Mental health awareness week starts next week in the uk 13 - 19 May
I’m very pleased that we speak more openly about mental health. It affects so many of us and it makes it easier to speak about your own concerns if you need / wish to.
I saw a beautiful quote on my friend Anna’s Facebook page this week by C.S Lewis
“A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words.”
As I reflect on my own experiences with mental health, I acknowledge and I’m so grateful for the friends who sang my song back to me – of which there were many.
My mum was and remains to be one of the finest ‘singers’ in my life. She has really supported me through my tough times. I decided to jot down some of the things she said to me to lift me up in “Mumma Says…” She’s a little obsessed with me finding a husband and all I can say to that is “Pray Mumma, Pray!!!!!!” lol!!!!!!
Mumma Says…
Mumma says “Don’t have a shower when I’m not home. And when you do have a shower, don’t lock the door. And if you have a bath, don’t put your head under water and wait”
Mumma says “Wake up every morning, brush your teeth, shower, put clean clothes on and comb your hair.”
Mumma says “You’re a good person because you have not stolen another woman’s husband.”
Mumma says “You’re not perfect so stop trying to be perfect.”
Mumma says “If you can’t sleep at night, listen to the radio – an interesting talk show.”
Mumma says “The Lord knows best and I’m praying to the Lord to find you a good husband.”
Mumma says “It’s not long now, you’ve made it through another day so mark this day off. Just a few more days to go – you can make it.”
Mumma says “Wear this bracelet and when you don’t feel good about yourself, look at it and see that it’s pretty and remember how beautiful and special you are. And remember that your mumma gave it to you and she loves you.”
Mumma says “Whatever you decide, I support you.”
Mumma says “So now you want to work cleaning tables and spreading beds! You’re a professional woman, you have a degree!”
Mumma says “I think you should come home. This is your home. We have a room for you. There is no disgrace in living with your parents. Lots of people do.”
Mumma says “You should return. Do a Masters. Become a Manager.”
Mumma says “What’s the matter with your eyes? Are they watering?”
Mumma says “I didn’t want to tell you. I didn’t want to worry you.”
Mumma says: “It’s not poetry if it doesn’t rhyme – it’s prose'”