👁 ❤ 2 ……………… be positive

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View From The Ground – an individual take on making 2017 bl00dy brilliant!!!

“I’ve had a lot of worries in my life, most of which never happened” – Mark Twain

“There is little difference in people, but that little difference makes a big difference. The little difference is attitude. The big difference is whether it is positive or negative.” – W. Clement Stone

Here we are again. So soon, but already bursting into 2017 and trying to live by that mantra of the last blog, ‘❤ 2 ……………….. Make Things Happen‘, focussing on the present and using this to move forward. Definitely not dwelling on the past.

Welcome back to the grounded view from which to watch everything unfold before us.

In the last blog – ❤ 2 ……………… Make Things Happen (have I already said that? Sorry, I enjoyed writing it) – I mentioned about launching ‘❤ 2……..’ as a regular feature in the View acromegaly The Ground blogs. The idea being to take about things I love, in the hope of spreading positivity and support. Well, I’ve gone for a variation on that theme already – ‘👁 ❤ 2’. Yes, you’ve got it ‘I love to ………..’. A bit goofy, but a nice hook I hope you agree.

Anyway, enough of the waffle and on with the subject in hand. Positivity. Ironic that I choose to look at positivity after one of the hardest years, and right into what many feel is the hardest month of the year. But, it is actually an easy subject to look at. Mainly, because it is a choice. Easy for me to day? Not really but, again, it’s a choice and, to be honest, it’s a daily exercise.

Let me expand (although, from a waistline point of view, any further expansion may require serious action). Those who know me will automatically smirk at the very title of this blog. Perhaps my old persona may have edged towards thinking good things wouldn’t happen; there’s a few clouds in the sky and therefore it’s going rain; it’s Monday so it will be a bad day. Actually, let’s park the discussion about Monday, that’s work in progress. But, I think you get the idea.

So, moving back to the subject in hand – I love to be positive. Don’t we all?

One of the exercises I have practiced recently is to look at: –

1. What makes me happy; and

2. What doesn’t make me happy.

I appreciate that it sounds simple, but by looking at these simple things it has provided the opportunity to then look deeper.

To start with, by thinking about what doesn’t make me happy, I then created a list. I found it quite easy – although I would ask that you don’t take that as an indication that I don’t love to be positive. I do, I do, I do.

But, by making a list of what doesn’t make me happy, it provides some focus. Things such as the following don’t make me happy: –

Dark mornings
Dark nights
Rain
Bad drivers
Rubbish TV
Monday mornings
Rude people
Delays on the train
Strikes
and so on ………………

Hopefully you get the idea. There’s loads more such as world poverty, war, hunger, homelessness, insufficient government spending on the life’s of schooling, hospitals, emergency services etc. But, let’s concentrate on the list.

I’m sure this seems obvious to many people but, by focusing on the list, I can then think about whether I can do anything to effect any of those items listed. Quite clearly I can’t – it’s as simple as that. So, if I can’t effect them what is the point of letting them make me unhappy.

I am sure, if you’ve got to this part of the blog you’re thinking that time it’s taken you to read the first 600 words of ‘👁 ❤ 2 …………….. be positive’ is time that you will never get back.

However, if just one person benefits from reading this, I feel incredibly happy. It’s all part of that drive for us all to join together, in a very grounded, un-weird, way to support each other and to create a better place for us to exist. A place where we can all live, laugh, and love.

Right, now moving to what makes me happy: –

Family
Friends
My home
Zeekee (our cat)
Where we live
Love
Laughing
Music
Rugby league (a proper sport)
Red wine
A hug
The sun
Lying on a beach
The sea
Indian food
Tea
Coffee
Lying in bed, reading, relaxing, feeling warm
The countryside
Smiling people
Friendly people
Politeness
……………… and I could go on.

Basically, I found, if you really thinking about it, the list of things that make you happy, or could make you happy, is endless. It’s those things that we should express gratitude for on a daily basis.

I know I have written many times about gratitude, but, surely if we are grateful for what we have, that gives us a positive focus.

To celebrate the ‘have’, not mourn the ‘have not’ or, as is more the case, ‘can not’ – in other words, those things we don’t like but can not do anything about.

I know this all seems quite simple, but in my quest to make 2017 bl00dy brilliant, I intend to focus on what makes me happy. Then, I intend to remember to look at those things that don’t make me happy – if I can’t effect them, then stop letting them make me unhappy. If I can effect them, get off my butt, and it is a big butt, and to deal with them.

And, that’s it. I hope you too love to be positive. I’m still learning but in 2017 I’m getting there and 👁 ❤ it!!!!!

Take care, and keep positive. It’s addictive.

Jon

❤ 2 ………….. make it happen

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View From The Ground – 2017

“The best way to not feel hopeless is to get up and do something. Don’t wait for good things to happen to you. If you go out and make some good things happen, you will fill the world with hope, you will fill yourself with hope.” – Barack Obama

“In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity” – Albert Einstein

Welcome to the first @viewftg blog of 2017. A year of hope, optimism, and real drive to help create something new and meaningful.

Of course, 2017 will present challenges and, from a personal point of view, the current challenges which have pulled through from the mess that was better known as 2016 are being worked through and will – I pray – have a happy ending.

However, the focus for this coming year is to live for the day and look forward to better times. But those hours be better times that we create. Not better times that we expect.

So, how do we do that I hear you ask? After such a tough 2016, how can we create better times? Blimey, 2 questions! But thank you for asking.

Well, in my humble opinion, we all have the ability to help make this a better year. To make this a year of hope, optimism, and to create something new and meaningful.

There is no doubt that 2016 was tough for many, many people. I know there are always people worse off than us and, personally, I am always grateful for the life I have been gifted.

However, I know I have / am experiencing things that I would not wish on anyone else. But, as I have spoken about before, the bad times that me, Ben and Liv have / are experiencing have taught us a lesson about love. The incredible love that we continue to feel from our beautiful family and friends, and many, man people who have stepped forward to provide support.

It is our experiences that make me truly believe that we can make 2017 a wonderful year. I truly believe that all it takes is for us to BELIEVE that we can make it happen.

As Barack Obama said “Don’t wait for good things to happen to you.” Lets start looking at how we can make things happen.

I know that I bang on about the things that I am passionate about – love, gratitude, helping those less fortunate, mindfulness, family, friends and much, much more. Sorry if I overwhelm with my enthusiasm for being passionate about things. Hell, I even won an award for passion. Let me clarify – this was passion about my job (at work) ……………… unfortunately not something else. However, who knows. In fact, who does know????

Sorry, back to the matter in hand – as it were. I am absolutely committed to using my energy to help make this a wonderful year. I want to help others to do the same, so that people can feel love, can start having hope, and to feel good about life. In the 1 5 10 blog I talked about the effect we could have by helping 1 person, and that could soon become 5, and then 10. If those 10 did the same to 10, and so on, the effect could be magnificent.

During 2017 I am going to focus the blogs on things that I love to do in relation to try to create a better life for me, my family, friends and everyone else that I can. I want to focus on positivity and on looking forward. What has gone is just that – it’s gone. We can learn but we can’t change it. If we reflect on it too much it changes what we see today, and in turn effects on what we see tomorrow.

So, I commit to any reflection I see is the reflection of the present day, not the previous one. Thus I can ensure that reflection is the best one possible. Don’t worry, I won’t be looking in the mirror – that reflection has been created in the past, through too much food and wine.

To use my regular question – does that make sense?

Many future blogs will be posted – like this one – with the title of ‘❤2 ………….’. I hope you like them. I know I will enjoy writing them and sharing my thoughts with you. I am grateful that hat you take you value time to have a read. I find writing the blogs real therapy.

Okay, I think I have taken up enough of your time. As I regularly say, if you want to contact me, I’m on Facebook or drop me an email to jonlduke@icloud.com.

Let’s finish with a song. I’ve shared these words from Louis Armstrong before, but they’re appropriate.

“What A Wonderful World”

“I see trees of green,
red roses too.
I see them bloom,
for me and you.
And I think to myself,
what a wonderful world.

I see skies of blue,
And clouds of white.
The bright blessed day,
The dark sacred night.
And I think to myself,
What a wonderful world.

The colors of the rainbow,
So pretty in the sky.
Are also on the faces,
Of people going by,
I see friends shaking hands.
Saying, “How do you do?”
They’re really saying,
“I love you”.

I hear babies cry,
I watch them grow,
They’ll learn much more,
Than I’ll ever know.
And I think to myself,
What a wonderful world.

Yes, I think to myself,
What a wonderful world.

Oh yeah.”

Please take care. Please join the revolution and let’s all love to make it happen.
Jon

#HappyNewYear aka Here Is The Love

Posted on by View from the ground

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“I wanted to say thanks… and share my gratitude for everything I’ve been blessed with. Family, friends, and continued support from everyone.” – Travis Barker

What? Another View From The Ground blog? So soon? Indeed. There’s times when words and thoughts come tumbling out, and today is just one of those times.

As we claw our way out of 2016, with a veritable yelp of relief, we have 2017 presented before us. A new year; a new start; a new chance. A new chance or just another chance to make the same mistakes?

Welcome to the closing thoughts from my place on the ground. A place I am proud to share with so many wonderful people.

2016? As I have alluded to in previous blogs, it’s been a tough one for so many people. The Syrian crisis; Yemen crisis; terrorism; Brexit in the U.K. And the millions of pounds wasted on that campaign; the USA presidential campaign and outcome and the millions of dollars wasted on that campaign; the continuing plight of refugees and asylum seekers; increased homelessness; increasing mental health issues, and so on.

On top of that, we all have our own personal challenges. Those challenges can make you feel like you are the only one suffering and that the world is against you. I’m sure we all feel like that during our darker moments. To be honest, I certainly have. But, and I’m back to my big but (note: not butt), the important thing I have found in those times of darkness there has always been someone or something to shine a bright light to sow me how to move forward. And for that I am and will always be grateful.

This year has brought me on a personal level many, many lessons. But the greatest lesson has been that love, real love, conquers all. And that love can be found from so many sources – how ever unexpected some of those sources may be.

In turn, having received so much love, I now feel compelled to share that love and to offer that helping hand in 2017 that I have had offered in abundance this year.

Adversity has brought reflection. Reflection on the past person I was – when looking in the mirror, who was I – and that then brings the question, who do I want to be?

I guess this is a useful exercise for us all. Looking in the mirror, what do we see and, more importantly, who do w want to see.

I have previously quoted Man In The Mirror by Michael Jackson. I make no apology for sub quoting some of the lyrics again : –

“I’m Gonna Make A Change, For Once In My Life. It’s Gonna Feel Real Good, Gonna Make A Difference. Gonna Make It Right . . .

As I, Turn Up The Collar On My Favourite Winter Coat. This Wind Is Blowin’ My Mind. I See The Kids In The Street, With Not Enough To Eat. Who Am I, To Be Blind?
Pretending Not To See Their Needs.”

“I’m Starting With The Man In The Mirror. I’m Asking Him To Change His Ways. And No Message Could Have Been Any Clearer. If You Wanna Make The World A Better Place Take A Look At Yourself, And Then Make A Change”

“Got To Make That Change, Today!”

I hope that makes sense. It’s just a few of the lyrics from the song but they are so appropriate from a personal perspective. The love that I + Ben and Liv have received has been beyond anything I released was possible. So, when looking in that mirror, rather than seeing a ‘poor me’ I now know I am seeing a man so wealthy (I was going to say rich, but that’s not a word I like!), that my ‘love’ glass is truly overflowing.

On that basis, I see 2017 as the opportunity to make that change. How many others, on true reflection, can make that change and hold out our hands and offer others at the start of 2017 love and support.

If, when we look in the mirror, we feel that love is there, then we have learned hat responsibility to help others.

My personal view from the ground is that I know know there is so much more that I can offer, and I hope you dear reader feel the same. I would truly love to hear from you – how can you help? Do you need help? My email address is jonlduke@icloud.com. I’m happy to help.

So, to close the last blog of 2017, I will close with a quote.

“Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Thank you for being with my throughout a surreal year. Thank you to all if those who have provided love and support.

Love Jon

Back to love. Back to reality.

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“Wake up and live” ― Bob Marley

“Happiness isn’t about getting what you want all the time. It’s about loving what you have and being grateful for it.”

Love! A strange phenomenon. How many times a day do we say, see, hear the word ‘love’? It’s a wonderful word that makes us smile inside and outside as we are wired to feel it as a positive, uplifting word and therefore a positive emotional response is felt.

Just thinking about the word makes me feel hopeful. I know it’s a word I use a lot, and one of the things I love doing is writing. I love the opportunity it gives to express my thoughts and I hope I can use it in future to help others- as that is my dream.

So, welcome to my view from the ground. Thank you for joining me. A view from the ground is still in its early stages but my true dream is to use View From The Ground as a portal for providing support and guidance to as many as possible. It will also be a place where others can reach to people to provide help through their own experiences.

There are many, many people. – too many – who are feeling challenged by life. But, I truly believe that we all have the opportunity to help each other and to make peoples lives such much better.

And the key to View From The Ground is to do what I do from a place of love. I know, in previous blogs, I have questioned ‘unconditional’ love. The definition is “affection with no limits or conditions; complete love”.

Okay, as a theory I get it. But my experience of unconditional love has been based on it being given on the basis that I agree with that person’s beliefs. That, to me, is conditional.

The mission of View From The Ground is to provide support and guidance through my experiences and observations. To talk about how I have learned about the true meaning of love, Andrew I’m learning to fly without wings – having spent too long trying to work out whether I am round the bend or am learning to turn a corner.

Love – “a strong feeling of affection” or “a great interest and pleasure in something”.

Quite simple really. But, what happens when you lose that affection and that interest in something? Or, when you believe someone has taken away your feelings of love?

Is it possible for someone to take away our ability to love? From a personal perspective, when someone significant left my life, deciding to find their happiness elsewhere, I have spent a good period of time analysing ‘love’.

At this point, it’s important to emphasis that I have been blessed to receive love from my incredible family and friends. They are truly awesome people who I will always be indebted to in a way I can not express. When I eventually get my book finished it will be dedicated to each and every one of them.

But, my thoughts on love have been at the fore for very personal reasons. However, I can say what has happened is the hurt I experienced made me question my love of life in general and my love of myself. Not in a suicidal sort of way but just in a staring at the ground (a different sort of view from the ground), not looking at people, not seeing things sort of way. No, I’m not playing out poor me. But, I’m sure many people can understand what I mean.

I hope the above makes sense. Where you lose sight of the beauty that surrounds you. You lose sight because you’re not looking. You lose sight because you do become self absorbed in the situation for find yourself in. Whilst you soak in and appreciate the love that is being given by wonderful people, you lose sight because you stop loving yourself.

And that feeling of the loss of self love can become a downward spiral. I read a wonderful book last year by Dr David Hamilton about self love and it is a really good read. It’s back on my list of things to reference in the new year. In fact, why delay – I have the book here with me, and I will revisit the steps previously trodden.

There’s a great quote in the book from Elizabeth Gilbert; “Never forget that once upon a time, in an unguarded moment, you recognised yourself as a friend “.

And that quote sums up the journey that I and, I believe, many others need to tread. To get back to love, back to reality. That is, get back to seeing ourselves as a friend …………. to ourselves.

It is too easy to stop loving ourselves when someone hurts us; when they decide that they wish to spend their live without you. However, by not loving yourself, in reality, the only person you are hurting is yourself. So, it is important to grab that mirror and look yourself in the eyes and tell yourself you are a good person, you can move forward and you are lucky to be surrounded by wonderful person.

With that objective achieved it is important to lift our heads up and see the beauty of the world and recognise that the world is still as it was before the hurt occurred. It is still a blessing.

My point, I guess, is I am going through a journey (sorry, I hate the expression but can’t think of another), as are so many, but I am learning to get back to love – loving me, loving life, loving nature, loving the day, loving the future. I never stopped loving my family and friends. So, on that basis, I will become a friend of me as well and that way living myself should be easy.

As was going to apologise for rambling, but that’s me. I ramble a bit. But I love that about me. I also love that, as of yesterday, the days are getting longer (here in the northern hemisphere).

Right, I will close before I start loving typing too much.

I wish you good health, happiness, health and lots of self love.

Take care.

Jon

A gift

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“My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person, he believed in me.”
― Jim Valvano

“The manner of giving is worth more than the gift.” ― Pierre Corneille.

Thank you for been curious enough to open this blog. I am grateful that you have joined me. It is a gift to have the technology to reach out across the world to friends and strangers alike.

So, welcome to my latest grounded view. It’s been nearly a year since I came out of the shadows from These Wings Can Fly, the previous blog site that I was connected to. It has taken time to truly understand how much of my thinking and beliefs have developed in a different direction to other blogs that were published on that site. I guess my drive is to connect with the many, rather than the few, and in a language that the many can connect with.

I am certainly rooted firmly on the ground – for that I am grateful. The danger is, when you lose sight of the ground and you believe that you are operating in a higher world, it’s a massive thump back on to the ground when you realise you aren’t. However, if you allow your roots to grow, you can reach heights that you could only dream about.

Here we are, days away from Christmas. Celebrated by many, but the reasons for celebration are varied. Of course, it is a celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ (although I dutifully respect all religions and beliefs + non-believers).

We then have the commercial version of Christmas which has a heavy focus on giving and receiving gifts and, my favourite part, eating and drinking excessively. To be able to that is a gift in itself and for that I am humbly grateful.

And, so to the subject of today’s observations and rambling – a gift. I was involved in a discussion this morning about a “gift”. I won’t go into detail to avoid being accused of being judgemental but, as a result of that discussion, I was interested in looking up the definition of the word “gift” – “A thing given willingly to someone without payment; a present.”

Thankfully, this confirmed my understanding.

A gift; a present. I always remember a quote that the Head Teacher at my son and daughter’s primary school used to use – “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift of God, which is why we call it the present.” (Bill Keane).

That got me thinking about today; living the present, as it were. Do we celebrate on a daily basis the gift we have been granted – life. A good question. If I am to be honest, it’s definitely something I have lost sight of.

In previous blogs I have talked about such matters as depression, which is a challenge and something that is close to my heart. I guess, at times, that brings down a fog that stops you seeing the gift of life for what it truly is.

Once we have recognised and welcomed the gift of life that, hopefully, then allows us to consider how we can use that gift to help others. To give to others who are less fortunate – without being asked – so that they benefit.

I know I rattle on regularly about helping the homeless and I make no apology for that. For as long as I have a voice or a finger to type, I will continue talking about who we must do everything we can for homelessness to be a thing of the past. There are enough empty houses and under-used church halls for everyone sleeping on the streets to have a roof over their heads and to have a warm dry place to sleep. Those in authority have the gift NOW to make this happen.

I still look with amazement at the few who own some much and who have the gift to do so much more. I know that many of the wealth quietly contribute to charities and do give to support those less fortunate. But, equally, there are those who seek to give as little as possible, including seeking ways to reduce their tax payments, and who move their money off shore. They have the gift to do something in the present and, in turn, take away the mystery of tomorrow- making such yesterday truly is history. Am I making sense? It feels I have strayed into soap box ranting. Sorry.

“Being gifted doesn’t mean you’ve been given something. It means, you have something to give.”
― unknown.

So many people have a gift, and my dream is that they give that gift through helping others – without being asked. Giving unconditionally for the better of others. What greater gift could there be?

And, there you have it – we have been given the gift of life and I hope we can use that gift to help others. At a time of the year when so many millions of people celebrate, there are many millions more who are suffering – in the likes of Syria, Yemen, Africa, and so many places around the world. There are also so many people who live so close to us who are also suffering. Let’s use our gift to give to them. But let’s not make them ask for that gift. That’s just wrong.

And so to close, I would like to share the full lyrics to “Happy Xmas (War Is Over)” – the John Lennon classic. Every year, the lyrics become more and more appropriate. A true prophecy to the mess the leaders and money men have created for the population. But, we can do something about it – together. Can’t we?

“So this is Christmas
And what have you done
Another year over
And a new one just begun
And so this is Christmas
I hope you have fun
The near and the dear one
The old and the young

A very Merry Christmas
And a happy New Year
Let’s hope it’s a good one
Without any fear

And so this is Christmas (war is over)
For weak and for strong (if you want it)
For rich and the poor ones (war is over)
The world is so wrong (if you want it)
And so happy Christmas (war is over)
For black and for white (if you want it)
For yellow and red ones (war is over)
Let’s stop all the fight (now)

A very Merry Christmas
And a happy New Year
Let’s hope it’s a good one
Without any fear

And so this is Christmas (war is over)
And what have we done (if you want it)
Another year over (war is over)
A new one just begun (if you want it)
And so happy Christmas (war is over)
We hope you have fun (if you want it)
The near and the dear one (war is over)
The old and the young (now)

A very Merry Christmas
And a happy New Year
Let’s hope it’s a good one
Without any fear

War is over, if you want it
War is over now

Happy Christmas”

 

Jon

1 5 10

Posted on by View from the ground

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“No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another.”
― Charles Dickens

Wonderful words from one of history’s greatest writers. Welcome to my latest view from the ground.

I don’t know about you but, what a month November has been. The USA elect a new President. I’ll say no more on that subject. The population has spoken and time will tell. A bit like in the UK where the electorate have chosen to leave the European Union. Time will tell. In South Korea there are protests against the President. Time will tell how that develops. What a wonderful world. That’s not a negative observation. Just my personal reflection on current affairs. I’m certainly not being judgemental. Perish the thought!

However, I find it interesting when people say you’re being judgemental. So, I thought I’d have a look at the definition, and I found “Judgmental is a negative word to describe someone who often rushes to judgment without reason. The adjective judgmental describes someone who forms lots of opinions — usually harsh or critical ones — about lots of people. Judgmental types are not open-minded or easygoing.”

Here’s a question though – if someone accuses you of being judgemental and are therefore suggesting the that you not being open-minded, are they in turn being judgemental? Are they in fact not being open-minded in not accepting your right of expression? Please think about it.

I also hear / over hear the expression ‘unconditional love’. It seems like a buzz expression in certain circles. A bit like ‘blue sky thinking’ in the 90s. What is ‘unconditional love’?. Some will come up with wonderful words in support of such thinking. But they are just their opinions. So, in fact, by challenging this question are they being judgemental. Or, am I being judgemental by questioning ‘unconditional love’? Surely to love unconditionally is to love without condition. Not, on the condition that you agree with the other persons interpretation of unconditional love.

Alternatively, am I just trying to say we all have different interpretations of many things, so please don’t judge me. If we can agree on that, I love you. Unconditionally? Yes – on the condition that you agree with my judgement.

Anyway, moving on. It’s been a while still that last blog. I’ve reposted some previous blogs, as I felt their messages were important. Having read the opening of this blog, you must be wondering why you were lured to read this one. Sorry, those who have been with me for some time will know I like to wander off in different directions.

This brings me onto the title for this blog – ‘1 5 10’. I’ve been thinking – a lot – about what we as the masses can do to take hold of the negative changes in the world and start making positive inroads – a step at a time. Changes that we can make from our grounded position. Changes in our thinking. I’m not coming at this from a preachy, let’s heal the world sort of way. I’ll leave that to those handing out leaflets to commuters on the busy streets, or those who go on personal crusades, fuelled by ego.

No, I’m coming at this from the perspective of looking to our right or our left and seeing if the person right next to us is struggling and needed a hand or a few kind words. I’m talking about being there, in the moment, and being available to help our fellow human beings.

I still think of the Dalai Lama quote – If every 8 year old in the world is taught to meditate, we will eliminate violence from the world within one generation”.
What difference could we make to the community / the world by starting with a 1 percent shift in how we think; how we behave; how we treat each other? Clearly, teaching 8 year olds to meditate is next generational stuff, but why can’t schools do this? Think about it.

But, until then we all have a magnificent chance to make a difference. If tomorrow, you smiled at everyone you see. Accepting that there will be a small group of people who will think you are weird (definition – very strange and unusual, unexpected, or not natural), but the majority of people will walk away feeling a little bit happier. They in turn may then smile at people they see and, within minutes your act of happiness spreads throughout your community. That one act by you may cause a one percent shift in your community.

Now, those who know me will question when I last smiled at someone randomly. Well sceptics- a) stop judging me and give me unconditional love, because b) it was yesterday. Was she attractive? Well, okay, yes. Did I get her phone number? No! It was a random act because she looked down (and I don’t mean to avoid me looking at her). And, yes, she smiled in return. So, hopefully she felt a little better.

Joking apart, it’s all about taking progressive steps – start at a one percent shift, move to five percent (accepting that is a 500% increase in effort), and then step up to a ten percent short (and that is only a 200% increase).

It might sound fanciful – but think, in the next week you committed to just 2 acts of kindness a day – that could effect 14 people. If, through feeling good about your example, they then carried out 1 act of kindness a day the following week – that would be another 98 + your next 14 = 112 in week 2.

By the end of month 1 that could multiply to over 5,000 acts of kindness. And that is just from your own actions. If everyone who reads or shares this blog, that could mean …………… over 10,000. Okay, it could mean multiple thousand acts of kindness in just 1 month.

As the title suggests 1 to 5 to 10 and so on. I am a passionate believe that together we can be amazing. We need to be strong, resolute, and committed to making this planet better. But, this must, absolutely must, be together. In my humble opinion.

And, so, to close. Thank you for spending some time will me. I hope these words resonate with you. I wish you a happy and healthy rest of the day and beyond. If you need a hand, please let me know.
Jon

Depression. My view from the ground

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“You are allowed to feel messed up and inside out. It doesn’t mean you’re defective – it just means you’re human.” – David Mitchell

Another day, and I feel blessed that I have woken up. I am healthy and, as I type this sentence, I am fortunate to be lying in a warm house with my cat resting against me. A lucky man indeed.

I try not to publish blogs for the sake of putting words online. I also try not to be personal- other than talking about things in the world that I observe and want to share.

But at the moment, depression is something that worries me. We are know someone who, right now, is gripped my depression. I certainly do and it is my duty to help them through it. I won’t go into the detail of who it involves but it’s personal.

I read a comment from someone who’s view is that depression doesn’t really exist. It’s all in the mind and can be overcome by how we think. All I can say is wow!

Having being diagnosed with depression 12 years ago, had I had that comment made to me then any chance of recovery would have been severely damaged. Dangerous words.

I fully understand and agree that we are all entitled to our opinions. However, given that depression is a medically diagnosed illness I really want to understand the deep impact it has on the person suffering.

It is worrying that many still either don’t believe depression existing or that there are others that see it as a weakness. Yet, of later more and more celebrities and sports stars are stepping forward and revealing their suffering.

There are a lot of definitions or explanations around depression, so I have selected one that helped my understanding – “An illness that involves the body, mood, and thoughts and that affects the way a person eats, sleeps, feels about himself or herself, and thinks about things. Depression is not the same as a passing blue mood. It is not a sign of personal weakness or a condition that can be wished away. People with depression cannot merely ‘pull themselves together’ and get better. Without treatment, symptoms can last for weeks, months, or years. Appropriate treatment, however, can help most people with depression. The signs and symptoms of depression include loss of interest in activities that were once interesting or enjoyable, including sex; loss of appetite, with weight loss, or overeating, with weight gain; loss of emotional expression (flat affect); a persistently sad, anxious, or empty mood; feelings of hopelessness, pessimism, guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness; social withdrawal; unusual fatigue, low energy level, a feeling of being slowed down; sleep disturbance and insomnia, early-morning awakening or oversleeping; trouble concentrating, remembering, or making decisions; unusual restlessness or irritability; persistent physical problems such as headaches, digestive disorders, or chronic pain that do not respond to treatment, and thoughts of death or suicide or suicide attempts.”

Sorry if that is a long explanation but I think it captures a lot around what is a growing issue.

As I said above, I was diagnosed with depression 12 years ago. Before going to my doctor, I couldn’t work out what was wrong with me. Looking at the above, I can remember constant sadness and anxiety. But also anger and frustration. But perhaps the latter feelings were because I couldn’t work out what was wrong. I felt weak because I wasn’t coping with what I perceived was how life should be. However, one day, enough was enough, I went to the doctor, broke down and was diagnosed accordingly.

After that, I went through several months of coming to terms I was ill – yes, ill. My nearest and dearest at the time helped me to understand that my condition was an illness – not a weakness. I was convinced by her that the prescribed medication was essential to help me on my road to recovery. It was good advice and my chemical imbalance was balanced and eventually I could stop taking the medication. But, in reality, the depression never goes away. Like any deep seated illness, it remains. I’m just aware that it is there.

However, having had the illness helps me to understand that it is just that – an illness. So, why do some believe it is just a state of mind, and can be overcome through positive thinking? There is no doubt positive thinking can help you during your recovery. But, when depression takes hold, my belief is that you need professional help and, if prescribed through that professional help, medication to support the process of combating the illness.

I appreciate that there are the conspiracy theorists who believe that medication being prescribed is just filling the bank accounts of the pharmaceutical industry chiefs. That the media focus on depression being at epidemic levels, which sends us running to the nearest chemist for our medication. Why? Because they are all interlinked. Hell, I nearly bought into this. But, then, when i turned off the noise from the conspiracy theorists, I remembered ………. I was diagnosed with depression. It was diagnosed by a medical expert. I took medication to help fix my illness, and I’m glad I listened to the advice!

So, what’s the message? If you suffer from depression, please don’t hide. Please don’t be ashamed. Please don’t listen to the people who dare to suggest it’s all in your head. Please take about it. Please understand that you are not on your own. Please see that there is help. Please know that you can overcome it. Please keep the faith. Please. Xxx

To close, I’ve just heard “Love My Life” by Robbie Williams. Here’s the lyrics. I hope you can see why I thought they were appropriate.

“Tell your soul to me
I will never let go completely
One day our hands will be
Strong enough to hold me

I might not be there for all your battles
But you’ll win them eventually
I’ll pray that I’m giving you all that matters
So one day you’ll say to me

I love my life
I am powerful
I am beautiful
I am free
I love my life
I am wonderful
I am magical
I am me
I love my life

I am not my mistakes
And God knows I’ve made a few
I started to question the angels
And the answer they gave was you

I can not promise there won’t be sadness
I wish I could take it from you
But you’ll find the courage to face the madness
And see it because it’s true

I love my life
I am powerful
I am beautiful
I am free
I love my life
I am wonderful
I am magical
I am me
I love my life

Find the
Others
With hearts
Like yours
Run far
Run free
I’m with you

I love my life
I am powerful
I am beautiful
I am free
I love my life
I am wonderful
I am magical
I am me
I love my life
I am powerful
I am beautiful
I am free
I love my life
I am wonderful
I am magical
I am me
I love my life

And finally
I’m where I wanna be”
Take care.

 

 

Jon

A view from the ground

Posted on by View from the ground

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“There is a lot that happens around the world we cannot control. We cannot stop earthquakes, we cannot prevent droughts, and we cannot prevent all conflict, but when we know where the hungry, the homeless and the sick exist, then we can help.” – Jan Schakowsky.

Welcome to my latest view from the ground. Except, I’m not on the ground. I’m not in the clouds either. Thank goodness for that. I wouldn’t have a true, meaningful and honest view of things if I was floating around up there. However, I’m not on the ground.

This blog has been inspired by my awesome son, Ben, and a recent conversation that we had. I’m blessed, I have 2 incredible children (well, they’re adults now). They are both committed to making a difference to the world. But they will do it their way, without any influence from me or others. That’s awesome as it’s from their heart and is not being done to impress or for some perceived approval.

It’s the younger generation who can, and will, make a difference. It’s the younger generation who are gathering a true voice in their plight to right the wrongs of what my and previous generations have done. They will rise against greed, injustice, prejudice and inequality. We have to allow them to do this! It is their world now.

As those who have read previous blogs will know, I am deeply concerned by the increasing levels of homelessness. There are more empty houses than there are people sleeping on the streets and yet the governments are incapable of dealing with this injustice. There are thousands of empty church and community halls at night, yet people still have to sleep on the streets – in the increasing wet and cold conditions.

Thousands of supermarkets, shops, restaurants, cafes, houses etc still throw out unwanted food. Yet there are more and more people going hungry. Now, this is where I take my hat off to those establishments who do try and make a difference and who do provide their unwanted food to the needy.

So, when Ben and I had our conversation, it got be thinking about all of the above and a little bit more. Ben was telling me about a homeless person he met in Leeds and who he stopped, spoke to, and offered to buy him some food. As you would expect., the chap gratefully accepted the offered. So, off trotted Ben and gave him double what was suggested and some change he had in his pocket. After shaking hands Ben disappeared, thinking nothing more than being grateful he could do this and pleasure in seeing the chap digging into the food.

But this all got me thinking about the view from the ground. How many of us seeing someone in a busy city centre, seated on the ground who is clearly homeless. We might throw a few coins into a box or even go grab the person a meal deal from the local shop but then drop it at the feet of the person before hurrying off to our busy day, or meal with a friend.

However, do we ever think, from a humanistic point of view what the world looks like from the ground. Through the eyes of the person huddled up on a blanket, on the ground. Do we ever think to speak to them at the same, grounded, level? This is why, when Ben told me about shaking hands with the chap he met, it made me quite emotional. In such a small act, Ben had made a big difference. He created in connection based on both being equal. Not looking down, but being the same.

We are the same for f**ks sake. And that is the point. I am sick and tired of reading about wealth and importance. About the billions of pounds that are just going to waste. About inequality and all that is bad in the world. There is a lot – regardless of what some may think – that we as individuals can not effect. Even in gathering as a relatively small group, we won’t effect things. But now, right now, we as individuals CAN make a difference and that is, to start with, help those on the streets that need help; speak to them on an equal level – sit on the bloody ground – they are!; and then created pressure on the authorities, the churches, the community, the government – whatever – to provide a roof, some warmth, some food and drink, and some where to clean. It is not difficult!

We are all the same. We should never look down on any human being and no human being should feel that they have to look up to anyone. We all have a story. I’m lucky, I write my blogs and I’m – still – doing the book(s). There’s a story in everyone. Perhaps, the next time you stop to, very kindly, give some food to someone on the street, ask them their story. It will open your eyes, I’m sure.

Bless you for joining me with this blog. I’m not going to end with a song. I think it’s more appropriate to just think about our view but, more importantly, what it looks like from the ground.

Love
Jon

 

One step beyond aka please don’t call it madness

Posted on by View from the ground

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“It is not the the bruises on the body that hurt. It is the wounds of the heart and the scars on the mind.” ― Aisha Mirza.

Welcome to the latest view from the ground blog. If this is the first time you have visited my place here, seated under a beautiful tree, observing the world, thank you for joining me as I watch the madness ensue. But, I don’t want to call it madness as that’s quite a rude expression and it is important that we go one step beyond and find better descriptions for the way we view things and observe people.

As you read through, I apologise for any typos. I don’t have the luxury of a prof reader anymore so I wing it. Write and right from the heart. Don’t worry, when the book, ‘Round the bend or turning a corner?’, is published it will be proof read and probably rewritten. The original purpose of the book was to be a self help book for anyone who could feel a change happening in their lives but couldn’t quite understand what. The first publication will still follow that footprint. The second version may be more of a personal reflection. Watch this pace, but don’t call it madness.

I read that the World Mental Health Day is next week. I day to highlight a growing illness, but still an illness that many, too many, hide from due to a perceived idea that others see it as a weakness, not an illness .

In looking into things in advance of putting some words together for this blog I read a quote from David Levithan with interest: –

“I think the idea of a ‘mental health day’ is something completely invented by people who have no clue what it’s like to have bad mental health. The idea that your mind can be aired out in twenty-four hours is kind of like saying heart disease can be cured if you eat the right breakfast cereal. Mental health days only exist for people who have the luxury of saying ‘I don’t want to deal with things today’ and then can take the whole day off, while the rest of us are stuck fighting the fights we always fight, with no one really caring one way or another, unless we choose to bring a gun to school or ruin the morning announcements with a suicide.”

I was really interested in this view and can really see what David means. Those who suffer with mental illness are in that condition 24/7, it’s not a badge, it’s an illness. I know those who suffer from on mental health issues may see the World Mental Health Day as quite patronising. If that’s the case, it must be some difficult.

However, I personally see the World Mental Health Day as a really important chance for people to say that we care. But, and it’s another big but, we have to carry that care into the every other day of the year.

I see this year’s theme set by the World Federation for Mental Health is psychological first aid and the support people can provide to those in distress. This has to be taken up by every government in every country and action MUST be taken. Stop bitch fighting, stop dropping bombs, stop talking about building walls and start taking action to help cure this hidden but growing illness.

Here’s a revelation – 12 years ago I walked into se my doctor in tears and proclaimed I couldn’t cope any more. I wasn’t suicidal, that’s not what I’m saying. But, I was ill. I had a stress related illness and I needed help. It was the best thing I every did. I needed a bit of time away from my day to day routine and I was subscribed medication. At first, I didn’t want the medication but I was pursued to take it and over a period of time, things improved and here I am writing blogs.

I wouldn’t say I am completed cured. It’s always there and some things have happened that could trigger the condition again. But, the key things for me are 1) recognising it is an illness; 2) being honest to me and others; and 3) talking (and writing) about it. I am not ashamed, I am not embarrassed about it and if I can help others I will – 24/7.

For those who are told medication is bad and that you are falling into the hands of the pharmaceutical giants. Make your own decisions. Ask yourself, if it fixed the illness, why deprive yourself of the cure just because some say otherwise. I’ll stop at that to avoid insulting anyone, as we are all, of course, entitled to our own opinions.

So, I for one will be supporting the World Mental Health Day. But at the same time I will always be aware of David Levithan’s views. He has a strong point and we should all be supporting and highlighting mental health every day.

To conclude, and to refer back to the title of the blog – the next time you hear someone talk about mental health or if you see someone suffering, please don’t say ‘are they mad’. It’s an illness and to give it such a badge is cruel and hurtful. Please think about the words. Please go one step beyond and please don’t call it madness.

And to close. I’d like to end with a song. Ta Dah! But, this time it’s personal.

Following a significant change in my life recently, times have been / are quite tough. But, when I look a what is going on in the world – particularly in Haiti – what have I got to complain about? And, at some stage, I’ll finish the book, although it will have a different conclusion. Anyway, I just wanted to say, in the words of Green Day, I’m “still breathing”. Take care and enjoy every minute and don’t even think about what the next minute will bring.

“I’m like a child looking off in the horizon
I’m like an ambulance that’s turning on the sirens
Oh, I’m still alive
I’m like a soldier coming home for the first time
I dodged a bullet and I walked across a landmind
Oh, I’m still alive

Am I bleeding? Am I bleeding from the storm?
Just shine a line into the wreckage, so far away, away

Cause I’m still breathing
Cause I’m still breathing on my own
My head’s above the rain and roses
Making my way, my way
Cause I’m still breathing
Cause I’m still breathing on my own
My head’s above the rain and roses
Making my way, my way
My way to you

I’m like a junkie tying off for the last time
I’m like a loser that’s betting on his last dime
Oh, I’m still alive
I’m like a son that was raised without a father
I’m like a mother barely keeping it together
Oh, I’m still alive

Am I bleeding? Am I bleeding from the storm?
Just shine a line into the wreckage, so far away, away

Cause I’m still breathing
Cause I’m still breathing on my own
My head’s above the rain and roses
Making my way, my way
Cause I’m still breathing
Cause I’m still breathing on my own
My head’s above the rain and roses
Making my way, my way, my way…

As I walked out on the ledge
Are you scared to dance to live?
I been running all my life
Just to find a home that’s for the restless
And the truth that’s in the message
Making my way, away, away

Cause I’m still breathing
Cause I’m still breathing on my own
My head’s above the rain and roses
Making my way, my way
Cause I’m still breathing
Cause I’m still breathing on my own
My head’s above the rain and roses
Making my way, my way, my way…
Cause I’m still breathing
Cause I’m still breathing on my own
My head’s above the rain and roses
Making my way, my way
My way to you”
Jon