Welcome to another week and to some more great blog posts!  It has been a busy week in our household and some of you might have seen my post about moving one son home and the other off to university.  Funny how Duncan and I have both woken up with splitting headaches this morning…..the only extra comment today on the move to Nottingham, is how can a supposedly bright young man arrive in his room at university and have not packed a single pen in his luggage??

We have also celebrated my daughter’s birthday this week and we did wonder what we were letting ourselves in for when we agreed that she and her friends could have an evening at home….pizza, popcorn, films.  Eleven girls, aged 15 & 16, on a school night – how hard could it possibly be?  Actually it was easy….but extremely loud!  The girls restored my faith in teen friendships, having heard about various fallings out in girls’ groups and bitching recently. My girl is always very concerned about her friends and tends to be the problem solver in the group, quietly trying to keep the status quo between the more vocal characters.  There have been some subtle changes in the group dynamics recently, but I can honestly say that this particular group is kind and caring.  They had made her a wonderful “Pride striped” birthday cake and arrived with a personalised balloon.  Long may it continue.

Last night I watched the opening of the Invictus Games in Canada, and yet again I was unable to stop the tears.  How can we not be moved by these service men & women from across the globe, who have been so badly physically and mentally injured serving, yet have pulled themselves back from the brink to represent their countries again? A very different theatre undoubtedly, but the courage, strength and sheer bloody mindedness is inspirational. It does make me wonder what I have to complain about…..am I trying hard enough….but it is all relative.  However I was inspired to get some physio done in next door’s gym this morning! 

So whilst we are on subject of inspiration, I hope that you will enjoy this selection blog posts that I have put together this week…..a mixture of chronic illness, motivation and even preparing your own coconut oil (the photos on this post are fanatastic!).  So time to get that drink, sit down and enjoy!

https://motivatemenow.co.uk/2017/09/18/how-to-create-a-more-fulfilling-future-blog-series/

https://blondieaka.wordpress.com/2017/03/24/how-to-make-your-own-coconut-oil/

http://thedailymanic.com/manage-life-change-future-unknown/

http://xofaith.com/3-epic-reduce-stress/

https://www.mymeenalife.com/surprising-things-diagnosed-with-lupus/

http://alifewellred.com/3-ridiculously-easy-ways-save-money-holiday-season/

http://coffeeheartmind.com/meet-ivy/

http://mini2z.com/after-the-storm/

https://alifelessphysical.com/2017/09/24/perfect-presents-for-people-with-chronic-pain/

http://www.jennavon.com/?p=584

Please comment, like & share these posts, and support your fellow bloggers,

Claire x