Called to serve

Discernment is a pretty tricky affair! Having strong feelings about the way in which I need to live my life and the actual will of God can be two very different things! Sometimes both feel as if they oppose each other and some difficult decisions need to be made. One thing I do know is that it's not an easy affair and the internal struggles and feelings of an inner isolation, set apart from the world appears to be one of the defining features.

Over the years, I have considered how best to live my life and have made choices which have moulded me into the person that I am today - family and career being two of the most defining aspects and yet an inner gnawing which has been with me since childhood, simply wont go away... As a result, some painful decisions have been made and processes put in place in order to start a new journey in faith...

Over the past twenty years or so, I have made the ultimate decisions in my life and have repressed and dis regarded my spiritual self as it simply felt too high a price to pay... and yet now, in this my third chapter of life, all that I have built and all that I know has been turned on it's head, as I strive for that which I feel was always meant to be.

A couple of weeks ago, I went on a personal, silent retreat.... What I learned from that retreat was my own human frailty... my wants and desires and more importantly my faults. We all have them, for that is part of being human... but how we address them is another thing. By simply being mindful of them can we strive to work at them which ultimately will  us  to become better people....

For now, all I need do is to take refuge in God and pray that my faith will sustain me as I move forward into an unknown chapter of my life.

One of Life's Challenges

There have been so many times that I have felt 'lost', unsure what to do with myself or where my life was leading me... I have felt this during both good and more difficult times in life and have wandered about as if in darkness stumbling from one thing to another, frightened to let go of any part, in case I felt even more 'lost'.

For much of my life, I have busied myself to the extent that I have rarely even taken a moment to sit back, to think and simply consider the endless opportunities that there are out there for me. In truth, I was scared and became apathetic to the life which I was leading, drifting on as the years passed by.
For me, It has taken a significant event to happen in my life which has made me stop and reflect and although at times it has been difficult, it has been a period of renewal and growth, which has given me much internal peace and happiness. It has not been an easy process and it has forced me to accept change which is always difficult - well for me anyway, as I am such a creature of habit!

Life is for living... what more can I say? We only get one, so we had best make the best of it and not waste what the world has to offer. I truly believe that each and everyone of us has a purpose in life, the challenge is to find that purpose and if brave enough, to follow it. If we are able to do this, we will find much treasure, in the form of internal peace and happiness which we all crave and the futility of searching for something external will cease.

There are so many obstacles in life which can stop us in our tracks or even 'de rail us', such as illness, death, changes in personal circumstances, the list is endless and it is at these times I have found that it is essential to take stock, listen to our internal voice / gut and to push forwards. It is so very easy to resign ourselves to negative influences or circumstances which is the real enemy to 'self', as it stops us from progressing in life to finding that one thing which we all want - Happiness :-) x

The freedom that comes from 'Letting Go'....

Life changes so quickly and at times it feels as if it is out of my control.... People I meet, life experiences that I have, all play a part in the bigger picture of who I am and what I will become... Sometimes you just need to let go and trust that you're destiny will lead you to where you are meant to be. Having faith in God and humanity should be enough, but it is pretty scary at the pace of change that is happening and yet very weirdly - exciting.... For me, I think it is all about 'letting go' and allowing what will be. It's not a good time to be a control freak and although the lack of control is rather frightening, it is exhilarating at the same time. The deep sense of freedom that I feel right now is overwhelming and that in itself is a great blessing which in turn gives a sense of deep internal peace.

I know that I usually tend to over complicate things in life and being a natural over thinker does at times hinder my progress, but this is a time of transformation and renewal for me... The start of an epic journey to the very core of who I really am... I just wish I could share this with you all :-) x

Leaving the Comfort Zone...

No one said that life would be easy.... we are not born with an instruction manual, more's the pity... There will be times in life when we are faced with huge mountains to climb which at the time may feel insurmountable, but in truth, they are simply paths which lead to change.

Why is it that the majority of us fear change so much? Is it because we become so  entrenched in our comfort zone and blaze e  in life, that we are afraid of the unknown in case we upset the status quo, or is it because we are afraid of losing the familiarity that surrounds the life that we have built?

Change gives each and everyone of us, an opportunity to grow and to experience new possibilities in life. We remain masters of our own destiny, even if change is forced upon us.

Change does not necessarily mean the end of something, it can simply be a new chapter in life which allows endless opportunities and experiences if only we are brave enough to take that first step into the unknown...

Politics... A need for change where People come first!

The time is fast approaching for the general election and I for one, for the first time ever, have no idea who to vote for.... The main political parties all seem to say the same thing and are very much alike.... I am so sick of empty promises and once in power, nothing seems to change!

So what do I want?

Better health care with more nursing and medical staff and equality for all medical conditions. People should receive the treatment that they need... it shouldn't be down to money...

A better and improved Education system, where all our children have  the very best education - after all, they are the future and deserve the very best in life...

A fairer social system, where those in real need are helped and supported. People should not live in such extreme poverty, relying on food banks in order to live !

For our elderly to be cared for... They so often seem to be forgotten and at their time of life should not have to live in poverty, fearing how they will keep warm...

For equality for all with no stigma.... people should be allowed to be who they are without fear of being judged and free from discrimination.

For tighter control on our borders and to eradicate extremism in our country - making it a safer place to live.

For our ex service men and women to be cared for - again, it seems that they are another forgotten group within society... They should not be homeless and live in poverty and they should receive the proper care, attention and respect that they deserve.

I could go on and on.... but in a nut shell, I want a better and safer country to live in, where we as individuals are treated equally, free from poverty with better health care and education.

We were once a great nation... what has happened?

At the end of the day, I think my vote will come down to who I think will deliver what they say and who are passionate about people, not politics.

It's time to look beyond the parties and look towards those who strive for the very best for us... who that is right now, I just don't know, but I am sure that things will become clear as time goes on...

I am not usually a political beast, but I really feel that change is needed - where people matter and not money!

Forgiveness - One of Life's great lessons

Earlier today whilst attending mass, I saw a friend that I had not seen since attending high school some years ago. This person was a close friend of mine, but for some reason or another, in the stupidity of our youth, we fell out. Over two decades have passed and since then we have both lived our lives in our own ways - married, had children, built our careers etc. It struck me as I sat there, that the years just melted away and the reasons why we fell out, which now escape me are insignificant.

Much water has gone under the bridge and it became apparent to me that in itself, time is indeed a great healer... Is this because we have matured as we have grown up and become adults and parents, or is it because we have come to realise that life is very short and past 'issues' which caused the fall out are no longer important? Whatever the reason, as we begin this season of lent, I do feel really blessed that I had this encounter with my old friend and in the spirit of the season we forgave ourselves and each other...

In life, we encounter many different people, on all different levels and each one leaves a mark on our lives. Over the years, I have been so blessed to have a rich and diverse mixture of friends who have shared parts of my life and have taught me many lessons. Some of these, remain friends today, whilst others have moved on in different directions with their lives. Unfortunately,  due to my humanity and my many failings, I have fallen out with some people whom I used to call friends. At times in my life, either due to ego or pride, I have sacrificed the friendship that we once had...

Perhaps this is a lesson that I need to learn... to find a greater sense of humility and acceptance of others, to forgive my own many failings and to forgive those who for whatever reason have left my life due to whatever circumstance. Holding onto hurt or hatred in any form is unproductive and of detriment to myself and my growth. It is certainly a point that I will ponder for some time and very hopefully will not make the same mistakes that I have made in the past.

Reaching out to others - finding true joy

Lent is fast approaching and I have been thinking about what to do over this period of 'sacrifice'..... Most years I have given something up, for example alcohol, chocolate etc, but this year I want to do something a bit different... Perhaps do something on a more practical level, which might make a small difference to someone's life / lives... I have considered many things, for example, visiting the elderly, help out at a soup kitchen for the homeless, get involved in some form of charitable work etc... But sometimes, it is just the small things that make a difference to people's lives, making someone smile, sharing a coffee and just 'being there' for someone.... Whatever I eventually decide to do, this year for me will not solely be a form of abstinence.

Lent is very much like the New Year... We all make resolutions that we find difficult to keep as the weeks pass... the difference for me, is that New Year generally tends to be about what we do for ourselves, whereas Lent is a time of doing something for others - a time to reach out and to share.... When I do something for others that seems to have a more lasting effect rather indulging myself.

This post could be construed as being 'religious' in nature and for me I suppose that yes it is as I try to follow my Christian Faith and be a 'better person'... But on a more secular level, I think that most of us are looking for some form of internal happiness and a sense of inner peace... what better way can we experience this than by giving to others. From my own experience, I do find a sense of happiness by making someone else happy or by simply giving them some of my time. For me, this is usually achieved by doing it in a way that is private, that is, not shouting from the roof tops what I am doing, but instead doing it quietly, not looking for praise from others or any form of recompense. Doing it in this way is what gives me that feeling of internal joy.

This post is not meant to sound like I am preaching, but instead they are my own personal thoughts on how I might be able to help other people, whilst trying to be a better person myself.

A Little Thing Called Destiny!

Sometimes I think that some things are just meant to be.... It's almost as if our lives are already pre planned and our destiny is set. In truth, that is not really what I believe, as I do feel that God has
made us unique, with our own minds and that  we as individuals make our own innate choices in life which ultimately govern the life that we then lead... But it does make me wonder if there are some things that we are pre destined to do... Is this part of our genetic make up or is it our life experience? Who knows?

If my life has taught me nothing else, it has taught me to be the person that I need to be and to do the things that I feel come natural. For me, it's all about following my own chosen path and embracing it... Standing out from the crowd and being brave to do so.

We are all so different and that in itself is a blessing... only we know what is in our hearts.... the challenge is to accept it and to be the person that we know we truly are, deep within!

Fear & Anxiety

Fear is a terrible thing and can really cripple what you want to do in life... it can put a halt to you're hopes and dreams and stop you from living the life that you want to lead... Fear causes an ever perpetuating cycle of anxiety which isolates individuals and disables people from reaching their full potential.

As youngsters, it seems as if the world is our oyster  and usually, fear is minimal.... Our aspirations for the future are great and varied and it seems as if there is very little reason why our hopes and dreams cannot become a reality.

So what is it then that changes? Do we become overly cautious as we age? is it due to mental ill health or life experience?, or is it all of the above and more? One thing is for sure, the only way to get out of this ever perpetuating cycle of gloom is to acknowledge that the fear exists, to confront it and take ownership of it.

No one can do it for you, regardless of qualifications, differing theoretical techniques or experience... Its all about taking small steps to dispel the inner demons... it's about trust and faith and a little helping hand from those who are close to you...  it's all about challenging you're negative ways of thinking and taking a more positive outlook on life. It's certainly not an easy path to follow, but the longer these fears are left to breed and multiply in our minds, the worse the situation becomes and the ever perpetuating cycle of fear is re enforced...

Sometimes, all that is needed is a friend... someone to be there, to listen, to support and to encourage... Someone to share you're life's journey, to take you by the hand and accompany you through the labyrinth of life, dispelling the isolation and challenging the fear inside. Such support and encouragement is a major step forward on the path to a world which will enable you're future aspirations to become a reality and a life that is no longer crippled by fear...

What a difference a day makes

Thankfully, everything in this world is transient in nature... everything passes, good or bad. Yesterday becomes part of history, today brings a chance to start afresh. There are days when motivation is low and others when I am so enthused I could conquer the world!!!

Over the past couple of years, so much has changed in my life that it is barely recognisable... people have come and left my life, each bringing new experiences and an opportunity to learn something new.

Change can be a difficult process and I for one, at times, struggle with  the way in which my life seems to evolve, probably due to the fact that I over reminisce about the past. Periods of transition in life can be painful, especially letting go, but that is a part of growth and it is only by letting go  that I can move forward,  embracing the future and all it has to offer... It's akin to stepping out into the great unknown with much uncertainty.

I have realised that at times, I simply need to sit back and allow these changes to take place and no amount of reminiscence will alter the here and now. So, I have decided, that this is going to be my year... a year when I concentrate on myself, doing the things that I want to do. Its time to take things a bit more gently and actually enjoy the ride for a change. Life is very short and I know that I am guilty of filling up my time to such an extent that I miss what is going on in the world.... so this is it.... a new day.... a new chapter... What a difference a day makes!

Clearing out the clutter!

Time to clear out the clutter again! I feel like I need a spring clean, even though we are in deepest, darkest winter!!! I have to say, I am not very keen on the month of February.... It has never been a favourite month of mine.... everywhere is so damp and dark and the garden is lifeless... I do admit to loving all of the seasons - winter included, but I have to say that I am especially looking forward to Spring this year!

I have decided to re model the garden to make it a bit more manageable and I am itching to get out there and make a start, but unfortunately its akin to a mud bath right now! I am therefore having a bit of a change around in the house.... I am currently re organising rooms and trying to make better use of the space. I seem to be rattling around in this reasonably large four bedroomed house and as it stands, I am not making a good use of the space that I have!

It seems to be the right time to get rid of things from my past which will enable me to move forward with my life...

I am not a great believer in Fung Shui, but I do feel that clearing out the clutter and having a good old spring clean helps to clear out and focus the mind.... It is very much what is needed right now... Look out world, I'm on a roll. x

What to do next with life.....

I've decided.... I need a new challenge in life! Admittedly I do get bored rather quickly, but a few months ago, I decided to close a chapter in my life that had run its course over a number of years and to my dismay nothing has yet pricked my interest to fill the gap. It is so very easy to fall back into the trap of going back to that which is familiar, even if I have grown out of it, but I am determined this time to look forwards instead of backwards...

I think one of the most difficult things that I have encountered whilst making these life altering changes, is that not only have I stopped doing something which played a big part in my life, but also, my social circle has changed as a result.... The commonality that I once shared with others, is no longer present and it's so very difficult to connect in the same way. Some people who once played a large part in my life and whom I classed as 'friends' seemed to have disappeared ... Thankfully, I do have some really close friends, who will always remain a big part of my life, but nevertheless it's a bit strange right now.

Over the past couple of years, there have been a number of monumental changes that have taken place in my life, which has very much altered the world as I know it. Some changes I have instigated, whilst others have been forced upon me, which in turn has caused a sort of grief reaction, triggering all of the associated emotions, anger, denial, loss etc....

I admit that I perhaps could do with a bit more patience with regards to making changes at a slower pace, but then again is it such a bad thing to just get it all over with,  start afresh and work through the pain? Oh well, there is no going back now... I have set the course and therefore need to plod on in uncharted territory.... What the future holds... who knows! I will let you know when I get there ;-) x

Making Judgements about Others and the World

Its a natural part of our humanity to make judgements throughout life about the world in which we live, whether it be about situations, events or indeed people. It is a form of guide to measure ourselves and our lives. It can be a positive way to reflect where we are up to and what we need to work on. Making judgements therefore, is not necessarily always negative in nature. It can help and guide us to be better individuals!

By the same token, it can also be of detriment to us if we judge in a negative way... By measuring ourselves egotistically against other people / situations, we can take the moral high ground and our view can become tainted by our own self worth and beliefs.

As we grow up, we are conditioned with morals and beliefs about others and the world in which we live. This is healthy and natural as it gives us a basis and a form of underpinning. However, each and every one of us have some form of imprinting from our parents - and to a certain extent, take on their beliefs and values. As an adolescent, we critically evaluate and test these beliefs and strive to make up our own minds through our own worldly experience. Although there is a lack of experience and maturity at this stage, we do tend to move away from our parents / other peoples views and this in turn helps us to become an individual. The challenge however, is how we then perceive ourselves and the world through adulthood in a positive way, through continual growth!

As each decade passes, the world changes so very much and that which was once frowned upon can all of a sudden be acceptable in society, which then in turn challenges our our own thoughts ... Social media opens up the world to us.... We become more in touch with what is going on around us and are thrust into a position where we are subjected to differing values and beliefs. It is however,easy to get caught in the trap of once again returning to infancy and taking on other individuals  beliefs, values and judgements.

In a previous post, I wrote about being true to self.... this is so very important if we are to progress through this life in a more meaningful way. Over the years, I have learned to be more accepting of other people, their values, beliefs and the way that they interact in the world. Each and everyone of us is on a journey and we are all at different stages, as we all have different experiences. Don't get me wrong, I am not infallible by any means.... none of us are.... we are all just human after all and have many flaws. The challenge therefore is to be more open and accepting of other people and situations and to try not to judge or measure them against ourselves! My dad once said to me that 'the saint is the sinner that continually picks himself up...' - this is something that I have tried to live by for many years... Yes I make many mistakes in life which make me stumble, but I also get back up again, learn from my mistakes and strive to become a better person, more accepting of the world in which I live. x

Ready, Steady, Go!!!

Well, a couple of weeks have passed since the New Year and I think it's time I got my bottom into gear and start anew with the plans I have for 2015! Paying lip service is all well and good, but it's now time to put into action all the things that I have planned! I can talk the talk, but it's now time to walk the walk.

In the past I have hyper focussed on certain aspects of life to the detriment of other things... This year will be different! All work and no play makes Dave a very dull man!!!! There are so many facets to us as individuals and they are all important parts of who we are. Ignoring or neglecting certain parts of our being causes an imbalance and I know from experience that it can be detrimental to me as an individual. There is so much in the world that I want to see and do and I am only to aware that time is passing me by and I am not getting anywhere fast!

I am in charge of my own destiny and only I can take the lead with my own life. It's no point blaming others  for what I have or haven't done... so it's best foot forward and here I go!!!!

I'm feeling rather excited.... x

Gratitude for Friends & Family

I am grateful for many things in my life, but mostly I am grateful for my family and friends who make my life that much richer... They walk alongside me, teaching, nurturing, supporting and loving me in all that I do. We don't always agree on many aspects of life, but hey, that's a good thing... it challenges me and kicks my backside into shape when required... We sometimes fall out, but thankfully that never lasts forever as there is an invisible bond that ties us together....

We all have different paths to lead and we may not share the same vision, faith or beliefs, but regardless of this, there is a mutual respect and acceptance of our individuality... We may not see each other on a daily basis and may not live in each others pockets as we go about our lives, but all it takes is a text, a phone call or letter and they are right there to reassure, help or simply be there...

I think I have said in a previous post, that not everyone walks with you along you're path indefinitely, but even so, the contribution that they make towards you're life is invaluable. They played their part in you're evolution, teaching many things and offering differing insights and challenges in life...

I am indeed blessed to have these people in my life, as they provide colour to the rich tapestry that I weave and for their contribution to this, I am truly grateful! x

To Thine Own Self Be True...

Why is it that people find it difficult to be themselves and instead take on the beliefs and personality of those around them whilst in their presence? Is it a form of existential schizophrenia ? Such individuals seem to live 'double lives' - how they act and behave in the public arena or with their peers is not reflective of their true personality, but instead, they live a life of hypocrisy which can be perceived as being shallow and empty...

In my experience, some people seek acceptance through titles, academic achievements or indeed portray to the world some form of 'specialist' knowledge which usually lacks depth and understanding, losing touch with reality, creating their own parallel world and ultimately living dissolute lives.
It is very sad really, and each of us to some degree or another can fall into this trap as we strive for acceptance in the world in which we live.

The challenge is to be true and authentic to ourselves, for we are unable to justify internally that which is not real. On reflection, we may find that we do not have a sense of internal peace which leads us to feeling lost in the world.

Once again, I find myself rambling and almost preaching; but in truth, it is not intended... These thoughts have come into being as I continue to examine myself, my flaws and idiosyncrasies which forces me to look at the world, other people and indeed my own spiritual path in a new light, continually challenging self which impacts on how I view the complex world in which I live. x

Be Who You are Meant to Be

It's easy to get lost in the rigmarole of daily life... we get caught up in so many things from day to day that we barely have a minute to ourselves! We all play so many roles - partners, parents, work, committees etc.... All of the faces that we wear, make us into the person that we are, but with time, we seem to lose the very essence of our individuality. When we realise this, we seem to  go into a state of panic and reminisce about the person we once were and desperately try to become that person once again.... By then, too much water has gone under the bridge and a new 'beast' is created!

I've found that its really important to take some time out for myself... Over the past couple of years I think I must have gone through a mid life crisis as I approached the big 40.... I had completely lost the essence of me, as I fell into the trap of  playing a role and spent no time investing in myself. I questioned who I was, what I liked and what were my aspirations and I'm afraid to say that I couldn't answer any of them! I realised that now was the time to change and to re invent myself into the person that I wanted to be. I could not go back to who I was, as I had changed so much over the years, but it was time to rediscover myself.... The road has been rocky with much turmoil, but now I have re invented myself, keeping traits from the past that are meaningful and part of who I am and taking them forward with the experience and maturity of the past forty years!

I believe that this is one of the challenges of life.... to be the person that you are meant to be, for only YOU can do that...  :-) x

Time

Time is a strange old thing... sometimes it feels like it's dragging and yet at other times it seems to fly by. Time gives us structure to our day and sets landmarks when we remember events both in our past, present and future. It could be said that time itself is 'timeless' as it is not necessarily governed alone by a physical clock, but also through our memories.

Earlier this week, I re visited a place that I had not been to since the tender age of 18. Although just over 22 years have gone by, when I arrived it seemed as if the years had melted away and that the familiar place and the dear people who reside there had remained unchanged - it was as if  the world and life itself  had stood still!

Obviously, over two decades have passed and over the years I have grown and experienced many new things which has made me into the man that I am today and yet I felt as if I had been transported back through time... Precious memories and feelings re surfaced from long ago and a kind of familiarity and a deep sense of peace was felt within.

As I reminisced about the past, I was consciously aware that as an individual I have matured and changed. The reality of life and the world that we live in is ever more present in my thoughts as opposed to the naivety and innocence of my youth and my 'present' experience was very meaningful and real.

The wonderful experience as a whole has re ignited something in me which I felt long ago, but it is in a different way which will take much discernment.

What the future will bring, who knows.... only time will tell ;-) x

Determination

Well, that's Christmas and New Year all over and done with for another year, so it's time to get moving once again with all the determination and hope for the future twelve months ahead. It's time to put into place all those changes that I said I would do after reflecting on 2014 just a few days ago...

It's all rather exciting - its akin to being born again, having the slate wiped clean, leaving past hurts, mistakes etc behind and moving forward. But what does the year have in store? Who knows... One thing I do know is, that only I can make change; only I can shape my future and push forwards. To make things happen in life, I have come to the conclusion that only I can make things happen and that reliance on others is futile. People can share the vision and the journey, but only I can go where I need to go and self determination and focus is paramount.

Time to clear out the old and start afresh... It has been a long time coming I can tell you, but hey, it's all part of the master plan and lessons have been learnt! x

Change

Change is an inevitable part of life... sometimes good and sometimes not so good, depending on how it is perceived. Change enables growth, and gives new experiences and challenges.

I think that I sometimes tend to get stuck in my own little world and naturally resist anything new. To move forward though, I need to ask myself what good will this do me? the answer has to be no good at all.

This year provides me with the opportunity to start anew, embrace change and grasp with both hands all that life has to offer. This is the challenge of the New Year, to get out there and do what I want to do and embrace anything that comes my way with a new sense of vigour.

Bring it on.... I'm ready :-)

Forgiveness of Self

No one is perfect in this life... we all have done things which we are not proud of and would like to turn the clock back if we had the opportunity. Whether we have done or said something with intent or not, or if we have inadvertently hurt someone by our words or our actions, it can leave us feeling with a sense of guilt and remorse.

There are so many situations in life that perhaps we feel that we could have acted differently or in a better way. It could have been down to our immaturity, our psychological or spiritual state of being or due to some life event or experience that we have gone through.

Regardless of the situation or what we have done, there comes a time when we need to find forgiveness for our words or our actions. Sometimes, forgiveness is not possible, as those whom we have hurt may not be able to forgive, either because they remain resentful  or they may have moved away and no longer be in our lives or they may even have died.

Life is a journey and as we grow and experience all that life has to offer, we mature and see things in a different light. It is only by reflecting on our lives that we sometimes feel a sense of wrongdoing on our part and a need to put things right. Harbouring onto guilt is not a good thing as it will damage us on a physical, psychological and spiritual level, which can have a dramatic impact on our well-being and future lives. Such impacts can lead to ill health and leave us in a perpetual state of limbo where we are unable to move on with our life and we become trapped in a never ending cycle of negativity.

In my experience, the first step towards healing is forgiveness of self... This may be very difficult to grasp as we may not feel worthy of forgiveness due to our past actions or words, but by forgiving self, it is only then that we can move on with our lives, be better people and strive to act differently in the future. By forgiving self, we learn to live in the present moment rather than living in the past, giving us a renewed sense of purpose to change and improve and to build on our experience rather than being held back by what we have said or done... Emotions often play a significant role with any form of guilt. We may feel angry, upset, resentful, fearful, or even vulnerable. It is usually these negative emotions which fuels our lack of forgiveness and therefore if we accept them for what they are and not dwell on them, perhaps we will be able to move on with our lives.

This entry does appear to be rather 'heavy' in nature, and perhaps rightly so as it is something which can have serious implications on our individual lives. I feel blessed in many ways, but mainly due to my belief and faith in God which helps me through much of the darker aspects of self. I feel blessed because in my heart of hearts I know that there is forgiveness to those who are sincere for their wrongdoings and wish to put things right.

Life is very precious and short in duration... I believe that we all need to stop living in the past and live more in the present moment. We need to learn from our mistakes and try not to replicate them and lead better lives where we can demonstrate love through our words and our actions. Living in a perpetual state of negativity from our past mistakes is a waste of that life and we are worth so much more than that ;-) x

The Impact of Social Media on us as Individuals

Over the course of the last decade, Facebook and social media has played an ever increasing part in our daily lives... More and more we have become dependant on our daily fix to either 'interact' or 'spy' on the world.

We share both our joys and our sorrows with anyone who will listen... we link up with friends of old, as well as making 'new virtual' friends. Our daily lives are broadcast to the world!

It is hard to remember what it was like before social media played such a huge part in our lives and although it has some very good points and benefits, it can also have a negative impact on us as individuals and indeed other people. Many thousands of people have lost their jobs due to it, while others use it as a breeding ground to commit crime.

For the general user, it has become a place where negativity is bred through coveting what other people have and by being judgemental towards their life choices, beliefs, sexual orientation, colour etc... It can also be used as a tool to gossip or hurt others by posting comments which can cause much psychological pain and suffering.

It is also used for political reasons and propaganda is spread like wild fire. It is so easy to get caught up in the moment and digest others subjective views and make them our own, without really looking into the facts, breeding racism and unjust views.

On the flip side, social media brings a host of benefits - like never before, we can interact with others across the continent and learn things that could once only be found in books. It also can dispel loneliness and can create a sense of community, even if it is only in a virtual sense.  We can keep abreast with latest developments of things that we are interested in and it has also become a platform to promote charitable works.

Social media therefore is down to us as individuals - it is up to us how we use it, whether that be positive or negative in nature and we alone are accountable for our own actions.

From a personal point of view, I have begun to limit the amount of time that I spend in the social media arena, or at least to think before I post anything which could be construed as being harmful or negative towards others. Some months ago, I considered leaving the arena all together, as I felt that it was having a detrimental and negative impact on my Spiritual Self, as I allowed myself to be drawn in to others negativity which made me think in a judgemental way, when really from the limited information posted, it is near impossible to make an informed judgement on anything.

As human beings, we naturally make judgements on other people, life and the world around us... it is questionable however if social media plays a predominant role in those judgements and if so whether they are for the good of others and indeed self...

The question therefore arises on a personal level.... Do we use social media for the good of others and self, or does it have a negative impact on our being? That is for each and everyone of us to decide and to make a concerted effort to make change if that is what is required.

 

Life

Life seems to pass us by in an instant... When we're young, we feel that we will be young forever and yet age creeps up quickly and silently as if to catch us out...

During our lives we meet so many people, some are fleeting while others stay around for a while. One thing I know for sure is, whether fleeting or staying around for the long haul, each and every person leaves some mark on our soul.

Sometimes we fall out with friends and family - usually over trivial stuff and the only thing that prevents us from moving forward is our ego, our pride and our stupidity.

It's a new year... a new start... time to let go ;-) xx

New Year's Resolutions

Why do we set ourselves New Years resolutions? Each and every year, the majority of us resolve to do something better or different or indeed change ourselves in some way, i.e lose weight, get fit or give up smoking etc.... As the days and weeks go on, our resolve seems to weaken somewhat and before we know it, our plans for the New Year seem nothing more than a distant memory.

New Year is a new day and indeed a new beginning, a time when we reflect on the past twelve months - predominantly in a negative way - as that seems to come more natural to the majority of  us.

New Year is a time that invokes in us a sense of renewed hope and optimism to change our past ways and become 'better people'. A time when historic misdemeanour's are wiped clean and it's as if we are born again to a better and more optimistic world.

This New Year has much hope and promise - like every other year, but it will only live up to its expectations if we go out there and get what we want through an Inner Transformation.... Paying lip service is no longer enough... An inner change needs to take place enabling that renewed sense of self to strive forward and change...

Of course, we do not need to wait for New Year's Day to come around... each and every day is a new beginning; a sort of mini new year, a time to take tiny steps to achieve that which is in us that yearns for change.

Through past experience, it has become apparent that change is a personal thing... no one can make us do it, only we as individuals have that power. Change predominantly comes about through discernment of self... External changes can be fleeting but internal change seem to have a more lasting effect.

My father often used to tell me that 'a saint is the sinner that falls and then picks himself up and carry's on...' That seems to ring true for me! No matter what happens this year, this month or even this week,  each and every day is a gift - an opportunity to pick ourselves up and dust ourselves down, to learn from the past and continue to strive towards our inner goal....

I wish you all the best with you're journey through out 2015 xx