I'm part
of the Health and Social Care Academy team so I'm not able to take part in the
creative competition we have just launched but I'm keen to write something as
the questions really made me think. What changes would make a difference to my
life? What would a healthier or fairer Scotland mean for me?
I found
myself focussing on what a healthier Scotland would mean to me. And yes we all
know now that exercising more, eating less processed high calorie foods,
drinking less alcohol and less high calorie soft drinks would make us healthier
but I'm wondering if there is something even more fundamental than that.
When we
know that loneliness is a major concern across all age groups, when stress and
mental health issues are at epidemic levels in our schools, workplaces and for
those on low incomes too; then external solutions cannot be the only solutions.
Something deeper needs to shift in our society. It's complicated at some levels
but I suspect at another level it's actually very simple.
My simple
solution would be for us all just to try a little kindness.
OK stay
with me, I know that makes me sound like the ageing hippy I am but close your
eyes for a moment and picture your workplace where everyone works well and is
kind to each other, see the schools and universities where learning is fostered
and kindness is the norm, benefit systems that respond to need kindly without
judgement, neighbours who lookout for each other with kindly intent, care
systems where kindness is fundamental to all they do....are you still with me?
As you imagine that how do you feel? We're you smiling as you pictured it? I
was.
Now I'm
not suggesting the shallow kindness of "have a nice day" or a like on
a Facebook page, what I mean is the kindness that does the honour and respect of
honesty, that shows compassion ( in sense of being alongside another in their
suffering), that is willing to work beyond self interest for the greater good, where everyone
matters; that's the kindness I think
could fundamentally make the difference to us all. And that wouldn't just make
Scotland healthier but fairer too.
And as my
recovery from breast cancer goes on its the kindnesses that stand out. The
kindness of my wonderful family, the friends who look out for me, the work
colleagues whose support and flexibility has made all the difference, the
surgeon who organised my surgery so I was able to enjoy birthday celebrations with those I
love, and the team who made it clear that I'm not just a number. It's kindness
that has been more therapeutic as any medicine. And I'm grateful beyond words
for that.....for me it's made all the difference.
You may
say I'm a dreamer .....but as the song said.....I'm not the only one. And it's
something we don't need to wait for the government to do or legislate for we
just need to start with ourselves. Now there's a thought..
If you
want to join our creative competition here's how to do it .....it's a great way
to have your voice heard, whoever you are and what I do know from all the years I have worked with the Alliance is that all our voices can collectively make
the difference we want.
