IRA giving up armed campaign!

I just saw the news briefly - what amazing and wonderful news. It is fascinating that, just as terrorism seems to be increasing so much, one major long-term source of trouble is being resolved peacefully. It certainly proves that all things are possible. We must be patient and find a way to negotiate through all other differences amongst the people on this planet. It takes a long time, but eventually, peace must prevail. I suspect that one day we will be challenged in ways as yet unimagined, which will cause mankind to work together finally. How good if we could find peace before we are forced to.

Consideration for each other around a reservoir

I live near a reservoir, with a wonderful, Lottery-funded track around it. This is 7.5 miles, adapted for walkers and cyclists to enjoy the beauty of the area. Sadly, we can't live peacefully together!

As a cyclist, I find that a small minority of dog walkers have no consideration for their dogs safety or that of cyclists. Twice recently, I have been forced to dismount, in order to avoid small dogs around my wheels, while the owner ignores me and says nothing to the dogs. When I comment that the dog's safety is at risk, abuse is hurled at me, despite my polite initial tone of voice. Dog walkers do not realise that cyclists are often attached to their pedals, making a sudden stop dangerous.

Similarly, a reservoir walker told me that she has often been almost knocked off her feet by cyclists dashing past, or that they ring their bell at the last minute, expecting her to instantly leap out of their way.

And walkers make cyclists' lives more difficult by walking in groups across the entire width of the path, leaving no space for us to get past.

So - we need a more considerate code of conduct towards each other and an appreciation that we each have rights to the path.

Cyclists should make their presence known as they come up behind walkers - slow down, say 'excuse me', and ease past safely.

Walkers should recognise that cyclists will wish to get past them and make this easier.

Dog walkers should attempt to get dogs to the side of the path when cyclists approach, to ensure the safety of rider and dog. There are many signs indicating that dogs should be kept on leads - this is widely ignored, but is designed to protect the birds that nest around the reservoir.

Ideally, if we could all smile at each other more, consideration would become so much easier.

Not so difficult really!

Since the London Bombs

Shocking as the bombs were, I sense a shift in thinking since 7 July. I believe that this may be the start of a more vocal campaign by the Muslim community to disassociate themselves from extremist behaviour and to band together on two fronts - to help convince young Muslims to not be swayed by the arguments of the terrorists and to help non-Muslims to understand Islam better. This may be a turning point that will help to diminish the growth of such terrorism.

July newsletter - Live 8 etc.

I held back from posting here about the great Live 8 weekend, and wrote about it in my July newsletter - see http://www.ambitioncoach.com/62652/84225.html.

Olympics in London!!!

What wonderful news! So much hard work for 2 years, by so many people, and it all paid off! There have been so many doubters and doom-sayers, but this proves the value of believing in something and going for it!