At the moment I am finding it is my Uni course, even though online, it makes me feel energised and I am always eager to join the class. However, I am struggling to feel ‘alive’ with most other things I am involved with, but I still joined and am always so grateful for feeling more ‘alive’ by the end. The energy and love of others keeps me alive.

Today it was the fact that my uncle called me first with some news, and was ask for my advice. When family reach out to me I smile on the inside.

That my best is all I can do and to accept that, but also forgive myself when I have done my best yet still feel I could have done better. My best is enough.

Struggles from my past. I am working with my therapist to forgive my younger self and to also acknowledge anger I harbour for a certain person. I have been given the task to write 2 unsent letters to try and release some of these feelings which I hope will allow me to grown and move on better.

By embracing change, accepting new things and learning when to say no too expanding my own comfort zone with my life and what I do. This way I allow diversity in my life that enriches my soul.
When it comes to people I have a multitude of different characters in my life and I remain committed to not judging the new people I meet, opening them into my life with open arms as best I can.

Others. The chance to support and communicate better with others. I learn for me and in turn that will help others. I am training to become a counsellor which will allow me to help many people as well as me and I am learning Russian so I can communicate with family in Ukraine and Russia.

From my husband. When it comes to my family I get overprotective and a little controlling when they visit. I know that I can be abrupt and short with him, he forgives me and I try my best to pre-empt my behaviour so that there is less need for forgiveness and understanding each time.

I have hopes for my three older nieces, that this year brings them happiness, stability and a light to guide them on their new journey. I have hope that my baby sister will be able to marry, I have hope that my brother’s life settles for him and becomes filled with opportunity. I long for a world where people see each other for what we all are, the same, human beings that ought to love and respect one another. But until then I will do my best to work on me and bring hope to others.

At the moment, my motivation is knowing it is ok to focus on me, in that to achieve the things I want to is ok and that by doing so I will achieving something to help others too.

The future, looking ahead with positivity despite adversity.

In so many things, the Parish News I edit is nothing without the community input. The business, community group I run is nothing without its members, I am nothing without my family and friends, life is better shared.

Have trust in it, have faith in what I am doing and that it will create the future I want. Lessen the anxiety associated with it and feel that it is already happening.

To be grateful for everything ‘negative’ that caused fire in me, because that fire has given me the desire, strength and determination to change my life.

Seeing my three oldest nieces with their new foster family. I was filled with awe from how their new ‘parents’ have taken the girls on and in such a short period of time made such an amazing positive difference in their life. I am humbled and filled with gratitude for them.

Last year! With the support and drive from my coach I made choices that I would have previously procrastinated over. That means that I begin this year with a purpose and motivation for the future, which with all the negativity around gives me something positive to focus on. The fact my choice will be good for me is lovely, but the fact it will benefit others too is simply amazing.

That it is ok for me to plan a future, a future that starts with me and what I want to give to the world. I do not need to be everybody’s rock.

That it is ok to focus on me, because allowing myself to do so has benefits for all.

The kindness of strangers x

Helen, yes you have the strength, well done for recognising that. Though you are not alone, this community is here for you.

Beautiful words, thank you