Just before Christmas, I was told about a local Farm shop which is said to have some very good supplies.  I wanted to immediately rush along and see what they have in store but I was put off by the snow.  Subsequent to that the past few weekends have been exceptionally busy so I haven’t had the chance to visit.  However this Saturday I will be driving down to Wakefield Farm Shop with a big smile on my face. You see one of the many reasons why I moved to Milton Keynes almost eight years ago was in order to explore the countryside and buy groceries from local farm shops. As of yet, I’m yet to fully exploit the opportunities offered by the various farm shops, but it’s never to late.

Beyond the general desire, whilst I believe it’s also important to support local producers and suppliers. You see whilst I reognise, accept and even see some of the benefits of the global economy that we now live in, I believe that local is still important and if we want it to survive we need to give it support.

The only thing is whilst we have a responsibility to support local suppliers, they simultaneously have a responsibility to provide high quality products and services that meet the reasonable requirements of the public. They also need to help us to help them and not assume that we should automatically support them because they are local.

I say this specifically because I recently received a call from a local business. The caller told me about the services that he offers and highlighted the fact that he was local.  I told him that I already had suppliers but was happy for him to send me details just in case. He asked me whether my current suppliers were local.  I explained to him the criteria that I used to determine the suppliers that I use – beyond the basic fact that they are local.  He continued talking, reminding me that he was local. He seemed to punctuate every sentence with the word local.

I ended the call by asking him to email details of his website so that I could refer to his services if I had a need. He did so. I had a quick look at the website, it had some basic text on it and nothing more. Now for a business that provide services in the creative space, I thought this was unacceptable and was left asking – did he really expect me to buy from him simply because he is local?

Ref: http://www.wakefieldfarmshop.co.uk/farmshop.html

Copyright 2011. This document is the specific intellectual property of Susan Popoola. Content may not be reused or reproduced without the specific permission of the owner or a reference to the source. Opinions may be generated

Have you heard of Gordon Brown, former British Prime Minister?

If you live in Britain and know anything at all about British politics, you’ll know that he once had a dream – the dream of becoming Prime Minister. He is said to have waited – not to patiently for 13 years whilst Tony Blair was first leader of the opposition for 3 years and then prime minister for 10 years. Finally, Tony Blair stepped down and uncontested (at least in public), Gordon Brown became Prime Minister.  The fulfillment of a dream!

Gordon Brown was Prime Minister from 24th June 2007 until the 11th May 2010 when Labour lost the general elections and the coalition Government under the Premiership of David Cameron took over.

His time as Prime Minister was short, many people were critical of his effectiveness, but it’s probably fair to say the dream was still met – fulfilling or not.  If I have one criticism of Brown, it would be to question whether he was true to himself and his beliefs during his time as Prime Minister.

Brown is still involved in politics as a backbencher, but critically he is also now a Board Director of the World Wide Web Foundation “advising on ways to involve disadvantaged communities and global leaders in the development of sustainable programs that connect humanity and affect positive change”

I’m pleased about this because I believe it provides Gordon Brown with the opportunity to fully represent who he is and what he believes in. I believe that with the kudos that come from him having been Prime Minister in this role he will be able to really and trully excel at being who he is and have a real long lasting impact.

The funny thing is it doesn’t just apply to Brown with many of us with dreams fulfilled or unfulfilled; fulfilled but not really fulfilling or whatever the case may be, the real success lies just beyond the dream.  It doesn’t jut apply to that dream job, but also relationships as most other things in life. Do you remember that person that you met – the guy or girl of your dreams – things didn’t quite work out as you had hoped and you were devastated, but then someone else came along…

As it’s the beginning of a new year so it’s worth me concluding by saying: this year go for your dreams, but if they are not totally fulfilled, don’t despair, it really and truly is not the end of the world. Something much better may just be around the corner – just keep the faith.

Selah

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So thankfully we’ve made it through to another year and people are optimistically stepping forward with lists of objectives and goals; with new year’s resolutions – determined that this year is going to be way better than last year.

I constantly review my goals and objectives throughout the year with the view to ensure that they are aligned to what I see as my God given purpose in life. I therefore didn’t feel especially aligned to follow the new years trend – my objectives et al sorest defined and constantly refined. More than ever I recognise the need to be more disciplined and focused in order to achieve my desired results. Disciplined in doing what I need to do and not get distracted. Focused not simply on the important things, but focused more on the things that I have at least a degree of control over and not the things that are in other people’s hands that I can do nothing but worry about unless they permit me to do something more constructive.

With all this in mind I am reminded of the people that I observed through 2010 who stood firm for something that they believe in regardless of the risks and the costs. With many of them I am not in total agreement, with some I actually believe that their cause is wrong, but they are consistent and they stand and I respect that. Some of them include people that passed away during the year. It’s sad to see them go, but great that their lives had a specific meaning.

So just as the Queen has a New Year Honours Lists I have mine and that is for all those who have faithfully and consistently stood for what they believe me. I’m not going to mention any names, those that belong on this list will be able to identify themselves with a little bit of reflection.

The only thing to add is that for next year’s list I hope that I can count myself amongst the numbers with confidence and that you are on the list too!

Happy New Year! Have a good one.

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I was in the Gospel Tent during New Orleans Jazzfesr sitting next to a young lady with a tattoo of a broken heart with angels wings and RIP on top of it.

She was wearing a wedding ring on her finger.  She had a very quite demure especially as compared to her friends who happily laugh out loud.

She didn’t look in my direction so I didn’t have the opportunity to try and catch her eye or I might have struck up a conversation with her in order to ask her why.

Later in the day as my Jazz fest tradition dictates, I went out to Congo Square to listen to Maze close the festival. Strangely I found myself standing right behind the lady and her friends – they remembered me and smiled warmly. I did not however believe that it was right to ask any questions as while earlier in the day she had openly displayed her tattoo, she was now doing her uttermost to hide it.

From time to time I still pause and ponder, what could have caused someone so young so much pain that she had decided to wear such an indelible scar

Copyright 2010. This document is the specific intellectual property of Susan Popoola. Content may not be reused or reproduced without the specific permission of the owner or a reference to the source. Opinions may be generated

I really should be working – pulling together the information from today’s meetings, preparing for the next, doing some business development or some business writing.  Instead, I find myself reflecting on a conversation that I had earlier with one of my nieces during which we spoke of the black diary. That is my black diary.  If I mentioned my black diary to anyone else it would probably mean nothing and they would wonder what I’m talking about – I’m much better known for gadgets and electronic diaries. However, the black diary holds a special meaning to my niece and I – albeit for different reasons.

For me it’s a book that contains some of my most treasured childhood poetry – Although I rarely write these days, I wrote hundreds in my teens to early twenties. A few  I wrote just for a laugh, but most to a greater or less extent reflected by deeper thoughts and feelings – the ones that I rarely shared with anyone.

My niece happened to come across the black diary one day. She read the contents and began to copy and share some of the ones that she liked. I guess I should have felt honoured, but instead I felt horrified and exposed and responded harshly telling her that it was private and she should leave my things alone.

That was many years ago so in many ways its history. However when I made reference to the diary today, she stated that it was that black diary that inspired her to start writing. I felt ashamed of myself. It was wrong of my niece to use my material without my permission, but I could have responded differently appreciating that she was actually honouring my work.

Since that time, over the years that have followed my niece and I have had numerous conversations during which she more than anyone else in my family has questioned and shown a keen interest and in my views and activities around Social Justice and Young People. I remember she was highly excited about my first book and told me about her plans to write her own. Not to long ago, to the consternation of her parents, she gave up her job in banking to work on school and social projects.

I am in no way responsible for her path, but without any delusion of grandeur there is no doubt in my mind that I have been a key influence. The truth, however, is if it was down to me she would have never seen talk less of read my black diary and it’s possible that we may not have had the subsequent conversations that we’ve had

From time to time I remind myself –that it’s really not all about me.  My ‘secret’ black diary reminded me of this once more– sometimes there’s a need to go beyond oneself for the sake of others.  If we allow the light of our experiences, knowledge and capabilities to shine (no matter how limited we may think they are), we just never know whose lives we could influence or impact in some way, shape or form

Selah – now I think it’s time for me to get some work done.

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Earlier today I read an article in The Independent entitled Most Inspiring People in 2009 by Johann Hari.  I would like to add a name to that list or really just create my own little list.  The person that I would like to honour as the most inspiring person of 2009 is a lady named Susan Magdalane Boyle from Blackburn – a former industrial town in West Lothian in Scotland.

As there has been so much hype about her, I’m sure you’ve heard of her?  I must confess that I normally find hype of putting, but there’s just something about Susan that can’t be ignored.

Susan had a long held dream that she had been working towards for years.  Without trying to be dramatic, it’s fair to say that Susan endured a lot of ridicule along the way and I’m sure she on many occasions she must have felt like giving up. However, she did not; she continued and literally marched onto the Britain’s Got Talent stage and sang her heart out.  The rest, as they say, is history.

The facts are, however that prior to her history making performance, Susan was what typical everyday person that people typically refer to as a nobody.  However she proved that she is someone.  A message to the world that everyone is someone in their own right.  It’s not to say that everyone should find their way through X-Factor, Britain’s Got Talent or the next reality show.  Rather the key is to find and nurture the talent that resides within – whatever it may be, simply being who they were born to be[i].

I therefore choose Susan Boyle as an inspiration because while those on the Independent list are undoubtedly advocates for everyday people, Susan is a direct representative of everyday people.  A true lady, with a sweet demeanour and the true voice of an angel which brings tears to my eyes.  She is truly inspiring and I whole heartedly hope that she continues to shine and inspire.

Copyright 2009 This document is the specific intellectual property of Susan Popoola. Content may not be reused or reproduced without the specific permission of the owner or a reference to the source. Opinions may be generated

In view of the current Climate Change Summit taking place in Copenhagen, I thought I’d share a short poem that I wrote  many moons ago when I was 21!

POLLUTION

The sky

was blue

with silver white clouds

cruising along

at ease with the world

a detonation of peace to all mankind

The sky

became black

as fuming warish smoke fumes

exhumed warish smoke fumes

making me wonder

about the destiny of this world

(c) Susan Popoola 21:166:16:06

Tiger Woods has indeed been a naughty boy.  However, he has now apologised to all who may have been hurt or upset by his actions.  That’s it for me, after all it really has nothing to do with me.  One way or the other he will sort things out with his sponsors. Most important of all I hope he is able to resolve things with his wife and the rest of his family.

However, I must confess that I find it difficult to understand why people feel the need to “kiss and Tell” if they care at all.  I also find it difficult to understand why the media pay so much attention to those that do.

I’m normally a happy, positive, smiling person, but on Thursday I received a phone call which made me feel as if I was actually walking on sunshine. I tried to contain my excitement, but all my efforts were futile. So if you were in Central Milton Keynes on Thursday and happened to come across a lady all suited up, jiggling along as she walked with headphones in – I confess, that was probably me. Since I don’t have any teenage children to have been embarrassed by my behaviour, I think I may have got away with such behaviour.

Although the teenagers of the world are more likely to be embarrassed for me than by me, I have questioned myself as to whether my euphoria may have been a bit extreme. After all, I’ve asked myself, what will happen if my new source of excitement is withdrawn? Will I suddenly go to the opposite extreme and become a melancholic nightmare.

On reflection I have, however, concluded that I should continue to at least try and walk on sunshine, but moderate my behaviour – in public. The reality is there is always something to be happy and excited about – after all even on a dull, rainy day, the sun does still shine. I know this for a fact based on the experience of sitting in a conservatory on a cold winter’s day. So sometimes it may be harder to find the sun, but it’s always there. Even if you don’t have a conservatory and can’t locate the sun anywhere else, as sure as there is day and night the sun will shine again.

Susan Popoola

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]]> http://www.EngagedForSuccess.com/2009/10/31/walking-on-sunshine/feed/ 0 http://www.EngagedForSuccess.com/2009/04/14/what-gives-us-the-right/ http://www.EngagedForSuccess.com/2009/04/14/what-gives-us-the-right/#comments Tue, 14 Apr 2009 18:09:00 +0000 Susan Popoola http://www.EngagedForSuccess.com/2009/04/14/what-gives-us-the-right/

Like some many others, I had the priviledge of listening to Susan Boyle auditioning for Britain’s Got Talent over the weekend. Beyond shadow of a doubt her singing was impressive, but as the more I read commentaries on the audition, the more I become saddened and concerned.

You see I’m increasingly reading comments where people very casually refer to her as ugly or express a desire to give her a makeover. The fact that she does not look like someone from a glossy magazine does not make her ugy – from that perspective, she’s just another everyday person.

Possibly singing in front of an audience and possibly the Queen means she will need to sharpen her image a bit, but it doesn’t necessarily mean she needs a complete makeover.

So I say well done to Susan. If she does want a makeover, then good for her, but if not then may she happily be as she is.

For the rest of us, one of the judges, Amanda said that Susan was a big wake up call. Let it truly be so as the question on my mind remains – “What Gives Us The Right?”

Selah

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