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Picking the brains of a child isn’t exactly in the textbook of finding the pathway to success and, ultimately, fulfilling your dreams. In fact, we, as a society are almost encouraged to do the opposite; children should respect their elders and listen and, in turn, will become the innovative and creative members of our community we need. I pose a question now that may not be all too familiar with anyone really; when was the last time you asked for advice from a child?
Now I don’t mean go out and ask for ways to solve the world’s financial problems nor do I feel you should be encouraged to seek assistance in solving your relationship troubles. Please, don’t take this literally; just take it on board. Children are inquisitive, they see the world in a different way to us ‘grown ups’, they leave grey area behind and push open the doors of honesty, logic and more. What we fail to recognise as stress-free in the decision-making world is pure black and white for children. The process will unfold in almost any situation. We give a child choice and they will surprise. Give them opportunity to impact and they will shine. Empowering kids inspires all and, although it’s hard to admit, they more often than not create magic far beyond our very own capabilities. Learning works in many ways, everyone does it. A teacher, a mentor, a coach, a peer; there’s no formula. We do know though, that shared knowledge is best. For those that know all, you may not understand that seeking the advice, ideas or even just simple clarification of others not only consolidates your own understanding to new levels, it also enhances the enjoyment of any learning experience, for it becomes inclusive and empowering. What a reward. Fun! So, when you look at a child, the limelight of our lives, is there a better source of unconditional devotion? It would be remiss of them to give you anything other than the honest truth. And sometimes that’s all we need. Finding the ‘fork in the road’ occurs for all of us, in many areas of life. Trust your gut or follow your heart, great advice right? I advise you to take on a new way of thinking when making a decision. Make it together, it’s on you, but seek help from our minors, they have truly magical minds. Try it out. Give a child the responsibility and independence. Give them choice and reap the reward.
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Who is Billy?
One oddity of our book, Billy The Brilliant, is not within the text but moreover the illustrations. Why is this little magician a faceless one? How can one relate to the heroin of the story, and indeed the series, if you never actually know who he is? Although a minor detail of the publishing process, it was a deliberate and, we at JustZeusBooks thought, a necessary component. Billy, in many ways, takes form from within his creator, me. My childhood, my experiences and, of course my antics, but he isn’t actually a character encompassing me entirely. He could be a figment of imagination that made a kind of pleasant ring when he sprang into my mind and when the stories were collated, it just fell into place. Not the case either. I'm sure, if you’ve experienced a visit or interaction with our team, you may have heard the story of Timmy Bristow, the teacher, who continues to model writing to his students, using this made up character, Billy Bob Bristow! In some ways, the name came from this but, nevertheless, is not the reason Billy remains so elusive. So, who is Billy? The truth is; Billy is more the public’s hidden angels than the well-known heroes. The unknown, everyday magicians, who seemingly go through each day offering only goodness to our world, without making too much fuss, yet remain unknown. We actually all know these people. In our workplace, our classroom or social corroboration. They are amazing individuals that have the ability to dream, to make a difference in some way; to instil magic in the smallest of ways. They make a small impact to the immediate people around them without needing to be acknowledged in return. They too have everyday issues to deal with, squabbling’s or other seemingly meaningless problems. The fact is we all know these people; we may even be that person ourselves. The reality of this small piece of writing is that the message is clear; there’s a little bit of Billy in everyone. We all have hardships, struggles and times where things just don’t pan out the way our fairy-tale script we call life, is supposed to. The key is to surround yourself with other people like Billy, that continue to strive for positivity and show resilience and grit in all walks of life. For the best way to achieve greatness is doing together, no matter the situation. Experiences are always more fulfilling when they are done with others. Find the Billy within; be the best version of you that you can! Dreams are made from only you; dream big and create magic! |
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February 2019
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