Music and its power have come up recently. The success on stage and film of Mamma Mia testify to the power of the musical. Although a bit sceptical about the Abba aspect, I found myself laughing and enjoying it.

Some great questions were offered at another occasion I attended that encourage us all to think about music in our lives. Here they are: "What music did you play or use as the first dance at your wedding?" "What music did you cry into your pillow to when you lost your first love?" "What music/song do you associate with your youth?"

Have fun talking and sharing ideas about the music that means a lot to you and can transform you in a moment. Its a powerful thing music and can change moods of individuals and crowds of people in an instant.

Imagine a Scotland full of music and dancing that uplifts people's spirit. Watch this video - it says it all. What is the best that can happen in either Glasgow's Central Station or Edinburgh's Waverley Station? Over to you T-Mobile. Join In!

A few phonecalls keeping in touch with clients this week revealed that in many cases they associated me with the last piece of work that I did for them. Not a surprising revelation but a timely reminder that people and organisations might be sitting with a problem or something that they want to achieve and not realise that I might be able to help with that or know someone who can.

In reconnecting with them, they painted a picture of Resolution and Margaret Wright. A very useful exercise for me and hopefully for them too because they defined what was in their mind or on their desk at the moment and I was also able to suggest a few approaches or ideas for them.

What did I hear? I heard that Resolution offers teambuilding, awaydays, training in appreciative inquiry, how to engage with communities or for that matter anyone, processes for reviewing a small organisation and it's plans for the future, coaching etc.

So what was in people's minds or on their desks? Topics like: in view of the current financial situation we need to redefine our business and assess where that business is coming from. if we are an organisation that depends on sponsors and funders, what changes might we expect and how can we plan for that? How do I motivate and build employee morale and confidence? Sometimes it was hearing about employee changes, perhaps a retirement.

These are all times when we need to take stock, stop and think. Time to have conversations within and outwith the organisation or immediate group and perhaps a bit of brainstorming or thinking differently.

A small group of us did that on Friday in the spacious and peaceful environment of the Faith Mission in Edinburgh and related stories of when we had been bold in the past. What worked for us and how could we build on that into the future. Interesting connections were made between folks with very different backgrounds and who knows there may even be collaborations.

My motto is turn the credit crunch into creative conversations.

I took some time over the weekend to reflect on the month of January and what has given me joy. What would feature on your January Joy list? For me it was going to a traditional pantomime, meeting up with friends I had not seen for a while, inviting some friends round for dinner at short notice and having as one of them said "a delightful evening in good company." Also on the list is a " be a tourist in your own city day" when a business meeting at Edinburgh Castle focused me on what an amazing place the castle is and also opened my eyes to all the fascinating places in Edinburgh. The view of Edinburgh from the castle ramparts is wonderful. An unusual and innovative cello concert also featured - more of that in another blog.

Yes you might say these are all leisure or fun activities and they are needed to refresh and restore energy. There were moments of joy related to work too. Helping my husband's business by manning the stand at a trade show and gaining new customers, identifying new opportunities to apply the appreciative approach nearer to home here in Leith.

So now its February. What is your F word for February? In Edinburgh today it is cold, some might say freezing. There are wintry snow showers and cold winds. A few seconds ago there was a blink of sunshine and now its a snowstorm.

Your F word for February might be Fun or it might be Finances given all the recent events. My F word for February is Focus. What are you focused on for February? What would enable you to feel fantastic at the end of February? What first steps can you take today , right now!

Conversations and observations over the last few months have left me with these words.

A mother's comments on what it means to be a mother when offspring often seem to be ungrateful or moan all the time. "I believe mothers are here for that purpose, also to listen and love and care for their offspring when they are down."

A son of his parents who had been abroad for a number of weeks. " I am really looking forward to them being back. They keep me grounded"

A quote by Adrienne Shelly (from a calendar) " It's almost a sacrilege to say becoming a mother is scary. I wanted to write a movie about these fears and give them a voice."

Another quote " Remember that childhood is a time for learning skills and values that will carry us through life. If we have bad parenting and do not learn those skills early on, we may have to absorb more knocks to get them. But we still need to, and must, learn them. Parenting is important."

How and where are people today learning parenting skills?

An amusing youtube video on the subject of being a mother. Momsong

On a more serious note a book recommended by a friend which explains why the behaviour and actions around a child in its first 6 months are so important. The book is ' Why love matters by Sue Gerhardt.

Enjoy the video, digest and ponder the book. May we consider what it means for the children around us today, for their future and also for society in the future.

Imagine a society where love matters a lot and being a Mum or a parent is a highly skilled role which is valued. A society where parents are given lots of help, encouragement and support.

Someone I know spent all day yesterday on a plane when they intended a journey by plane followed by a business meeting and a late flight back. Things did not go according to plan and weather conditions initially did not allow landing at the destination. A decision was made to circle for some time to see if things improved. Refuelling was then required which necessitated a journey to another airport with yet more circling and decision making required.

The result, a day spent on a plane and not with a business client. A waste of a day perhaps but thankfully a new book travelled too and was read in the course of the day. So not a complete waste but not quite what was planned.

A fairly typical day for most people at work perhaps you might say.

There are things that we cannot change - like the weather- but decisions are important as are experiences. The fact that travel to that particular airport in the winter has resulted in diversions on two occasions now informs the future. Decisions we make,we can do something about.

The decisions others make are a different matter apart from pointing out the impact of their decision. Perhaps a decision to land at another airport and allow passengers to make their way by train was a possibility-who knows. Could the passengers have been consulted-now there is a thought. In mid air, airline staff conduct a dialogue with passengers regarding the best outcome.

Organisations and projects can have points at which people can get on or get off. Trains provide that too. Planes are a different matter. Sometimes we just need to sit back and make the best of it if its out of our control. Make the best of the situation. What is the equivalent for you of having a new book to read on a diverted flight? What will you learn from your experience and do differently next time. Is there a way you can get on or get off or are you in for the long haul.

There can be recipes for all sorts of things. Food, a great party or event. Here is one from a book I am reading at the moment. The 7 day weekend is subtitled The Wisdom Revolution: Finding the Work/Life Balance.

It is by Ricardo Semler the author of the bestselling 'Maverick' book. You may hear more from me re this book but for now -here is the recipe. In a section comparing the Semco democratic way of running a company and the short route of command and execute methods - which he says is a path to nowhere - he writes " Coq au Vin cannot be compared to Chicken McNuggets - even if both are merely cooked fowl. Taking the long way-or simmering a slow stew of culture, tribalism and democracy- serves up a more savoury dish.

Any stories to share of 'slow cooking' of food or running a company variety? What more savoury dish was created?

What is your best recipe of democracy in action in a company or for that matter elsewhere.?

Recipes tend to feature over the festive season. Here is one for the New year. It sounds a good one. Lots of different ingredients. I am sure there are one or two that we all like and can take to! 1. Take a 10 to 30 minute walk every day. And while you walk, smile. It is the ultimate anti-depressant.

2. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day. Talk to God about what is going on in your life. Buy a lock if you have to.

3. When you wake up in the morning complete the following statement, 'My purpose is to __________ today. I am thankful for______________'

4. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants.

5. Drink green tea and plenty of water. Eat blueberries, wild Alaskan salmon, broccoli, almonds & walnuts.

6. Try to make at least three people smile each day.

7. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip, energy vampires, issues of the past, negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.

8. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a college kid with a maxed out charge card.

9. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

10. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

11. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.

12. You are not so important that you have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.

13. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.

14. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.

15. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.

16. Frame every so-called disaster with these words: 'In five years, will this matter?'

17. Forgive everyone for everything.

18. What other people think of you is none of your business.

19. GOD heals everything - but you have to ask Him.

20. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.

21. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will stay in touch.

22. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.

23. Each night before you go to bed complete the following statements: I am thankful for __________. Today I accomplished _________.

24. Remember that you are too blessed to be stressed.

25. When you are feeling down, start listing your many blessings. You'll be smiling before you know it.

I am going to give it a try-are you?

Imagine if your family or whole streets used the same recipe?

Well, people are back to work and the festive season stories have been shared and its on with the show for 2009.

If you need a bit of a spark to revive that energy of a new year arriving then enjoy this great video taken by a friend and colleague Desmond Ryan from his flat and sent with a New Year greeting. Both the words and the image are spot on - enjoy! Desmond is an inspiration to me with his thoughts, words and the images/metaphors he uses. May they inspire you today and the thought sustain you throughout the year.

"May 2009 have an exciting start, bring lots of colour and light into your life - and not so much smoke! Happy New Year from Edinburgh."

The video last for 4 sparkling moments.

New Year Fireworks Edinburgh

Yesterday, like many other people in Scotland, I sat down to a New Year's Day meal with my family. We were 11 in number, ranging from 15 months to 89 years, 4 generations. It was a simple meal and a simple day and yet a very special day. The first day of a New Year. We simply were together, we shared a meal, conversation, played a few games and shared thoughts re New year Resolutions.

So what was special about it? Well for our family, as I suspect for many other familes in today's world, it is not that easy to be together physically because we live in different parts of the country or the world. Our gathering included people from the East and West Coast of Scotland and folks who now live in Cyprus. We gathered in a house that has been connected with the family since the 1920s when it was newly built and we have gathered round that same table for all sorts of celebrations. Ah that table- children have performed on top of it as a stage and crawled and hidden under it - it's a good sturdy old oak table.

New Years day began with old and new friends in Leith where I live watching the fireworks over Edinburgh. Later in the day I was in the company of George Wyllie the scupltor. George is also a philosopher and yesterday we were talking about his 'Day down a Goldmine' production and reflecting on the world today with financial crisis and doom and gloom everywhere. George's comments? " nothing has changed" " The sun still shines" are absolutely spot on and the sun was indeed shining in Gourock where he lives overlooking the river Clyde.

To be in the company of old and new friends and 4 generations of my family on the East and West coast of Scotland all on one day - and New year's Day at that is a rich experience and a privilege. It is a privilege to know and talk with someone like George Wyllie who personifies for me the Scots. The practical 'can do' ability with intuitive thinking and action. To be in the company of my family with that range of experience and knowledge from 15 months to 89 years is also a privilege but do we realise how much knowledge and information is in the room and do we tap into it? While we talked, the 15 month old was picking up a phone and making herself comfortable in a chair while she smiled and said "hi". A rehearsal for the real thing and a lesson in learning. A day rich in experiences of people and places which augurs well for the rest of 2009. Imagine a Scotland where we come together and acknowledge the contribution of all, the confidence and energy of youth with the experience and wisdom of age.

Well it's that time of year again here in Scotland. It's grey, cold and misty outside. It's hard to describe the feelings that this ritual brings out in people. I believe it's quite a different feeling from Christmas but that may just be me, although someone has just expressed that to me on the phone this morning. People tend to have clear preferences for one of the other. It's the two together that tend to be a bit of a killer in terms of emotions, finances, relationships, energy levels. There is usually much scurrying about in the homes,streets and shops as people get ready to see the old year out and the New Year in with wishes for health, happiness and all to be provided for. e.g.the coal, shortbread and blackbun, not to mention the whisky being to the fore. I started my hogmanay as I do every day with some spiritual readings. The last couple of mornings I have also added a dose of Ian Hamilton from his Stone of Destiny book. Very appropriate reading at this time of year as the action takes place between Xmas and New Year in 1950 Britain which is cold,grey and icy. I recommend the book to you. A short, easy read full of action and inspiring thoughts. Here are a couple to whet your appetite.

" You do not play games with the symbols of your country, whether they be man, stone or trinkets"

"I am a simple Scot and I want my country to take its place in Europe and in the world. We Scots are European, not English, not British."

Of himself and his companions who took the stone Ian Hamilton says " We who took the stone willed our people to defend our country. We were idealists. We were grievously young. I have never changed" I can identify with those words.

The book also contains a quote from King George V1 address to the nation of Christmas Day 1940 - a great quote to see out the old year and welcome the New Year.

"I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year, Give me a light that I may tread out into the unknown and the man said to me, Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God, for it is better than a light, and safer than a known way"

A hopeful Hogmanay to you all. For those of you in other countries around the world it would be interesting to know how the last day of the old year is marked or celebrated.

This morning I set off early to purchase a tree-keen to get a good price and checked out a couple of places. A corner shop, not in my locality and a more specialised looking outfit who had set up in a carpark nearby. In the latter case the lights were on and I thought I saw movement in their hut but was not sure they were open. I called back a bit later and they were sort of open, i.e. they were there but did not look keen and also directed me to a list on the wall re sizes and prices. Then the final nail in their coffin-they said they were not really open yet, so I said that I would come back. I did not go back!

I did go back to the corner shop and I purchased the tree I had had my eye on. The shopkeeper responded right away to me and when I realised that it was going to be too heavy for me to carry back to the car-he offered a solution. Bring your car to here he said pointing to an area of roadworks and I will pass the tree over the fence for you. Now feeling more happy I raced off for the car and did as he suggested. He was as good as his word and also climbed over the fence to help me put the tree in the car and wished me well.

Retailing is hard and this shop I have frequented before, they are open all hours and the whole family work there The other tree sellers were from out of town, obviously did not care and were more focused on the fact that they were not open yet than their customer or their sale. Key messages for retailers and sales staff.

Final lesson for me. I did not buy a Bethany Xmas tree this year which has the added bonus of having non shedding needles and also helps the homeless. I may live to regret this decision come 5th January but for now I am happy to have supported a local retailer in tough times.

Imagine a Scotland where retailers and customers appreciate each other.

I sometimes deliver flowers from the local church to folks living in the area. Here in Leith there are a large number of care homes, sheltered accommodation etc where older men and women live either in small flats or rooms.

In the busy lives people live these days, you might say, I do not have the time to do that - deliver flowers-and in any case -what if they want me to stop and chat!?

I recall reading a letter from a care home manager pleading for those who delivered the flowers not to just drop them in but to stay a while and chat. I do that when I can and also when I sense the person may welcome it - not everyone does of course.

What I have noticed is that some of those that I visit have all they need in terms of 'things' and 'food' but they welcome the company as the days can be long in separate rooms or flats. While communal living might not appeal to everyone, there might also be advantages to it in that hopefully there is conversation and interaction or something stimulating to see or respond to.

Today I visited two men, both of whom have family living nearby and who visit regularly.

While I go bearing a gift i.e. the flowers and hopefully a new face and some interesting conversation, I always come away with a gift or gifts! Well they do say it is better to give than to receive and these folks are living proof of that. I can come away with sweets, cakes, fruit but the gifts I treasure most are their stories. I shared experiences and stories of Wick today - of places and pastimes like fishing and buying a firkin of herring.

At Christmas time we tend to be focused on gifts and I heard a couple arguing over a suitable gift for someone they did not know well. Someone expressed it well yesterday for me - " I do not want "things" as gifts. " Consumables" are better but best of all are " experiences" as they not only provide pleasure at the time but live on in the memory and can be replayed, again and again and again.

It is ironic that there are lots of people whose lives are too busy and who might wish they had time to meet and talk with friends and neighbours and there are people for whom the days are long and for whom a visit , even a short one might be the highlight of the day. These two groups of people have so much to say to each other and so much to share about life. A good starting point are the people and places they care about. The gift of time and companionship is priceless. Imagine a Scotland where people have time for each other.

Tonight I ventured out to a musical evening with a difference held in a local school in Leith. It was a qualifying competition organised by Leith Rotary Club for the " Young musician of the year" with 9 young people from Edinburgh Schools taking part. The audience were treated to violinists, a pianist, a flautist and a number of vocalists.

Pieces composed by Vivaldi and Debussy alongside popular favourites like 'I could have danced all night' to 'Fly me to the Moon' and 'Lullaby of Birdland' with accompaniment from dedicated teachers.

Leith Academy had an impressive turnout of 4 participants and were a credit to their school and community.

This is the 4th year of this competition and I would recommend it to you for shedding light and hope for the future on gloomy November days. I am just sorry I did not take a short video so that you could hear a snippet of the talent that was there tonight. Watch for these names in future years and as the competition goes on. Sean Kernan on flute, Richard Jackson vocalist were the winners on the night with Isla Ratcliff on violin as runner up. Imagine a Scotland full of such music making.

Watch this space for information about the Time to Take Stock Events being held in Edinburgh and Glasgow during November.

October has ended and November has begun. Have you taken stock of your October highlights? Take a few moments to do that and see what it tells you about the way you might want to start November. Imagine its the end of November and ask yourself what has been the highlights and that will help you focus on the best way to start the month!

In the current climate, there have been many endings for people and organisations but there will also be beginnings and its important to end well and to begin well.

Saying goodbye to employees who are leaving an organisation whether its voluntary or compulsory is not an easy or pleasant thing to do but sometimes it has to happen. It is an opportunity for new beginnings and often people need help to get into a frame of mind to address the future.

In fact they sometimes need a new way of seeing -a bit like visiting the optician as I did on Saturday for an eye check. A new pair of lenses or a new pair of spectacles make all the difference. Cataracts can cause a dulling of vision where things look grey. When the cataracts are removed everything is vibrant colour and its like a child seeing things for the first time.

When endings and beginnings come along we sometimes need new lenses or spectacles. I can recommend an optician - SR Hyslop at 50 Home Street EH3 0131 229 7651. Honest and a thorough professional.

If you need help to see the endings and beginnings for October /November or have the equivalent of cataracts in the way you see things get in touch with me 0131 554 9037 or mwright@resolution-scotland.com

Here is what a recent client had to say " Feeling very positive about what I can do in the future"

Today I was with neighbours who were celebrating their diamond wedding anniversary. 60 years married and lived all that time in Leith. They have seen many things come and go, like the sheep being driven along the road outside to the docks. Some might say its flat dwellers and shoppers who make their way here now. The post office delivery works well when you are the Queen and the card is from Buckingham Palace. It was delivered this morning and the time was specified and it worked!

The weather was wild and stormy outside, the perfect day to be inside celebrating with friends and family and hearing stories. Stories of weddings being arranged in a sea faring family when the ships came in, of wedding cakes being only possible because of people donating their rations.

Time to pause and reflect on 60 years committment, all the things that have changed in that time. How many brides of 60 years could still get into their wedding dresses with no problem at all! Persevere is Leith's motto and this Leith couple have certainly persevered. Imagine a Scotland where people and organisations committed and persevered as much as this. Happy 60th to a fascinating couple and wonderful neighbours.

As the wind gusts in Edinburgh today, mild tho' it is, I happen across some photos taken in the summer. They are of flowers and the garden at Inveresk Lodge, a NTS property in Musselburgh. A lovely peaceful spot where you can escape the crowds and pretend that you have just stepped out of the house to stroll around your garden. Many different plants to see, paths to wander,seats to rest in and contemplate.

Often when I ask people what they do to relax or switch off to the pressures of work/life, they tell me that they go out into the countryside. The natural world is a great gift to us and in many cases we have become remote from it.Our ancestors lived much closer to nature and I heard someone give a talk recently that suggested that mankind is designed for a hunter gatherer existence and has 'progressed/advanced' to where we are now. Read an interesting take on this in the book 'Mutant Message Down Under' by Marlo Morgan. A short and easy read wich is both relaxing and thought provoking.

I recall the TV series about 'Meet the natives' where a few members of a remote tribe visit England with great expectations and with viewers perhaps thinking "this will be a laugh-they are so primitive -how will they cope?" Of course the reality is that the so called 'natives' cope very well and the people who look uncomfortable are some of the ordinary folk around Britain whom they stay with or met on their travels. The natives are at ease with themselves and their surroundings and are of course very glad to get back home. Its interesting to note that when we are not at ease, dis ease can surface in many different ways physically and mentally. Ease, unease and disease are interesting words to ponder.

Remembering our roots and getting back in touch with nature and our environment can help in so many ways. Try it next time you feel anxious or stressed. If you cannot get out in nature, look at these pictures or indeed any images from nature and I am sure you will feel the better for it. It works for me and I hope it works for you. view images

Well-its now 2pm in Edinburgh and the sun is shining and the skies are blue. It's still blowy but it's bright! It definately feels better when the sun is shining but does it change things? It might encourage us to get up and go do all those things that we mean to do or it might make us wander off and enjoy the sunshine doing something completely different.

So what can make the difference? We can! It's how our mind works and what we think and say to ourselves that matters. It helps to talk to others too and I found that talking to some colleagues and contacts this morning really helped me to focus and to generate ideas. It's fun to work as part of a group and collaborate. It helps creativity.

So the talking is action, and the ideas can flow when we are either on our own or when we are working collaboratively with others. Here is another thought you can insert the words 'both' 'and' instead of "either" "'or" in the above sentence.

So, no matter what the weather outside, you can turn on the sunshine inside with the flick of a switch. Do it, just do it.

I just interrupted this blog to take a call from someone with some news that was not so good and as we talked with each other we agreed that " it's good to talk" We can offer each other support and encouragement and ideas on how to sustain ourselves when things get hard for us. Whether you are primarily a talker, a doer or a thinker, connect with another human being. Just do it.

Today in Edinburgh, it is a dark, wet and windy Monday-the sort of day when it is hard to get out of bed and motivate yourself. So what can we do? Here are a few suggestions - pick one that works for you.

We can look at inspiring images, we can find an inspiring or hopeful person to talk to, we can seek out or think about the things that make us smile-a young child, a cartoon, a joke.

If we feel a bit down, we can seek to help or uplift others with a kind word or gesture. The insight on my Dalai Lama calendar today is "Benefit goes to the practitioner of kindness"

We can listen to music. We can read an inspiring book. We can start by doing some little thing - do something positive. A good friend and colleague Bliss Browne once described exactly this sort of day as " great report writing weather". Is there some writing that needs done, is there a cupboard that needs cleared or a desk or room that could do with some decluttering.?

Today the volunteers who work on the paddlesteamer Waverley are preparing it for the winter by unloading and putting into store lots of items and equipment. I am hoping and praying it's dry day in Glasgow this morning for them!

No images to look at? Try here. Doricmor

No one to talk to -give me a phone on 0131 554 9037. I have just finished reading Mutant Message Down Under by Marlo Morgan for the second time and it inspired me and made me think about the lives we live today.

One of my favourite pieces of music is Harpworks by George Callaghan from Tasmania, Its a very soothing piece of music. If harp music is not your thing, coming up this weekend 24-26th October is a folk festival in Dunfermline. Tickets from 01383 725872, programme here or find out about a folk club near you. Folk Weekend Programme

So get going then, start the week and treat yourself to one or all of these suggestions in the course of the day or the week. You deserve it and you will work all the better for it.

The week ended with a last trip on the Waverley Paddle Steamer for the 2008 season. A cruise from Greenock to Arrochar, Loch Long and Loch Goil took in the autumn colours, sunshine, showers and lots of experiences as usual.

There is a community on and off the Waverley- a love of the ship and the river that binds people together. Two of this community are the treasurer of the company that keeps this whole ship afloat and his wife who, along with a team of volunteers, keeps the on board shop stocked with Waverley hats which keep people warm and raise much needed funds.

In addition to this regular community, there are people who come for the first time, perhaps the couple pictured with the rainbow. You also meet old friends. I first met Alan and Jack his son in 2004 at an event called Imagine Inverclyde in Greenock town hall. I met them again yesterday. The Waverley does that, it brings people together. Its important to introduce the next generation to the Waverley experience, so well done Alan for bringing Jack.

In additon to people, the trip offers sea breezes, views of the hills and shores - contact with the environment and provides pleasure and relaxation in a way that more modern types of travel do not. Try it - mark it in your diary for next year as a MUST DO. If you want to stretch your legs , get off at Blairmore Pier and congratulate the local people who reopened the pier, run the shops near the pier and organise events in the local hall. A lively community working together to sustain and create the things they care about.

Its goodbye to the Waverley until next year but the wee sea bus which runs from Greenock to Kilgreggan and Helensburgh is another possibility. Lots of ways to enjoy the river and the different perspectives that it offers. The Waverley and Blairmore Pier are only there because of enthusiasts who love what they do and care about their communities. Lots and lots of hard work are involved too. They deserve your support. A fund raising concert is planned for the end of November in Glasgow for the Waverley.

A great way to end the week - on the Waverley with people like the Waverley volunteers and Alan and Jack- the salt of the earth and Scotland's future. Jointhetrip

As each day brings more information about the financial and banking situation in the UK and around the world, headlines like 'Doom and Gloom spread around the world' proliferate. Stories emerge about the impact on ordinary people, their everyday lives and their plans for the future. I recall suddenly in a previous existence explaining to a workforce about to be privatised and be offered shares that " Shares can do down as well as up" Hmm.

So what can we do? Here are some advice and quotes I have come accross recently which might help or give us a clue.

" All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men and women to do nothing" Edmund Burke

"Exercising my confidence, just like my bod" " Stay confident in these turbulent times" "Of course I can see as well as anyone what's going on. Sometimes ya gotta walk away from the T.V. put down the paper. I don't need to become an expert in just how bad it feels. But I am working at seeing better than anyone else what's going on that's working" Jim Lord Read more here

"What I believe according to my own experience, is that a calm, peaceful mind is a very important element for sustaining the body in a balanced way" Today's quote from my 'Insight from the Dalai Lama' calendar

Keep saying: Keep calm, Be confident. "What's going on that's working. Find a glimmer of hope and pay attention to it" - Jim Lord again.

Join me in doing something positive this coming week, starting with today.

It's beautiful Autumn morning here in Leith-cool but sunny. Beautiful light and great reflections in the water. On my usual walk to Newhaven Harbour, I also reflected on the months of September and October. What was the highlight of your September? For me it was the birthday celebration of a colleague and friend. I have not asked them, but I guess it featured people and a place dear to them. The celebration was a joyous affair, arranged with both planning and an allowance for serendipity.It was also arranged with generosity, with people invited to stay for as little or as long as they liked, our every need catered for. There was a bit of music and dancing which added that magical touch that music always does.

Everyone mucked in with the things that had to be done and a great time was had by all. It made me think. If I was planning a special celebration, where would I chose to have it? What place would I pick? Who would I invite? What would be planned and what would be left to chance? At the end of the celebration and our time together what would I hope that people were thinking,doing and feeling?

I came away refreshed, inspired, honoured to have been asked and included. I had fun and enjoyed talking to people from all walks of life, most of whom I had not met before, or if I had only briefly. I also noticed how we got to know each other as we lived, worked and played together. Everyone had made an effort to be there, some had travelled great distances and it worked.

I do hope my friend enjoyed the creation both in the imagination, the planning and the actuality. A great example of a participative, imaginative event which came from the heart. Who would you invite and where would it be? It helps us to focus on the people and places that mean most to us?

In February I related a story about a 2 year old who understood that what you tell yourself affects the way you act. (See the 28 February entry) Here is another anecdote this time the wisdom of a 5 year old! The 5 year old had been visiting a new friend from her school class for a social engagement. The invite was being returned and the parent was concerned that the new friend was very quiet and polite and that his families three youngsters would all be too much for her. How would she cope? Discussing this with his 5 year old daughter he expressed the view that perhaps the little friend was very quiet and would it be ok? The quick reply was "Oh Dad, of course it will, she has a playground voice you know!" So at 5 we have the ability to make friends, see and appreciate them for what they are, recognise there is different behaviour for different places, and that people use different tones of voice. Young children notice everything and therefore they are experts in what brings life to a situation. They are excellent practitioners of Appreciative Inquiry. AI is simply 'paying attention' or 'noticing'. Noticing the good things and what works and brings life to a situation. Lessons for life from the 5 year olds! Much simpler, fun and to the point! Maybe they should be the teachers? Now, there is a thought for another day another blog.

A visit to Glasgow and Ayrshire yesterday brought insights into all of the above. A local butcher revealed that he was being asked questions about how to make a good steak pie from a young butcher - and the answer? Just do it and learn from the experience. It takes time. The meat, the gravy and the pastry are all key that is what makes it a winning combination. Talk to a master by all means but you have to work at it yourself was his answer to the young butcher.

Dumpling and a Grand Day Out? It was my mother's birthday and previous years have seen us enjoying wonderful sunny and warm weather in September in lovely locations as a birthday treat. Yesterday was grey with incessant rain and we began with a cup of tea to sample my less than perfect looking clootie dumpling -burnt on the bottom - it tasted fine to my relief. Further lessons needed from the master dumpling maker on amount of milk, gas setting and on both the type and tieing of the cloth or cloot! We had an errand to do at Croy Shore a beautiful location with views out to Arran. Leaving Glasgow we decided to 'just imagine sunshine' and yes, the rain stopped and there was some brightness in the sky in Ayrshire.

The Grand Day Out? An outline plan with no set times, relaxed, low key, doing things we love in places we love with people we love. After Croy, the fishing village of Dunure appeared through the mist and we sampled a coffee at the refurbished Dunure Inn, watching a wee boat arrive back in harbour. A lovely location, lovingly looked after by the Harbour Committee who have done a lot of great work there. Back home , completing a couple of errands on the way for a simple meal of things we love - yes steak pie did feature and yet another piece of dumpling!

Things in common in the recipes? Find a msster, listen, watch but most of all 'do' and learn. Do things that bring you joy,with people you love in a combination that you know works. Whatever the weather or the environment, somewhere there is a glimmer of light and if not 'just imagine it' Have a purpose or focusand take time to listen and be with a master and to appreciate them but do, do, do and be. be. be. Create your own recipes.

September sun is still tempting folks out and about. Go visit a great cafe/bistro in Newhaven with a lovely view of the Forth. An old Bank building transformed by Andrew and his sister Fiona has a great atmosphere,friendly staff and wonderful food to delight you. With an unrestricted view out to the Forth, this is a great location with tables outside too. My latest find there was Porto Fi Olive oil-direct from Sicily, driven over so that its arrives fresh. Do not miss the basement shop-the bank safe as it used to be! A different range of goodies to try. Passion shows all the way at Porto Fi-can you guess where the name comes from? Go taste that oil-its wonderful. To tempt you-here is what it looks like Porto Fi Fresh Olive Oil

Porto & Fi 47 Newhaven Mainstreet Edinburgh EH6 4NQ.

On 1 October in the Teviot Debating Chamber Bristo Squate Edinburgh at 7pm a lecture which explores the valuable contribution made to our understanding of the significance of anxiety in organisational life by Isabel Menzies Lyth,a psychoanalyst and social scientist. Tim Dartington is a social scientist and group relations consultant who has written about systemts of care and their relationship with vulnerable people. See the link below for info re the Sutherland Trust who are organising this event and also information about the lecture for which there is a charge of £18/13. See SutherlandTrust

This is not an event organised by Resolution/Margaret Wright but by the Sutherland Trust.

An earlier blog described my discovery of the big band that plays in the Argyll and Sutherland pub in Greenock. My friend -and I am honoured to be his friend, George Wyllie, told me about this place and I have now been there twice. My last visit inspired these thoughts. George and many others are passionate about music. Music is creative and it connects so many different people and enriches our lives. Its obvious that the musicians in this band are passionate about their music and if they did not express their creativity, participate and collaborate we would be the poorer for it. Audience participation is something that we might have differing views about. Maybe the audience are only required to clap or at best shout bravo! George likes participation whether its in his art of scul?ture or in conversation and sharing ideas. He also likes to participate himself and this link will take you to a piece of music that he loves called 'Jump' The band get to move about, the audience are free to move about, dance , jump and participate in whatever way they wish. George is in his 80s and I know other folks in their 80's who want to participate in whatever way they can. They might not be able to jump or dance but there are ways they can participate. Music is a great connector and brings out passion, encourages participation and speaks to us as human beings. Enjoy 'Jump'. Feel free to participate - sing, jump, dance -whatever you feel moved to do. JUMP

How did you end the month of August and also how did you begin the new month of September? Endings and beginnings are important and even if we realise that they were not planned but just happened- that is fine.

I ended August aboard the Waverley Paddle Steamer cruising to Arran - a fabulous trip that is covered in a previous blog insert. I began September with a piece of work for a group of people in a large institution who are focused on their values and want to explore and discuss individual and organisational values. An important, courageous and not always easy thing to do. Sometimes important topics are hard to 'do' - or maybe it's more correct to say 'be' in the case of values. It was great to be part of that and hopefully to 'spark' of some great conversations where people get to know and undestand and appreciate themselves, their work collegeages and the organisation they work for much better. On 2 September. I hear Professor Phil Hanlon speak about how to sustain energy levels at work. A short insightful talk with a range to things to do like meditate, take a break, exercise but will we do it? We know what to do but do not do it? Someone in the audience confirmed a culture in the workplace of long hours - 9-5 workers not required and yet we all know that this is not an effective way to work or live? Someone I know who lives their values often asks busy people 'Busy doing what exactly?' Take a moment to reflect on how August ended, September began and what you are 'busy' doing and if it reflects your values. If you want a 'spark' to help you with that conversation with yourself or with others- do get in touch as I offer coaching sessions that can help you do just that.

A magical trip on the Waverley on 31 August which started in pouring rain and finished with a beautiful sunset. We called at Largs. Rothesay and Lochranza. Great conversations on the way-we sorted Scotland out for sure! Here is a short video of the Waverley leaving Greenock for the last leg of her trip up to Glasgow. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the Waverley-last ocean going paddle steamer.

TheWaverleyleavingGreenock

Alex Glass was the local councillor in Pollok during the period when the Greater Pollok Development Company under its Chief Executive John Watson became aware of appreciative inquiry and started learning about it and applying it in various ways. Bliss Browne and I worked with GPDC in a number of different ways. Here is what I asked him earlier this year- some 4 years after the first applications of the appreciative approach: 'I recall a story about you being impressed with the process we used and how it impacted on the way the work in Pollok was written up and presented - a positive story and approach. it would be good to hear your recollections and your thoughts re the impact.' His response follows and I am very grateful to Alex for his response. In my experience it can be very hard to get people to respond and also be preapred for their response to be quoted. The fact that Alex took the time to do this says a lot in itself before you read the content. 'There has been a fantastic transformation within Greater Pollok over the last four years. We now have an area on the move after a long number of years of stagnation. Whilst much of what has taken place had been planned prior to Bliss' involvement the change in public perception has made a big difference and this is down to people being more willing to highlight the positive and not dwell on the negative.

John Watson's report on the building bricks of regeneration being in place was the first time that anyone had looked at the potential on offer within Greater Pollok and being willing to promote it as an area that was on the road to positive regeneration.

For too long everyone was willing to play up the negatives in order to attract project funding when in fact time could have been more productively spent trying to secure inward investment that would lead to more people in work and less need for social programmes that tend to keep people involved in the dependency culture.

We are now seeing the benefit of decisions that were taken less that 20 years ago. But more importantly we have residents who are now able to see the better opportunities that are available through work.

We still have a lot to do. There are some people who need to be convinced that Greater Pollok has changed for the better. We also need to redress the balance of those in greater need of support and ensure that the appropriate services are available.

Further job opportunities are on the way and it is vital that community leaders continue to talk the area up and not continue to reflect on past failures.

If it has been sometime since you last saw Greater Pollok I am sure you will witness an area that has made a dramatic change for the better. We still have small pockets where much work needs to be done but we are now in a better position to attract the necessary investment to complete the transformation.

Greater Pollok is now a place to Work, Stay and we are working on the Play.

It was nice to hear from you. All the best

Alex

What is the highlight of this story for you readers out there? Looking ahead what would you like to see happening in the future in communities like Pollok? The questions you ask determine what you find and positive conversations and images lead to positive action.