Is it still that simple to have an attitude of gratitude in these uncertain times?
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There is definitely something in the Bible for every mood. There is romance (The book of Ruth), there are wars, battles, kings and beggars (Most of the Old Testament), and there is magical, wonderful Jesus (The New Testament. I would particularly recommend the book of Luke). And this is all wrapped up in everyday life.
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Family zoom calls became a weekly highlight, offering more regular connections than we have had in years. Postcards, phone calls, videocall coffees and wine Wednesdays became essential and strengthened ties to friends and family.
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You don’t need me to tell you that 2020 has been a shocker, but the more I dwelled on what the hell to write here, I realised that like many tough times, good things have come from 2020, and as winter settles into its seat and 2021 approaches, I realise I have a lot to thank 2020 for. I found my strength.
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Father Christmas, what kind of world do we live in when the only thing that made children remotely equal is in fact a lie? How great is the gulf between those who have and those who have not, that we have to be deluded into believing a fairytale?
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However, I’ve also picked up a few new hobbies along the way. I’ve been an occasional baker for a while now, but now I’ve all but perfected my own bread recipe (hint: herby loaves are better than anything else, and make excellent garlic bread!)
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How does one make friends as an adult? Where do I find them? Is there an application form? An “I’m looking for friends” badge I can wear? More importantly, who do I want to make friends with? What type of people do I like? Jeez, what kind of people might like me? It was proving to be a bit of a friend-finding minefield.
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I’ve always wanted children. In fact, when our time came to try, and we didn’t fall pregnant immediately, I was crushed. I will never forget the heartache of walking through the maternity clinic to get to our fertility appointment: bitterly jealous of every woman in there with a bump. Everyone apart from me.
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In 2011, the world was changed forever when E.L James aka Twilight superfan Snowqueen's Icedragon introduced us to Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele. However, what Fifty Shades missed out was healthy consent. In fact, the Venn diagram of healthy BDSM relationships and what 50 Shades of Grey and 365 DNI gave us is two circles on opposite sides of the room.
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As a freelancer, every client, or potential client, is precious. Your income often fluctuates considerably and a bumper month of big projects can easily be followed by a month of drought (cue tumbleweed). So why do we, as freelancers, feel so guilty charging the prices we have spent so long getting just right?
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The problem… is that the minimal and performative style in which the brands often choose to get involved or show support to a movement is low-effort and, in many cases, low risk. It’s where we get terms like ‘greenwashing’ and ‘rainbow washing’ from.
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As part of IDPWD 2020, #PurpleLightUp was established in order to draw attention to the economic contributions that 386 million disabled people of working age make and could potentially add to the globe.
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Throughout History Black art, cultural and intellectual property have been coopted, whitewashed and mass produced for white consumption. From Picasso to a racist Elvis Presley for decades our culture has been sold back to us by white artists. It is reproduced in a style and language more consumable for white eyes and ears whilst we are told our women are undesirable, our men aggressive and our vernacular uncivilised.
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In a recent discussion about gender identity, gender roles, and the general move towards a more accepting society I mentioned the concept of “Two-spirit” in Native Northern American culture. Once I got thinking I started reading, and in my exploration of texts about gender and culture, I have come across a wonderful world of diversity and history.
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You can now buy Mindful Mayo from Whole Foods, paint your bedroom with a pot of Mindful Grey paint, drink excruciatingly expensive Mindful Tea, all whilst wearing your brand-new Mindful Motion leggings from Lululemon. Is there actually any benefit to this, or are we just being consumed by the latest capitalist fad?
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This time of year is polarising - if you’re not buzzing about Christmas like everyone else, then it must mean you're a scrooge. You’re not. Many people have their own reasons why the atypical festive routine is not something they take part in. They find ways to do it their own way, during a time when everyone else is singing the same festive tune.
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There is something incredibly final about motherhood. You’re a mum forever and that brings with it huge expectations and responsibilities. During pregnancy well-meaning people tell you about how much love you’ll feel, about all the milestones which will make you beam with pride, and how you’ll never feel such purpose as you do once you become a mum. And this is where women are continually short-changed.
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I have frequently battled with my relationship with social media and the overuse of my smart device. Not just because of my proneness to dropping it on the floor full speed and full screen, but the countless times I have deactivated, deleted, detoxed, reactivated and replaced my social media accounts.
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I never really imagined being self-employed, I definitely didn’t imagine owning and running multiple businesses: working primarily as a freelance writer and then having a side hustle.
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Most animal friendships rely upon survival and I’m sure many humans also regard their friends to be their saving grace. However, does this primal instinct of making friends become something we struggle with the older we get?
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