I Want To Change The World!!

I attended a conference for 2012/13 business plan outlines for mental health in the NHS today, and ended up challenging one of the commissioners. In a room full of people and with a microphone, I insisted he should explain why cutting a service that has been proven to work is logical and sensible. He couldn't really answer.

Usually I am a very calm and laid back person, but with certain things I am extremely passionate. Injustice, deceit and ignorance are things guaranteed to get me going. Our government makes completely irrational decisions at times. I am proud of the NHS, and I was fiercely proud to work in such a great organisation, but recently it has been getting worse and worse, and I fear it will continue to go downhill unless people stand up. I spent the whole day putting my views across, explaining pros and discussing cons, but it doesn't change the fact that the money needed just doesn't exist anymore. It was completely emotionally draining. When I got home I felt quite despondent, upset. I felt we are all fighting a losing battle, and it would be better just to accept the inevitable. I am sensitive, and I do take things on, especially when people aren't being treated right. I always feel I can never do enough to help. Trying to change things is hard work. But within this appears a real steely determination, to say what I think, and absolutely not give up on what I believe. I think I inherited this from my Nan, she was exactly the same. Some would say stubborn ; )

I then thought about my friend, who is a human rights lawyer for Amnesty International. She's currently working on a case in Saudi. I'm not actually sure how she does it, I'd get so involved that I'd wear myself out fighting for everyone and everything and get overwhelmed. I want to change the world, stop injustice, poverty and abuse, and have people getting access to what services they need to be able to move on and lead happy lives, but the reality is I can't. I can't get the country out of debt, I can't alter beliefs and laws.

But what I can do is try to help with my little space in the world.

So what does this have to do with sport, triathlon, or anything else?

Well I believe that sport rehabilitates, encourages self esteem, focus, goal setting, and connection to others. I believe this because I am living proof of it. So I plan to volunteer to give this to others, within a healthcare setting, simply because I believe in it. In a time of uncertainty people need something to hope for, something to look forward to, and to be excited about. I remember how I excited I was the first time I ran non-stop for 10 minutes, the first time I cycled up a huge hill instead of getting off.
The Olympics are on their way, and with it a huge opportunity for the country, to install some enthusiasm, national pride, and inspiration from our great athletes.

There was a belly dancing display on today, and a woman next to me said 'I'd love to do that, but I'm just too fat, I'd look stupid'. I told her to just go for it, to get up there. With encouragement she got on the stage and did it. When she came off she had the biggest smile. And so did I.

Was that something wonderful? A cure for cancer, stopping oppression, finding a missing person? Unfortunately not. But for her it was wonderful. She had found a little bit of self confidence, a little bit of 'yeah, I feel good'.
And then she would go and give that goodness to someone else. A smile to the bus driver who was having a particularly shit day. Not moaning at her husband when he forgot to take his boots off at the door again, making him more relaxed. Good feelings vibrate far beyond what we imagine...

With that in mind,
I'm going to change the world. Watch this space.  ; )