I've had quite a busy week and met some more great people in the Leeds business community. I hope that we'll be working together in the future and helping build each other's businesses. The longer I am working for myself, the more I enjoy and appreciate the interaction with other businesses and forging business relationships.
The business world has its own momentum and most people find a sort of security in the usual Monday to Friday 9 to 5 routine even if they'd rather be doing other things. It's a bit like eating fruit and veg - you might not like them but you know they are good for you and you need to eat them to stay healthy!
So I wasn't surprised that the people of Cumbria have made the point of getting back to normal after the dreadful events of this week. How else do you respond to such a sad and needless loss of life?
But I hope that those affected will take the time as well to come to terms with what has happened and deal with their grief and shock. Most of us are very good at pretending that we're coping - and getting back to "normal" can certainly help in the healing process. A lot of people - most often men, it has to be said - think it's a sign of weakness to ask for help unless there is some very major physical trauma. But whether through counselling, religion or support from family and friends, I hope that anyone who has been affected will take the time over the next few weeks and months to deal with the emotional aftermath of the events, as unfortunately we know that left unhealed the effects of such trauma can simply become worse.
We're lucky to be coming into the summer and I hope that the effects of the sun and the warm weather will help those affected, physically or psychologically to start the healing process.
Marie