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The daily grind. 

[thewhiteboardspace-blog]

Alive.

The daily headlines of intensifying political tensions between West and East, increasing air strikes in Syria, Brit-pain, aggressive protectionism is enough to challenge the most devoted optimist. The smothering, oppressive mist of “masculinity”, greed and power is a threat to human existence however, in spite of the constant reminders of the fragility and impermanence of human life, are we really living a life that’s alive?

For me, a disturbing consequence of our 24 hour access to news and social media channels is the numbness in our reactions to the reality in which we live, where we now passively read about children who are actively participating in, willingly or not, and victims to the wars in the Middle East rather than walking freely through school gates, the enslavement of black people in Libya fleeing the hands of one oppressor and entering another’s, the fact that violence to some degree against women has resulted in an imbalance in gender population where men are now the majority sex. Domestically, Brexit has revealed our own internal fractures plaguing our democratic community that sees crippled public services and more people walking around armed with knives, for we are now individuals who fear one another rather than a united nation that flows harmoniously alongside each other.

The purpose of listing the many things we read or see on a daily basis is to mirror the purpose of what this WhiteBoard represents – honest conversations. For that reason I ask, when did you last have an honest conversation with yourself?

Returning from an inspiring few days in Rome, Italy I participated in such conversations and reflected on what the city represented to me; how we live is the lasting architecture to how we are remembered. Human hands had the capacity to design and construct buildings that, today, remain in existence. To me, this reinforces the immense capacity of human beings; YOU are capable of living in a way that leaves future generations in awe. Don’t be remembered for the list above, be remembered for the way in which we lived.

After a bank holiday of rest, approach the coming week as ALIVE as can be. In the midst of the daily news and daily responsibilities, weave in what makes YOU happy, what truly makes you ALIVE.

Do not do yourself a disservice by living passively for the more time we dedicate to our loves, the more love will permeate the plagued cracks we are experiencing in our global society.

Live in a way that harvests YOUR happiness so that you can engage and participate actively in today and tomorrow.

O.W.

[thewhiteboardspace-blog]

Wo-Man-Made

Woman-made technology.

Designing and programming without apology.

From Ada Lovelace to Gertrude Bell Elion,

Female inventors brought us HIV drugs to our first computer algorithm.

Woman-made physical strength.

Athletes exemplify that we can push our bodies to any length.

Williams, Ennis, Rousey, Radcliff, Biles

Our greatness matches that of our imagination - in a variety of styles.

Woman-made science.

Smashing through the glass ceiling with defiance.

Margaret Hamilton, Katherine Johnson, Kathaleen Land,

Such women helped man discover Earth’s outer band,

Woman-made melody.

Transporting us to a world of lyrical ecstasy.

Beyoncé’s Lemonade, Patti’s Horses, Solange’s craned skies

have empowered, challenged and carried us to infinite highs.

Woman-made art.

Proving a female can imitate life and drive dialogue, with heart.

Pioneers from Khalo, Ono, Modetti to Höch

capture reality to diversity - breaking the mute lock.

Woman-made words.

Centuries have provided us with an army of fearless birds.

Eliot, Brontë, Angelou, Rowling, Oliver

Have used their pen to raise the creative thermometer.

Woman-made leaders

making today’s business tomorrow’s equal reapers.

Sandberg to Von Furstenburg are some examples

of how equal opportunity for all is what amples.

Woman-made politics.

Raining some oestrogen on M-an-P’s stagnant bricks.

Yet, I only see 23% of me in your parliamentary seats.

We need more Angelas, Michelles, Jos to voice the diverse streets.

Woman-made education.

Look to Malala as your inspiration.

Knowledge, for us, is power.

Something all beings should devour.

Woman-made man.

Through her golden gates, life span.

Every breath that’s engulfed is thanks to a mother’s fight.

How can such a world deny her any equal right?

Woman-made freedom.

Discrimination, violence, war, death have been suffered to overcome the inequality demon.

We have left a distinct mark in every crack on Mother Earth, is my final say.

For that, I celebrate the achievements that women have made every day!

O.W.

[thewhiteboardspace-blog]

F***

FEAR: that unnerving sensation that rises within, that makes you uncomfortable and that responds to your insecurities or, simply a word that acts as a barricade to you discovering a new realm of your capabilities?

I have feared many things, creating this online space being one of them, but as I grow and, more importantly, become comfortable with the uncomfortable, I am more determined than ever to eliminate the word “fear” from my vocabulary. Therefore, I hereby declare my four f-words and openly state how I “drop the mic” on such baggage.

-       To the f*** of not being good enough.

We are so quick to put ourselves down, to belittle ourselves, to convince ourselves we are not good enough, beautiful enough, smart enough. When do we actually take the time to celebrate our existence, to recognise our strengths as well as our weaknesses. Why is it a greater challenge to communicate our worth than our imperfections? And, who determines “good enough” anyway?  Do I allow someone else to evaluate my person or do I scribe such definitions? Yes, it requires work and some uncomfortable conversations but ultimately, empowering yourself is much greater than having the words of others engulf you. To my self-doubt, I echo the words of Janne Robinson in I Am A Woman of Distinction, “I am not afraid to tell you I am beautiful because I have done the work to be at home in my soul’s skin.”

-       To the f*** of not being able to provide.

How do you determine “provide”? If by provide you mean financially, check in how you establish your worth. Do I look to my contribution as purely financial? If so, do I value myself in purely numerical terms? I am not an item to be traded on Wall Street nor the London Stock exchange. A boy once made the mistake of ranking me out of 10. Do not add me to your list nor try to quantify me. Society, value my contribution through my love, passion and willingness to learn from what you have to bring to the table. I, in return, will equally distribute what wealth of wisdom and knowledge I have acquired as a graduate at the University of Life.

Now, pull up a chair and let’s see how we can maximise our soulful returns.

-       The f*** of not finding love.

To the real man walking this Earth with enough love, compassion and soul to enter my lane. Welcome, we are patiently waiting!

-       The f*** of rejection.

Whether it be rejection from an employer, a man, a woman, a friend, a card machine. My friend once told me everything is “impermanent”. Rejection is a temporary state that stings but is not fatal. Some may say rejection comes because “it’s not meant to be”. Well, as much as that is comforting for my ego, the honest truth may be a reflection on thy holy self. Perhaps, I’m just not the right candidate for that job or the best lover or I just don’t have enough money for that super seeded-gluten free-vegan-organic-wholegrain bar. So, what do I take from that? Hunger. And no, not hunger from the inability to feed myself with the super-deluxe cereal rectangles. If you are worthy enough of my want, I will fight for you. If that desire, that grit and determination for what I truly want is there, I will find you – and I will make you happen.

Now, I drop the mic on my f-words.

Therapeutic with a capital T!

Feel free to share your f-words with me?

Peace & Love.

[thewhiteboardspace-blog]

Love.

Today, is the perfect day to look inward and really celebrate where your love stems from.

I am a firm believer, in order to give 100% of yourself to others, it is vital to give 100% to yourself. How do you celebrate who you are? How do you recognise your unique light? How do you nurture your identity?

Wherever you are today, whomever you’re with or without; celebrate your greatest gift – the abundance of love you have within. Do something that makes YOU feel special and unique. Listen to that song that transports you to euphoria. Pour that glass of wine. Indulge on the pleasures of this life.  

And, even better, don’t make the celebration of love a one-day-a-year thing. Rejoice in your infinite supply of self-love as often as possible. Such a ritual can only lead to more love filtering into the cracks of society and reaching those who struggle to bring their light to the surface.

Today, I continue to recognise the growing love I have for myself and the never-ending love I have for my family and friends. To that, I say salud!

[thewhiteboardspace-blog]

Hope.

This is for my global brothers and sisters,

At a time when there is deep uncertainty amongst our societies and a feeling that something is stirring beneath the woodwork, I reflect on one word – hope. Michelle Obama, who embodies grace and humility, repeated this infamous word upon her exit of the White House and that strength is a word I turn to now more than ever.

Hope is such an abstract concept as it often refers to an undetermined future. However, I can speak for the power of hope.

When I was 17 years old, my Father fell victim to the dark walls of depression and on the 2nd February 2009, the coldness of that winter day took my Father away. My once stable and very “normal” environment around me felt like it was crumbling. I stood, staring out of my bedroom window, overlooking green fields and a world that continued to move in motion, when an immensely powerful sensation of hope came over me and the conversation with myself began. I could no longer cry. I could no longer dedicate energy into feeling sad. Sadness for me was much harder, much more consuming. I needed strength and to be positive. That day, I made a promise to myself to use what happened to me as the inspiration for all that I would do moving forward. I therefore, committed to sharing a positive light on all that and all whom I encountered on this journey.

That spirit, energy and compassion for others has drawn me to this very moment. To the moment of reassurance and affirmation that even amidst the darkest of hours, hope can be found.

As you witness regression take place around you, remind yourself that hope is within all of us even when our circumstances may seem bleak. I look to my family and friends and remain hopeful for a future that sees love, care and respect for its planet and its people.

Use hope to inspire you and ignite you.

Love & light.

[thewhiteboardspace-blog]

¡Bienvenidos!

The Whiteboard is a tool that is often used to educate, be educated, cultivate ideas and communicate them with the comfort of knowing all can be retained as easily as it can be wiped clean.

This is my WhiteBoard. My creativity, ideas and inspiration are fuelled by my love for people, our global community and its wellbeing. I feel it is important to participate in a conversation that shares experiences, motivates others and encourages positivity above all else. Through the pages of this virtual space you will find words designed by myself andthe many contributors to the Honest Conversations that speak with transparency, united by hope and a desire to evolve harmoniously.

Enjoy what has been written for YOU.

To Love, With Love, From Love,

O.W.