Monday Morning Musings

Happy Monday everyone!

Here are some reflections over the previous few weeks of what’s been on my mind.

What I LEARNED

Last year my wife and I had 2 nights away together during the week around February time. We chose Feb as it tends to be a lot quieter and by then the busy Christmas period is over.

The opportunity to have some quality time together is so rare, and we enjoyed it so much that we decided that we would do the same again this year. So rather than buy each other Christmas gifts, this would be our treat to each other. To give each other time and presence in which to connect.

Although the weather wasn’t great this time, it was such a treat to just get away from the day to day of life, and spend some quality time together. It sounds strange even writing this, but having the opportunity to just discuss thoughts, feelings, aspirations and goals is so rare that I came away feeling refreshed, reinvigorated and re-connected.

We may not buy each other gifts for Christmas moving forward, but giving each other the gift of time presence (not presents), for me anyway is the ultimate gift money can’t buy.

What I LOVED

Last week I had the opportunity to present career choices and decisions to my children’s school sixth form.

I presented to last year’s sixth formers something similar, and I forgot how much it fulfilled me to be able to give some advice, tools and tips to the next generation.

It’s a tough world out there, and it’s unfair to expect teachers to provide the right tools to allow their pupils to make decisions on what to do next. Teachers roles are challenging enough, so to be able to give back in this manner filled me with joy.

One of the points I made to them was that being kind was a superpower. I find it so rare in my line of business and generally just day to day those who have manners and are grateful, that I remember those who said please and thank you more than those who don’t. So when a handful of pupils came up to me afterwards, even though they were nervous, to say thank you and that they found the talk interesting and useful, it made the whole thing worthwhile.

They are entering a tough world out there, so being able to arm them with a few things to think about will hopefully be of valuable. Even if one person took away one point, I will take that as a win.

What I LIKED

I’ve recently been getting into a series called Billions with Paul Giamatti and Damian Lewis. Its not a new series, and is 7 series long, but I’ve found it really captivating.

If you’ve not watched it then I wont spoil it for you, but what I like is how the story lines constantly keep you gripped with twists and turns throughout.

My commute home is usually a time for me to try to switch off from work and have a bit of me-time. I now look forward to it as I get to watch a bit more Billions.

Final thought

I friend and colleague recently recommended this podcast, which I really enjoyed listening to so thought I would share as this is an area that can help all of us.

If you would like to read the latest Monday Morning Musings then subscribe here:

• Stories, Suppers, and the Small Joys of Learning – From 8th Dec 2025.
• Small Experiments, Big Reminders- From 8th Sept 2025.
• Adapting to AI, Moments that Matter & Living with Lions – From 23rd June 2025.
• Baking, Biking and Being Back in Touch- From 21st April 2025.
• Seasons of Change & Rekindling the Love of Learning – From 24th March 2025.

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