Football Hero

The boy saved the goal. It's hard to emphasize how important this is. The double fracture in his arm was a small price to pay for the glory. A white plaster cast has lots of room for messages in coloured felt-tip: 'You're my hero'; 'Play it again'; 'XXX'. The front porch bears a pile of tributes: toffees, comics, old DVDs. Back in school his blonde sweetheart is Becky to his Tom Sawyer, trailing him round the playground to rout the opposition. The boy is only seven but he knows what is required for success in the tribe.

MidSummer's Eve

It's nearly Midsummer's Eve, the shortest night of the year. A time to enjoy long dusky evenings outside - though this far north, it's never as warm as it ought to be! But be careful, on this night the veil between the worlds is thin and the faery folk may come to join our revelry.
As the year turns, it's a reminder to us of life's trajectory. The first half of your time on earth is taken up with classic Freudian issues: breaking free from your parents, choosing friends and partners, finding a job. The second half of your life is more concerned with what Jung termed the 'inner journey': gaining insight, finding fulfilment, inner peace. Learning that the first sign of wisdom is realizing just how little you know.
But for now, let's stick with the festivities. Any excuse for a celebration, every day on earth should be a source of rejoicing. What could you do to mark this night? Buy some chunky candles at the supermarket, and put them around the room. Hang coloured paper streamers outside the window, to flutter in the breeze. Scatter rice before your doorstep, to signify plenty - no, that could attract ants - perhaps confetti, or ivy around the door handle would be better. Plan something different for supper, especially if you're by yourself: buy olives to start the meal, chocolate to finish, something bubbly to drink (needn't be alcoholic). Happy Midsummer's Eve!

Bucket List

What's on your bucket list? You know - things that you really want to do before you kick it. Things that you want to achieve, or experience, or at least see while you're in this world. Running the London Marathon was on mine. I did it this year, and it was quite an experience: exhausting, but exhilarating too (and I raised a lot for charity)!
Think of three things you'd like to do. They could include learning a language; surfing in Hawaii; seeing the Taj Mahal. It doesn't matter how far-fetched they are, you can always change them later! Make a list - somehow it always helps to write things down. Then beside each one, put the first step that you'd have to do, to make it happen. This might be ordering a brochure, making a phone call, asking a friend for advice....
Now pick one one of them, and do it. Without spending any more time or thought on it.
Google it while you're on the computer, and press that button.
There, easy isn't it. You're one step towards achieving one of your dreams.