Wednesday 12th March 2025 - A Day of Restoration, Achievement & Brotherhood

"Every challenge is an opportunity to create something meaningful. I approach each day with focus, gratitude, and purpose."

Hello all.

Some days are all about solving problems, making progress, and finding joy in both work and community. Today was exactly that—a day where everything clicked into place, even when unexpected challenges arose. From repairing a damaged carving to finalizing a CCTV upgrade, assisting with student projects, and taking part in a meaningful Freemasons ceremony, the day was a perfect mix of hard work, creativity, and camaraderie.

Starting the Day with Energy & Focus

My morning routine has become a powerful foundation for the rest of my day. Deep breathing and a cold shower might seem like small habits, but they make an incredible difference in my mindset and energy levels.

✔️ The deep breathing helps clear my mind, making me feel present and focused.
✔️ The cold shower is invigorating, pushing me to embrace discomfort and build resilience.

After that, it was time to get the household moving—everyone had places to be, whether work or school. The rain was coming down quite heavily, so instead of cycling, I drove to work, ready to tackle another busy day.

Restoring the Stations of the Cross

One of the key tasks of the day was repairing one of the Stations of the Cross carvings at school.

Last week, when the stations were being handed out to each group, one of them got damaged—a section of the cross had broken off. Instead of seeing it as a setback, we decided to use it as part of its story and symbolism.

🛠️ Using glue and a clamp, I worked on reattaching the broken piece.
By keeping it clamped for several hours, we hoped it would hold its shape again.
🎨 Once secured, we planned to incorporate the damage into the station’s design, making it part of its history.

The beauty of this approach is that it aligns with the message of the Stations of the Cross—that even in brokenness, there is meaning and redemption.

Helping Students Bring Their Stations to Life

Beyond repairs, my own group selected their gospel story for our station, and I spent time researching it to create a document for tomorrow’s lesson. I also provided photographs, images, and other resources to help the other groups develop their stations over the coming weeks.

Seeing the creativity and dedication in the students is always inspiring. Each group is approaching their station with care and thoughtfulness, making the project all the more special.

Finalizing the CCTV Upgrade

A major administrative win today was finalizing the CCTV upgrade. Over the past few weeks, we had received multiple quotes from different suppliers, and today we finally made our choice.

✔️ We selected the best provider for the upgrade.
✔️ The quote was submitted to the Department for Education for funding.
✔️ Once approved, the upgrade will enhance security for the entire school.

Our existing CCTV system is already good, but this upgrade will make it even better, ensuring a safer environment for everyone.

Navigating Technical Challenges: Server Transfers & Classroom Laptops

It wouldn’t be a workday without a few technical issues to sort out! Today’s main challenge was a server transfer that was in progress, which caused a few disruptions across the school’s computer systems.

🖥️ Some staff members experienced slowdowns or connection issues.
⚙️ The transition between servers required a bit of troubleshooting.
📊 By the end of the day, everything was running smoothly again.

Meanwhile, in Year 3, a class needed help with their laptops as they worked on a PowerPoint presentation about modernism. I provided some guidance, ensuring the students could confidently put together their projects. Tech problems solved, lessons continued!

A Busy Afternoon in the Teaching School Hub

The Teaching School Hub was a hive of activity, with multiple tasks demanding attention:

📌 Lots of admin work to keep everything organized.
📅 Online meetings to plan upcoming projects.
✔️ Preparing for QA visits as part of the Appropriate Body service.

It’s always a fast-paced environment, but that’s what makes it exciting and rewarding. By the time the workday ended, I felt a real sense of accomplishment.

Evening Productivity: eBay Sales & Freemasons Ceremony

After work, I had a small window of opportunity to sort out some personal tasks. I packed up another box of items I’d sold on eBay Boosters, keeping my side projects moving forward.

Then, it was time for my monthly Freemasons meeting, where we held a Third Degree ceremony—a significant milestone as we raised a fellow Brother to the rank of Master Mason.

A Special Evening of Brotherhood

The ceremony was incredibly well-executed, with everyone playing their part flawlessly. As Senior Warden, I had a small but important role, and I was pleased with how it went.

The best part? The atmosphere in the lodge—it was a gathering of like-minded men, all there to support and uplift one another. Many visitors came to witness the ceremony, adding to the camaraderie and spirit of the evening.

After the ceremony, we enjoyed a fantastic meal together—an absolutely massive corned beef pie. It was the perfect way to unwind, chat, and enjoy good company before heading home.

Ending the Day with Gratitude & Relaxation

By the time I got home at 10:30 PM, the house was peaceful—everyone had fallen asleep on the couch.

🏡 I took a moment to tidy up, loading the dishwasher and cleaning the worktops.
💤 Carried Fearne upstairs to bed, making sure she was tucked in.
Unwound by watching the Champions League highlights before heading to bed myself.

Even after a long day, ending it with gratitude and a sense of peace made all the difference.

Reflections on a Meaningful Day

✔️ Restored a damaged carving, turning a setback into a meaningful part of the project.
✔️ Helped students with their Stations of the Cross projects.
✔️ Finalized the CCTV upgrade, making progress in school security.
✔️ Handled technical challenges with server transfers and classroom laptops.
✔️ Played an important role in a Third Degree ceremony at Freemasons.
✔️ Balanced work, personal projects, and home life with focus and efficiency.

Today was a day of progress, purpose, and community.

Gratitude for Today

🙏 The ability to help students with meaningful projects.
🙏 The teamwork and support from colleagues at work.
🙏 The strong sense of brotherhood at my Freemasons lodge.
🙏 The peace of coming home to a quiet, happy household.

This was a deeply fulfilling day—one where every task, challenge, and interaction had purpose. Whether it was repairing a carving, guiding students, upgrading security, or participating in a Masonic ceremony, everything felt aligned with growth, service, and meaning.

I’d love to hear from you—what’s something you accomplished today that made you feel fulfilled? 😊

#MorningRoutine #ProblemSolving #FaithAndCreativity #WorkLifeBalance #Freemasonry #SelfImprovement #Gratitude #Community #PersonalGrowth


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