Nothing Changes

Working from Home is Great

Hi Everyone

Working from home is just great. There are some really good benefits but you have to be so
focussed and selfish you’d not believe. If you slip you’ll find you can be crushed by the outside forces and the inner torment that can just destroy you.

I’ve worked from home for over 25 years apart from some short spells and I’ve gone through the best of times and worse of times. So here are some of the hurdles you’ll find on the path to home working success.

Work/Life balance

Working for a company gives you the structure that separates your life into segments. You get up, dress and groom yourself, travel to work for a set time, finish at a set time or work agreed overtime and then leave and go to your home life. Sometimes you might take work

home but usually you can stop working when you leave the office and not start again until you arrive next morning.

Working from home means you probably never stop working. You might have a home office but its usual to work on the dining or kitchen table in the evenings and even as soon as you get out of bed. It’s like an addiction. Whether you love it or hate it, you just can’t get away. You are tied to your business, probably your laptop which is constantly always switched on.

Mealtimes go out the Window and you famine or feast

Remember when someone yelled out “Anyone for a bacon buttie?” and there was a rush to pay the guy who was going to the sandwich bar to pick them up. Lunchtime comes and you go out, eat in the staff restroom or even work at your desk, but at least you ate at regular times.

Now you are working on that priority project or just get carried away and forget the time. Suddenly it’s 4 in the afternoon and you haven’t eaten. So you make a sandwich or grab a ready to eat snack. Then just a hour later you have a family meal but aren’t very hungry. Or you are drinking coffee with 2 sugars and snacking continuously during the day. Then
wonder why your clothes don’t fit!!

You become isolated

You worked with others and that had its ups and downs. But in the main you have an office social life where you interact with others. Might be small talk about what you did last night, the TV or football. Could be office meetings or discussing work. But you are talking to others
usually in an informal way with people you are familiar with. For some, the office life is their life where they are maybe unhappy or lonely at home.

the
people you meet online.

So you finish up becoming quite isolated. And that
might have an effect on your personality and your relationships with your
family. And it certainly can add stress and uncertainty. Do you begin to prefer
your own company, do you start talking to yourself! Do you start talking to
your pet goldfish.

Social Media becomes your Social Life

Being alone you stop for a while and hit Facebook.
That’s when your troubles really begin because you either start surfing within
Facebook as one connection leads to another.

Or . . . your life starts to revolve around
Facebook and you sink into the fantasy world of what everybody else is doing.
And begin to lead your life on theirs. And you may start texting or adding
posts to these “friends” pages whom are really at best just acquaintances and
often almost strangers. And this can lead to you not only wasting time but also
getting trapped in situations you just don’t want.

So . . . basically your social life just vanishes
into thin air, to be replaced with a fantasy world.  We all need to socialise but you’ve cut yourself
off.

You can’t have a Sick Day

Working for yourself means you usually can’t afford
to take a sick day, or snowed in day when you just can’t get to work. When you
just need to roll out of bed and slouch down to your work area there’s just no
excuse.

So not only do you miss those days which could be
spend out snowballing or just having a bit of fun. You stay alone, working. Outside
you see Mums and Dads having fun with their kids. You aren’t paid by the hour.
You have to complete to compete.

Are you busy? Can you just . . . ?

And you know what’s coming next. Nobody thinks you
work. Your time is almost your own. But on second thoughts it not. Your time is
everybody else’s.

“Sorry to bother you but can you just drop Mary off
at college. She’s late and it’ll only take you 10 minutes”  Yes!. Suddenly that 10 minutes is 10 minutes
there and 10 minutes back. “And whilst you are out we need some milk and a loaf
of bread. Can you just stop off and get it? Oh and don’t use the corner shop,
they are too expensive.” So you go out of your way to the supermarket. The total
time is now over an hour!!

Then there are the friends who drop in or call you
and want to tell you about their latest escapade with the car parking in town.
And that’s another hour gone. So you decide to clamp down on this and tell
everyone that you are working and not on a sabbatical. That works for a couple
of days then back to the old routine.

Working in an office and nobody calls you to do a
pick up! Everybody respects that you are working.

Your Neighbours wonder what you do

What does Jim do all day? He doesn’t seem to work
and when he goes out he looks so unkempt. Maybe he lost his job. Maybe he’s an alcoholic.
He’s always in old clothes. Strange man isn’t he.

And suddenly you are being accosted when you go out
and asked some strange searching questions
. . .  or you are ignored. So once
again you are losing that social interaction and get strange looks. So you are
talking and drop into the conversation that you write courses online. And you
get those funny looks and you can almost hear the gears in their brains
clinking into action “What does he mean? I don’t really like to ask because he’ll
think I’m stupid”

Looking Good

Remember when you wore a suit every day? Those were
the days. Looked good, felt good. Knew you were the smart guy. Always a sharp
dresser.

Working from home it’s sloppy joe time. No need to
dress up. Old jeans, trainers and a sweatshirt. Fine. You feel comfortable. Some-one
had told you that when you dressed well and felt good then your work was
better. But you just can’t be bothered. And your work does probably suffer.

You look at yourself in the mirror and suddenly realise
that you need a shave if you’re a guy or haven’t used make-up for days as a
woman and you look like you are recovering from a hangover.

Office Parties a thing of the past

 Remember
those office parties? Xmas or some other celebration like a birthday or
leaving. Any excuse. Leave work, head for a bar or go for a meal and have a
laugh. Get to know everyone better and let your hair down. It’s time to relax.

But working alone you have nobody to celebrate
with. You could go down the pub and sit in the corner. No. Just forget it. You
can’t even reclaim the tax on a Christmas dinner. Ah well. Better get on with
work.

Getting some exercise

I worked in an office some years ago selling
conservatories by phone. This was about 1998. We used to do the whole sale by
phone. No salesman visiting to close the deal. It was hard but rewarding. But
my point here is that every lunchtime a couple of us would go out and just walk
for about 30 minutes. It was an industrial estate so nothing particular to see.
But we used to get back to work and be active in the afternoon whilst everyone
else began to get tired. I also rememeber that I was pretty fit.

Working alone you’ll keep going all day and then
wonder why you are tired in the afternoon. You’ll have forgotten what fresh air
smells like and you will become lethargic. Life will be work, work, work.

But it’s not all Bad

I’ve listed out the bad things about working for
yourself from home but there are some great advantages.

You don’t have to slop around the house or feel
isolated. You can have a work/life balance and be respected by your friends and
neighbours. You just need to bring that discipline you have in working for a company
into your life. It does mean self discipline but you just need to get some new
habits into place.

The main benefits, however, in working for yourself
is that you can achieve what you want. Whether you want money, fame,
satisfaction or anything else, it’s possible. If you work for yourself now, you’ll
know this is true. There is nobody else you need to rely upon. Just yourself. 



Be positive. Take Action 

All the Lonely People - where do they all come from!

Eleanor Rigby picks up the rice in the church where a wedding has been. Lives in a dream. Waits at the window, wearing the face that she keeps in a jar by the door
Who is it for? All the lonely people. Where do they all come from? All the lonely people. Where do they all belong? 
The world is full of lonely people. There might be a lonely person sitting next to you on the bus, working alongside you at work, behind the window you are walking past, or even in the next room to you now - in the heart of your family. 
Loneliness can be staring you in the face in the mirror and you can't see it. Maybe you are lonely, can't find anyone on the same length, can't talk to strangers or even your family and tell them your inner most secret thoughts. Loneliness doesn't discriminate. Loneliness sometimes strikes us when we least expect it. Loneliness does affect us all at sometime, even for a brief spell. But some people spend a life of loneliness, never having anyone to share with. Have a look at the first illustration and see if any of the descriptive words strike a cord. If you can list more than three then you need to look at your life.

Loneliness is not a disability but a whole variety of disabilities can make people lonely. And many of these disabilities are outside the categories of disability as laid down in the original DDA (Disability Discrimination Act) but I still think they are disabilities and have barriers that need to broken down. 

I'm talking about self confidence and self esteem. I'm talking about negativity and inaction. I'm talking about those who are trapped, perhaps when they are at work and not able to apply for a new position or even finding any satisfaction there. And considering most of us spend a third of our days at work then this is really depressing. I read the other day that over 81% of the population spend more than an hour a day thinking about what they'd like to do if they could, or if they won the lottery, or had a car, or had friends to go out with at the weekend. Think about it. That is equivalent to almost one and a half days a month. Wishing your life away.
There are some people that so lack in confidence and self esteem that they won't even go out of their from door. 
 Think how difficult this is, for what I guess we would call able-bodied people! Now consider how much more difficult for disabled folk. Maybe someone who has little or no eye-sight; a wheelchair user; or someone who has a mental disability. And some do suffer but many have managed to overcome and found confidence to do great things. Have a look at the Paralympics. Look at politicians and scientists that have done so well. 
So here's the thing. If you feel lonely are are out and about start being aware of others. Instead of sitting there afraid to look at others or say anything. Start looking at other people in the face, not starting but just looking at them for a second or two and smile. Don't carry on looking. Look away after a second or two, long enough for them to recognise and respond. Then move on. This is really beneficial.

•  It actually makes you feel good inside, smiling lightens your spirit
• The other person may smile back and this will make them feel good. Most people feel good if they are just acknowledged with a smile.
• The other person may smile at someone else and the cycle continues.
• This will ripple out and affect many people over a relatively fast period. 
• I guess smiling is a good head exercise too.

 Look at this girl here. If she smiled at you then you'd probably feel good and smile back. This is not some sort of strange way to pick up or be picked up by someone but merely a stranger giving a happy signal.Give it a try. And you can raise your confidence too. A smile is often the introduction to an exchange of words. But first step first. Want to shrug off loneliness or build your confidence? Then start smiling at people today. I know its not easy but take that first step and it will become easier and more enjoyable every time.
Out of interest I smile and talk to most people in shops, on buses and trains, queuing anywhere, in doctors waiting rooms. I'm not looking for any sort of conversation just passing the time of day. If someone wants to talk more then I'm usually up for it. Usually it's "Lovely day isn't it", "Did you see the match yesterday?" "It's busy here today isn't it" Try this and be surprised day. Sometimes people will ignore you, others they'll look annoyed but in my experience about 98 out of every 100 will respond positively.


So stop thinking you ain't good enough. Throw away that invisible cloak that you hide inside. Step out into the real world and live. So forget about the words at the top of the page and look at this grid. Now choose the words that describe you or that you would like to be described as. Learn about your inner self. 
Now look at those words again. Easy! Positive! Optimistic! Free! Certain! Daring! Affectionate! Curious! Who do you know who has all those characteristics? Would you like to be more like them? To be more confident, with self-esteem, and a good mixer you need to gather others with those qualities around you, they will energise you and also ward off pessimistic, miserable lonely people.  

 
The secret of life is to 
JUST BE YOURSELF



 

habits to live with

While there's no doubt that big goals and larger-picture things are incredibly important, it's the little things that keep us going on the day-to-day. Have you ever found yourself wondering what successful people do every day that you're missing out on? Read on for the 7 exercises to keep you strong, successful, and moving.
1.Always being completely transparent
Sometimes, it can feel really hard not to indulge in what appears to be a harmless white lie. Yet, the problem with white lies many people don't realize is that they add up--and they add up really quickly. The more honest and vulnerable you are with those around you, the truer you are to yourself. Not only are your intentions clear to those you work with--you'll never be questioned about your motives.
2. Wake up really early
Although some of us are night owls rather than early birds, it's been proven that peak productivity is definitely in the early morning. Force yourself to complete a couple tasks while sipping on your morning coffee. Your long-term success will come.
3. Keep petty change
All money is money, even though we often tend to forget that. Even when spending $5 here or $3 there may not seem like a big deal, keep in mind that things--whether we like it or not--always add up.
4. Eat well
Your body is a reflection of your perceived self-worth--so definitely be sure that you're treating it well. If you feed your body nutritious foods, greens, and lean protein, you'll feel great. And your productivity will reflect that.
5. Don't touch your phone
Have at least one hour a day when you don't go on your phone. These days, we're all so addicted to this little box of glass and wire that, sometimes, we lose sight of the splendor around us. Put your phone down. Your real-life experiences will amplify.
6. Set realistic goals
Don't overload yourself or multitask to an unreasonable extreme. We all have things we know we can do, and we'll feel amazing when we complete them. Focus on those--don't drown yourself.
7. Ask for help
Even though many of us are shy to admit when we can't take on all the work ourselves, the time can come when it's no longer reasonable to do everything ourselves. In those moments, reach out to those you trust for help. Your tired, stressed nerves will feel blessed.

FIRESALE TACTILE WELSH/ENGLISH SIGNS RAISED TEXT AND SYMBOLS BRAILLE

UNIQUE WELSH/ENGLISH

SPECIAL FIRE SALE 6 DAYS ONLY

TACTILE SIGNS

 


All tactile signs comply with legislation and best practice. All, unless otherwise stated are bi-lingual in Welsh & English. All have raised text and symbol (where applicable) and bi-lingual Braille.



All signs are in blue, unless otherwise stated, and have  contrasting white text, symbols and border so that they are easy to identify.There is an indent raised white arrow head marking at the beginning of the Braille so that it can be easily identified. All signs are made of a durable long-life plastic, vacuum formed to be used both indoors and outside. They come with a self-adhesive peel-off backing sutable for most surfaces but can be screwed for added security.




There follows some common signs that are currently available. These are end of line items and once sold will not be available at these low prices.

RECEPTION  30 x 15cm

Raised Text, Symbols. Braille, Welsh and English

Normally £15.50

SPECIAL £5.00 + PP

WAITING AREA  30 x 15cm

Raised Text, Braille, Welsh and English

Normally £15.50

SPECIAL £3.50 + PP

FIRST FLOOR  30 x 15cm

Raised Text, Braille, Welsh and English

Normally £15.50

SPECIAL £3.50 + PP

SECOND FLOOR  30 x 15cm

Raised Text, Braille, Welsh and English

Normally £15.50

SPECIAL £3.50 + PP

INTERVIEW ROOM  30 x 15cm

Raised Text, Braille, Welsh and English

Normally £15.50




SPECIAL £3.50 + PP








GROUND FLOOR  30 x 15cm

Raised Text, Braille, Welsh and English

Normally £15.50

SPECIAL £3.50 + PP

ACCESSIBLE TOILET  20 x 15cm

Raised Text and Symbol, Braille, Welsh and English

Normally £15.50

SPECIAL £5.00 + PP

FEMALE TOILET  20 x 15cm

Raised Text and Symbol, Braille, Welsh and English

Normally £15.50

SPECIAL £5.00

MALE TOILET  20 x 15cm

Raised Text and Symbol, Braille, Welsh and English

Normally £15.50

SPECIAL £5.50 + PP

PRESS FOR ASSISTANCE  20 x 10cm

Raised Text and Symbol, Braille, Welsh and English

Normally £10.50

SPECIAL £4.00 + PP

 Other signs are available.

Call 07964827959

or e-mail info@accessaudit.co.uk

for more details and to order

St Paul's church Sketty, Flower Festival 2016

Hi Folks

Went to the The Flower Festival at St Paul's church at De La Beche Road, Sketty Swansea was held on July 30th to August 2nd 2016. It was themed around Swansea at Work and covered all the many work related subjects in the area.



You may be interested to know that I need new equipment to carry out this project together with my other community filming and that I am currently looking for funds through crowdfunding. If you have enjoyed this and the other films coming along and you feel like making a donation of any size please go to  https://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/Future-Past.

Mike Leahy

Seventh Day Adventist Church Swansea Opening Ceremony

Hi Folks
This short film was made at the opening ceremony of the new Seventh Day Adventist Church at 55 Gower Road, Sketty, Swansea, SA2 9BH UK on 30th July www.adventistswansea.org.uk led by Pastor Jovan Adamovic. Many people from local churches and community attended. The ultra modern halls are available for community use.



You may be interested to know that I need new equipment to carry out this project together with my other community filming and that I am currently looking for funds through crowdfunding. If you have enjoyed this and the other films coming along and you feel like making a donation of any size please go to  https://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/Future-Past.

Mike Leahy

Glyn Vivian Art Gallery Auction at the Grand Theatre.

Hi Folks

Video number three. And this one is an event that took place recently at the Grand Theatre in Swansea.

87 artists contributed works of arts to be auctioned off by the Friends of the Glyn Vivian Art Gallery. The event was held on Friday 29th July in the Grand Theatre Swansea.

The Gallery has been undergoing extensive renovated and refurbishing and will be opened in just a few weeks.
A multi-million pound redevelopment project funded by the Arts Council of Wales, the Welsh Government, the Heritage Lottery Fund, Cadw and Swansea Council has been undertaken at the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery.

The project includes a new lecture theatre as well as conservation, library, exhibition, collection display, learning and community spaces. There’ll also be a new store for the art collection and the fully accessible entrance that means more people than ever will enjoy greatly improved access to the artworks. A new state-of-the-art extension will link to the historic buildings, including the Grade II* listed 1911 gallery, which has benefitted from complete restoration and improvements to facilities and access, all of which will ensure the Glynn Vivian is fit for the 21st Century. Other work on-going at the Glynn Vivian in preparation for re-opening includes the installation of artworks soon to feature in public exhibitions and displays. The learning, shop and café areas are being fitted out to offer a new visitor experience for our communities in Swansea and Wales.

Looking forward to the re-opening

Mike Leahy


You may be interested to know that I need new equipment to carry out this project together with my other community filming and that I am currently looking for funds through crowdfunding. If you have enjoyed this and the other films coming along and you feel like making a donation of any size please go to  https://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/Future-Past.

• Make a donation of any amount and you'll be mentioned in the credits on at least one film.
• Give £50 and be invited to the premier showing. Venue, date and time to be announced but it will be in the Swansea area.
• Give at least £100 and receive a personalised DVD of a selection of completed films and invitation to the premier
• Give £1000 and we'll make a short film for you subject to feasibility.