Author: admin

We were on the beach the other day, as you do when the seaside is a short drive away and you have a house full of boys, who need to dig holes in things.

We dug holes in the sand and then had a race down to the sea, to paddle and wash our hands and generally splash about.

On the return journey to base camp we had another race, but this time one of the twins fussed and huffed, instead of taking part. Theo, aged 10, won comfortably. Dad, aged 44, made a heroic effort and finished a sensible last. Harvey twin would have been second equal, with Oscar twin, aged 4.

Instead though, Harvey twin scuffed his toes in the sand and wailed:

‘It’s not fair! Theo won again! He’s faster than us!’

Without breaking stride, Oscar twin grinned and said:

‘Yes he is faster Harvey, but we’re cuter!’

So this week, stop grumbing about what you don’t have or can’t do and instead focus on the strengths that help you. In the world of Modern Careers, where we need to use what we have to the maximum effect, it pays to celebrate our cuteness, instead of bemoaning our lack of speed.

What makes you cute?

Or worth hiring?

Have fun!

I’ve been on the beach all weekend (and Friday too, after school). Laptop off. Phone off. Brain off. Just enjoying making sandcastles with the kids, flying kites, swimming and splashing, lounging in the sun, eating chips, catching crabs off the pier and waving to the air sea rescue helicopter as it thundered by, close to where we were standing. Maybe the crabs we caught waved too. Hard to tell, as the light was fading and we were also entranced by a brilliant pink sky.

It felt like a mini-Summer holiday. Oh and we did ice-creams too, with two flakes (well, you have to live on the edge sometimes).

It was a brilliant weekend and I hope yours was too.

It reminded me that switching off the electronic chatter is good for the soul and a great way to free up your head and focus on the really important things in life, namely how far you have to dig down through the sand to find water (about 18 inches)…

…It was also great to watch my eldest son, Theodore (10yo), build himself a sandcastle beach sculpture. He worked quietly and thoughtfully until he had made 100 sandcastles and then he ringed them with pebbles and flints.

He had to push himself to reach three figures and several castles needed rebuilding when they collapsed, but he persevered and finished it. It looked great as the sun dipped and shadows grew. Even better was the fact that several people stopped to admire it, and a few even took photos.

Sometimes we have to lose ourselves in a task to get somewhere, whether it’s an interesting piece of work, or a leisure activity. So, whatever your week has in store for you, have a think about what your ‘100 sandcastles’ task might be.

Maybe switch off your phone as well for a while, take a tiny-break and be calm for a few minutes!

Have fun!