Personal

It was just after midnight in a bar called Woody’s right in the heart of Toronto’s gay village. The bar is famed for being featured in the U.S. version of Queer As Folk and is exactly how you’d imagine such a gay bar to be – lots of colourful flashing lights, classic pop songs with an […]

For the last few months I’ve really struggled to motivate myself and since the South East Asia trip, it’s gotten worse. I’m not getting the same enjoyment out of the things I used to, I have a poor diet, sleepless nights, achy body, etc. I tick every box on the list of symptoms for depression. […]

Life is tough, and if you’re lucky you’ll occasionally have moments of joy. It’s true when you think about it. Most people’s lives are littered with hurt, upset, shame and many other tough experiences that bring about undesirable emotions. People find it much easier to recall their tales of struggle than their highest points. My […]

I’ve talked in previous posts about shame and the negative effects it can have on a person’s ability to live a fulfilled life. My version of shame is the voice inside my head that says (amongst other hurtful things), “You’re unlovable, and worthless.” In attempts to silence that voice, shame drives people to extraordinary lengths. […]

It’s been a week since I returned to the UK from my first ‘taster’ trip in South East Asia. I’m sat in my apartment in Manchester on a Sunday afternoon, the sun is shining bright and I can hear the hum of the city. It feels like the perfect time to share some of my […]

Since last year I have become very aware of the external pressures on me to do more, and be more. Everywhere I look, I see attempts to shame me into thinking what I have, or who I am simply isn’t enough. Adverts portraying unachievable body and life goals, memes suggesting I should ‘follow my dreams’ […]

I read a book a few months ago called ‘Rising Strong’ by Brené Brown. If you know me, you’ll know this woman is my idol. She’s a researcher of shame, courage and vulnerability. In this book she talks about how her therapist once suggested that people are only ever ‘doing there best’. It really got […]

Whilst I’m having an amazing time out here, I’ve also been reflecting over the last few days with a degree of sadness. Being around a group of younger people with such zest for life has really highlighted my battles with anxiety. Undoubtedly, temporary feelings of anxiety can be a good thing. Noticing when we feel […]