When I stumbled upon those peculiar green note pads with weird smiling faces at W.H.Smith, I knew they were meant for something special. Little did I know that these simple journals would become my trusted companion in navigating the complexities of grief.
We found my little green books with their weird smiling face on the front covers a couple of years before my wife passed away. At the time, I never imagined that I’d be sharing my dreams – or lack thereof – with the world.
The posts began as a result of something my son mentioned after I shared “The Weight of Grief”. What’s even more remarkable is that the weird dreams I have been dreaming were into their second year ceasing just days after my wife pass on. Up to this day, I’ve remained free from remembering anymore distressing dreams (If nothing else they’ve certainly sharpened my imagination).
A Little Of Life History
My educational journey began in the familiar halls of state schools: St Peter’s & Paul’s, where my foundation was laid, followed by the formative years at St Cuthbert Secondary. But my thirst for experience extended beyond the classroom. Throughout my teenage years, I embraced a nomadic spirit, taking on various jobs across the country before eventually finding my way back to the Northeast.
There, I established myself in the world of logistics, rising to the position of warehouse manager and dedicating over two decades to honing my skills in this demanding field. A desire for purpose led me to a new path: co-founding a carers project for a local mental health charity. This deeply rewarding experience allowed me to make a tangible difference in the lives of others for several years.
Always driven to learn and grow, I embarked on a new chapter, venturing into higher education. I immersed myself in the world of counselling at Newcastle University and North Tyneside College, exploring the power of humanistic approaches. Today, I stand proudly as a qualified counselor, ready to share my experiences and knowledge with those seeking support and guidance.
Likes And Dislikes
I don’t have many dislikes apart from people who try to be something they’re not (conveniently forget where their roots are), and I do not suffer fools easily, so I am told, or people who over-talk others. Apart from that, I eat and drink to live, love many forms of music, places of interest, photography, computing, reading (mostly supernatural/horror, James Herbert / Stephen King), and after a little encouragement I now enjoy swimming preferring the swimming baths rather than the seafront.
I like coffee and it would not be unusual for me not to have at least 2 cups every day. And my taste for dark rum, and my appetite for chocolate biscuits have to be kept on a tight rein. I am not prejudiced and keenly interested in the unknown and the road less traveled. There are others, but they would not be appropriate here.
Note:
Many thanks for your visit. I hope you have found something of interest in these pages, and if you have, pass it on and I hope you will come again. Jal Jineseyo. Thank you! (Shahdaroba 2024).