In our strenuous efforts to exert control, we mostly find that we don't have any. ”It rained and it rained and it rained. Piglet told himself that never in all his life, and he was goodness knows how old – three, was it, four? – never had he seen so much rain” So begins chapter nine of AA … [Read more...] about A Semblance Of Control
Meaning
Sitting In Dry Dock
On a train from London, the darkness flies past studded by lights from suburban windows. I'm reading a report about an imminent slump in property prices and I think about the house that my late in-laws have, in the recent past, left uninhabited but far from empty. The furniture is gone but … [Read more...] about Sitting In Dry Dock
The Definition Of Recovery
I may be significantly overstating the value of this post if you've been attracted simply by reading the title but I've been thinking a lot recently about what "recovery" in a mental health sense really is and how on earth we "do" it. Two things this week have brought the subject of recovery into … [Read more...] about The Definition Of Recovery
Wisdom Through Friendship
"I'm sorry I missed your birthday. It was the Queen's fault for dying." I am messaging Martin having realised my mistake through a fortuitous browse on Facebook. On reflection, it was a poor excuse but at least it will be one I can use for all the years to come, what with September 19th now … [Read more...] about Wisdom Through Friendship
Notable Death
Opening the front door bleary-eyed on the morning of the night before my sister stands with an unusually serious look on her face. "Have you heard the news?" "No, what?" "Princess Diana is dead." It was the day after my birthday and just a handful of months following the death of my … [Read more...] about Notable Death