Childline celebrates 25 years of helping millions in the UK

25 years since Childline simply picked up the phone and listened.

http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/features/helplines-call-for-help-6279384.html

I read the Above article in today's Independent newspaper in their life section.
Presenter Esther Rantzen is now fighting for a "Silverline" for the aged people in the UK, given how successfull and how helpful Childline has been to so many young people. The article said that Childline wanted children and young people to have someone to talk to.
After reading this, I thought of how helpful it must be to be able to feel that you can talk to a stranger and feel better about sharing someone who doesnt even know your name. I also thought how sad this is aswell. Childline receives 100,000 calls a month from
Those who are scared and have no one else to turn to.
But my question is why don't they? Are they afraid that someone they know wouldn't listen, or perhaps judge? Why is it we feel more comfortable talking to a stranger about our problems then a parent, friend or a close confidant?Do we not feel comfortable taking to our close ones about our nearest and dearest?
The Samaritans has also reached out to thousands over the UK, another lifeline that should be commended for its help over the years. I was glad to read that a lifeline for the aged could be launched, as we hear harrowing news stories such as attacks on old people.
I think everyone Needs someone to speak to, someone they can tell their secrets and fears to. But why do we need a phone and a stranger on the other side to listen?

Perhaps we live in a society where people are scared to talk to close ones, Afraid of how they will react as they are the ones who know us best and perhaps we don't want to let them down.
Let's hope, regardless of the proposed cuts, lifelines such as Childline and The Samaritans will be around for Years to come as more and more children and young people keep quiet at home and reach to pick up the phone.
Everyone needs someone to talk to, to lean on. Let's not stop the help.

Sexism still so current in the 21st century?

http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/yasmin-alibhai-brown/yasmin-alibhaibrown-men-still-rule-from-the-bedroom-to-the-boardroom-6275784.html


I read the article (the above link) in today's Independent newspaper by Yasmin Alibhai Brown.
Ok, so some women like buying pretty underwear and looking nice for their boyfriends/partners/husbands , but I cannot believe that someone, a female journalist wrote "as good as it gets". Really??
After our female ancestors have fought for, the right to vote, to have careers like men, does she really think that shoe shopping and buying fancy lingerie is as good as it gets?
What kind of message is she sending to us women? No it isn't as good as it gets, at all! Personally I am looking and working towards a career in Journalism but I do like to dress up, to look good and feel good about myself everyday. But for myself, not for anyone else! We should not be made to feel by cheap fashion, celeb, and gossip magazines that thats all there is in life!
A lot of women like shopping yes, buying shoes, clothes, perfumes, but they also like doing other things, like learning, raising a family, bringing in a wage!  What happened to feminism? What happened to bra burnings? At this rate, women will soon be diving back into the fire to save their expensive Ann Summers lingerie in case their boyfriends disapproval!
Each to their own. I am not writing this to preach what is right or wrong, I just think that women should not be generalized, because, yes it is hard to be a woman, but we are powerful. We have the power to hit our targets, to raise a family, to have a high powered career, or even, dare i say it both! We can do whatever we want to do.
Its not all about shoe shopping and fancy lingerie, sometimes it takes a little more substance...  

The way they live...

So, I watched a programme on catch up the other day about how the Amish people live.
Previous to this programme, I knew the Amish were forgiving people and had seen a few myself while visiting Niagra falls in Canada a few years back. They struck me as quiet people and there clothes were very plain, and I'm sure they must have been hot in long shirts and dresses!
So this programme showed how British teenagers lived and reacted to their short visits with an Amish family.
The Amish people are caring, loving and very religious people. It was obvious their religion was a big part of their lives. I admire people who believe in something or someone so much they devote a part of their lives to them. The teenage girls told us they study the bible
Twice a day everyday! That's a lot of deep reading. At first this shocked me, but then I thought "Good for them!" it's nice to see teenagers spending their time reading, learning and caring everyday.
The British teenagers were shocked to learn and try to live like the Ahmish e.g their strong committed work ethic and their early mornings. Of course if it's not what they are used to it, it is a shock and something different to them. I wasn't keen on
How much they seemed to push their beliefs on the young English adults. It was nice to see how some of them took it in, and changed their minds .
However, I think everyone should be able to believe in what they want, because after all, who has the right to tell anyone else what it who to believe in?Because no matter how much we may try to persuade, we may argue with someone else, is that really going to change their opinion?
If someone is raised in a certain way, who are we to tell them
Any different.
If you get a chance have a look:

Christmas time!

So another year has almost passed, and anoter Christmas day is almost upon us. I cannot believe how fast it is gone. The tree is up, the decorations are all through the house, and old Christmas classics are on the radio!
Why is it that Christmas seems a lot more magical in Christmas films? Especially Christmas films based in America!dont get me wrong, I love Christmas films from miracle on 34th st to Elf! But I think everyone should make an effort at Cristmas to enjoy the holidays like we want to, the way the Christmas films make it look, Simply magical!
Everyone likes the warm feeling inside, when the city lights are big and bright,and you have a hot mug of Chocolate cupped in your hands.
I hope everyone has a Merry, happy and safe Christmas this year! Keep warm and safe, and remember a smile goes a long way especially this time
Of year :)
Let's make it a good one, and 2012 a better year for everyone!
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!