There’s nothing you can do that can’t be done
Nothing you can sing that can’t be sung
Nothing you can say, but you can learn how to play the game
It’s easy
All you need is love by the Beatles, like any music, can transport us to a moment in our lives, a moment in history, for me, it is my wedding day, when I tried to re-enact the ‘Love Actually’ moment in the film. That film really reminds me that, ‘Love actually is all around us’.
Whenever I get gloomy about the state of the world, (and recently I think we have all felt it in some way or another) I think about the arrivals gate at Heathrow Airport. General opinion seems to be that we live in a world of hatred and greed, but I don’t see that. It seems to be that love is everywhere. Often it’s not particularly dignified or newsworthy, but it’s always there – you just have to look for it. When the planes hit the Twin Towers, as far as I know none of the phone calls from people on board were messages of hate or revenge – they were all messages of love. If you look for it, I’ve got a sneaky suspicion that love actually is all around.
Love Actually
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas…..or is it?
Christmas can be the most wonderful time of the year, but the festive period can also be lonely too. A silent night without company can leave many people feeling sad, dwelling on what they don’t have, reminiscing and missing what they once had. As people dream of a snowy white Christmas, all some people want for Christmas, is you. Mind Of My Own’s scenarios in the One app and Express can really help unfold the variety of emotions and feelings that may overwhelm us during the festive period.
By simply, stopping and sharing these thoughts using the digital tools can help, why not give it a try?
Tis the season to be jolly……but what if we’re not?
A person can still feel lonely in a relationship, or even when surrounded by family and friends. Although it might not feel like it in the moment, if you’re feeling lonely, remember you are not alone. The biggest lesson we learned during each lockdown is we really need each other, talking to someone or sharing how you feel with someone you feel comfortable with is the best way to start feeling better. The beating heart of Mind Of My Own’s mission is for all children and young people to have someone they can share and connect with. Loneliness is eased through human connections, by sending messages and chatting on the phone, can help.
Mind Of My Own’s digital tools can help build that connection, it offers a range of scenarios that young people can complete and it creates a one-page profile that can be shared with a trusted adult. The newest scenario: This is Me offers a space for young people to express their identity in their own words, opens a space for them to share about their interests, relationships, communication, safety and much more.
Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.
Research shows that students perform better and are more academically and socially successful when their culture and identity is recognised, portrayed favourably in the school curriculum, and used as a fundamental source of information (Nieto, 1996; Diamond and Moore, 1995; Au, 1993; Geyhle, 1983).
It’s ok, not to be ok
A message from someone can sparkle like the lights on the Christmas tree, alleviating isolation with heartfelt conversations. After the uncertainty of the last few years, we all deserve this Christmas to be filled with festive fun! For so many reasons winter can be the toughest and the loneliest of all the seasons for somebody on their own. So, it is time to scroll through your contact list, reach out, reconnect, and show people they are not alone.
Help! I need somebody
1. Mindmate
2. Mind
3. Mental Health
4. Mental Health Advent
Mind Of My Own’s Christmas Wellbeing Suggestions
I’m driving home for Christmas.
Keep things simple. Keep your commitments simple. Don’t be afraid to say no.
I won’t ask for much this Christmas. I won’t even wish for snow. And I’m just gonna keep on waiting, underneath the mistletoe.
Balance alone time and time with others.
Have yourself a merry little Christmas. Let your heart be light. From now on your troubles will be out of sight.
Talk about the issues with someone.
Last Christmas, I gave you my heart, but the very next day, you gave it away. This year, to save me from tears, I’ll give it to someone special.
Take time to de-stress. Breathe in for 4 counts and exhale for 8 counts.
Silent night! Holy night! All is calm! All is bright!”
Lower your expectations. In fact, try to have no expectations. Too often our expectations are too high, and as Brene Brown says: “Expectations are resentments waiting to happen.”
The entire team at Mind Of My Own would like to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday. We look forward to sharing with you all the exciting things Mind Of My Own has planned for the New Year and welcoming our ever growing community in 2022. Mind Of My Own is delighted to work with you to ensure every child and young person has our digital participation tools so they can communicate their views, wishes and feelings, fostering a culture of voice, agency and efficacy in all our schools and services.
With love and best wishes, from the Mind Of My Own team.
