The Legacy of Unending War

War has affected so much, from the chemicals and gases of the First World War and the nuclear bombs used on Japan in the 1940's to all the weapons used now. None were used in a vacuum or controlled way so that they have spread everywhere over our beautiful planet on the winds, in the earth and through the water. It makes me sad and angry that so much damage is being wrought upon so many by power seeking, scared, thoughtless, selfish humans. Sorry for the rant, will understand if you choose not to read my blog any more. Merry Christmas!

Celebrations

I've been feeling rather emotional over the last few days and had put it down to overtiredness as I have been burning the candle at both ends whilst preparing for Christmas.

Today, in a brief moment of quietness, I realised that the reason is because my beautiful daughter, December, is going to be 10 years old tomorrow (Christmas Eve).

I cannot quite believe that a decade has passed since her dramatic arrival into this world.

I love her so much and am very proud of all that she has already achieved and hope that the next 10 years are as good to her as the first 10 have been.

Happy birthday, darling girl x

Witness

Tonight, in Chichester Cathedral, I witnessed a young woman being forcibly dragged away from her friend and flung over the shoulder of a man who carried her away down the aisle whilst she screamed for help and for him to put her down. 

No-one moved to help her.

This time it was ok. This time it was BTEC Level 3 Performing Arts students from Chichester College presenting a piece about how people become displaced from their homes and why they become refugees.

Later in the evening, a young Chinese man stood at the lectern and spoke passionately about the situation in China and events of 2014 where people took part in peaceful protests against their government about their legal rights being eroded. 

He bore witness to those who endured violence from the police, being pepper sprayed and beaten, many dragged away to prison.

I have no recollection of this having been reported on in the UK.

This was not ok.

How can we, as individuals, come together to prevent injustices and violence being perpertrated by governments / those in power over us?

Don't Panic! Breathe

Breathe. Breathing in deeply and slowly in a time of panic is good, it usually enables you to regain your sense of perspective.

In the run up to Christmas it can be very easy to lose sight of what matters, what is important.

Whether you celebrate Yule or Christmas all that really matters is who you spend it with, not how many gifts you share or how much food is on your table.

So, if you start to feel that everything is beginning to overwhelm you take a step back, put on a warm coat, step out of your door and go for a walk in your nearest green space and breathe. Allow the sights and scents of nature to replace the frenetic mist in your mind.

If you're in town, head somewhere peaceful such as a library or museum, even an art gallery. A place where you can step out of the whirlwind of activity and refocus on your centre. Be still.

Anniversary Thanks

One year ago today I started this blog.

I was very trepidatious and uncertain as to how my first post would be received.

Fortunately I received a warm welcome and have been amazed and humbled at how far my blog posts have reached around the world from the UK to the Philippines and to France and Russia and beyond.

Thank you to everyone who has read my blog and a big thank you to those who have commented too :)