Good morning, Prep School family,
I hope you are all well and welcome to the first Bulletin of 2023. Can you believe where the time has gone – it only seems a few weeks ago that I was writing the first Bulletin of 2022. . .
I am finding it hard to believe that we are back to school already and that the Christmas holidays are done and dusted and only a memory now. I trust you all had a good break? We had a truly wonderful holiday – Mr Bennett and I were lucky enough to jet off to New York for a few days to celebrate a very belated, big birthday for Mr Bennett. It was an interesting journey to get there, but once we arrived, it was perfect. Bright blue skies, minus temperatures and more Christmas trees that you can ever imagine! New Yorkers know how to do a Christmas tree. We spent our days in coffee shops, shopping and wandering around the streets and the park. We ate, relaxed and got into the Christmas spirit. Once we were back, the excitement continued. Our house was full of food, fizz, family and friends. We had so many good times and made so many special memories. Laughter bounced off the walls and love and kindness were in abundance.
I know that I am so lucky to have had a Christmas like this and I know that many peoples Christmases were tough – really tough. Some people were lonely this Christmas, some missed loved ones, some were away from home and others had no food on the table. I reminded myself of this daily throughout the holidays. The festive period is a time of lavishness and indulgence and I always remind myself of those who may not be enjoying it as much as I am, no matter the reason. With this in mind, I began to think about the New Year and the resolutions that I could make going forward. What could I do to help change someone’s world? What could I do to make a difference – no matter how big or small? This in itself is an overwhelming thought. . . I suddenly felt responsible for everyone and everything and that wasn’t what I had set out to do. So, I went for a walk with a very wise old friend and two dogs! We spoke about how lucky we are with our lives – we have nice cars, houses and clothes and how sometimes we feel guilty for just carrying out daily tasks with ease. We discussed how life can be so unfair and how we need to take each day as it comes and to cherish each moment.
I don’t want to sound maudlin or over sentimental, I just wanted to take this chance to remind you that life is short. We don’t know what is around the corner, we don’t know where our path is going to take us today, tomorrow or in a few months and we certainly do not know what the future holds.
So my message to you this year is to be kind at every opportunity, see the good in all people, try and always make the best out of a situation, tell your loved ones you love them and live your life to the full. Give your time generously, forgive and be thankful, each day, for all the blessings that we have. That is my New Year’s resolution for 2023.
Quote of the week: ““Nothing is impossible. The word itself says ‘I’m possible’.” – Audrey Hepburn.
Well-being tasks for this week: These tasks are for
Tuesday 10 January –Thank someone you are grateful to and tell them why
Wednesday 11 January – Switch off all your tech for at least an hour before bedtime today
Thursday 12 January – Connect with someone near you today – say hello, wave or smile
Friday 13 January – Do a kind act to help brighten someone else’s day
Saturday 14 January – Eat some healthy food today
Sunday 15 January – Go outside and notice five things that are beautiful
Monday 16 January – Contribute in some way to your local community
Jokes of the week:
Q: Where do storm troopers go to warm up on cold January days?
A: The Darth Mall.
Q: Where do you find Google during January?
A: The Winternet.
Q: What is the first month of the year in Transylvania?
A: Janu-eerie.
Q: What happened to the woman who stole a calendar on New Year’s Day?
A: She got 12 months!
Q: How was the snow globe feeling in January?
A: A little shaken!
Sleeps til Santa: 348 sleeps til Santa… it will be here before you know at! Anyone started their Christmas shopping yet?!
5 things that I am grateful for or looking forward to this week:
Can you try this simple exercise in gratitude and positivity?
- I am looking forward to a friend’s birthday celebrations on Friday night
- I am looking forward to watching more of the box set that I have just started
- I am looking forward to meeting my cousins baby, on Saturday, for the first time
- I am grateful for my umbrella
- I am grateful for the delicious soup Mr Bennett cooked for tea last night
Have a super week and enjoy each day. If the week is seeming long, don’t worry, the weekend will be here before you know it!
With love,
Mrs Bennett
