The top of the mountain

As a fresh and enthusiastic new teacher in the early 1970's, learning about Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs made a great impression on me. I find it still as exciting now, in 2015!

The basic needs of every human being in Maslow's pyramid, help me keep a clear perspective on life. We are all entitled to feel these needs, and to expect to have them fulfilled.

*Image found on http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maslow's_hierarchy_of_needs

The need for Self Actualization

When children are given the opportunity to be spontaneous and expressive, I think this is a real gift. Throughout life we are given opportunities that help us to grow as a person - in confidence and in helping us to develop our own style and personality.

It's interesting, isn't it, that each one of us has a strong need to be loved by at least one person - in our family or our friends? Yet, there is always room in our hearts for anyone who cares for us and respects us.

But to grow our own uniqueness, and our own confidence takes something more.

Did you read the story recently of 7-year-old Ted McCaffery, who became a young fundraiser? He went into Alder Hey hospital for heart surgery, and the TV in his room didn't work, so soon after his operation, he decided to run a mini Triathlon, to raise enough money to buy the next patient in his bed a TV that worked! He also gathered his school friends to do the same, and raised over £1000. That must have made them all feel a real sense of achievement!

To fulfil our potential in life is most people's ambition.

Certainly as a mother, and a grandmother, I feel it is a privilege to see my children and grandchildren grow up to reach for the stars, and to have time and opportunities to realise what they can achieve.

I remember in the 1980's, while at primary school, both my daughters won the Art Prize - a proud moment for me, and looking back nearly 25 years, a real springboard for their future.

As a family now, the three of us are all thrilled to see primary school children using their imagination, to fulfil their own promise.

Self Actualization is to me, the icing on the cake of life, i.e: the best bit !

"Tell me and I forget

Teach me and I remember

Involve me and I learn"

Benjamin Franklin