their perspective on the situation

3. Engage in Dialogue about how you can work together and perhaps compromise. 

Life is too short and relationships are too precious to be spend angry that someone else has a different belief of view to yours. You can't change what other people think! But what you can do is attempt to see their perspective and then work together. This is the only way forward.


THINK & REFLECT - Put Pope Francis' 'receive, study & discuss' model for criticism and disagreement into action in your everyday life. Next time you disagree with someone, don't argue but instead work with them in order to move forwards.

Enjoy 'Go Set A Watchman'...but follow Harper Lee's advice to take your time (then you'll enjoy it more!)

Three Thinking - Edition 008  - Tuesday 14 July 2015

In case you've been on a holiday to Mars for the past six months, I'll inform you that Harper Lee is this week releasing a sequel to her international bestseller To Kill a Mockingbird.

Everybody is talking about Watchman, especially after the opening chapter was released online last Friday. Twitter, Facebook and other social media platforms have been engulfed in excitement and anticipation, with countless tweets and Facebook posts being written about Lee's new book every minute.

So what will 89-year-old Harper Lee make of the online storm her book is causing? How will she feel that millions will be able to access the full plot of her book (in a summary) through blogs and social media within hours of the title being released?

Lee wrote in a letter to Oprah in 2006 that:

"Instant information is not for me"

adding:

"I prefer to search library stacks because when I work to learn something, I remember it".

I believe these are very wise words, especially in our fast-paced, instant communication filled society.

Let's hope people sit down, take time to read and enjoy the book, spend time reflecting on what they have read and make space in their day to really think about the issues and themes raised in the new book.

Maybe then you can log online and condense Harper Lee's masterpiece into 140-words and hashtags...

How often do you enjoy a Day of Rest? Why plans to open more shops on Sundays are causing controversy

We all need a day of rest.
Image courtesy of Pinterest. 

Three Thinking - Edition 007 - Monday 13 July 2015

How did you spend your Sunday? Relaxing with family and friends, perhaps enjoying a leisurely walk before reading the newspaper then sitting down to a Sunday Roast? Or was Sunday spent slaving away at work, serving customers, stacking shelves or completing paperwork?

Plans announced by Chancellor George Osborne to allow larger retailers to open for longer on Sundays have been causing controversy. Currently, any shop over 280 sq m is allowed to open for no more than 6 hours. But this could all now change in order to create more jobs and allow millions of pounds worth of extra income to be made. But critics of the plans are angry that allowing shops to open longer on Sundays means we move ever closer to a 24/7 culture where we have no time to relax or spend time with family and friends - we are becoming robots, forever working and never enjoying life.

We all need time to stop and relax
each and every week.
Image - lovethispic.com

How often do you have a Day of Rest - and by that I mean a day without any chores at home too? Whilst working is obviously important, your wellbeing is extremely important too - you need to spend time relaxing and enjoying yourself, it's what life is all about!

So make sure you pencil some 'me' time into the diary, it'll do you good and make your life much more worthwhile. Don't waste your life working away 24/7, make sure you relax and live a little too - it's what life is all about!

THINK & REFLECT - Set some time aside where you can simply sit, relax and think about how amazing life is, and just enjoy being in the present moment.

The Weekly Review: The most popular posts from the past five days

Three Thinking - Sunday 12 July 2015 - The Weekly Review

A very warm welcome to The Weekly Review, a look at the most popular Three Thinking posts from the past five days.

THE MOST READ POST OF THE WEEK: Remembering the victims of the 7/7 terrorist attacks

7 July 2005.
Image - Wikipedia

On Tuesday, the UK remembered the victims of the July 7 terrorist attacks, which took place in London a decade ago. We asked you to keep both the victims of the attacks and the heroic men and women who risked their lives to save others on that fateful day in your thoughts and prayers. We also quoted George Psaradakis, the driver of the number-30 bus on which a bomb was detonated, who said: "We saw the worst of human nature that day...And we also saw the best, in the actions of ordinary people and the emergency services. 

Read the full post by clicking here. 

Susannah [right] turned 116 on Monday. Image via CNN

EDITORS CHOICE: The wise words of the woman who has just turned 116

It was on Monday that Susannah Mushatt Jones reached the incredible age of 116 and, on Wednesday, we uncovered the secrets of her longevity. She believes she has reached the milestone thanks to two very simple things:

• Lots of Sleep
• Surrounding herself with love and positive energy

Read more about Susannah and her advice on living until you're 116 by clicking here.

fractalenlightenment.com

AND FINALLY... Eight of the Dalai Lama's greatest quotes

The great spiritual leader the Dalai Lama turned 80 last week (although he still shows absolutely no sign of slowing down!)

To celebrate his birthday, we decided to put together eight of his most inspiration quotes...you can read all eight by clicking here. 

Here's one of our favourites: 

"The Purpose of our lives is to be happy"

Make sure you have a look at the other seven and see which one strikes a chord with you!


Have a fantastic week, and make sure you keep checking Three Thinking for your daily three minute reflection!

What Purpose can you give to your Life?

Three Thinking - Edition 006 - Friday 10 July 2015

The Bishop of Shrewsbury suggested
he believes very strongly in finding
purpose and meaning in your life.
Image - BBC

On Wednesday, I had the privilege and pleasure of talking with the Bishop of Shrewsbury, Mark Davies, at a Diocesan Youth Mass. During the Mass, the Bishop suggested that, without God, one could find no meaning or purpose in their existence and that life is desperately empty without a relationship with God.

Whilst I may not agree with the idea that the life of someone who does not believe in a 'God' is empty and meaningless, I do agree that a life lived without a sense of purpose is one that must be filled with a great deal of emptiness. We must all find fulfillment and happiness in our lives, and a way that we can do so is by finding our purpose.

Take a moment to act yourself 'what is my purpose in life?' You may not believe you have had a 'calling' or that a greater being has given you a specific set of instructions to follow, but everyone can play their part in creating a brighter, better, fairer and more peaceful World. What gifts and talents do you have to bring to the table?

THINK & REFLECT - For many, life may not have meaning - we are here, you may believe, out of luck and coincidence. Now it's time to give your life meaning and do things that will give your life a purpose and allow you to leave a lasting legacy.

Why you shouldn't Count the Days, but rather Make the Days Count...

Three Thinking - Edition 005 - Thursday 9 July 2015

We need to remember that we are mortal. It's time to live in the moment and
celebrate each and every day. Image: Lifehack Quotes. 

Yesterday, we brought you the story of the wonderful lady who has just turned 116. She attributes her longevity not to lots of expensive and fancy medication, organic smoothies and elaborate fitness regimes, but rather sleep, love, and lots of positive energy. She is an inspiration to us all!

As the availability of different incredible medical treatments and revolutionary medicines continues to grow, humans are living for longer than ever before. In England, for example, life expectancy has risen from 34 in 1541 to 80 in 2011 (according to statistics on the Our World In Data website). Many scientists now believe that humans could even be a-mortal, that humans would never die unless they were killed, by 2050.

Whilst it would be wonderful for us all to live to the grand old age of 116, or even a lot longer if medical advances continue at their current rapid rate, we must be realistic. 

We must accept that we are all mortal and that,at some point,we will die. So rather than endlessly wasting our precious time finding our how we can live and live, we need to focus on the here and now. We need to enjoy, and indeed celebrate, each and everyday, and make the most of every experience and encounter. 

A life where you value and cherish each and everyday will be much for fulfilling than a long, drawn out existence spent bored, dull and in fear of death. So don't count the days, make the days count. 

Wise words from the woman who has just turned 116: Get lots of sleep and surround yourself with love!

Three Thinking - Edition 004 - Wednesday 8 July 2015

The World's oldest living person, Susannah Mushatt Jones, has celebrated yet another milestone - she turned 116 on Monday!

According to CNN, Susannah attributes her longevity to three things:

• Lots of Sleep
• Clean Living
• Positive Energy

Susannah's top tip is to surround yourself with love and
positive energy, according to a report on the CNN website
Image via CNN. 

The Guinness Book of World Records believes that Susannah, born in July 1899, has lived in parts of three different centuries. During her lifetime, the 116-year-old has lived through two world wars, two U.S Presidents, and the inventions of the internet, television, cars, airplanes, space travel, computers...the list really could go on and on!

So what is the secret of making it to the grand old age of 116? According to Susannah, the top tip is to surround yourself with love and positive energy, saying 'that's the key to long life and happiness'. 

Whilst Susannah is now the oldest living person, the oldest person ever to have lived was Jeanne Calment of France, who died at the grand old age of 122. 

THINK AND REFLECT - Remind yourself of Susannah's wise words and surround yourself with love and positive energy.

Remembering the heroes of 7/7, a decade on from the terrorist attacks.

Three Thinking - Edition 003 - Tuesday 7 July 2015

It was on this day, 7 July, exactly a decade ago that hundreds, if not thousands, of lives were changed in a series of terrorist attacks on transport systems in Central London.

Terrorists killed over 50 people in a day of terror in  Central
London, on this day exactly a decade ago. Image  - Wikipedia

'Terror Bombs explode across London' was the headline in the Evening Standard, whilst the Guardian described 7 July 2005 as 'London's day of terror'. Whilst the people of London have been able to pick themselves up, unite and refuse to be cowed by terrorism, suicide bombings, and terrorist attacks in general,  are sadly not a thing of the past. Every time we turn on the evening news we hear news of massacres and murders. Just yesterday at least 44 people died in bomb attacks, on a restaurant and a mosque, in Nigeria.

Whilst I believe we can never understand what would motivate someone to commit an atrocity such as murdering dozens of innocent civilians as they go about their day to day lives, we can all see the horror. tragedy and devastation that such attacks cause. As Davina Douglass, a survivor, said: "It still baffles me how people can be so cruel". Yet we can also see, even in the darkest hour, the very best of human nature. George Psaradakis, the driver of the number 30 double-decker bus onboard which a bomb was detonated, said himself: "We saw the worst of human nature that day...And we also saw the best, in the actions of ordinary people and the emergency services". 

So as you keep the victims of the 7/7 attacks, and indeed the victims of terrorist attacks that take place everyday around the World, in your thoughts and prayers, please do reflect on the courageous and heroic actions of the emergency service personnel, and also members of the general public, who risked their lives to save others. Their selfess and heroic actions, not the appalling acts carried out by terrorists,  are what we should remember. 

THINK & REFLECT - Keep the victims of terrorism, and the individuals who risk their own lives to save others, in your thoughts and prayers today.

TOMORROW - 

Happy Birthday, Dalai Lama! Celebrate his 80th birthday with 8 of his greatest quotes...

His Holiness Dalai Lama celebrates his 80th birthday today.
Image - fractalenlightenment.com

Three Thinking - Edition 002 - Monday 6 July 2015

Happy Birthday to the Dalai Lama - he today celebrates turning 80! To celebrate this milestone for the prominent and ever happy Buddhist figure, we've put together eight of his most enlightening and inspirational quotes. Which one will you pin on the fridge door?


 'Be Kind Whenever Possible. It is always possible.'

'My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.'

'We can never obtain peace in the outer world until we make peace with ourselves.'

The Dalai Lama, who turns 80 today. Image via the guardian.

'The purpose of our lives is to be happy.'

'Sleep is the best meditation.' 

'In the practice of tolerance, one's enemy is the best teacher.'

'Look at situations from all angles, and you will become more open.' 

'Sleep is the best meditation' says
the Dalai Lama. Image - usnews.com

'We all have to live together, so we might as well live together happily.' 


THINK AND REFLECT - Which quote will you keep close to your heart and reflect on today?



TOMORROW - Remembering the victims of the 7/7 terrorist attacks, 10 years on.

It's time to take three minutes to think, reflect and enjoy life more...

Three Thinking - Edition 001 - Sunday 5 July 2015

Three Minutes. It's all I'm asking for. 180 seconds. Not long, is it, even in our incredibly busy World?

I'd like to welcome you to Three Thinking, a new daily blog I hope will help you to think and reflect for three minutes each and every day. It's so important to take time out each day to really think about things (perhaps whilst enjoying a bar of chocolate!) and reflect on your health, happiness and life, and just enjoy being in the present moment.

Three Minutes a day could transform your life.
Image -  actionforhappiness.org 

Over the coming weeks and months, I hope you'll enjoy travelling alongside me on this journey of self discovery. Whether you read these little posts on your morning commute, take a quick glance on your lunch break, or decide to see what I'm saying late in the evening, I hope my posts will inspire you to think, reflect and, crucially, enjoy life more.

Life is the most amazing of gifts filled with the most amazing of opportunities. Make the most of your life, live it to the full, and live it in the way you want to. Let this little project join you every step of the way.

THINK & REFLECT - Are you prepared to make time each day to focus on your happiness and well-being?

TOMORROW - Celebrating the Dalai Lama's 80th birthday with 8 of his best quotes.