Clarity

In the pursuit of clarity, I became obsessed with clarity for clarities sake which I think could lead to apathy and back to cycles of negative existential nihilistic behaviour. I have started to use the clarity from the strategies I have implemented in my life… working out, eating right, a good amount of rest, a tidy environment, grooming well, being well read. I have started to use the clarity to make positive changes, still though desire can catch me but I’m getting better at telling myself no, I don’t think it’s addiction where this desire stems but rather the shared human need for love, though I find loving myself is waiting and not chasing, it’s choosing to be picky about who I spend time with and to double down on my own intuition rather than ignore it like I have in the past. But back to using clarity… I have started to really enjoy being in my studio, to be writing, drawing, printing, and painting, planning workshops to expand others knowledge and learn from other people who partake in my workshops. Interested in expanding perception, I am writing a publication, it will be odd, more like a wallet than a book stuffed with different bits of paper for the exploration of others. I think writing thinking others will see it makes you write better, but we shouldn’t hold back, we should be true to ourselves and take from what nihilists believe, that life is meaningless so just enjoy the process. We can choose to see meaninglessness as positive in the idea that it doesn’t matter what others think, do you. Be yourself, you can’t be anyone else and you can walk away whenever you want. Say fuck you. Tart. You get what I’m saying.

Anyway, I’ve come to enjoy a basic understanding of the biology of the human eye as a starting point to my book which isn’t really a book but what is a book? According to Wikipedia it’s a medium for recording information in the form of writing or images. And my laptop is telling me it has pages glued or sewn together on one side. Well, I guess mine will be that, just a little bit experimental. Inspired by the Fluxus movement. Anyways take care everyone, peace. Don’t forget what you wanted to work on and don’t get too caught up in worry, take a walk and let things go in and out. Inhale and exhale.

Signals - how we perceive and react

We signal to others, using winks and whistles, gestures as small and quick as the blink of an eye, the speed of light. Through history we have developed ways of signalling to others important messages. Now we have come to a point in history where we can use these inventions to share pictures of our inner most thoughts, pictures of cats and nudes. We mustn’t forget that we can lose self-respect by blurting out anything. We must take pause, every day, for it is so easy to just click a button and announce to the world whatever we think in that moment in time. Currently not everyone will know the nuanced context of that statement, it is just a straight binary message. No one will understand the moments that led you to that statement. This leaves plenty of room for judgement, which people can also share at the blink of an eye, this in turn creates a feedback loop of negative energy and misinformation. Through this powerful signalling technology, we have a created a pit of anger. With the rolling news, the constant amalgamation of negative information shared, we are controlled through fear. We can escape, through positive thought, through the breaking down and understanding of human psychology. Through self-awareness. How we perceive things is altered by the medium used to convey the message. We need footnotes and disclaimers; we need context, and we need to understand the person before we can understand the message. Else it is just our experience projecting onto their plane of expression, which is a disrespect.

2024, bring it on

Sometimes I get dizzy, or bang my head on the wall, my beds too close to it, it shouldn’t be that close, and that taste in my mouth! Brush my teeth, still there, plunge into the cold then coffee, I’m energized, shit it out, BANG! Out the door. I’m smiling, you got me smiling, that message got me smiling, the new year, I’m ready baby. I know it’ll be hard at times but I’m ready, I’ll keep preparing for it, for that shit you wanna shower me in, you cruel hero.

Finding Purpose and Financial Freedom: A Journey of Collaboration, Discipline, and Growth

Struggling with purpose? You are it! Your purpose is to live, to work and get by, to work and enjoy it, work isn’t just what you do every day to make money to spend on things; it’s internal, it’s the working out, it’s creating a beautiful garden!

It takes two to tango; often a task needs two people to perform. To take things to the next level, we must collaborate. I was collaborating with a friend and still am; we are planning, strategizing, and facilitating events around our locality to socialise communities through creative endeavours. Our goal is to help other people; we realise that to lead a happy life, we need meaning, and a normal job just doesn’t cut it! We like to be our own boss, do things on our terms, and have freedom. The only way to get that freedom is by scheduling tightly. It’s by being disciplined and doing hard work regularly, not in small, big bursts but a series of small steps. Preparation is key, and feedback from a partner makes the ball roll faster.

My perspective on freedom used to be about escaping laborious tasks, but I soon learned this leads to not just boredom but also apathy. I was in a deep pool of apathy, existential waves getting bigger and bigger until WOOOOSH it hit me: get to work! We need to do work to have a purpose, to feel of value, to have worth. This work can be anything; it can be writing, building, engineering, teaching, cutting hair, making art, but it must somehow have a positive impact on humanity. This positive impact could be mood elevation in people through comedy or writing or therapy. It could be a vital necessity people require to live, like building houses or farming, so people have food to eat. What you do matters. If you feel it doesn’t, you need to sit down and introspect. You need to think hard about what brings you joy and figure out whether that can be a job. The way I see it, anything can be a job that brings in money to sustain your life if you work hard enough towards the goal.

To escape, to want that isn’t a good sign. We should instead be in a mindset where getting up every day gets us closer to our goal. We won’t take no for an answer; we will get there, one step at a time. We will get there, leapfrogging from one job to another. You don’t need permanent employment. To tackle the issue of the cost of living, we must rein in our spending and budget according to our means. Within the budget, there needs to be savings, even if you put away £25 a month. This practice will become habitual, serving you well when you come into more wealth. What is important is to think about spending carefully. We don’t want to impulse buy, to get instant gratification; those are often regretful buys. But we do want to invest in things, like good quality ingredients for meals we make ourselves, or clothing that lasts (buying second hand is very smart). I would also advise selling things online. Apparently, the average person has around £1000 worth of things around their house they could possibly sell. This is something I did recently to lower stress. I did an audit of things I don’t use anymore and realised I better sell these things quickly. This impacted me positively.

When we have more, it is tempting to spend more. This is where a tight spending budget needs to be applied, at least until you have emergency savings. A lot of people don’t. Have boundaries; tell people no. Let’s do something free; let’s do it at home.

Reduce spending, expand incomings, budget to save, invest in yourself. Frugality and hard work both take discipline; they both take having boundaries around spending. Remember that to have is not really to have, but often just to say we have or to boost the ego.

There is an abundance of wealth; there are many streams of revenue. To find them takes regular detective work, brainstorming, and most importantly, collaboration. To get things done, we need others. If we support one another to conquer our lives, to conquer debt, we will all come up together, stronger, and healthier than going at it alone. Not to say that part of the journey isn’t internal and about looking within, but in life, we mustn’t stray away from collaborating as a team!

We often think we are not good enough when we don’t feel like we are where we are supposed to be. But this is a comparison of other people’s lives, which are all very different from yours. We must remember to enjoy the process and grow from pain. Embrace the pain. Pain is temporary. I like to embrace it.

Get it.

How to make a zine, with a printable download.

How to make a zine download

£0.00

I have made this handy PDF file so people can print it out to help them understand how to make a zine in the simplest way possible. all that is needed is the print out or you can look at it on your screen and copy the instructions off of there.

Conflict resolution: how to become zen boi

Who is zen boi and how can I be him if im fed up with it all? Conflicts are something we continually have to put up with in life, sometimes we just can’t keep our cool. Sometimes the conflicts arise in our own minds, often they are just more heated because of how we perceive things and how we react on the spot and before you know it, out of control! But we can come back from them quickly, we can. We can cool down, we can remember that life is hard, everyone is going through something and that is why this happens, no experience is just one but a series of experiences leading up to that moment where you shout “you sausage head” or whatever it is after a slam in the ego. Bosh!

We must recognise when things are about to go funny, so we can start to come down from it before it even happens. But if you already shouted at someone in the car on the way there maybe you’re already on a high. Can’t take one more hit! But you can, if everything has gone south that day, remember this: YOU ARE THE CONTROLLER OF YOUR OWN MIND, you can choose to see things positively, try to laugh it off. Think of how stupid everything truly is in the grand scheme of things and become ZEN BOI.

Within us all is Zen BOI, is this calm creature, ready for anything like a jester, all knowing of life so that he doesn’t take anything personally, it is all gonna be okay in the end, the end is coming.

The Power of Anger: Why It's Important to Let Others Know When You're Fed Up

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Anger is a complex emotion that often carries negative connotations. Society encourages us to suppress our anger, labeling it as destructive or irrational. However, it's crucial to recognize that anger can be a valid and essential reaction in certain circumstances. In fact, not allowing yourself to be angry can have detrimental effects on your well-being and relationships. In this article, we will explore the importance of expressing anger and why letting others know when you're fed up can lead to positive outcomes.

Validating Your Feelings:

Anger is a natural response to situations that infringe upon our boundaries, values, or personal rights. It serves as a signal that something is not right and needs attention. By acknowledging and accepting your anger, you validate your feelings and affirm the importance of your own emotional well-being.

Preserving Boundaries:

Suppressing anger can result in complacency and a tendency to tolerate unacceptable behavior. When you don't express your frustration or let others know when you're fed up, you risk compromising your boundaries and allowing mistreatment to persist. Communicating your anger allows you to establish and maintain healthy limits, preventing others from overstepping or taking advantage of you.

Promoting Authenticity:

Expressing anger honestly and respectfully contributes to your authenticity. By openly communicating your emotions, you allow others to see your true self and gain insight into your needs and values. This transparency fosters genuine connections and promotes understanding between individuals.

Encouraging Accountability:

When you express your anger and let others know when you're fed up, you hold them accountable for their actions or behaviors. By clearly expressing your boundaries and dissatisfaction, you create an opportunity for dialogue and potential resolution. This communication encourages mutual respect, as it sets the expectation that everyone should be responsible for their actions and considerate of others' feelings.

Promoting Personal Growth:

Acknowledging and expressing anger in a constructive manner is a catalyst for personal growth. It allows you to understand your triggers, evaluate your reactions, and find healthier ways to address and manage conflicts. By effectively expressing your anger, you develop stronger emotional intelligence and improve your ability to navigate challenging situations in the future.

Conclusion:

Anger is an inherent part of the human experience, and it's essential to embrace and express it in a healthy and constructive manner. Suppressing anger can lead to adverse effects on your mental well-being and relationships, as it can result in compromised boundaries and a lack of accountability. By letting others know when you're fed up, you assert your needs, promote authenticity, and encourage growth, both for yourself and those around you. Remember, expressing anger is not a sign of weakness but a powerful tool for personal empowerment and positive change.

Understanding Emotional Responses: Choosing Peace in Relationships

In our interactions with others, we often find ourselves seeking a specific response or reaction. However, when our expectations are not met, it can lead to feelings of resentment and anger. It is essential to recognize these emotions and consider the circumstances before reacting impulsively, as our actions can escalate the situation further. In this article, we will explore the importance of empathy, boundaries, and self-reflection in managing emotional responses, fostering healthier relationships, and cultivating a sense of peace.

When someone does not respond promptly to a text message or fails to meet our expectations, it is vital to pause and consider their circumstances. Just like us, they have their own responsibilities, obligations, and priorities. Reflect on how it would feel to be bombarded with messages across various communication channels when you are already overwhelmed. Sometimes, individuals require space to recharge, focus on their tasks, and regain balance in their lives. By recognizing and respecting their need for personal space, we demonstrate empathy and a genuine concern for their well-being.

Respecting people's boundaries is an essential aspect of any healthy relationship. While it may be challenging at times, it is crucial to rationalize the situation and focus on our own well-being during moments of frustration. Rather than taking their delayed response personally, we must understand that their actions are not necessarily a reflection of their care for us. It is about honouring their needs and allowing them the space and time they require to fulfil their responsibilities. By respecting their boundaries, we demonstrate our understanding and support for their personal growth.

In addition to resentment and anger, it is not uncommon to experience anxiety about losing someone when our expectations are not met. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that these emotionally charged feelings often originate from our own thoughts and perceptions. It is important not to let our emotions control our reactions and, instead, allow space for healing and personal growth. Giving ourselves time alone can help us gain clarity, reestablish our routines, and recharge. Remember, personal growth and emotional well-being are not solely dependent on the responses we receive from others.

Much like responding to a barking dog, we should approach our emotions and relationships with a sense of calmness and reason. Reacting impulsively and adding fuel to the fire will only exacerbate conflicts and strain relationships. Choosing peace means taking a step back, recognizing the emotions at play, and responding with patience and understanding. It takes practice to develop this skill and a deep understanding of the people we interact with. Building mutual respect requires effort and a willingness to consider the needs and boundaries of both parties. By fostering an environment of respect and empathy, we create the foundation for healthier, more fulfilling relationships.

In our quest for fulfilling relationships, it is important to manage our emotional responses effectively. When our expectations are not met, we may feel resentment, anger, or anxiety. However, by pausing to consider the circumstances, respecting boundaries, and engaging in self-reflection, we can choose peace over conflict. Understanding that our emotions are often influenced by our own thoughts and perceptions allows us to foster personal growth and provide space for healing. Ultimately, by nurturing relationships built on empathy, respect, and understanding, we create a harmonious environment where everyone can thrive. Remember, relationships are a two-way street—when we give respect, we receive it in return.

Prioritizing Self-Care: Maintaining Relationships While Maintaining Your Well-Being

Over the past few years, I have learned that maintaining relationships requires a significant amount of energy. Therefore, it's important to make time for ourselves to rest and focus on our own well-being. While spending time with loved ones is enjoyable, it can be draining.

To maintain good health, we must prioritize getting adequate sleep, eating well, taking vitamins, and keeping ourselves clean and presentable. Additionally, it's important to complete our work early to avoid stress. This requires the ability to say no to distractions and prioritize our own well-being without feeling guilty.

We are aware of what we need to do, and it's important to embrace discomfort and cultivate discipline. This includes working out regularly, saying no to distractions, and getting sufficient rest. It takes courage to prioritize our own well-being, but it earns the respect of others.

It's crucial to love ourselves enough to engage in positive behaviors and avoid self-destructive habits. This means investing in our fitness, healthy relationships, work, and leisure time. Self-awareness is also essential in knowing our limits and being able to prioritize our well-being.

Unleashing the Potential of Young Men: The Power of Positive Role Models, Emotional Intelligence, Creativity, and Stoicism - day 20 of writing everyday

As teachers, coaches, and mentors, we have a unique opportunity to help young men unleash their full potential and make positive contributions to their communities and society. To achieve this, we must prioritize the development of positive role models, emotional intelligence, creativity, and even Stoic philosophy in them.

Positive role models are critical in the development of young men. As teachers and coaches, we can model qualities such as integrity, kindness, and empathy to help them develop a strong sense of identity and purpose. We can also provide guidance and support to help them navigate the challenges of growing up. By serving as positive role models, we can help them develop the character and values they need to succeed in life.

Another essential factor in unleashing their potential is emotional intelligence. They are often taught to suppress their emotions or express them in unhealthy ways, which can lead to negative consequences such as anger, depression, and substance abuse. By teaching them to express their emotions in healthy ways, we can help them develop emotional intelligence, which involves the ability to identify, express, and regulate emotions in a healthy way. One effective way to nurture emotional intelligence is through journaling, which can help them process their emotions and develop coping mechanisms based on logic and reason rather than emotion.

Furthermore, creativity is another crucial factor in unleashing their potential. Creativity involves the ability to use unique talents and perspectives to create something new and valuable. As teachers, coaches, and mentors, we can encourage them to pursue their creative passions, whether that's through art, music, writing, or entrepreneurship. By providing opportunities for them to express themselves creatively, we can help them develop a sense of purpose and fulfillment, which can lead to positive contributions to their communities and society at large.

Finally, we can also draw on the wisdom of Stoicism, an ancient philosophy that emphasizes self-control, rationality, and virtue. As the Stoic philosopher Epictetus once said, "It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters." By teaching them Stoic principles such as the dichotomy of control and the importance of virtue, we can help them develop a resilient and virtuous mindset that will serve them well throughout their lives.

In conclusion, as teachers, coaches, and mentors, we have a responsibility to prioritize the development of positive role models, emotional intelligence, creativity, and even Stoicism in young men. By serving as positive role models, teaching emotional intelligence, encouraging creativity, and drawing on Stoic philosophy, we can help them unleash their full potential and make positive contributions to their communities and society. Let's invest in their potential and help them become the best versions of themselves.

Finding Calm in the Landscape and Joy in the City - Day 19 of Writing Everyday

a dog at the campsite me and my lovely friend stayed at earlier this week

Painting from the landscape is calming, being engulfed by it is intense but also comforting with all the greenery, nature is powerful. I spent a lot of time in landscapes this week, sitting and living on a hill in north Wales, driving through them on the motorway, seeing trees as I zoomed past them. But I don’t think anything can beat just sitting still in the landscape, being free from any reasonability’s, just letting yourself pause and take everything in. If I could prescribe this I would, but I’m no doctor, not yet.

But when you must return to a city, make sure you enjoy that too, there’s enjoyment to be had in all environments, yes it can seem way more fast paced and anxiety inducing but we can also pause in these places too. Go to coffee shops, talk to people, I enjoy having small chats with people around town all the time, meet business owners, everyone has a story and the more people you meet, the smaller and more village like a cities become. Everyone is a character, and everyone is much more interesting than you first think. Everyone’s a little bit silly once you get to know em, unless they’re uptight, then they can suck on my balls, but they wouldn’t cos they are too uptight.

day 18 of writing everyday

We must engage with people usually othered and be okay when we are called white, because if we are and we call others black or brown then why don’t we like being called white. If that is offensive to you, or makes you feel funny then take a step back and evaluate the world you are living in. it’s well easy to get offended easily if you have it easy because of your identity, even if you are working class or a massive prancing gay boy or something, you’ll still be better off than someone else. Everything is relative of course but what im trying to say is being offended gets you no where, like anyone being offended by anything. Is it ever valid? Probably, but is it a waste of time thinking about it, yes. Yes it is. If someone is a prick then you have every right to speak up but if you are just uncomfortable because you’ve never been challenged on something, but it’s not like proper dodgy to say, then pause bruh.

Yup this is a late night blog post.

Managing Emotions and Routines: Lessons in Resilience - day 17 of writing everyday

Have you ever felt angry after having a wonderful time? Why do you think this was? Does going back to your normal routine make you angry because you enjoyed the break? Think to yourself, why you keep up the habits you do, a lot of them are so you feel good in yourself, physically and mentally. We uphold the habits we take time to form so that we are able to enjoy our life more everyday, not just when we get the opportunity to go away to somewhere beautiful with our friends or family. There is pleasure to be had in the everyday.

The first ever supersonic ballistic missile, I saw this at The RAF Museum in Cosford. V-2 rocket.

Practicing gratefulness, for the smallest things we have. For the little things that help us tick over to the next day is important. Enjoying life everyday means to take pleasure in doing things that may feel like chores, just think about the reward you get after doing it, cleaning for example rewards you with a clean house, going to work rewards you with monetary compensation, we can use that to buy cool shit. Exercising rewards, us with better mobility, better strength and fitness, to be able to go on walks, lift stuff up without feeling the strain and look good doing it. It energises us.

After returning home from a lovely few days away in Wales with one of my best friends, I was feeling completely ballistic for a few minutes. It was an irrational anger, but I knew it was important to acknowledge and manage my emotions, as unchecked anger can lead to destructive behaviour, and I wasn’t about to let this stupid anger ruin what was a nice start to my week. I recognized that my fatigue from hours of driving and consuming caffeine had contributed to my emotional state. Even though being on holiday was a much-needed break from my routine, I knew I needed to get back into my regular habits and routines upon returning home to keep my emotions in check. In situations like this, resilience means being able to return to our routines even when we're thrown off-centre. I believe the military provides an excellent example of this kind of resilience, with everyday life being unpredictable but disciplined routines instilled in soldiers to help them navigate changing circumstances and maintain their emotional equilibrium.

In conclusion, it's important to acknowledge and manage our emotions, even when they may seem irrational or out of place, and to maintain daily routines and habits for our physical and mental well-being. We can find pleasure in the everyday by practicing gratefulness and taking pleasure in doing things that may feel like chores. Resilience means being able to return to our routines even when we're thrown off-centre, and the disciplined approach instilled in soldiers by the military can serve as an excellent example of this kind of resilience. By cultivating resilience and practicing gratitude, we can maintain emotional equilibrium and find joy in the small things, enabling us to live happier and more fulfilling lives.

Do the work - Day 16 of writing everyday

Today, I want to emphasize the importance of putting in the work to achieve our goals. Building a strong work ethic requires discipline and dedication. It means prioritizing rest and getting enough sleep, while also pushing ourselves physically and mentally.

To become the best version of ourselves, we need to challenge ourselves every day. Whether it's adding an extra kilometer to our runs or lifting a little bit more weight each week, every effort counts towards our growth and development.

This attitude of continuous improvement should extend to all areas of our lives, including our work and sleep routines. By being mindful of our habits and saying no to things that interfere with our progress, we can achieve success in all aspects of our lives.

Remember that true success is not just about external achievements, but also about taking care of our mental health and well-being. Strive for balance and avoid sacrificing your physical and mental health for the sake of appearing successful to others.

So, let's commit to putting in the work and making consistent progress towards our goals. With dedication and perseverance, we can achieve anything we set our minds to.

Some thoughts on my current practice - Day 15 of Writing Everyday

My artistic practice is closely tied to my experiences exploring natural environments through activities like running, hiking, and visiting national parks. The memories, photographs, and videos of my travels serve as a significant source of inspiration for my paintings, which are characterized by a focus on small details and a sense of movement and energy.

I focus on the smallest details and explore the macroscopic effects that can be created through magnifying these details. Inviting the viewer to take a closer look at the world around them.

In my creative process, I often zoom in on specific parts of the environment, creating a macroscopic effect where small details are magnified to monumental proportions. This technique is similar to macro photography, where the focus is on capturing the finest details of an object in extreme close-up. Focusing on the smallest details also means the process of sourcing pigments and making my own paint, highlighting the importance of process and materiality, human exertion and how my work can be situated in specific places by using matter sourced from my research trips in the field.

To emphasize the larger, more expressive strokes in my paintings, I contrast them with muted and deliberate marks that create a sense of unease and bring a perturbation of the landscape. This technique involves painting from the filmed image, adding depth and dimension to the artwork.

The film "Honey I Shrunk the Kids" explores the perspective of being shrunk down to a smaller size, much like an ant's view of the grass blades. This concept of magnifying the small details of our surroundings is reflected in my artwork ‘Blades’ 2023, an oil on linen work. Additionally, the patterns found in microphotographs of damaged or diseased cell tissue, as seen in the book "Basic Histopathology: A Colour Atlas and Text," have also served as inspiration for my paintings.

Microphotograph of cell tissue from ‘Basic Histopathology: a colour atlas and text’

"One Day at a Time" Documentary Review: A Powerful Reminder of the Importance of Talking About Our Feelings - Day 14 of writing everyday

The documentary film "One Day at a Time" by Paul Chambers and Sam Batley explores the journey of recovery and emphasizes the importance of expressing one's feelings. The film features residents at Damien John Kelly House, a recovery living center for men in Liverpool, who learn to confront their emotions together through various activities like art, sports, and culture. These activities provide a safe and supportive environment for the residents to express themselves and learn healthy coping mechanisms.

As someone who has struggled with expressing emotions, the film resonated deeply with me. The documentary emphasizes that talking about emotions is a powerful tool for coping with overwhelming feelings. The film shows how Sam Batley uses poetry to express himself and how he feels about some really difficult times in his life, which ultimately leads to the creation of a short film, 'Three Bull-Mastiffs in a Corner Kitchen,' which the documentary takes us on a behind-the-scenes journey of.

Moreover, the film highlights how men are often socialized to hide their emotions, leading to serious mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Sharing one's emotions can be a liberating experience and a vital step towards healing. The documentary's message is relevant not only to individuals in recovery but to everyone who struggles with expressing their emotions. We need to encourage open conversations about mental health, support each other, and create a safe space to share our emotions.

It’s a powerful reminder of the importance of talking about our feelings. Confronting our emotions can be a challenging but transformative experience, and we need to encourage open conversations about mental health, addiction and recovery and support each other to create a safe space to share our emotions.

If you are struggling with addiction or mental health, please seek help. Here are a few links to recovery groups and mental health charities in the UK:

1. Mind - A mental health charity providing advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. Website: https://www.mind.org.uk/

2. Samaritans - A charity providing confidential emotional support to anyone in crisis or struggling to cope. Website: https://www.samaritans.org/

3. Alcoholics Anonymous - A fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other to help solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. Website: https://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/

4. Narcotics Anonymous - A fellowship of men and women who meet regularly to help each other stay clean and recover from addiction to drugs. Website: https://ukna.org/

5. Beat - A charity providing support and information for anyone affected by eating disorders. Website: https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/

6. Bipolar UK - A charity helping people living with bipolar disorder, providing information and support services. Website: https://www.bipolaruk.org/

7. Anxiety UK - A charity providing support and information for people with anxiety disorders. Website: https://www.anxietyuk.org.uk/

8. Depression Alliance - A charity providing information and support for people affected by depression. Website: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/depression/about-depression/

9. Rethink Mental Illness - A charity providing support and information for people affected by mental illness. Website: https://www.rethink.org/

10. Young Minds - A charity providing support and advice to children and young people with mental health problems. Website: https://youngminds.org.uk/

Self-awareness: The Key to Personal Growth and Development - Day 13 of Writing Everyday

“The world is nothing but change. Our life is only perception.”

– Meditations, by Marcus Aurelius translated by Gregory Hays (2003)

Self-awareness is a term that has become increasingly popular in recent years, particularly in the world of personal growth and development. But what exactly does it mean to be self-aware, and why is it so important?

At its core, self-awareness is about being able to recognize and contemplate your own thoughts, emotions, behaviours, and experiences. It's the ability to understand your own characteristics, such as your strengths, weaknesses, beliefs, and values. Essentially, it's the capacity to reflect on yourself, and to evaluate your own thoughts, feelings, and actions in relation to your goals and values.

So why is self-awareness so important? There are many reasons, but perhaps the most significant is that it allows you to make better decisions. By being aware of your own thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, you can more easily identify patterns and make changes that will help you achieve your goals. This includes everything from setting healthy boundaries in your relationships, to making lifestyle changes that improve your physical and emotional health.

Self-awareness is also important for emotional regulation. When you are aware of your own emotions, you can better understand and manage them. This can help you avoid reactive or impulsive behaviour, and instead respond to situations in a more deliberate and thoughtful way.

In addition, self-awareness can help you understand how you are perceived by others. When you have a good sense of your own strengths and weaknesses, you can more easily identify areas where you need to improve. This can be especially helpful in the workplace, where feedback is often crucial for professional growth and development.

But perhaps the most compelling reason to cultivate self-awareness is that it allows you to live a more fulfilling and meaningful life. When you are aware of your own values and beliefs, you can make choices that align with those values. This can help you feel more satisfied and fulfilled, and can give your life a sense of purpose.

The Stoics, an ancient Greek philosophy, believed that self-awareness was crucial for personal growth and development. They believed that by checking yourself, you could prevent yourself from hurting others or engaging in harmful behaviour. And when you did hurt others, they believed that reflecting on that experience could help you learn from it and avoid making the same mistakes in the future.

If you're interested in cultivating more self-awareness in your own life, there are a few things you can do. One is to practice self-reflection, which might include journaling, meditation, or simply taking time to think about your own thoughts and feelings. Another is to seek feedback from others, particularly those you trust and respect. This can help you gain a more objective view of yourself and your behaviour.

It's also worth noting that self-awareness is not always easy. It can be uncomfortable to confront your own flaws or mistakes, and it takes time and effort to cultivate a deeper understanding of yourself. But the benefits are clear: greater emotional regulation, better decision-making, and a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

In conclusion, self-awareness is a crucial aspect of personal growth and development. By cultivating a deeper understanding of ourselves, we can make better choices, regulate our emotions, and live more fulfilling lives. Whether you're just starting out on your personal growth journey or you're looking to deepen your existing self-awareness, there are many resources available to help you along the way.

Here are some that I have found helpful:

-       Seeking therapy privately, so there isn’t a waiting list.

-       Reading books, for instance Meditations by Marcus Aurelius translated by Gregory Hays, which is one of the best translations available in modern day English.

-       Apps that make you aware of your screen time like Opal are good, this will help you to stay in the moment more which is needed in order to do some self-detective work

-       Podcasts like Modern Wisdom with Chris Williamson or even Joe Rogan when he gets scientists and philosophers on, helps to make you think differently.

Bibliography:

Hays, G. (ed.) (2003) Meditations. United States of America: Modern Library. 

The Power of Regular Cleaning: Enhancing Productivity and Self-Care - Day 12 of Writing everyday

The importance of cleaning for efficiency cannot be overstated. I recently encountered a challenge when attempting to clean glass with dried oil paint that had been neglected. Despite my efforts to maintain a clean environment, leaving these two pieces of glass unattended made the cleaning process more difficult. This experience highlighted the significance of tackling cleaning tasks regularly, preventing the accumulation of dirt and grime that can make cleaning more arduous and time-consuming.

Completing cleaning tasks as soon as possible after use ensures a clean and tidy environment, akin to having a fresh canvas to work with every day. Not only does this create a more efficient and productive space, but it can also have a significant impact on our mental well-being. Taking care of tasks that make our lives more comfortable is an act of self-care that allows us to enjoy the present moment.

The principle of regular, small exercises can also be applied to other areas of life. Delaying difficult tasks until the last minute often results in increased stress levels and may lead to poor performance. Consistent practice of small exercises can help develop skills over time and lead to better outcomes. Like the compounding effect of pennies in a jar, even small efforts can contribute significantly to the overall success of a project.

Neglecting tasks is a common pitfall that many individuals fall into. However, taking care of these tasks regularly is a wise approach that leads to better outcomes in the long run. Even small efforts in completing a task can contribute significantly to the overall success of the project. By doing the work now rather than later, we can ensure that we have more time for the things we enjoy and can avoid the stress and worry that comes with procrastination.

In conclusion, the power of regular cleaning and completing tasks regularly cannot be underestimated. This approach leads to improved productivity, mental well-being, and self-care. Taking care of tasks as soon as possible prevents the accumulation of dirt and grime that can make cleaning more challenging, and consistent practice of small exercises can lead to better outcomes in all areas of life. By taking care of ourselves in this way, we can enjoy the present moment and ensure that we are prepared for the future.

One book that has gained widespread popularity for its approach to decluttering and organizing is "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up" by Marie Kondo.

Kondo's method, called the KonMari Method, encourages readers to evaluate their possessions based on whether they bring them joy. By focusing on what truly matters to them, readers are able to let go of items that no longer serve a purpose in their lives. The end result is a home filled only with items that bring joy and a sense of peace.

Oil Paint vs. Acrylic: A Comparison of Quality and Process - Day 11 of Writing everyday

Oil paint simply surpasses acrylic paint in terms of quality, without a doubt.

It requires more care and attention, and has a more intricate process. It spreads easily and can be messy, making it crucial to learn how to handle it properly in the studio and maintain a clean environment. Additionally, it involves the use of solvents and additives to achieve different flow and thickness levels. In contrast, acrylic paint is more straightforward and lacks the same artistry involved in oil painting. Acrylic paint can seem plastic and unappealing, and once you have tried oil paint, it's hard to return to using acrylic. Oil paint has a pleasing scent and a unique quality that is hard to replicate.

While there are some benefits to using acrylic paint, such as its quick drying time and suitability for quick studies or underpainting, it does not compare to the beauty and finish of oil paint. In sculpture, I have used acrylic paint to achieve a specific plastic-like appearance on ceramics. However, it is important not to apply too much paint when using acrylics, as the finish can be satin, tacky, and plastic-like, detracting from the overall work. If you prefer thick, textured paintings, oil paint is the way to go. While it does take a couple of weeks to dry completely, the finished product is well worth the wait.

Lastly, while acrylic paint can be useful for works on paper, using proper oil painting paper, such as Archers oil paper, yields even better results. It's clear that using proper paint is crucial for achieving a high-quality finish, so I urge artists to use oil paint whenever possible. You know unless you’re just a wrong’un.

Embracing Originality: The Importance of Creating Without Playing to Others' Tune - Day 10 of writing everyday

don’t be a robot!

Playing to someone else's tune when creating a work of art, designing a new mobile phone, or even developing a new t-shirt design may seem like the easy way out, but it's actually detrimental to the most crucial part of creating - originality and individualism. In order to make something that truly captivates an audience, we must understand that people are naturally drawn to the unusual, the new, and the never-before-seen. Those who go against the grain in life are often admired because they display courage and confidence in their own ideas.

It's incredibly easy to become complacent and churn out monotonous work that is no different than what's already out there. However, it takes a true champion to create something innovative and exciting, actually that’s bullshit, it simply takes the ability to just get on with it.

As for myself, I've been struggling with this lately. I'm just getting back into using oil paints again and have been creating some rather lackluster pieces. But I believe it's necessary to reacquaint myself with the medium before I can create the type of work that truly stands out. I plan on devoting more time to my craft this week.

So, ask yourself: Are you lacking in originality? How can you improve the quality of your output? Don't be afraid to take risks and let your creativity run wild. In the end, it's your individuality and uniqueness that will set you apart and make you truly successful.

For those who are interested in exploring the concept of originality and individualism in the art world further, I highly recommend Grayson Perry's book "Playing to the Gallery". In it, Perry delves into the complexities of the art world and provides valuable insights on how to navigate the industry while staying true to one's own creative vision. His unique perspective and humor make this an enjoyable and thought-provoking read for artists and art enthusiasts alike.