Last night we went to Max's Christmas school performance, “Oliver”. It's unheard of for me NOT to well up every time M’s Headmaster makes a post-performance speech. Last night was no exception, but for different reasons than my usual surge of thankfulness for the quality of education and the love produced from the school.   

He praised the children, the teachers and the whole school community in his usual meaningful, sincere and very special way.  What moistened my eyes last night was when he acknowledged one little boy who, in one scene, forgot his lines - not once but several times. 

There were a fearful few seconds when I thought "Oh no, he's just going to burst into tears and walk off stage" and I'm sure I wasn't the only one holding my breath in those moments. But he didn't.  He got prompts not only from the teacher but also from many of his fellow pupils.  They were all behind him and he kept going, even though he probably wanted the ground to swallow him up.  I must mention; the boy was a cracking little actor and had performed flawlessly up until this point.

When the Head acknowledged this boy, the audience and the children all burst into spontaneous applause for him.  We clapped, we whooped, we whistled and we CHEERED.  And quite right too!  He deserved every moment of that applause.  

Max's school never fails to remind me of the important lessons in life.  Here are the life lessons and thoughts that I took from “Oliver” last night:

1. Sh1t happens, even to the best of us.


2. How many times do we give ourselves, as working mums, "spontaneous applause" for trying and for keeping going, even when it's tough and it we feel as if we keep getting it wrong? Nobody in that audience frowned or remonstrated with the little boy; that would have been awful. Instead they cheered him on for sticking at it.  Do the same for yourself, even if you don’t think you are succeeding. 


3. Just keep going - you'll get there in the end. 


4. None of us is perfect: It's not important to be perfect and avoid failure.  It's how we choose to respond to "failure" that's important.  This little boy didn't give up and guess what? After that scene, he continued to play out the remainder of his part beautifully.  


5. We all need support for when that sh1t happens.  Draw upon those around you who love you and who will support you.  Let them buoy you through rough seas and carry you safely to shore when you are at the point of exhaustion and not being able to swim another stroke.  


6. Remember to acknowledge, support and praise others who are trying but not succeeding right now.  They need you.


7. Love really does make the World go round.  Call me corny, call it Christmas sentimentality if you wish, but there was a whole lotta’ love in that school hall last night.  Make your Christmas all about love and let it replenish you and yours as this year draws to a close.

Wishing you all a relaxing, love, laughter and fun-filled Christmas and New Year!







    

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