Stay true, stay strong.

I have grown up listening to my family saying stay true to yourself, stay strong. Life will always throw challenges and tests at you but hold your head high, be yourself and you can get through anything. The importance of staying honest to yourself is an important lesson. 

For me, my faith plays an important role in who I am. Faith forms the foundations of my life providing the values and lessons that guide me. I am not one to preach or even one to go to church every week. However, I am a practicing Catholic and I practice my faith through the work I carry out each day. Through the way I treat other people, the many causes I am involved in, and my outlook on life. 

Throughout history, people have had to stay true to themselves and their faith. Whether it be significant historical events or debates regarding your church or religion, there will always be something to test who you are. For me, my faith has been tested once again.

The debate of logic versus faith is an ongoing one. One that I believe shall never be won. I am all for logic however you cannot compare faith and logic. Faith is more than logic; it is more than what can be imagined. Faith is just that, faith. 

When religious figureheads are the centre of controversy, it is important to remember that they are people. Those that practice hate, lies and violence are not true to their faith or religion. You can not condemn an entire faith on the actions of one individual. Nor can you point the finger at one church. It is unfair and would not achieve anything. 

I understand where my friends come from with their words and carefully thought out arguments. I respect people who stand up for what they believe in. However, we should not disrespect others for their beliefs or show contempt for those we believe act unjustly. Instead we should educate and lead by example. Let us practice equality, social inclusion and justice for all through our daily actions. Imagine what a world we could create together.

I recognise not all people follow a religion, in fact many of my friends are atheists, but I encourage you to stay true to what makes you who you are. Values of peace, love and compassion for others should be the fundamentals of any being on this earth. Stay true to these and stay strong.  

Leaves of my family tree

“…without you I would never be me, you are the leaves of my family tree…”

‘Sing Together’, Train

There are times when words never seem enough. Things happen that can totally flip your world upside down. Thankfully, love for one another can be expressed in so many more ways.

With a hug. A smile. A look.

This past week has been an emotional week around the Peace Tree. When a loved one passes away it can be easy to simply fall apart. With my family, we have pulled together. A cocoon of support. It will be tough for a while but it draws us together.

Whenever someone passes away, I find it brings so many memories of my loved ones who are no longer here. All the raw emotions from past funerals and goodbyes come swirling back and countless tears are shed and many hugs needed.

However, death is a part of life. I do know this. It does not make it easier though.

There has been so many times where I want to show my grandad something I’ve done or share with him how I am doing at university. To make up fairy tales and talk life philosophy with my dear Roly. To simply hug my great-grandad and hear his stories. To have met the wonderful women that were my Oma and Grandma.

I take comfort in knowing that they are all at peace now, an ultimate peace. I hear stories of what they were like when they were younger and I share my memories of them. People’s stories can continue to live on and without having these beautiful people in my life I wouldn’t be the person I am today. They are, and always will be, the leaves of my family tree.

Taking time to be grateful

With mobile phones, constant schedules and deadlines, we often forget to take the time and just be.

To take time to breathe and to enjoy life.

To be grateful for the many things in our lives.

At the start of the year, I began a gratitude journal. Each night before bed I write down something that I have been grateful for during the day.

From something as small as being grateful for the colour green in all its shades to being grateful for all the people I can call family, my journal has helped me to truly appreciate my life.

My journal began as a way to help with my stress and to focus on the positives, a way to remind myself what is important in my life. Now I find myself looking around me all the time finding things to appreciate and be thankful for.

Today is Ash Wednesday and marks the first day of Lent. As part of my personal Lenten journey I have decided to continue my gratitude journal.

For the forty days of Lent, I shall take a photo each day of something that I am grateful for.

I really encourage you take the time each day to find something that you yourself are grateful for.

Just take a few minutes. Breathe. Enjoy life. Be thankful.

God bless xx