I love myself.

That is not the end of the story. It sure as hell isn't the beginning of the story.

Mental illness is often regarded as an "invisible" illness because symptoms may not be easily visible to others. However, the effects of mental illness within the community are far from invisible.

In response to ‘Lashes outdated way to punish children’ https://www.nationnews.com/2023/05/21/lashes-outdated-way-punish-children/

A controversial one but a much needed conversation. Even though I grew up in the culture of scbigystcf, (If you get that, you get it!) I don't believe in physical punishment for children. My reasons are plentiful but as brief as I can explain:

Can you guarantee the "lash" will be the same strength each time? Or, after the car breaks down, a busy day at work, a stain on your favourite top and an argument with your partner, will the lash have a bit of weight behind it?

Do you find you have to give lashes for repetitive behaviours? Maybe, just maybe the lashes are not as effective as believed to be. The child may wince at the sight of a slipper but it begs the question does the child really understand why they are getting hit? Is the lash accompanied by a discussion - is the child required to give words of accountability for their behaviour? Are they taught or given the tools to develop emotional intelligence or conflict resolution? If not, it is likely the behaviour will be repeated. 

Patience is considered to be one of the Seven Capital Virtues. However, how practical is it to be patient every day?

Over the last few months, there have been a lot of posts online and reports in the news of violence. CCTV footage of shootings are becoming a common occurrence. The scenes are very disturbing and the language used around them, I feel, pulls us further away from understanding the root causes and therefore the ability to find solutions.

“Gun violence” or “knife crime” are ambiguous terms that place the emphasis on the object and almost suggest that if those items were not available that the violence would not occur. As seen in many of the comments online, people are questioning where the guns are coming from, calling on the police and the army to have a greater presence or advocating for the death penalty. 

It is terrifying that these things are happening on this small island, often in broad daylight but when I see the reports and videos, I see people who are in a huge amount of pain - and I don’t just mean the people whose loved ones have been killed and whose families have been torn apart, I mean the people who are killing and committing violent acts.

How do you stay clear and intentional in your daily interactions?

To the week that was.

Once I drove to the Peak District with the intention of visiting a very specific location within the 554.83 square mile national park. I entered the details into Google Maps and after a stress-free journey, I arrived at the Peaks but couldn’t find the spot I wanted to visit. After a few minutes cussing to my phone, I realised that I was in fact standing in the exact spot I wanted to visit. I literally couldn’t see the woods for the trees. The journey only improved as I found a free parking space a few minutes away from the visitor centre which was pay and display (I love free parking - another story for another time).