When you find yourself in times of trouble resilience comes to me

 

Being resilient at times of trouble does not come easy, what we have faced over the last 6 months has shown how strong we can be as human beings. If we strive towards developing ourselves this has an overall effect of improving our performance professionally and socially.

Vision- resilient people will have a clear idea of what they are trying to achieve in their lives, and will have written this down somewhere. They are likely to review the vision from time to time, particularly when events seek to divert effort away from achieving the vision. The vision itself might be blurred; it should not be time constrained, but it should be feasible to achieve.

Interaction - is about how we behave towards other people. The only person we control is ourselves. However, to survive and achieve what we need, we must control the reactions of others to our behaviours towards them so that they, in turn, help us. This is known as reciprocity.

To interact effectively with others we need to understand everything that is going on in an interaction, almost reading the other person’s mind so that we can adjust our behaviour to respond to how we think the other person is responding to us. We need to explore and respond to the other person’s self-interest. Self- interest is our prime motivator and by feeding the self-interest of the other person, they in turn, will reciprocate and feed us with our self-interest. If we manage all this we are in control, and by being in control, we build our resilience.

 Relationships ‘If you always approach everyone with cheerful optimism, you will find that they simply have no choice but to respond in kind’.

In order for us to survive and prosper we need to forge relationships. These are many and varied that include acquaintances, partners, friends, all of whom have a different quality to them in relation to their strength, importance and power, and each appeal to a different aspect of our own need.

Determination Resilient people with high levels of determination have the capacity to achieve things that those with low determination tend not to be able to do. Determination is essentially self-driven, although can be triggered by a reaction to an event, and requires considerable focus on a goal, task or vision. People with high levels of determination also have high self-awareness -knowing yourself very well; high self-advocacy - being able to articulate your wishes effectively; and high self-efficacy - a belief in being able to achieve almost anything.

 Organisation - People who are well organised are able to cope with the chaos of daily life better than those who do not pay attention to organising themselves, preferring to rely on memory and luck. Being organised allows individuals to know where they are if their day is disrupted by unforeseen events. Organised people plan their week and their day in ways that ensure they start work immediately, and reward completion of nasty tasks by next completing enjoyable ones. Resilient people know where they are, and can control their working environment by careful planning and implementation.

 

Be resilient in your working day and let it filter through to your whole week.

Face Coverings

 Face coverings are now compulsory for all passengers on our buses (unless they are exempt) as per the government guidelines.  I think this is good news for us from both health and safety perspective and also for the future as hopefully 2M social distancing measures are reduced and the number of passengers allowed on a bus are increased. The measure also gives confidence to passengers that bus travel is safe, and they can return to commuting in an environmental manner and we get back to running some sort of normal bus service.

  We have to play our part in this, and I have noticed already that many people are complying with the law and wearing a face covering as the week progressed. I have no doubt that we play a major part in influencing this behaviour.

Firstly…...

Engage with the customer, greet them with a smile the chances are they will be fitting the covering as you pull up. If for some reason the customer isn’t wearing one, explain that everyone is required to wear one as per the government request, remember some people are exempt and it is not up to us to be the judge and jury, if they state they are then trust that is the case.

It helps to Explain why it’s important to wear a covering when on our vehicles this encourages customers to wear one and finally, Encourage thanking the customer for wearing the covering as they get on the bus giving them a thumbs up, sub consciously positively reinforcing a safe behaviour.

What we can also do is wear a face covering when we take over or alight from a vehicle, this is to demonstrate good practice.

Theres a light

To stay positive during the pandemic from a personal perspective is vital for so many reasons. This mind set is something that we can all achieve with a degree of reflection and being thankful for all the good things in life that continue to exist and will flourish again as we return to a new normality at some stage in the future. How do we keep a positive mindset when so much around us tries to halt this train of thought which is very challenging.

   I concentrate on small targets and small steps, I have never spent so much time with my family and doubt I ever will again, this has given more time to reflect on what is important in life. The health and welfare of all of them is my number one priority, we have done everything possible for that to be maintained and I am thankful that we are still relatively safe.  I have never seen so many people enjoying being outside together I see families on cycle rides, walking the dog, couples holding  hands. Everyone is getting through this in so many different ways bringing new challenges daily. When I speak to colleagues, friends and family, jobs around the house and garden have been completed that otherwise would have been delayed, new skills have been achieved and people have grown in themselves. Keeping a focus can distract thoughts from spiralling into negative worries and lower anxiety.  

A community spirit has developed, we have had butter and flour dropped off on our doorstep because a neighbour knows Lauren and Lily enjoy baking. This has been reciprocated with ourselves leaving finished cupcakes and cookies on the doorsteps for all our neighbours-while socially distancing of course.  My eldest daughter have even thrown a cupcake over the fence for the neighbour.

 The beauty in the world is there for us all to see we just need to reflect and slow down sometimes to appreciate it. We now have 3 sets of birds living and nesting in our garden, watching the pair of blackbirds and blue tits work continuously to build their nests is wonderful to see.

Everyone will take something different from this time when life resumes.  Some of us will be more effected than others and some of us will have different daily routines.  to resume we need to try to find strength in positives as this mindset can physically help our health an give us the energy we need to persevere. 

Have you considered the following questions:

What are you positive about?
What have you achieved or a member of the family achieved?
What will you continue to achieve when we resume a different normality?
How have you changed for the better?
Do you think you have changed?

The new new

We keep on hearing what the new norm will look like and as I write this I am curious to the government's announcement.  I am hopeful that a  plan  for the easing of the current lockdown will be introduced.  So many considerations to take into account with the nations physical and mental health. This prompts me to have thoughts, some good some not so good, What will happen to our economy?What will happen with regards to navigating through our day to day business? Will the economy get back to some form of normality?  How do I help people around me that are struggling?

This sometimes helps me it's a theory called the 'Circle of control'.
I use it when i'm struggling with a concept that I have to grasp and it helps me to accept some of the decisions that affect me personally - it's a simple thesis, everything in the inner circle is under my influence (learning, attitude, behaviours etc.  Whereas,  in the outer circle there are somethings I can't directly change.  This helps my brain to compartmentalise what is working well and not to worry about things that are out of my control. Yes, I can influence but ultimately it is out of my control and therefore I can accept that this is ok and does not reflect my personal performance.





At this present moment many issues sit in the outside area, many things are 'not within our control'-meeting up with friends.  But we also currently have things we can currently control like my daily exercise and eating habits, trying not to wind my wife up-it helps if I work in the conservatory out of her way.


What works for you?
What behaviours, actions and choices can you place in the inner circle?
Are there any additional choices that you may be able to move from outside to inside?

Thinking outside the box

Thinking Outside The Box

We all have to seek different ways to complete our daily routine which will help us to get by during this pandemic. This current situation is taking us outside of our comfort zones and requires us to bring another plan to the table, challenging us both mentally and physically giving us new obstacles to overcome. The options we used to be familiar with have changed due to the lockdown so we have to be creative in many ways and change our thinking and behaviours.

    I can only go for my one exercise of the day and this shouldn't really exceed one hour.  I find this limits what I want to achieve from a mental and physical wellbeing prospective.  I therefore changed my thinking and routine to focus on more home exercises. I joined an app called swift for virtual bike rides, it cost nothing (except a piece of equipment) and provides the opportunity to cycle around cycle routes that gives me both a sense of normality and also the motivation and challenge I seek, alongside a physical sense that my body has had a workout. I cycled around London which was just the fix I needed and brought back happy memories. I doubt I will be cycling the Prudential ride in London in August, but I guess you never know.

   I have started reading books in the evening rather than watching the news which can overwhelm especially if you are watching it more than once a day. We even have adult colouring books being completed in the household which are relaxing and enjoyable.

   Every family is finding their own way to cope and adjust with some situations being more challenging than others. Such things as, an anniversary meal ordered online or shopping and delivering for vulnerable family members gives a sense of achievement. My oldest daughter would take Lily for a coffee and cake at the weekend so as they can't go out they brought the coffee shop to our home. Off her own back, Lauren created a high tea event for Lily in the kitchen.  It made Lily very happy.

Amazon and eBay have become the go to place that give us the tools and help us to carry on as usual providing delivery service that we are all relying on like never before.

What can you do that allows you to overcome the issue?

What can you change for yourself or somebody else in the household.

Can you make somebodies day special?  The high tea was £1 for cakes, cucumber sandwiches, crisps and a couple of traditional tea bags, as well as mum's posh tea set.  The most important ingredient here was time.

Stay Safe Everyone!

Majority and Minority

Behaviour of people is always interesting.  Over the four day bank holiday weekend, the majority of people in Southend and Leigh-on-Sea have abided by the Government guidelines and did not congregate but simply enjoyed their one permitted exercise of the day. I was slightly worried with the weather touching 24 degrees that the temptation of normality would override and people would succumb. I have to say, I am proud of our community for  doing the right thing and staying home. It seems to me that we are over the honeymoon period and that we are dealing with this situation and treating it with the upmost commitment and respect that it requires. Always remember we are saving lives by doing the right thing and in our industry we play a huge part of this by making sure the NHS workers and other key staff continue to be available to help all within society.

99 percent of us demonstrate this discipline but why do, thankfully only a  small minority not abide by the rules.  I see people saying excuses such as I'm not near anyone or bothering anyone else - They are missing the point you are only as strong as your weakest link and if we all demonstrated this individual thought process, rather than the group mentality, then we would be in a far worse position than we presently are. This makes me ponder, we must strive for 100 percent in everything we do but sometimes we forget to recognise the achievements of the many and only focus on the failings- It's important to recognise what works well.

   

If you are a follower of my blog you know I am a keen goal setter -

The daily planner I utilise really helps me focus for the day and week ahead without this I think my mind would become a mass of ideas and intentions with no focus, it really works for me.  My wife loves it as it keeps me out of her way.

what can you try, to stay focused?
What is working well?
Recognise yourself and others

Stay safe every one

Ant

How do we cope presently

In these unprecedented times it's important that we continue to be strong for ourselves, our family and others who we interact with. Life has currently changed, with our days not being our norm and what we are used to. We are all looking at ways of making this work, so when we finally emerge from this that we can do the best we can.

   Due to the situation we are all missing many things, simple pleasures that I took for granted that I now see as a luxury, my routine has been interrupted, as I abide by the government advice. I miss walking along the seafront, watching a football match in the local park, nipping to get a newspaper and not having to think about social distancing. These small pleasures aren't disappearing and the seafront will be there for us all once we recover and football players will once again grace the pitch, this gives me the light at the end of the tunnel.

   We are now a household of five, As a family we have had to devise a plan which gives us all the direction and focus for the day, this really helps and keeps the day running to time  - learning, exercise, fun activities, rest, are all built into an agenda which means everyone has to play apart. Each has strengths that they bring and weaknesses that they need to work upon (my teenage son).

Rather than focusing on the challenges of COVID 19 and the associated issues. I want to share on the inner strengths that are arising.

    I don't think I have ever spent so much time with my children.  Lily would normally be at her care centre,  and has lots of transfer equipment and wheelchair etc, Lauren  would usually be at work and Alex at college.  I watch how they handle the situation which I feel is character building. Both Alex and Lauren have stepped up to the plate with regards to caring for Lily, not only for Lily but also for their grandparents who are in 12 week isolation.

 My 45 minutes exercise has become the key to maintaining my day and it's my simple pleasure that sets me a goal to complete.

What goal can you set?

• Complete an on-line course 
• DIY tasks that need completing in your house
• Support someone in need
• Video chat with relatives

remember if anyone wants to chat  i'm always available through normal communication channels

What can we do?

                                                    What Can We Do?

In challenging times it is easy to focus on the negatives instead of actually what we can do.  We as a society are social and fast moving, travelling and integrating.  During this current pandemic we need to focus on our behaviours to help ourselves and others.  There are  simple steps that we can all take which will support life's current challenges.

What can we all do?

• Use hand gel when we can't get to a sink
• Use hand wash and warm water (remember the 20sec rule)
• Try not to touch your mouth, eyes or nose
• If you are unwell with a temperature or persistent dry cough self isolate for 7 days
• Be aware with people that you have been into contact and how they are
• Wipe down work areas, phones, keyboards 
• Use a tissue and bin it, then wash your hands or sanitize them
• Help an elderly neighbour with shopping etc.

How do we help as bus drivers?

• Many people rely on our services
• As a company we want to ensure our customers that we are doing our bit
• We are a lifeline for some to get to work, shops, school or hospital 
• We can adapt our behaviours

Lots of people touch their faces and this is a behaviour we need to change.  An entry point for the virus is through the nose, eyes or mouth.  If we are washing our hands before food then this limits the spread.  Also, not rubbing our eyes or touching our noses also limits the spread.  Be aware of your work environment whether it be a bus cab or desk.  There are hard surfaces that can be wiped down this also limits the spread.

Any one can progress

We have had our dogs now for over 3 years and bearing in mind I never had a dog until I was 47 I can't believe it took so long to become a dog owner.  And to be honest I now reflect on not having a dog and can see how they bring so many positives to not only myself, but all the family as well as neighbours and people who live in the surrounding community. I have to go right back to explain why we made this decision. Primarily, we decided to get a pet for Lily and thought it would be the ideal companion and that has certainly proved the case.  Secondly, we felt it would bring the family together and provide an opportunity for family time  during walks.  Then, finally we knew that two walks a day would benefit everyone from a fitness and mental health well being perspective.

 

    We found Murph at the RSPCA and we were reliably informed that he was in last chance saloon as he had a tendency to nip (being a pomeraian cross he's hardly dangerous his bark is worse than his bite). In the early days we certainly experienced nervousness, but over time and with the use of positive reinforcement he is such an asset to all of us. His bond with Lily is particularly heartwarming every second of the day, when Lily is at home, Murphy spends time with our daughter. I think he has a sense of protection and sees lily as part of the pack and it is his duty to defend her which he does so to much amusement ( try bedtime with a wheelchair and dog it's always interesting).

 

When we go for walks around our neighbourhood  people stop and talk which in our society is something that we should cherish. Many of our neighbours are elderly and the 2 dogs recognise and greet them like old friends we know being lonely can be difficult and others can easily be ignored, so it provides an opportunity to chat,  some petting time for the dogs and a moment that brings cheer to everyone present (both human and canine).

The point is everybody can be changed, nobody is lost forever and there is always help providing there is support. If one little dog can change many peoples lives for the better anything is possible.

Planning ahead for a great result

This Saturday I'm planning our annual shopping trip with my daughter who is a wheelchair user.  If we fail to plan we fail to travel well and enjoy our day.

Before we even leave the house we have a morning routine which includes moving from bed, to chair and from room to room, timing is key.

 

First we need to decide what time the bus is, as waiting in the cold is not an option.The new FirstBus app will be perfect to assist with this.  Lily's wheelchair takes up quite a lot of room so bus space also needs to be managed.  Autism means travelling on public transport means noises, eye contact, fears and phobias need to be fully managed.  For example, ear defenders, positioning of wheelchair and making sure anxiety levels are controlled are all essential elements of care whilst travelling. 

 

As you can see, our dog Murphy is very aware of Lily's needs and looks out for her.

                          A person with Autism finds the following difficult:

Noises                                Spacial awareness                       Different people

Conversations                       Change                     Buses being late         Buses being crowded

Anxiety levels                      Eye contact                  The unexpected    

                        A  wheelchair user finds the following difficult:

            Wet floor           Space        Uneven surfaces            Spacial awareness of others

         Own spacial awareness                              Other passengers bags

                                                What works well:

• Lowering the floor  and making the ramp available
• A big smile  
• Patience and understanding whilst entering the bus
• A smooth ride
• Extra information/up-dates in case of diversions

       In our roles we can all play our part, being a Journey Maker.

What difference will you make today?

                                                          

Skills you learn last a lifetime

I'm currently studying for a NEBOSH qualification to develop my safety skills further. Learning has many different styles and each of us learns in a variety of ways. Some people respond better to repetition whilst others learn better using a hands on approach.  What do all colleagues who are currently studying have in common? A desire to succeed! This drives us forward with a  reward when the final destination is reached.

 

We all learn at different speeds and at different levels, you can be a fast instant achiever or a slow burner with a more reflective approach. There isn't a right or wrong approach and one glove definitely does not fit all. One approach that I have found quite useful is to use prompt cards to help me embed the key messages that I need to adopt. My conservatory walls are also plastered with A4 memo notes to help me embed the key learning points.

The human brain has an effective learning system, new things sit in our short term memory until we actively use the information- by means of repetition, writing it down, using a questioning approach- then the information moves to our long term memory.  So remember that you need to act on new ideas for them to move from your short term memory to your long term memory.

 

Learning prompts can be:
 
Written - which can be referred back to
Graphic (visual) - quick to interpret jargon free
Practical & verbal  - quick and direct to interpret
 

A balance of all 3 are beneficial and keeps learning interesting and engaging.    The below image makes sense and clearly explains the concept as well as taking it to the next level.

Look at the same poster for 1min every day and by the end of the week you will have learnt the information.

At 'First' we have a free resource the 'First University' site have a look and see what's available it's never to late to take that first step.

You can find the site at:

https://firstgroup.sumtotal.host/core/dash/FirstBusUniversity

The Power of One

What a cricketing summer it has been- England won the one day world cup and then we draw the Ashes with Australia. We've had some exiting sporting events over the years; Jonny Wilkinsons last gasp winner in the Rugby world cup, Manchester Utd beating Munich in 99 and last year Liverpool coming back from 4 nil down to beat Barcelona. What all these events have in common is that anything is possible and you should never give up. To quote Joe Root 'as long as we have 2 men at the crease we have a chance and will fight to the end'.  All these teams have had a brilliant tactician and sychologist behind them but what they also has had are moments of shear brilliance from individuals who tipped the odds into their teams favour.

None of these results are down to luck they come from hardwork and practice, putting the hours in so when the time comes to deliver on the big stage they are ready and prepared.


 

After all, look how Ben Stokes has grown from an aggressive player, who at times was on the edge, to being focused, professional and staying in the zone. If you saw him in the world cup he barely celebrated when he reached his centaury. I don't think I have ever enjoyed listening to Test match special on the radio as I did when he single handedly defeated Australia (not forgetting Jack Leach!)

  We can emulate these team players by following these principles:

• Practice, Practice, Practice  (remember you only fail when you stop trying)
• If you are on a scale of 8, what can you do to get to a 9?
• Positivity brings results, Negativity brings resentment and disorder
• Engagement works wonders
• Sharing best practice is key
• supporting each other is a foundation

what will you achieve this week ?

Goals motivation and happiness

How important are goals in life and work?  Well, if we don't have a goal or think we need a goal then we have no destination.  After all, next steps are goals and keep our minds active & alert. ' You can spend your whole life running up and down and not achieving anything'. As a team we had a goal of 55 miles whilst completing the London to Southend ride. Raising money for Action for children as well as Cancer research

Top performers, world-class athletes set goals, anybody can.  That’s because when you set goals, you have a vision to work toward, ensuring that you are pushing yourself to get the best results, rather than resting on your laurels and waiting for things to happen.

Goals can create a focus and even small goals can have a positive result.  Achieving something and crossing it off my list gives me a feeling of accomplishment. The fact that we carried this out as a team gave us additional motivations with additional pressures we all had to finish. 30 miles into the ride we worked as a team encouraging, double checking and giving confidence to each other.

If you set a goal, you are accountable to yourself. Working hard to achieve things is great for self esteem and positive thinking.  I'm certain I can ride further than 55 miles I want to push my boundaries and ride 100 miles at 13/14 miles an hour, I'm sure I can achieve this.

Negativity can bring people down and having nothing to look forward to can be a contributing factor. Set your goals around things that you enjoy and allow time for worthwhile activities.  All these ideas then filter through into other areas of life and in-turn can make goal setting less challenging.

Just towards the end, one of us only had 1 working pedal so didn't quite make it to the finish.  He was a crucial part of our team so we finished on his behalf. 

At the finish line the reward is not just the medal around our necks but as a team we completed our goal with focus and perseverance.  We did it. Goals ensure that you get the best out of life and that's probably the best reason of all!

What it means to be committed

 I attended the Essex long service awards, this is a great event that celebrates colleagues who have stayed loyal to Essex for a substantial period of time (in one colleagues case being part of the industry for over 42 Years). I was honored to attend and it was an absolute pleasure to host a table and see individuals recognised for the commitment that they have shown not only themselves, but more importantly, to others alongside their colleagues. We must remember partners who also get up in the early hours of the morning or wait up late for their loved one to return home again. Often our partners are the forgotten force that  support and stand directly behind us.

 

We regularly celebrate as a company which is great news and deservedly so, as celebrating success is part of a company's culture. It also reflects a positive response that we drive to gain positive reactions from, rather than the negatives.  Life and work is far more enjoyable if it is positively reinforced. 

1. To learn and adapt:

To recognise what’s working well and why, and if there is something that you can take from it-why not inspire or replicate in other actions and goals. So basically you can do more of it!

2. Developing a success mindset:

 A large part of success is about your state of mind – so it’s about having a successful mindset and cultivating it. Focus on what you’ve accomplished, rather than a never-ending list of to do's.  Celebrate every success, no matter how small the win, this will balance and develop a strong successful mindset.  Celebrate and be proud of yourself!

 

3. Motivation:

Motivation is also connected to mindset – because we are motivated to succeed. So give yourself as many opportunities to be successful as you can.  Notice the small accomplishments along the way. If you break your goals down into milestones, actions, your steps are more achievable and completing small steps helps builds up to big ones. 

4. Feeling good:

One of the best reasons to celebrate success is simply that it feels good.  We’re driven to make changes in our lives because we want to feel better, be happier and feel good.  Success triggers the happy neurons in our brains. When we anticipate achieving something or we achieve it – and it feels good, so we want more of it.

5. Sharing success:

Share success, it creates team spirit! Recognise your own success and others will too.

 Congrats to everyone once again.

 

Equality Diversity and Inclusion

Hi all,

        My daughter Lily suffers with 2 Genetic conditions. She has a condition known as 'Turners Syndrome' as well as another genetic condition known as 'Triple X'. These conditions create many difficulties in her life that make venturing into the bigger society poses many challenges.  Lily is wheelchair bound so in effect we rely on outside adaptions to aid us as we travel. A normal day for both myself and my wife starts at 5.30am completing the normal day to day jobs. It's like a military operation (with my wife in charge, obviously) every day of the week. She thrives at her day centre and here there are many others of a similar age who also live with disabilities on a day to day basis.

What we can all do is focus on how we speak to each other with dignity and respect. Sometimes all it takes is some self reflection to really make a difference to yourself and others

 

 If any body has any questions please contact me for a chat while on my visits

 

Why we need feedback

Why We Need Feedback?

 My children use Instagram and Facebook way too much at times ultimately like many of us when they post an image they are after  feedback this comes in the form of ‘likes’. Our colleagues know that feedback is important for all of us to develop and change. It makes me smile when I look at how I used to get feedback and data. I would head to the library then go to the index wall then off to the area of the library to find the book I was looking for and finally locate the book.  Wow, look how things have changed Google, Youtube and Facebook rule the world.

For those of you too young to remember this was how we researched:

Now we can get instant answers and solutions, as soon as I need any feedback and answers or solutions I reach for my tablet and start hitting the keypad. This normally ends in success and I get instant results. Colleagues are no different, we all want and like to receive feedback. This can come in the form of a simple thank you; all the way to an end of year  development review.

Let's go for quick feedback and recognition, let's keep the momentum going and develop our colleagues and embracing the benefits of a  modern society and positive culture.

Growth is Good

The current focus on Brexit has created a huge talking point for all of us and the end is nearly in sight, one way or another a resolution will finally be accomplished. Economically, we are currently still showing a small amount of growth along with a low inflation rate.
As a business, we need to reflect this positive outcome but also bare in mind that we need to consistently strive for progress. One of the ways we will achieve this is by expanding our business. With this in mind, we need to be proactive rather than reactive. Opportunities exist, we just need to be ahead of the game and take the upper hand when we see inspiring ideas.

   This could be:

•  land for sale for a housing development
• A large music or social event
• Working with stakeholders, large local employers
• The stops on a route which are constantly the most productive

The best ideas come from front-line colleagues, who know the routes and areas inside out. They also may live locally so they will know where the new opportunities exist before others.

How would we capture this valuable information?

We have some great connections to feed the information to our support teams:

• Talk to your local schedules rep, they will regularly attend local commercial team meetings and
• Use 'Tap and Tell' via the connect app
• During canteen Question Time sessions feedback your growth ideas
• Speak to me as your employee director, I can take a suggestion forward
• Chat with your local operations manager.

The opportunities to grow our business exist. We can all play our part to make this happen.

On Friday 22nd Feb I will be in Basildon in the morning and Hadleigh in the afternoon.

Exercise for all

 

Whenever I need to reflect on life for 45 years I have biked in the outdoors. Living in the South East makes me smile,as we have sea and a capital city on our doorstep, as well as  the countryside,  all within a short distance.  Our lives are changing as technology advances, our lifestyles change at a speed that we struggle to keep up with.  For this reason, I  sometimes  need to step outside of the rat race and my bike riding helps me enjoy down-time. Nothing  beats the exhilaration of a muddy field or a rushing stream  on a summers day or even a frosty clear one.  I frequently, bike past colleagues on their bus routes. This gives a feel of community with work and rest time merged within one living space.

Whilst travelling  at St Pancreas I spotted The Peloton Bike company who have a pop-up    shop, they are advertising heavily on TV and Hollywood stars have signed up for a class in  their own homes (for the equivalent cost of a years Gym subscription).  There are many ways to strengthen your mind and refresh yourself for work.  What helps you? Maybe, look at the concept of virtual riding and does it have the same effect? I wonder one day in the not to distance future I will put on a virtual headset and cycle any where in the world.

I have set myself a few challenges this year. The first one will be via the Thames side path way which goes from Grays to Leigh on Sea  which is 37 miles. After that, I will complete the London to Southend 55 miles through beautiful countryside and finally I plan to cycle from Nottingham to  Southend via Cambridge over a 2 day trip ( if my wife lets me).

What goals will you set? What Challenge can you see yourself  attempting? Remember we only ever fail when we stop trying.

The 12 risks of xmas

Hi all,
         So much to do and so little time to do it! At this time of year everyone starts to take risks,  society goes into melt down and the risk factor of daily life can get overlooked.



As I am out and about, I am seeing people take risks that they probably wouldn't normally take. So far,  I have seen a parent and child rush across a busy road child in hand, hardly looking and with a pedestrian crossing only 30 m away.  In  most store  car parks I have taken to parking in the furthest corner possible, the blind reverses and broken wing mirrors are evidence of not taking care  or attention. Stop junctions have become  a law onto themselves, some drivers aren't even stopping merely joining the traffic.

 What can we do to avoid these daily challenges:

• Take time out from situations, step back and reflect upon events going on around you
• Use Psychology  - The Tortoise and the Hare analogy is a good example of this-remind me who gets to the finish line first
• Self reflect, self reflect and self reflect some more -  Doing the right safe behavior impacts on yourself and others
• Keep your eyes moving at all times, be it in the street walking or while driving, be alert to the risk of danger and lower your risk by being the first to react.

Above all enjoy Christmas relax and recharge the batteries.

Hadleigh Community Event

On Sunday 2nd of December, I have organised a winter walk and litter pick at the local nature reserve. Once again, working with  local stakeholders and Castle Point Council.  'The Westwood' is

literally, just around the corner from the bus depot.  This event  involves us volunteering as a team and giving 90 minutes  of our time on a Sunday morning (or whatever time you can spare). Our objective is to aim to put something back into the community which we serve, whilst enjoying a pleasant mornings walk through the woods.  For example, if you walk home this way or have friends and family who live in the community.  Or you might want to help the wildlife.  Sometimes when you give a little, you get more back.

 

The last time we actioned this it created a feel good factor, we collected over 6 sacks of plastic, had a mild healthy workout and chatted to locals about what we were doing.

 

We will provide PPE, equipment and bin bags. Put the date in your diary 2nd December between 9.30 am and 11am.

You will definitely need to wear wellies or walking boots. please wrap up warm!

 If you have any questions please speak to me via normal channels.

 

 

 

On Friday morning, I will be in Chelmsford from 5.00AM for the morning run out , we are holding a breakfast briefing based upon 'Winter Preparation' join me for a coffee and mince pie or simply grab an orange juice.