Having gratitude for just being you (From Hereford Times)

Having gratitude for just being you

10:39am Monday 1st September 2008

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Every now and then you meet someone who makes you feel grateful for everything you have but I can’t help thinking that it’s sad we have to be reminded to be grateful.

These last few weeks I’ve been speaking to people who have a real concern for the less fortunate. There is a group of volunteers working in Ludlow and north Herefordshire with young adults who have learning difficulties.

To allow them a safe pathway into their community, they opened a cafe which is run by volunteers and those with learning difficulties. The cooking, cleaning, serving is all shared.

These young people cannot take full responsibility for themselves but the volunteers encourage them to take part in as many activities as they can.

Interestingly, it's a two way exchange. I hadn’t really ever thought about it before because I’ve never been close enough to play a part in that world but as a customer, sitting at a cafe table watching everyone at work lifted me into a place a little removed from the usual frantic hub bub of life.

In that little corner of Ludlow was a haven where I could feel an atmosphere I hadn’t felt since I was a child. I was being treated like the most important person in the world by someone who had a huge smile and a delightful personality.

The cafe helps everyone involved achieve something and they so thoroughly enjoy their achievement they can’t help but share it.

Isn’t now just the right time to stop rushing around and give yourself time to smell the roses?

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