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01Mar22 - Kindness Calendar

Tue, 01 Mar 2022 12:54:44 GMT

Action for Happiness - Kindness Calendar March 2022

Recognising and leveraging the power of a 'pause' before responding, can really support mindfulness!

With barely a blink of an eye, it’s my favourite time of the month again! ��

This month it's #Mindful #March from the awesome Action for Happiness - and these hints and tips feel particularly relevant with the unbelievable invasion of Ukraine at the front of my mind , bringing with it so many uncontrollable , difficult happenings and consequences to reflect upon, and so close to home.

Pausing to breathe and notice can help us respond more mindfully , especially in difficult times - so please do share this brilliant little resource far and wide amongst your friends family and network , in case it’s helpful for them too xx

#standwithukraine #lovenotwar #bethebestyou #happier #kinder #together

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24Feb22 - #StandWithUkraine

Thu, 24 Feb 2022 16:09:57 GMT

#StandWithUkraine

A war begins in Europe, in the 21st century...

I’m absolutely devastated for Ukraine - and for the many friends and colleagues past and present who are based there themselves or have family and friends living there.

There really are no words to sum up the feeling of complete and utter helplessness I have watching this unfold from Scotland this morning, I’m overcome with empathy and an innate personal sense of urgency and need to help … but with no real practical ideas about what to do or how to do it at this point.

What a dreadful day xx

#lovenotwar #peace #peoplefirst #reallives #sharedservices #GBS #peopleweknow #peoplelikeus #peoplenotpolitics #standwithukraine

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10Feb22 - 7 Steps to Happiness

Thu, 10 Feb 2022 15:51:39 GMT

7 Steps to Happiness!

How an electronic memory notification served as a reminder for the choices we all have...

Happy Thursday everyone! xx

This image just popped up as a morning memory from 7 years ago. I’m taking it as a big sign that, with everything going on around us all in the UK and across the world at the moment , we need more happy .

I’m sharing this far and wide toda y, because I’m pretty sure these easy rainbow steps to happiness can help us all xx

#loving #appreciating #doing #accepting #listening #smiling #feeling �� #bethebestyou

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01Feb22 - Kindness Calendar

Tue, 01 Feb 2022 12:40:55 GMT

Action for Happiness - Kindness Calendar February 2022

Sharing small but meaningful new ways and opportunities to re-engage, reconnect and energise our friendships and relationships!

…and just like that, #2022 rolls on into a new month (and a new lunar year of the tiger !) - and all of a sudden, it’s my favourite moment again!

This time it’s #Friendly #February from the awesome Action for Happiness - who are encouraging us to find ways to boost relationships & encourage more togetherness through small daily actions that add up to make a difference ��

This honestly feels so relevant and now to me, as we look to move past the last two years of restrictions and reengage with each other in person, so I’m sharing it here with my network and with my personal community , in case it’s helpful to you and your team family friends xx

#happier #kinder #together #ripples #hints #tips #bethechange #sumoftheparts #bethebestyou

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28Jan22 - Time to Talk Day

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 16:18:10 GMT

It's nearly Time to Talk Day 2022!

A brilliant day, dedicated to a focus on mental health - and we can all play a part: Talk, Listen, Save Lives.

Happy Wednesday everyone! How can it possibly be February already next week?

I wanted to share that the UK 's biggest mentalhealth conversation is nearly here! Next Thursday Feb 3rd is TimeToTalk day - a collaboration between Mind and Rethink Mental Illness , in partnership with Co-op . It's a day that friends , families , communities , and workplaces are going to come together to talk , #isten and change lives.

To support and play my part, I'm planning a day of brew catchup sessions across my network and personal community . I have a few spots left, so if you're free and fancy having a chat over your beverage of choice, please get in touch! If you can’t make that day, not to worry, message me and we can sort out another time xx

Maybe you could host a chat or two on #TimeToTalk day yourself? The more conversations we encourage, the more likely we are to make a difference together xx

#listen #understand #goodtotalk #howareyou #problemshared #metime #checkin #reflect

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03Jan22 - 100 ways

Mon, 03 Jan 2022 16:30:11 GMT

100 ways to improve your life without really trying...

A brilliant list of new little habits to try - because tiny noticeable things can make a huge difference in the end!

Had a fab read of this list of 100 ways to slightly improve your life without really trying from The Guardian Newspaper this morning (I see this as a list of good little habits to have to make change happen incrementally, without becoming overwhelmed ) - and I just have to share it with you all; it’s brilliant !

100 ways to slightly improve your life without really trying | Life and style | The Guardian (ampproject.org)

First, I ticked off the good habits I’ve already established (there were quite a few, so that was a nice little feel good boost !) - and then I picked out a couple that I’ve never thought about or that I’ve been flirting with or dismissed… and I’m going to have a go at them this month!

My personal favourites are:

#9 the bird feeder - which we did back in October, and as a family we’ve enjoyed it so much!

#74 respect your youngers - which I totally get… and I think could transform the world if more people did!

#98 make a friend from a different generation - some of my best relationships are cross-generational; we all have so much to learn from each other… and I honestly think this is a practice that has a brilliant side effect of growing inclusion and knowledge sharing

And the ones I’m going to do more of are:

#8 send voice notes instead of texts: I do with with the boys to others a lot, and sometimes with my sister… but I get it and like the idea of the personalisation - so I’m in for a try more broadly!

#36 stretch : I half heartedly do this in a morning… but I’m going to give it a conscious effort both morning and night, to see if it helps.

#97 listen to the albums you loved as a teenager - haven’t done this for ages, but I’m looking forward to it already!

Have a look through and see if any of these ideas resonate with you… and if they do, commit to have a go at them!

Oh - and please do share back your thoughts and results if you try any of these out! xx

#sumoftheparts #bethebestyou #fromsmallacorns #rippleeffect #juststart

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01Jan22 - Kindness Calendar

Sat, 01 Jan 2022 12:31:53 GMT

Action for Happiness - Kindness Calendar January 2022

New Year, New Opportunities. Welcome to #HappierJanuary!

Almost impossibly, it’s #2022! And along with the new year comes my favourite time of the month again!

This time it’s #HappierJanuary from the awesome Action for Happiness - with daily hints and tips on how to boost wellbeing and bring happiness kindness and joy to our own lives as well as to others.

I love love love this regular little resource… and I’m sharing it far and wide, as I hope you find it helpful for yourself and those around you too xx

#happier #kinder #together #happy #kind #gratitude #share #ripple #TNT #butterflyeffect #sumoftheparts #bethebestyou

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06Dec2021 - FCIPD Achievement

Mon, 06 Dec 2021 12:15:01 GMT

Life-long learning leads to ongoing achievements...

I'm sharing a little something from a personal learning journey that I've been on this past year, in the hope it might inspire you to think about a new goal for yourself!

My family , friends and those in my network that know me well, know that I’m a life-long learner - I believe in the evolution that learning can bring - and so I wanted to share something that I’ve been working on in the background during 2021… in the hope that it might just spark an idea for a learning journey for someone else in 2022! xx

I’ve been a qualified accountant for nearly 3 decades now, and a fellow of my Institute CIMA for 15 years this year. I’ve loved all of the roles I’ve been lucky to have through-out my career so far. I always have been - and always will be - very much a finance gal!

As a leader , I count myself really lucky to have worked with thousands of truly lovely and talented people around the world (many of them a number of times!) and to have led amazing teams to some memorable and truly outstanding achievements . I have never ceased to be amazed by people and their commitment , innovation and determination to do the right thing to reach goals , break boundaries and realise outcomes . In fact, it’s been an essential part of my career to lead in such a way as to augment and enable team performance at all times: TEAM wins!

Having come up through all of the ranks in finance , I skipped over onto a full-on global SAP implementation as GPO FICO and #D , then into commercial and ultimately found my ‘groove’ in transformational change and business improvement . The bulk of my career so far has been in creating, shaping and enabling multifunctional SharedServices , GBS operations and transformation leadership (essentially people , process , technology , organisation , strategy , operating model and change .

It’s true to say that I am more than a little bit obsessed with being able to create, enable and bring as much end to end value as possible to the table in my roles… So… I had an idea early on in 2021, to try to professionally accredit my 20-odd years of global HR service delivery and people management experience and expertise - alongside my AICPA Finance, The Hackett Group Inc. Global Business Services and Lean SixSigma Blackbelt Business Improvement qualifications.

I’m delighted to share that this morning I received my CIPD #hartered fellow certificate! Thankyou so much to those that have supported me on this journey - you know who you are!

From this latest learning experience, I have concluded that (in my humble opinion) it’s never too early or late, and we are never too young or old, to learn something new … and even if we have an established career pathway already - trying something else, or looking at established skills and experience in a different way, might just help us to be more relevant or bring new value and opportunities we hadn’t thought possible .

Go on… give it a try - you never know what 2022 might bring if you dare to dream! xx

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01Dec21 - Kindness Calendar

Wed, 01 Dec 2021 12:22:29 GMT

December's 2021 Kindness Calendar is here!

Might you be the difference someone close to you needs this December?

With barely a hop , skip and a jum p it’s unbelievably my f avourite time of the month again - and

this time it’s DoGoodDecember from the awesome Action for Happiness .

Every act of kindness really does make a difference - so I’m sharing this brilliant little resource far and wide

again (today’s tip!), so that we can all help create a happier world this #December .

Winter can be a particularly difficult time for many, and with new covid restrictions looking likely, please do give it a go and share it with your family friends and network too - you never know, you might just be the difference someone close to you needs xx

#happy #kind #together #thankful #gratitute #feelgood #mindful #bethebestyo u

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19Nov21 - International Men's Day

Fri, 19 Nov 2021 14:59:29 GMT

Today is International Men's Day.

It's good to talk - and to listen...

Wise words from @allontheboard today on International Mens Day - as always - and it’s a very simple but hugely impactful message :

Talking saves lives. Listening does too.

Together we can help each other find the way to a different outcome xx

#mentalhealth #awareness #MensDay #kindness #compassion #humility #bethedifference

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19Nov21 - Feel Good Friday!

Fri, 19 Nov 2021 14:46:24 GMT

Feel Good Friday post!

Do you have as awesome a post lady as we do?

Our doorbell rang this morning… and this is what I found on our doorstep. Our lovely post lady had delivered two boxes and left two dog treats for our pups balanced on top! xx

I’m sharing this with you all, because I feel it’s a great practical example of how TNTs ( tiny noticeable things ) can have a huge positive impact on the people around you - and how seemingly small acts of kindness and thoughtfulness can make an already good service feel absolutely awesome , can change your mood instantaneously and might even shift how you focus and prioritise your day for the better !

If we all found a way to deliver a TN T today, how much more happy, focused, creative and more happ y, f ocused , creative and productive would we all be?

Quite a lot I reckon…

#kind #selfless #mindful #thoughtful #humble #gratitude #authentic #leadership #bethebestyou

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13Nov21 - World Kindness Day

Sat, 13 Nov 2021 14:39:39 GMT

World Kindness Day is here.

Try to spread a little kindness wherever you go - today and always!

I’m sharing some of my favourite kindness quotes for World Kindness Day xx

#kind #compassion #love #selflove #listen #share #happiness #bethebestyou

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11Nov21 - Remembrance Day

Thu, 11 Nov 2021 14:35:33 GMT

It's Armistice Day.

I find myself with so many things to reflect upon at this time of national remembrance.

I took this poppy picture at my in-laws old house in Scotland, just after my father-in-law (the boys Papa) passed away. It just seemed very appropriate to post it today xx

'When You Go Home,
Tell Them Of Us And Say,
For Their Tomorrow,
We gave Our Today'.

John Maxwell Edmonds

#red #poppy #armistice #remember #remembrance #sacrifice #gratitude #thankful #respect #lestweforget

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03Nov21 - National Stress Awareness Day

Wed, 03 Nov 2021 14:26:12 GMT

It's National Stress Awareness Day.

Take a moment to read this handy little stress survival guide - I think it provide some practical ideas and personal reflection opportunities for us all!

It’s national stress awareness day - and so I’m sharing this brilliant little stress survival guide from @crazyheadcomics with really great practical hints and tips on how to help keep your mind , body and soul healthy .

I’m hoping that my network and friends all find it as super-useful as I do! xx

#compassion #empathy #kindness #mentalhealth #control #resilience #selfleadership #leadership #bethebestyou

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01Nov21 - Kindness Calendar

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 14:19:29 GMT

November 2021's Kindness Calendar is here!

What will you do to help yourself and others to be happier and kinder together during New Ways November?

…and in the blin k of an e ye it’s my favourite time of the month again - and New Ways November from the awesome Action for Happiness !

Trying new activities and different approaches can really help boost productivity as well as mental health and wellbeing . Sometimes, a blank piece of paper is your friend...

I love that these daily hints tips and ideas make trying new things easy and accessible for us all - so I’m sharing this far and wide across my network , in case it’s helpful for you and for those around you - so, go on… give it a try this month! xx

https://lnkd.in/gQ8AFKHp

#kind #kindness #happy #happiness #leadership #selfleadership #team #support #performance #achievement #sumoftheparts #bethebestyou

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27Oct21 - National Mentoring Day

Wed, 27 Oct 2021 13:13:57 GMT

Today is National Mentoring Day!

Take a moment today to reflect on those that have helped you become the person you are today - and consider how you can pay it forward for others...

It’s National Mentoring Day and I’m highlighting these three legends from across my career:

Ken Harris (GenRad/Teradyne)

Bill Cowie (TetraPak)

Mary Sczudlo (SPXFlow)

They have always been inspiring , developing and setting great examples that I’ve now taken forward with me into developing my own mentoring experience in support of others xx

#values #leadership #belief #purpose #development #learning #support #grow #share #bethebestyou

Remember to celebrate your mentors , today and always! ⭐️

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19Oct21 - 2022 Northern Power Women Awards

Tue, 19 Oct 2021 13:04:25 GMT

I've been nominated!

Northern Power Women Awards aim to showcase role models and encourage everyone to champion gender balance throughout their communities.

I’m humbled & overwhelmed to find I’ve been nominated for a 2022 Northern Power Women award in both the Transformation Leader and Mentor categories!

Thank you very much to my lovely nominators and good luck and best wishes to all of the other fantastic nominees ⭐️ xx

#grateful #inspiring #makeadifference #bethebestyou #npwawards

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15Oct21 - Black History Month

Fri, 15 Oct 2021 14:47:42 GMT

October is Black History Month here in the UK.

Learning about the past helps us to show respect, informs perspectives and help shape our values for the future.

October is black history month here in the UK - and so I’m sharing what I think is a really great resource to help us all show support and grow our knowledge and understanding by learning something new and relevant each day this month! xx

Click here: Black History Month Advent Calendar (ourhistoryissharedhistory.com)

#learning #understanding #reflecting #influencing #behaviours #changing #culture #values #together #bethechange #bethebestyo u

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10Oct21 - World Mental Health Day

Sun, 10 Oct 2021 12:40:47 GMT

Mental health care for all - let's make it a reality!

We shouldn't ever underestimate the power of our individual actions, that when connected together with others, really does create significant change.

In support of world mental health day I’m offering a free one hour listening coaching session to 3 people in or referred by my network who feel this could help their wellbeing & mentalhealth xx

These sessions will highlight hints & tips for listening , self-leadership , change & mindset . They are offered on a first come, first served basis via DM - as my personal contribution in support of the Mind UK theme 'd o one thin g to m ake a difference ' & the World Health Organisatio n theme 'M ental Healthcare for all '.

#equality #bethechange #purpose #support #together #care #gratitude #love #greatergood #compassion #bethebestyou

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01Oct21 - Kindness Calendar

Fri, 01 Oct 2021 14:02:18 GMT

Action for Happiness - Kindness Calendar October 2021

Wonderfully simple and accessible daily opportunities to focus on being optimistic, to help create connectivity and shared positive experiences for ourselves and others.

…and just like that, it’s my absolute favourite time of the month, and optimistic october from the fabulous Action for Happiness .

I’m sharing this far and wide in the #hope that it’ll create a positive moment of reflectio n for my f riends and network - such wonderfully simple and impactful daily hints and tips , that I’m convinced can help us all, and those around us, to remain hopeful , even in challenging times xx

Oct 1: What three things are you looking forward to in October?

Mine are 1. No Time to Die #outout at the cinema this weekend, 2. Youngest sons drama group play in the local woods in two weeks time and 3. Half term break at the end of October (plus a couple of family birthday celebrations this month too) xx

#happiness #kindness #together #share #care #kind #happy #team #mindful #bethebestyou

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9/11 - 20 years on...

Sat, 11 Sep 2021 12:14:03 GMT

20 years on from the September 11th attacks; remembering a time that was very different, and an event that united the world.

"No day shall erase you from the memory of time" - Virgil.

This quote was never truer, nor more relevant than for 9/11. Like most people of working age 20 years ago, I remember exactly where I was that US morning. It was an age before social media and the immediacy of sharing that we live in today... but the voices and images of the days events still resounded quickly - and the impact united and silenced the world.

I was working for a US Corporation. We were 15 minutes or so into a video conference about our sales pipeline, when one of our US Sales guys excused himself and took a call from his wife, telling him the news. That's how I first heard. In the UK, we saw the news coverage starting on a TV in the corner of one of our US video conference room. Pretty much everyone on our east coast team knew someone who worked in the towers or nearby. I'd been in the observation deck of the south tower as a tourist just 3 months or so before. All of this made it feel very personal - despite not being directly affected at all. There are so many human stories from that day - and sadly so many lives that were changed forever.

Over the coming days, the magnitude of that day was utterly incomprehensible - and watching the 20th anniversary footage and documentaries this week (particularly hearing from the children of those that never came home) - it still is utterly incomprehensible today.

We must never forget xx

#neverforget #standtogether #moreunitesusthandividesus #911memorial #remember

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01Sept21 - Kindness Calendar

Wed, 01 Sep 2021 12:42:00 GMT

Action for Happiness - Kindness Calendar September 2021

A great daily opportunity to practice self love and self care - as well as gather hints and tips to help others!

In the blink of an eye , it’s my favourite time of the month again - this time selfcare september from the fantastic Action for Happiness .

The focus this month is on practical actions to help ‘put on your own mask first’ - because we all know you can't pour from an empty cup. It’s sometimes hard to prioritise time for self love - so I’m hoping that sharing these hints and tips on finding ways to be kinder to ourselves (as well as to others) will be helpful to my friends , network and their teams xx

#happiness #kind #together #humble #caring #leadership #purpose #productive #outcomes

#bethebestyou

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21Aug21 - Random Act of Kindness

Sat, 21 Aug 2021 12:58:03 GMT

The power of a random act of kindness!

Sharing a personal moment of sheer joy with you all, in the middle of the summer holidays!

As someone whose core values prioritise being thoughtful , kind and humble - I’m used to making time to proactively appreciate others.

I have just been blown away by a totally random act of kindness from a stranger. It made me feel so fantastic , that I thought I’d share it with you, in the hope that the feel good factor rubs off on you just a little, to brighten your Saturday! xx

A lady came up to me in a supermarket car park near our holiday lodge this morning, just as we’d finished our shop. She asked me if I’d bought flowers for myself today. She took me a little by surprise with her question - but always being one to chat with people, I answered that I hadn’t. She proceeded to hand me two bunches of carnations and told me to pop these on the table at home and enjoy them. How absolutely bloomin’ wonderful is that! ��

Living our core values - whether at home or at work, or even on holiday - demonstrates just how impactful each and every one of us can be. Sometimes it is hard to imagine how individually we can make a real difference… then something like this happens to remind us just how simple it can be.

#bethechangeyouwanttosee #change #transformation #kindness #happiness #together #bethebestyou #walkthetalk #actionsspeaklouder

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01Aug21 - Kindness Calendar

Sun, 01 Aug 2021 12:49:08 GMT

Action for Happiness - Kindness Calendar August 2021

Fantastic daily reminders on how we can all look to help create connectivity and shared positive experiences.

It’s my absolute favourite time of the month again… and altruistic august from the wonderful Action for Happiness .

I truly believe that being kind and humble leads to a happier life and a better world for all - take a look at these great daily hints and tips to see how you and those around you can practically help to spread a little more happiness each day xx

# happy # strong # together # leadership # mindset # gratitude # bethechange # sumoftheparts

#bethebestyou

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19Jul21 - Happy Monday!

Mon, 19 Jul 2021 12:26:05 GMT

Freedom Day... or a time to reflect on our personal responsibilities to each other, and the greater good?

Happy Monday everyone!

R esponsibilit y is the price of F reedom @elberthubbard - well, enough said, I think.

As the UK government relaxes the final pandemic restrictions of the past 12-18 months today, the UK medi a are dubbing today freedom day . For me, it’s going to take really strong focus on our core values and care , respect , thoughtfulness , consideration and gratitude - as well as our wonderful NHS - for us all to lear n to live with C ovid .

We are all in this together xx

#responsibility #freedom #gratitude #thankful #reflection #gratitude #selfless #mindset #mindful #dotherightthing #together

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07Jul21 - Hays 'What Workers Want' Speaker

Wed, 07 Jul 2021 12:05:24 GMT

Today, I shared my thoughts on the future of work with Hays!

Hays latest 'What Workers Want' report is focused on determining if this is the end of the 9 - 5' - what do you think?

I have just had an awesome hour being part of Hays the latest 'What Workers Want' webinar , focused on hybrid workin g and asking if the normal 9-5 working day is history , as we emerg e from the C ovid pandemic and lockdown life .

Really interesting to see the data from the survey - and to answer so many thought-provoking and diverse questions - it really was great !

For me the key elements when developing your business's future working policies are: trust , relevance , culture , leadership , language , inclusion , personalisation and goal alignment xx

Big thanks to Tracey Caplan (STRAW) for inviting me to take part, and to Tessa Hollingworth for being a fab ulous host.

If you'd like to talk to me about virtual or in person speaking for events and conference, please get in touch through my 'book a chat' links on the website!

Recommmendation from Tracey Caplan (STRAW) - Client Engagement Manager, Hays:

Lisa recently joined us as a guest speaker for our Thought Leadership event which was focussed on Hybrid Working. Lisa gave a fantastic talk and shared her findings and insights on the subject matter of hybrid working. She was absolutely brilliant so thought provoking and engaging. The feedback from our attendees was outstanding. We can’t thank Lisa enough for joining us I can’t recommend her enough. Thank you Lisa so much ! We will love you to join us on future events.

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04Jul21 - Thank you Day

Sun, 04 Jul 2021 12:17:37 GMT

It's the UKs first ever Thank you Day today!

Today is the UKs first ever annual T hank you Day today - what a brilliant idea , after the year or so we’ve all had!

I’m saying a big thank you to my Mum and Da d: as a family, we just wouldn’t be able to do all the things we do without their #support �� xx

I also want to say a big thank you to my niece �� (our Amy @aaaamyk on insta) for being an awesome paramedic during what has been the most difficult time for frontline workers and our NH S. She qualified just before the C ovid pandemic , which has meant an absolute baptism of fire for her and her cohort - and thank goodness for all of us that they’ve all managed to cope with PPE, staffing shortages, testing, cleaning and all of the associated mental health and wellbeing pressures - well done sweetie ��

I would love to hear your stories about who you are thankful for today and always xx

#gratitude #thankfulness #reflection #selfless #mindful #takeamoment #together

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01Jul21 - Kindness Calendar

Thu, 01 Jul 2021 13:47:07 GMT

Action for Happiness - Kindness Calendar July 2021

A great daily opportunity to practice taking control and making good choices, to help ourselves and others increase resilience!

I t’s my absolute favourite time of the month again… and #JumpBackUp #July from Action for Happiness - but how the heck can it possibly be July already?! xx

I completely agree that we can't always control what happens to us, but we can always choose how we respond - and this months happiness calendar is focused on daily opportunities to find ways to be more resilient in challenging times.

I’m sharing this in case it’s helpful for my network and their broader teams .

#happier #kinder #together

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25Jun21 - Positive Friday!

Fri, 25 Jun 2021 19:58:40 GMT

Sending Positive Vibes for the weekend...

A brilliant little list of aspirations for life xx

H appy F riday everyone!

I love this little list for life - so I’m sharing it far and wide to create fabulous positive vibes for the weekend xx

#kind #humble #smile #honest #loyal #thankful #travel #learning

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16Jun21 - SSF UK Leaders Event

Wed, 16 Jun 2021 19:53:04 GMT

Get in touch to read my latest Diversity & Inclusion Research!

It was brilliant to facilitate discussions for the SSF UK Leaders event today... as well as share my research for the Forum.

Well that was such a fantastic experience ! This mornings Shared Services Forum UK Limited Leaders event was a big #success and I had fun too (despite a few technical glitches!) xx

It was really great to hear from Yvonne Saxon at Vista Employer Services about the British Standard #76005 for Diversity & Inclusion (soon to be an ISO standard!) - and to facilitate such an interactive and energetic member debate about diversity inclusion and future workplace (with a scattering of hybridworking and postcovid opinion !).

I also loved sharing i nsights from research I've been collaborating on with these awesome contributors - thank you so much for being a part of my research! :

Sarah Burnett Mercè Cozens DipM MCIM Chartered Marketer Steven Cozens Robert Newry Paresh Mistry Fiona Bennett Yvonne Smyth Alex Staniforth Sharon Amesu

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07Jun21 - Volunteers Week

Mon, 07 Jun 2021 19:46:36 GMT

It's National Volunteers Week!

A great opportunity to say thank you to those who give their time to help others and create communities xx

It’s volunteers week - a wonderful opportunity to say thank you to those who give their time and energy to help and support activities networks education interventions and places for us all.

As an avid volunteer governor trustee myself, I know just how important it is for some organisations survival that they have active volunteers involved xx

#getinvolved #community #gratitude #thanks

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02Jun21 - Pride

Wed, 02 Jun 2021 19:41:31 GMT

It 's PRIDE month!

It's June... which means it PRIDE month! We've changed our Evolve logo to show support and help everyone to celebrate! xx

#loveislove #pride #pridemonth ��

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01Jun21 - Kindness Calendar

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 18:06:11 GMT

Action for Happiness - Kindness Calendar June 2021

I just love the positive vibes I experience having embraced these Kindness calendars as a core part of my daily reflection time!

2021 is whizzing by, but it’s OK, because it’s my absolute favourit e time of the month again... and this time it’s J oyful J une - a wonderful resource of mindfulness kindness and happiness hints and tips from the fantastic Action for Happiness !

I’m sharing with my network and friends in case you’d like to join in, or know someone who would! xx

#happier #kinder #together #mindful #mindset #grateful #gratitute #joy #kind #happy #self #team #leader #learn #unlearn #relearn #sumoftheparts #bethebestyou

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30May21 - Hackett-ADGBS

Sun, 30 May 2021 19:33:20 GMT

I'm now a Hackett Institute certified GBS professional!

I've been studying for the past months to gain my Global Business Services professional accreditation - and here it is!

I'm really pleased to share a little something that, alongside all sorts of other priorities, I've been working on for myself (walking the talk!) this past few months xx

#sharedservices #GBS #global #business #services #accreditation #mindset #goals #selfcare #learn #unlearn #relearn #bethebestyou

View my verified achievement from The Hackett Group:

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17May21 - Learning at Work Week 2021

Mon, 17 May 2021 19:16:03 GMT

Learning at Work Week 2021 - 17th to 23rd May 2021

I love Learning at Work Week - how will you celebrate all things learning, development and improvement with your team this year?

It’s #learningatworkwee k 2021 from today, May 17th to May 23rd and this years theme is # MadeforLearning - a fantastic opportunity to celebrate lifelong learning at work and building learning culture s everywhere.

If you haven’t organised any activities as yet, don’t worry - the website is full of great links and resources to quickly get you up to speed:

https://lnkd.in/gexB4Di

To celebrate, I thought I’d share some learning ideas and inspirations through the week, in case they are helpful for my friends and network. I’m starting with:

Sounds of Learning - a fabulous playlist to motivate our mindset this Monday morning - why not nominate a track for your team ?! xx

https://lnkd.in/gWi5-ee

#human #learning #curiosity #connection #capacity #growth #development #self #team #leader #improve #change #transformation #people #team #leadership

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16May21 - Mental Health Awareness Week

Sun, 16 May 2021 19:06:18 GMT

Mental Health Awareness Week - 10th to 16th May 2021

Each day this week, I'm sharing a personal experience of things that help me to create balance, based on this years theme 'Connect with Nature'.

To celebrate mental health awareness week, I'm sharing a personal experience each day of things that help me to gain perspective and create balance in my busy life, in the hope that it encourages others to use what is available around them, to make the most of this year's theme - Connect with Nature. 7 days, 7 experience.

You may well share some of my top 7 yourself... or you may have favourites of your own - please share them with me if you do - so that we can come together to help each other! xx

#1 Fresh Air - It just takes a handful deep, calm, purposeful breaths of fresh air outdoors (whatever the weather) to make a real difference to my head!

#2 Sunrise - I absolutely love a good sunrise! I'm in absolute awe of the spectacular scale and magnificent impact of this daily event, bringing energy and light to all our lives... so much so that I have become a bit obsessed about photographing it from my back garden!

#3 Birdsong - How lucky am I to be awoken by birdsong most mornings? The dawn chorus around our way really does ring out... and it is a fantastic reminder of the many other species we share our planet with. I love listening to them all chattering back and forth... what an amazing natural orchestra they make!

#4 Trees - I find real personal comfort in trees. I love the grandeur, strength and elegance they transmit, the way they change and translate the seasons through the year - and the sounds they make in the wind and weather... they are truly a calming and grounding force for good!

#5 Bees - We need bees! I find their ecosystem of pollination, which is so vital to us humans, absolutely fascinating. I also love that they are a natural temperature check on our environment as a whole... and if we are ever in any doubt about the state of our world, all we have to do is listen to the bees... they know!

#6 Clouds - Since my boys were very little, we have chilled out by laying down and watching the clouds float by, in absolute awe of them! We love that sometimes they glide by slowly - and other times they scamper away before we've had a chance to appreciate them fully... and there's always a different thought to lose yourself in!

#7 Purple - My week of sharing ways I love to connect with nature would not be complete, without a mention of purple! It's my absolute favourite colour - and I never cease to be amazed by just how many places in nature purple is found naturally... numerous flowers, leaves, grasses, heather topped hills, sunrises and sunsets are my top picks to enjoy!

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10May21 - Mental Health Awareness Week

Mon, 10 May 2021 18:57:09 GMT

Mental Health Awareness Week - 10th to 16th May 2021

I'm sharing some reflections on the impacts from the pandemic, that I value as having positive implications for mental health xx

This year’s mental health awareness day comes at just the right time to reflect on the significant challenges the last 18 months of covid-related restrictions have created for many. Luckily, for the UK at least, focus is shifting to the promise of release, refresh and renewal that moving on from this shared chapter in our lives will bring.

My hands-down favourite phrase to emerge around the pandemic is borrowed with pride from my friend, adventurer and mental health ambassador, Alex Staniforth . He talked even before the lockdowns began, about the outdoors being our ‘Natural Health Service’ (NHS). I love the idea and feeling that this phrase brings with it – a freely available, healing opportunity that we can all chose to tap in to, whenever we want or need to, regardless of where we live.

I know that being outdoors has been a stress and anxiety reliever and lifeline for many, over many years – and so as we venture into this next phase, I’m eager to encourage us all to remember to retain our newly acquired good habits, and keep building new habits that connect us with nature. It helps.

Remember to watch that sunrise or sunset. Listen to the dawn chorus every now and again. Multi-task that team call outside, so that you can feel the fresh air, watch the clouds scurry by and benefit from the change of scenery. We are all better for it – whether we are specifically trying to focus on improving our mental health, or just enjoying the healthy by-products of being outdoors.

Hurray! for our Natural Health Service – let’s continue to make the most of what it offers to us!

Here’s a reminder from Alex Staniforth, sharing top tips on #mentalhealth #resilience and #nature.

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01May21 - Kindness Calendar

Sat, 01 May 2021 18:17:23 GMT

Action for Happiness - Kindness Calendar May 2021

What an awesome theme for this months Action for Happiness calendar - Meaningful May... bring it on! :)

How is it May already?!

Its my absolute favourite time of the month again... which this time means Meaningful May from the awesome Action for Happiness - reflecting on a mantra I try to live by, to help focus in on the things that matter:

We can't control what happens around us, but we can choose how we respond ” - so very true!

I find these are fantastic daily reminders of how to be happier kinder together - and I’m sharing for you to have a read in case they are helpful for you, your teams and loved ones around you xx

#mindset #mindfulness #kind #kindness #caring #wellbeing #mentalhealth #selfcare #selfawareness #leadership #resilience #inspiration #motivation #growthmindset #teamwork #bethebestyou

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01Apr21 - humble-leadership

Wed, 14 Apr 2021 18:43:22 GMT

From Arrogance to Humility...

I'm championing this hugely important topic, because I believe that we need to keep learning and listening to what our future teams want, if we are to remain relevant!

I spend a lot of time these days sharing why I think primarily low ego led leadership styles are the future for success in the more purposeful & caring business world and life that our teams will soon demand of us all as leaders.

If you are primarily a high ego led leader - this list is a fantastic place to start your personal change journey to remain relevant in future leadershi p workplaces (in my humble opinion) xx

From arrogance to humility - a great little list of meaningful insights from Ben Renshaw via sketchnote by the awesome @tnvora - I recognise so much in the humility list... it really is a rewarding and valuable place to aspire to be able to leverage as a leader!

#futureofwork #futuretalent #futureleaders #mindset #perspective #learn #unlearn #relearn #flexibility #adaptability #relevant #personalgrowth #bethebestyou

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01Apr21 - Kindness Calendar

Thu, 01 Apr 2021 18:23:39 GMT

Action for Happiness - Kindness Calendar April 2021

Its that time of the month again - and Active April is here, from Action for Happiness... I'm going to enjoy this one!

Well... it’s is my absolute favourite time of the month again! I really love the daily hints and tips this monthly mindset resource brings - but how it’s arrived so quickly this time, I simply don’t know!

Here we go though, with Active April from the awesome Action for Happiness - Life is happier when we get outdoors and move more... so what will you be doing to give your wellbeing an active boost ? xx

#happy #kind #together #mindful #mindset #space #refresh #heal #outdoors #naturalhealthservice

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25Mar21 - CIMA Survive & Thrive Keynote

Thu, 25 Mar 2021 19:32:07 GMT

Keynote Speaker - CIMA Survive & Thrive Conference

What an awesome event this was... it was wonderful to take part and share my thoughts on Resilient Leadership!

I really enjoyed sharing my experiences and perspective s on resilient leadership as keynote speaker for the CIMA S urviv e and T hrive virtual conference today!

It was brilliant to speak alongside The SUMO Guy, PMA International Limited Clare Haynes and others.

Thanks to everyone who came along - I really hope you enjoyed it! John Hindson , Paul Ash , Sue Hurrell , Greg Knight - thanks very much for inviting me! xx

#humble #resilient #leadership #trust #learning #positive #mindset #sumoftheparts #bethebestyou

https://lnkd.in/gWm5HUz

If you'd like to talk to me about virtual or in person speaking for events and conference, please get in touch through my 'book a chat' links on the website!

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08Mar20 Women Leaders give their view

Mon, 08 Mar 2021 14:54:45 GMT

As a leader who also happens to be a women, today is a celebration!

Read all about my personal #choosetochallenge commitment in this International Women's Day article, by the wonderful Think Beyond.

Happy International Women’s Day! xx

Thank you so much Mercè Cozens DipM MCIM Chartered Marketer and Steven Cozen s for inviting me to sahre in their Think Beyond #Choose to Challenge article, celebrating this special day! I’m very proud and humbled to contribute!

My International Womens Day commitment this year is to #ChoosetoChallenge behaviour and expectations, by championing the adoption of widespread habit change that embraces difference, so that we can all truly become the change we want to see, one day at a time.

What have you all been choosing to challenging today?

Click here to read the article:

International Women's Day 2021 - Women leaders give their view (think-beyond.co.uk)

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08Mar20 International Womens Day

Mon, 08 Mar 2021 13:17:29 GMT

Five Ways to Lead in an era of constant change!

I'm focusing on ways to lead during change, to support my #choosetochallenge commitment to influence others beliefs and actions.

I t’s International Womens Day - so I thought I’d share one of my favourite visuals on ways to lead during change via Tanmay Vora - that I feel can help everyone to find their voice, today & every day! xx

#inspire #purpose #enable #inclusive #empower #energise #learninglearn #unlearn #relearn #together #team #outcomes #iwd #iwd2021 #choosetochallenge International Women's Day 2021

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01Mar21 - Kindness Calendar

Mon, 01 Mar 2021 11:53:24 GMT

Action for Happiness - Kindness Calendar March 2021 :)

I love these fantastic calendars of practical daily opportunities to grow happiness!

It’s my favourite time of the month again!

I love this - and I’m sharing far and wide in the hope that it will help you, your teams, friends and family.

2021 is disappearing fast, and never was there a more necessary or needy time than now for Mindful March from the awesome Action for Happiness - practical hints and tips for how to approach each day with awareness and compassion xx

#happy #kind #together #commitment #mindful #present #share #sumoftheparts #bethebestyou

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24Feb20 Leaders & Learning

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 12:06:31 GMT

The Best Leaders are Constant Learners!

Brilliant reminders of habits we should all aspire to... keep working on them!

I truly believe that this about Leaders!

What a great way to visualise the whole sentiment around the concept the the best leaders are constant learners, via the awesome Tanmay Vora.

The learn, unlearn, relearn loop is one of my personal priorities & focus areas & I think, a must do requirement for all leaders to stay relevant.

In this visual, I particularly love the wonderful words and focus on:

seek - develop smart filters

sense - reflection that makes meaning

s hare - l e arn collectively

What strikes a chord for you? xx

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22Feb20 Monday Motivation!

Mon, 22 Feb 2021 12:23:59 GMT

It's the start of a new week - and we can all make a difference!

OK Monday - let's do this!

It’s going to be one of ‘those’ weeks in my world...and I know there are friends in my network who find themselves leading in challenging times - so I’m sharing some positive vibes for the day ahead.

OK Monday - let’s do this! We will all make a difference! xx

#positive #positivity #mindset #growthmindset #takecontrol #behappy #selfless #leadership #purpose #values #selfcare #bethebestyou

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14Feb20 Valentines Thought

Sun, 14 Feb 2021 12:16:57 GMT

The Best Leaders are Constant Learners!

Brilliant reminders of habits we should all aspire to... keep working on them!

So it’s Valentines Day - and I wanted to share something relevant that describes the love and inclusion I feel its imperative that we build in the workplace. I personally think this love makes the difference between good leadership and great leadership. Then I realised - it’s as simple as this:

‘To inspire meaningful change, you must make a connection with the heart, before you can make one to the mind'.

Thanks to George Couros and the wonderful Sylvia Duckworth for finding the words and images to describe the connection and approach I strive for every day xx

#values #meaning #team #love #care #mindset #mindful #purpose #empathy #augmentor #bethebestyou #thesumoftheparts #inittogether

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01Feb21 - Kindness Calendar

Mon, 01 Feb 2021 11:45:59 GMT

Action for Happiness - Kindness Calendar February 2021 :)

I love these fantastic calendars of practical daily opportunities to grow happiness!

. ..and just like that, it’s my favourite time of the month again!

Friendly February from the awesome 'Action for Happiness' is a fantastic and practical way to be mindful about being happier and kinder together - so I’m sharing far and wide in the hope of creating and ripple of positivity for us all! xx

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13Jan21 - 50 ways to take a break

Wed, 13 Jan 2021 17:51:35 GMT

Lockdown 3.0 feels like its already taking its toll!

...so I wanted to share some fab hints and tips on how can can all take a break! (covid-restrictions-considered)

Well I don't know about you - but our household is really feeling the brunt of lockdown 3.0 already. Home-school is more challenging this time (and far more work for both the kids and adults in our house!) - and according to my hubby and boys , we all need a change of scenery and a new four walls for a bit (which we aren't going to have for a good while yet!).

So - as we are not able to take a physical brea k away at the moment - I thought I'd share some fab hints and great tips on everyday ways we can all tak e a b reak, to help maintain a healthy outlook on our personal wellbeing, mindset and happiness xx

#mind #body #soul #mindful #mindset #mentalhealth #family #fun #outdoors ��

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08Jan21 - Choosing a lens on 2020

Fri, 08 Jan 2021 15:50:09 GMT

Hello 2021! - Here's my perspective on 2020...

I wanted to share how I'm choosing to reflect, as we all welcome 2021!

Happy New Year 2021 everyone!

Wel l... what a year that was! As 2020 exits stage left , this is how I’m choosing to reflect on it - so lots of positive thinking in my head about what I can do to help fix what 2020 has shown us all is broken or not as together as it should be! xx

#growthmindset #refresh #new #focus #improve # together #bethebestyou #laurajaneillustrations

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01Jan21 - Kindness Calendar

Fri, 01 Jan 2021 11:59:42 GMT

Action for Happiness - Kindness Calendar January 2021 :)

I love these fantastic calendars of practical daily opportunities to grow happiness!

...and just like that, it’s my favourit e time of the month again! This time, it’s 'H appier January ' - a helping hand to take control and find more harmony between what we think, say and do - how wonderfully appropriate is that, given everything about 2020!

So here’s wishing you all a fantastic 2021... I remain very hopeful and positive about all we can achieve - there are so many possibilities out there if we want them! xx

#happy #kind #together

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20Dec20 Powerful Habits

Sun, 20 Dec 2020 17:05:48 GMT

Powerful Habits you need to have!

Brilliant reminders of habits we should all aspire to... keep working on them!

I love this rememberall on powerful habits you need to have.

I’m a big fan of highlighting the importance of knowing and assessing our transferable skills , and of considering our broader value , whilst helping us to be industry mobile - so I thought I’d share it, in case it’s helpful for developing learning , focusing a personal pitch or career change , helping the young people in your life - or just as a positive reflection moment ! xx

#growthmindset #learn #grow #reading #goals #managing #money #prioritisation #imagination #networking #bethebestyou

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13Dec20 - 10 Steps to Happiness

Sun, 13 Dec 2020 16:33:48 GMT

10 Steps to Happiness - sharing a brilliant sketchnote!

I love a good sketchnote, so I wanted to share this one with you all!

I was just thinking about this sketchnote of 10 steps to happiness by the awesome Sylvia Duckworth - so I thought I’d share it with you all... it gives some really great reflection opportunities for a cold and frosty Sunday morning ! xx

I love all the steps - but the following three particularly talk to me:

10. Complain less, Appreciate more

6. Talk less, listen more

3. Take less, give more

#love #compassion #giving #selfless #humble #listen #smile #create #try #positive #mindset #happy

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01Dec20 - Kindess Calendar

Tue, 01 Dec 2020 15:37:50 GMT

December 2020 - Action for Happiness Kindness Calendar!

I love this! It’s my favourite time of the month again and Decembers Action for Happiness calendar is here.

Do Good December is a chance to look beyond difference and help each other. As 2020 prepares to exit stage left , acts of kindness really matter , even more so after the year we’ve all had - and so I’m sharing this great little resource far and wide to help cause a ripple that will make a difference xx

#keepcalm #staywise #bekind #bethechangeyouwanttosee #bethebestyou #mindset #mindful #grateful #gratitude #leader #team #community #together #kind #thoughtful #share #care #tnts

#thesumofthepar ts #happy #happiness

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27Nov20 - Thriving with Nature

Fri, 27 Nov 2020 16:01:24 GMT

Mental Health Foundation - Thriving with Nature campaign

A great guide for everyone - making the most of the UK's natural spaces for our mental health and wellbeing.

I l ove this! Connecting with nature is so i mportant - and has become even more so during the pandemic. This is a great read to help support you, family and friends around you... and brilliant resources too - so I thought I’d share the love! Download it and have a look when you have a few minutes! ��xx

Thriving With Nature (mentalhealth.org.uk)

# nature #outdoors #t rees #freshair #environment #elements #backtobasics #naturalhealthservice #bethebestyou

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24Nov20 - BBC 100 women of 2020

Tue, 24 Nov 2020 16:19:29 GMT

100 women of 2020 from the BBC!

A really lovely highlight from what has been a crazy year so far...

The BBC has revealed its list of 100 inspiring & influential women around the world for #2020 - highlighting those who are leading change & making a difference during these turbulent times. It’s a really great read, so I’m sharing it with you all! xx

BBC 100 Women 2020: Who is on the list this year? - BBC News

#eclectic #diverse #inclusive #positive #inspiring #spotlight #makeadifference #bethebestyou

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13Nov20 - World Kindness Day

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 16:54:23 GMT

It's World Kindness Day!

"In a world where you can be anything, be kind".

It’s world kindness day and so I thought I’d #hare this image and sating with you, as I truly believe it! What will you do to change someone's entire day? xx

"A little #spark of #kindness can put a #colossal burst of #sunshine into #someone ’s #day "

Random Acts of Kindness | World Kindness Day

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