Dream Big

I have just come from the funeral of one of the most inspiring, creative and kind people I have ever had the privilege to meet.

He was truly inspirational, and genuinely interested in everyone. He had a continuing thirst for knowledge and a real wish to explore life further, get to know and understand things better.

He was only in his forties when he died.

He was a well loved, much respected father of 4 wonderful children.

He was also the much loved and respected headteacher of my children's old school.

It was much too soon for him to go. He was a man with much more to give.

I am torn by the utter sadness and crushing unfairness of it and yet so glad to have met him at all.

I want to share the words printed in his funeral pamphlet. They, like the man, are completely inspirational and everyone should read them.

If there were ever a time to dare,

to make a difference,

to embark on something worth doing

It is now.

Not for any grand cause, necessarily -

But for something that tugs at your heart

Something that is worth your aspiration

something that is your dream

You owe it to yourself

To make your days count

Have fun

Dig deep

Stretch

Dream big.

Know, though, that things worth doing

Seldom come easy,

there will be times when you want to

Turn around

Pack it up and call it quits

Those times tell you

That you are pushing yourself

And that you are not afraid to learn by trying.

Persist.

Because with an idea,

Determination and the right tools,

You can do great things,

Let your instincts, your intellect

and let your heart guide you.

Trust.

Believe in the incredible power

Of the human mind

Of doing something that makes a difference

Of working hard

Of laughing and hoping

Of lasting friends

Of all the things that will cross your path

Next year.

The start of something new,

Brings the hope of something great

Anything is possible

There is only one you

and you will pass this way but once

Do it right.