Some of the biggest hearts are the most undervalued and under-appreciated people in out communities

I was in a primary school in Dublin today. A big school full of teachers with big hearts!! A disadvantaged school with need of greater resources and support. But this school has suffered big cuts to its resources. Even though it accommodates some of the most disadvantaged children in our community it has lost three teachers. It’s hard to understand this. It seems the weak have to become weaker, the poor become poorer and  the disadvantaged even more disadvantaged.

I tried my best to raise the spirits of the dedicated team and warned them to watch their stress levels. I reminded them that life is very imperfect and that we have to have a certain degree of tolerance of imperfection to cope with the challenges of life. I warned them not to be awaiting praise or gratitude. Some of the biggest hearts are the most undervalued and under-appreciated people in out communities. The magic is in the compassion – helping others because it’s a privilege not a cross. Loving the lovable is easy. Teaching the teachable is easy. The challenge is loving those who seem unlovable and teaching those that seem unteachable!!

At the end of the presentation I received a big hug from the secretary. Hugs are also much undervalued and under-appreciated. A few months the CEO of a major organisation gave me a big hug. I think I am a bit partial to hugs actually….