Go Figure

By • June 30, 2015 • Blog

In the last ten years, the number of under-19s receiving treatment for an eating disorder has risen by 172%. That’s quite a stat. It should be surprising, except, well, it’s not. Everyone knows someone who’s been affected. Schools and colleges expect it. Many industries endorse it. A generation of young people (predominantly girls) are starving themselves to death and it’s part of the furniture. Eating disorders are not the only issue. But they’re the default for far too many. Why? Here are some guesses: …Read More

For the Weary

By • June 24, 2015 • Blog

There’s a certain kind of tiredness that no amount of sleep can touch. Where does it come from, this weariness   it’s the news – a steady stream of sadness that drips drips drips till you’re leaking soundbites and you can’t tell what matters and what’s just noise it’s polite chit-chat and stabs behind the cup-cakes it’s the magazine articles that tell you to be yourself and what that self should be it’s the queue at the post office and the …Read More

I gave my life to Jesus [by Glen]

By • June 23, 2015 • Blog

I gave my life to Jesus about a thousand times? Anyone else? It began aged 13 at a Christian camp. The youth leader made the challenge and I… I was equal to it. I surrendered all. Later that evening I looked hard in the mirror to see if there was any change. Was there a light behind my eyes? A halo above my head? A funny feeling in my stomach? Was there anything to tell me my prayer worked! Nothing. So I prayed again …Read More

The Problem with Positive Thinking

By • June 17, 2015 • Blog

I’m not sold on the power of positive thinking. In fact, when taken to extremes, I reckon it’s positively dangerous. When someone is sick and doesn’t get better, the last thing they need is someone telling them to fight harder. Those who recover from, say, cancer and those who don’t, are not separated by whether or not they really ‘battled this thing’. Everyone ‘fights’ – but there are some things that a positive mental attitude cannot defeat. And if you tell someone struggling with …Read More

Not Good Enough: Hurrah!

By • June 8, 2015 • Blog

Thank God for friends. Chatting today, we shared our mutual shortcomings in the sphere of work/wifeliness/parenting/breathing.  Finally, we came to the conclusion that ‘good enough is – well, good enough.‘ You don’t have to be a wonder worker to justify your existence. You don’t need a spotless home to be worthwhile. The odd turkey twizzler will not kill your toddler. Give your best and that’s all anyone can ask. You’re good enough, just as you are. Sounds lovely, doesn’t it?  Liberating. Much better …Read More

Truth for Testing Times

By • June 2, 2015 • Blog

everyone thinks everyone else knows what they’re doing: they don’t. whatever it is – recovery, grief, housework, rebuilding relationships – you don’t have to do it all in one go. it’s possible you will feel completely different in a very short time. good or bad – you’re not who your parents or the bullies or your exam papers or your ex says. the bad thing you’re terrified of happening probably won’t happen.  Even if it does, you will be okay. you are not …Read More