2017 - The Queen's Speech, the future and the home

The Queen's speech reflects the ups and downs of 2017. In her televised Christmas day speech, she mentions the London and Manchester bombings, Grenfell Towers, Prince Phillips' retirement, the Commonwealth and the home. It is reflective and seeks to unify us. The topic of home is what makes this speech remarkable and deserves further consideration. Throughout 2017, home has always been there, but it has been lost for some.

We have spent the year focusing on technology, Brexit and Trump. I wonder though whether we need to think more about the home, our values and how we treat people. What sort of city, country and world are we creating? How will future generations look back upon us? What will they consider to be our greatest achievements and failures? What have we done about poverty and homelessness?

Our journey takes us down many different roads. What road will we take in 2018? Do we see the glass as half empty or half full? What will we prioritise? What will we do for others versus what will we do for ourselves? The secrets to beauty, health and happiness is more than developing a glossy facade. It is more than a moment in time. The secrets to beauty, health and happiness might involve resolutions, but it will also involve perspiration and inspiration. We need to try to think outside of the box, dare to be and do something different.

The world continues to change and evolve. I marvel at the extinction of dinosaurs. They were unable to adapt and now they are a mythical creature for small children to wonder at, for our entertainment in Hollywood movies and one of many exhibits in our museums. As we relax at home on our phones, tablets and computers, let's pause and reflect on what will become of us. What comes next?

The Secret To Healing

What is the secret to healing? What do you do if life sucks? It could be grief, sadness, being bullied, relationship problems, depression or winter blues. All is bleak. You eat, sleep and exist.

Over the years, you face challenges. No one warned you how awful things would get. The older you become, the harder it is. 

Time heals. It is the lesson I have learnt. You need to take it one day at a time and small steps forward.

The top five things that can help with healing are:

1. Sleep and nutrition - these are key to physical and emotional healing. Invest in healthy eating and sleep at least 8 hours. Treat yourself to some of your favourite foods to get that feel good endorphin hit.

2. The analytical part of your brain also plays an important role in pulling you out of your funk. Learn about a topic that interests you. It helps to step away from the emotional rut into a logical black and white factual world.

3. Exercise helps to make you physically and emotionally stronger. Even if you start with just a little and then build on it.

4. Family, friends or even online forums alleviate that I am alone and no one understands me sense of helplessness.

5. Escapism gives you a breather from the burden and weight of whatever is causing you distress. For me, this involves colouring in pictures, box sets, reading teen fiction, you tube videos of I love Lucy and day dreaming.

It is hard. It does suck. There is no easy way. There are times when a good cry is needed. You need to accept the situation and these feelings will pass or fade eventually. Don't be too hard on yourself. Look for the positive and find your way out of the darkness.

If you need to, ask for help. There are people out there who can be there for you. It seems like it is a harsh and unkind selfish world at times. However, sometimes people will surprise you.

Good luck and take care of yourself.

Notes: ColorMe is a free app available on Google play. Now tv in the UK, Netflix and other providers offer a free trial period to watch tv box sets, try your local library for access to free books or electronic books and a search of I love Lucy on youtube provides free episodes. The teen fiction I read included Gossip Girl and the Carrie Diaries.