I am inclined to get something off my chest, which is the need to speak out of recent disclosures that the Metropolitan Police and Fire Services have been found guilty of fostering institutionalised racism, sexism and misogyny amid a culture of intimidation and bullying.
Inequality between men and women is rife and, furthermore, there is an unacceptable level of shared content which is pervading society and which continues to undermine, belittle, attack and make mockery of women, homosexuals, the elderly, citizens from a different heritage or race and those with a disability.
Shockingly this issue is more widespread than just public sector workplaces and can be initiated from the man sitting beside you, whether that’s your husband, brother, son, colleague or friend as they share revoltingly unsavoury and antagonistic content to each other via WhatsApp, Snapchat, Messenger etc. These men call them ‘lighthearted jokes’ and insist women, and other victims, should ‘get a sense of humour’ when they are challenged about what is being shared.
It is vile and it needs to stop.
I’m talking about entrepreneurs, lawyers, solicitors, accountants, tradesmen, bus drivers, golfers, so called ‘pillars of society’. How do I know this? Because over the years, I have been the unintended recipient of such messages and I was appalled at how hateful the content was. I was left reeling at the language and images which had been universally, shared countless times.
My response has always been upfront: DO NOT ever share something so vile with me or indeed with ANYONE. If you don't want your daughter, mother, aunt, grandmother, sister, wife seeing sexist, misogynistic content, then there is no excuse whatsoever to be sharing it with male friends. Similarly for those from another race or with a disability.
It is not acceptable on any level, and demonstrates extreme cowardice that men doing this while hiding behind a screen.
If a man you know is sharing these messages, intervene and remind them that what they are doing is immoral, potentially illegal and certainly unethical.
It HAS got to stop on ALL levels of society.
Glad I got that off my chest - and I’m grateful for the men and women who said I should raise this as an issue and who would never demean themselves in this way.
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Spring in North Berwick has settled into its rhythms and rituals: the elusive woodpecker is back in the Lodge Grounds, timid tourists ponder and peruse our beautiful independent shops, and bare trees are slowly receiving their cloaks of green.
While walking with my partner and our dogs through The Lodge Grounds yesterday, not only could we hear the woodpecker’s rat-a tat tat but as we peered skyward, we saw the tiny bird high up among the grey barks of bare twigs and branches. We caught a brief glimpse of the bird amid flashes of black, red and white before a brazen treecreeper scuttled up the bough of the same tree, chirped loudly, disturbing the woodpecker, before they flew off together waltzing higher and higher.
Last Saturday I joined with Compassionate Community members to plant a crab apple tree in the parkland to the south of North Berwick, opposite The Law, and in memory of Absent Friends. It felt good to dig into the rich brown soil, prepare the ground and gently plant a well nurtured sapling which, in time, will be home to insects and provide not only beautiful blossoms but crab apples for birds and insects. Compassionate Community, North Berwick hopes to install a bench nearby for anyone to spend time thinking about loved ones they have lost. North Berwick Trust will also create a picnic area nearby. I look forward to watching our tree grow, and the many others which were planted: walnut, plum and apple as they turn open land into a beautiful community orchard.
As the days are longer, take time to walk slowly in your local environment and enjoy the subtle shifts in temperature, colour and growth. Breathe deeply, tune into birdsong, fresh smells and be grateful.
North Berwick based Hannah Lamb accepted a commission from me to repurpose unworn jewellery which was languishing in my jewellery box. I am delighted with the result, in particular because Hannah is a lovely person to know, and immediately understood the significance of using the coastline where I walk and swim. My beautiful new ring holds particular pertinence for me because it celebrates how far I have come with my own wellness, mental and physical health and celebration of life. If you want a new piece of jewellery or something repurposed, I highly recommend Hannah Lamb.
My clients from education have finished their coaching programmes with me, and so I am delighted to have more availability for 1-1, group of team coaching.
I ask that you commit to a minimum of 4 sessions, but if you book before 31st May you will only pay for 3. Our initial Discovery Discussion is free, which gives you time to decide if coaching is for you.
I am particularly skilled and experienced working with young people with anxiety, (minimum age 9 years old); adults and young people who consider themselves neurodiverse and anyone looking to embed healthy habits, and increase awareness of how to implement and sustain change.
I have trained in EASE (End of Life Aid Skills for Everyone) and will soon become a facilitator, so I can assist those who are preparing to lose a loved one.
Please note: I am not a counsellor, but an accredited personal and team coach of 16 years experience, an educator of 30 years experience and a mother and grandmother.
I’m looking forward to hearing from you:
07477 017717
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