https://ift.tt/2VYf0S5 Recently I've come to share my very first memories of being bullied through natural discussion. Growing up, I always knew I was a victim of persistent bullying and there are varying events I remember from primary through to leaving in secondary - but my very first memory that I had discussed prompted me to revisit this subject. And it's one we must never stop talking about or shy away from because awareness is everything. My earliest memory of being bullied was when I was in primary school, I couldn't tell you what year group. I had begun taking packed lunches. I vaguely even remember my lunchbox, I think. Blue and ninja turtles seem to come to mind, passed down from my older brother. The old 90s style; none of this air tight Tupperware. I was a fan of jam and peanut butter sandwiches, I probably had a yoghurt and the usual packed lunch gold. Our lunch boxes went in an area outside the dining hall at the start of each day and stayed there until lunch. On arrival, we'd collect our lunchbox and meet the rest of our class and teachers in the dining area. Bullying would've already started as this was a very anxious situation for me. I'd hold back until it was less busy to avoid others. So I could get my lunch and find my empty table peacefully. One day, at the beginning of the week, I entered to find my lunchbox missing. You know the feeling now as an adult when you think you've left your keys in the shop, or your mobile isn't in your pocket. Your heart races and you start panicking. That was the feeling I had. I knew I'd brought it. I knew I'd placed it in the right area. Someone must've stolen it. I anxiously went looking for it and I remember giving up in the end. I was so embarrassed and threatened by it, I never told anyone. After lunch time had finished, I remember someone saying to me "Isn't this your lunch box", which had re-appeared. Empty. This continued for only about a week. Some days, I'd be left with a sandwich or a yoghurt etc. Some days, nothing. Each day, it was a new game - to them. I remember one day it was thrown all over the room and I frantically tried to pick up what I could salvage and have for my lunch... via Instagram https://instagr.am/p/B_c67iOAR8o/

https://ift.tt/34PpKGs At the moment, we are experiencing a new kind of normal. I see people constantly saying "I can't wait to go back to normal," and I can't help but think "Please, let's not." Sure, I want everyone to be safe and healthy. But I don't want everyone to return to "normal". For the first time in a long time, I see people pulling together to support each other. I see businesses working together to create better rather than competing. I see love being clapped from my doorstep every Thursday for the NHS. I see rainbows in windows. People saying hello to each other (from a distance). I see a better and kinder world at the moment. So before we rush to get back to normal, let's evaluate what kind of normal we are rushing back to and whether it's worth it. . . #coronavirus #normal #normalday #normallife #normalisboring #backtonormal #backtonormallife #backtonormality #life #lifequotes #kindness #kindnessmatters #spreadkindness #love #lovequotes #quotes #inspirationalquotes #motivationalquotes #quotestoliveby #mikemeetslife via Instagram https://instagr.am/p/B_O6JPhg2L6/

https://ift.tt/2XLcLE9 When I was at my worst, the contemplation of a world without me seemed the best option. It seemed the best option for those around me, albeit a very small few, and selfishly better for me. The torturous mental daily battle was too much. But today I'm one who can say "I chose life". I won't give you the speech that "it gets better" because I know you won't want to hear that. But what I will say is I know it's hard, really fucking hard. But, it's okay to feel sad. It's okay to feel lost. It's okay to not know what to do! BUT, whoever and wherever you are - I am proud of you. You've obviously been through so very much and I am proud that you're still alive. Please join me in being able to say "I chose life". The journey won't be easy, and not every day will be a good one - but with care, love, kindness and support, you can survive. And shit, I know what you're thinking "there's no way out of this", but take it from me - there's always another way. Always. Life's journey is never one straight road. Stay with us and if you want help, I'm always here. I can and will help you to choose life. #suicide #suicideprevention #suicideawarness #suicidequote #mentalwellbeing #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #mentalhealthrecovery #mentalhealthsupport #mentalhealthadvocate #mentalhealthquotes #mentalhealthwarrior #mentalhealthblogger #mentalhealthstigma #mentalhealthtips #mentalhealthblog #mentalhealthjourney #life #lifequotes #chooselife #chooselifewarrior #quotes #inspirationalquotes #motivationalquotes #quotestoliveby #mikemeetslife via Instagram https://instagr.am/p/B_IXR7pgukU/