TOP 10 MUST-DOs BEFORE THE NEW YEAR

Who said anything about Resolutions?

Its stale socks. You know, the bickering about whether or not New Year Resolutions live past January, who's ditching them this year and who still has eyes on making a few. To each, his/her own so, let's leave that there.

Instead, let us cut the chase and use the remaining days to do these 10 things that will position our lives on better standings for the up coming year and beyond.

Number 1: Know your answer to "Who am I?"

You would be surprised how many persons are stomped when asked who they are. They either repeat the question coyly with eyes wandering with no purpose or begin on the spot to question themselves. Who am I?

Spoiler alert, your name, age, height, occupation, number of siblings, pets or children is by no means an invalid answer. However, such a question calls for a bit more searching within yourself.

What are your zealous about? What are your values? What projects are you working on that may need partnership or sponsorship? Why is it important to you? Should you snooze your alarm, what would you suddenly remember that would propel you from your slumber? Who do you inspire? Who inspires you? Why?

All this is part of who you are. A definition that changes daily because we inch closer day after day to our goals; get challenged by different obstacles and acquire new interests.  This not only helps interviewers, dates and new friends to figure out who you are, but affirms you, that you are in tune with YOU and subsequently...know what serves you and what does not.

Number 2: Do a Social Media Analysis/Edit

Relax. I am not deducing that your posts and engagements are ill. That's for you to decide. By analysis I mean, check to see if you are using the updated versions of the social media apps you use. Sometimes our slow and faulty experiences arise from outdated apps. 

Also, ensure that you have all the social media apps that serve your interests, profession and skills. Ideally, if you love learning new crafts and life hacks, then you should already have YouTube and Pinterest. Similarly, if you are in a job seeking phase or just want to establish your professional connection, then LinkedIn is an ideal space. You get the gist.

Next, do some editing if necessary. Maybe the last time you edited you were a junior and presently, you have been promoted. Allow your preferred social media platforms to reflect this. Likewise, you may want to edit your following on Instagram. This doesn't only mean the amount of followers. Let's say you are interested in building bird houses for the upcoming year and beyond. It follows suit then that you may want to follow other individuals doing this craft. 

Number 3: De-clutter and Organize your Devices

Are you one of those persons who have an excessive amount of screenshots? Chances are, you'll need space for more! Browse through your phone's gallery to delete images and gifs that you no longer need. Be careful though, not to get caught up reminiscing. Search too for those WhatsApp groups that have only you as member or doesn't serve you any longer. This isn't a burning bridges tutorial now...some groups may have been created for a task that is long gone and is just taking up space now, Exit and delete.

What do you think about arranging your songs...into categories/playlists? That would save you time when searching for particular music and would also spare you the dangerous leap on Sunday when a hardcore dancehall song graces the audience you were blessing with the sweet tones of gospel. 

To add, if you enjoy changing screen savers, lock screens and profile pictures, now would be a good time to consider even, what your replacement will be.

As for laptop and desktops, it would be of great help to organize folders too.

Number 4: Re-visit your Resume and Cover Letter

Whether you have job security or not, whether you received a job proposal or not, re-visit you resume and cover letter. Who knows, maybe your format is outdated or simply, unappealing. Also, maybe by now you have decided if you will use a coma or a full stop after the greetings.

On a more serious note, personal growth is imperative. Character and skills and interests. Is there something new that you have garnered in the past months? Anything you have augmented? All this growth, care how small helps to polish your resume. Re-visiting your resume and cover letter can also mean editing double words and grammar. Share with a trusted friend or family member to assist you with the process of getting it up to par. It doesn't hurt to do so now. Spare yourself the anxiety and rush when the appointed time arises.

Number 5: Get your Finances in Order

This is not the typical budgeting header. In fact, it is that and more. The Financial Foundation Pyramid gives us a visual of what it means to get our finances in order. At the very base, there is protection. This refers to your insurances. Life, health, disability, travel insurance etc. What's the use, walking around like immortals with no insurance, only to be significantly displaced by unforeseen risks with no assurance of indemnity or substantial financial aid? 

Following that is debt management. There are many among us who are debt free and we shouldn't envy them. There is significant amount of discipline that comes with that. Do not despair however if you are indeed indebted whether by student loans, car loans, credit car loans, mortgages etc. Now, more that ever is a good time to get your finances in order...so other people and organizations can get theirs in order too.

Close to the top of the pyramid is emergency fund. What's the sense just having a savings account without the other elements of the pyramid? What that means is that you will deplete your savings for health reasons that health insurance would have taken care of. You will also turn to your savings to pay debt and for emergencies. Then, no savings and possibly there wasn't even enough to take care of the complications. Thus, having things separate helps. Emergency fund for emergencies.

Then, at the very top is investment. Here, your money works even as you sleep. Assets are the order of the day and financial freedom tastes great. 

A part of getting your finances in order includes getting financially educated too. Not in terms of x = y. Rather, how to kick start your financial foundation pyramid.

Number 6: Seek out Extracurricular Activities

This isn't just for students. Adults too can get engaged in associations related to their professions. Here they may be exposed to social events, skills building and feel as though they are part of a community of like minded individuals. There are a plethora of clubs and other social groups that one can associate themselves with based values, talents and interests.

Do not take for granted the saying "I am busy". We all make time for what we want and excuses for what we do not want so much. If there is nothing that grabs your interest, then create something. Who knows, maybe others will join you.

School to home. Work to home. Work to school to home. Home to home, whichever combination resonates with you...is not enough. It may be in your comfort zone but your talents, potential and ultimate purpose need more stretching and challenges. A ship is safe at harbour, but that isn't where it was built for. Go sail!

Number 7: Live more out of intent than habit and custom

Story goes, our brain remembers all our habits and executes them well. So, they stay with us and are hard to break. For some persons, they have a habit of frying an egg and cuddling it between slices of bread and that's that. What if they make a conscious effort to add lettuce to the shopping list? Or if they decided to scramble with tomatoes. That would be a whole new experience and the mundane meal would transform into an anticipated delight.

For some persons, sticking to something may mean loyalty to brand and signature. While for others, it really is just a habit that they'd be willing to change.

When we live more out of intent, we live in the moment and sometimes our experiences are better. Don't stay bogged down by how something has always been done. If that was a law, even the law would cease to serve its purpose.

Number 8: Be your biggest fan and most animated Cheerleader

We must understand, even our best friends and truest support systems inhale and exhale too. By virtue of that, they lead separate lives and may not always be the zest of energy and "go ahead" we need. Even if they are ALWAYS there, they may no always be fired up 100%.

As a result, start honing the skill of setting yourself into motion and muster the ability to cheer yourself on. You will need this when the weirdest, riskiest or otherwise slight ideas are conceived in your thoughts. You will also need this when you start a project with all the motivation you amassed only to find it dwindling at a crucial point.

It is wise to cherish your cheerleaders and rely on them for sure. However, consider their capacity and how much better it would be if you helped with cheering yourself on too.

Number 9: Who will you help climb up the ladder?

Sure, the universe is conspiring to bless you abundantly and cause you to succeed in all that you do. Prosperity, new and wonderful beginnings are aiming their bows at you.

When you're done claiming that, consider this...

Who will you help climb up the ladder? The season of giving and goodwill is everyday. The smallest acts of kindness has helped YOU at some time or another in your life thus far. It may be the turning point in another's life just the same.

Consider your time, talents, resources, wisdom etc. how can it be of impact and to who? Avoid the urge to sit a top the ladder looking down with spite. Avoid kicking it down too, as you may have to venture down. The ladder is metaphoric and they differ. As one person's ladder may not be the same as yours. However, the motions of up and down are the same. 

Number 10: Look back on the winding Year

Businesses are reviewing their strategies, parliaments, their approaches. In every sector, in every home, some reflection will be taking place even unconsciously. It would be an injustice to yourself not to reflect as well.

There are goals you have, constructions to complete, worthwhile decisions you made, some bitter-sweet. Whatever the winding year brought you. Whatever lacking it highlighted. Take a look back. Month by month if possible. What are your highlights? What lessons did you learn? What lessons did you forget?

How will you proceed?

Lady Justice, we are still sure of today in this year. Let's look back with care. The winding year is closing in on us and we are not sure what the face of the coming one looks like. My hope is that we will see it not as a start over of our lives but actually a blessing to continue it differently.

The Problem with Help is...

 Help is complex street. Whether you walk or drive, you can help and you can be helped. Generally, helping is a good thing and for sure, there are billions of areas where help is often solicited and rendered.

So, what problem could there possibly be with helping? Like I said, it is a complex street. For your safety, be alert.

As you walk this stretch of life, you are sure to come across persons who help you out of sheer love and a humble calling within themselves to offer assistance to you. You too, may be this energy of help to others. Within this realm of help, there is oftentimes genuine gratitude on the part of the receiver...I hope. This genuine gratitude is facilitated by the organic feeling emanating from the idea that the source has no oblique intentions.

 The source of this help does not hold you honour-bound and is not associated with feelings of obligation and score keeping. It is the type of help that sets you free. The type of help that boldens you to disagree if needs be, with the source - without worry of withdrawal and sabotage. Often times, it is the type of help that finds you. Remember it and do not be ungrateful. And if you are that source of this pure energy of help, stick to your gut as it will continue to lead you to the gratitude-filled.

It is already hard for many, to 'swallow their pride' ask for or accept help or do both. Imagine how much harder it must be, living with feelings of unhealthy indebtedness, fear of broadcast of the help received and a smalling up of yourself to be in strict alignment always with the source of your help?

For this reason, a counter thought exists for the notion that persons have 'poor help seeking behaviours'. In essence, persons reach out late or not at all when faced with situations that they can barely help themselves out of. It is usually scolded, sometimes lightly and with sympathy if the situation surfaces and potential help lines up. At this point, there may be sweet relief for the person whom was helped and a new found consciousness to actively seek help in future.

Sounds great, right? It does indeed. 

However, there is a counter thought. What about persons with 'poor help rendering behaviours'?

For sure, sources of help analyse their time and resources of any fashion that they intend to render to the receiver. In this process, many think about what is in it for themselves. A kind of transaction, praise, pension or upper hand. This is the problem, with help. Especially in situations that are not in alliance with that type of outcome. 

Were you ever in a situation where you received help and it felt like the source of your help is likely to keep scores?

Have you ever rendered help on the basis that you would have the upper hand or be praised? Was this agreed on by the receiver of your help?

Think about all you have read so far. Then join me in assessing another complexity of help, the aspect of exploitation.

There exist persons who will be bold about soliciting your help. This is normal and it can be healthy but in some instances, exploitative. Extracting your kindness, time, connections, resources etc. for selfish gains while making it out to be all good and well on the surface, while the persons rendering this kind of help gets drained, spread thin and manipulated.

The ideal thing to do is to spot it and stop it. Still, it may prove harder than that for some persons.

My tips to Lady Justice are:

• If you decide to help, make sure you really want to help. Your heart cries out. Your soul melts and you feel as though helping is its own reward.

• Solicit help from people who care to help without unfair conditionalities and whose passions and purposes align with what you are seeking help about.

• Be clear on the agreements and terms of help. Do you understand them? Do you accept them?

• Consider whether your kindness, time, connections and resources are being exploited. Staying in situations like those do not serve you. It serves the exploiters at the expense of your goodwill.

• Do not stop helping or asking for help just because the topic is complex. Assess each situation on its unique bearing and follow through accordingly.

WHO do You Really Want to Become?

Leave your parents' and society's expectations out for a while.

From the womb to the the tomb. That's how long it takes for many persons to find and fulfill THEIR truest passions in life. Which, really equates to them not finding nor fulfilling them at all.

When was the last time you asked yourself what you want to become? Maybe you were in school and your teacher did that 'drill'. Oh, how your eyes must have lit up when you named the plethora of possibilities.

Or maybe it was that time you were off to university and you were interrogated about your degree choice; its relevance in today's market; it's possible saturation or possible niche effect.

Whether it was those two times, or even when you last had a conversation with a friend; family; a possible employer; a client; in an essay or competition... it's time you go down that alley again...with a slightly different approach:

WHO do You Really Want to Become?

Stomped? 

Suddenly replaying different voices in your head?

Switching choices soon?

Holding on to those choices so you do not disappoint?

Never given it much thought?

Settling?

On the contrary, maybe you are 100% confident that you already know for certain. Well done! That, my friend...may be your greatest accomplishment yet.

Many of us live our lives treading so carefully along the path pre-designed for us by everything else but our passions and purpose. So much so, to the effect that we may be living for someone else. 

Go to school, they said. Get a good education, they said. So you can get a good job, they said. Pretty much in that order.

But who said this is the law of air. Whereby you die if you do not inhale this narrative?

Point to the persons who encouraged you to seek out your passions. 

Point to the persons who pledged their support whether your career choice is traditional or non-traditional.

Point to the persons who told you that it is okay to not aspire to trade your time for money as an employee... working without job security to build the dreams of your employer.

Point to the persons who gave you the insight to life: that the order; the pace; the opportunities; the outcomes; the stages; the phases... vary for everyone, and rightly so.

Point to the person who solemnly knows that they have SO MUCH MORE to offer.

WHO do you REALLY want to become?

It is the journey that gives life its truest worth. Sure, you wouldn't want to find your passions and purpose today then decide to die tomorrow. Enjoy day to day experiences that contribute wholly to your existence. 

Finding and fulfilling your passions and purpose is a journey.  A journey of self discovery. A journey of imperfections. A journey with slow roads. A journey with fast roads. A journey where some days nothing happen. A journey where some days everything comes tumbling. A journey of saying no. A journey of saying yes. A journey of flight from your nest.

A journey of graciously shedding the mundane linear perception of growth and success.

Where you go to school. Get a good education. Get a good job. Then suddenly you have made it. You have completed the rituals of initiation and may now go on to start your family and carry on the torch!

This may seem like the normal thing to do. The safe thing to do. While it is not the wrong thing to do, it is certainly not the ought to do. 

My tips to Lady Justice:

Step outside the box. Find your passions. Your talents. Explore new horizons. Forget everyone's pace and find your own. Get in tuned with your truest self.

It is okay to explore different careers. It is okay to be self employed. It is okay to challenge yourself with new tasks. it is okay to leave you comfort zone. As a matter of fact, you should.

It is okay, at your age to not be sure what you Really want to become. Let the possibilities of each new day keep you on your toes. Let the doors open and close. Because, it is in these moments that we are really living and becoming who we truly are. Be open to this growth.

Life is too short to place all your aim on who you are expected to become. Think about your core values. The many experiences you anticipate. The talents that put fire your eyes. The dreams you want actualized. 

Take control. WHO do you Really want to Become?

Election Blues

     "Always a Revealing Season"

  A recollection of my Election Seasons at The University of the West Indies, Mona

To all the present, past and prospective UWI, Mona students, I respect you. Not only because of the common factor being the UWI, but also because of the Golden Rule: "Do unto others as you would have others do unto you." 

In hindsight, that was the lynch pin of my persona which never faded even in moments when winning was made out to be the "be all and end all" of the election season. 

In brief, in 2018 and 2019 I contested for the positions of Mary Seacole Hall Deputy Chairperson and Guild Vice President, Properties and Special Initiatives respectively. I won the former and lost the latter. However, in retrospect it is the latter that I WON!

Call me a crazy gambler if you think I am confusing my wins. Call me a wise woman if you can see past the irony. Whichever you choose. You have the right to vote! Go ahead, cast your ballot!

To confess, when I matriculated The University of the West Indies Mona, from Camperdown High School I did not know of the 'Guild' nor the full scale of what "life/election on a hall of residence/campus" would entail. Of course I knew what the University was about and the Law Degree I was pursuing.  Nonetheless, I was not new to the leadership arena as I served in numerous capacities as student leader in my earlier years. Three of which were Head Girl, Debate President and Valedictorian at Camperdown High School. Thus, when I got to The UWI, my leadership qualities were noticed and respected. It was not shocking, when the current Chairperson and Deputy for Mary Seacole Hall had nominated me to vie for Deputy Chairperson of the Hall.

What was surprising was the atmosphere after the nomination became public. This, was my very first encounter with campaigns, elections and sinister vices. I felt as though I had robbed  some of my seniors of their hegemony and some of my fellow juniors of  their distance in the 'race'. Who dared me, a fresher, a new sister to the 'hood' to be nominated and subsequently elected as Deputy Chairwoman? A position that landed me on the "Mighty Guild" in my very first year. What I had seen as a worthy accomplishment, to this day feels like a pyrrhic victory. Still,  I reminded myself daily of my virtues. Never loosing sight of who I am. Holding dear to me my integrity and even dearer, the fact that each person has the right to vote and confide in whichever leader they choose.

When it comes on to elections, that leader may or may not be you. I understood that and it made me campaign with my character in tact. As I do not believe a win nor a loose is worth me getting out of character for. 

Of a fact, campaigns and elections build grit and wisdom. One ought not be thinned skinned. As sometimes you will be offended. If not by your direct opposition, then by members of their team, supporters, content etc. It happens. Both ways. Just the same, your team, supporters and content may offend others too. Most importantly though, you will gather wisdom. It is a season for differentiating different types of leaderships and friendships. This is the season when you get a reading of people's character and attitude towards another's success, downfall and existence. Many of  the things that surprised me in my first election, failed to surprise me in the second.

By this, I had realized and anticipated various attempts at character assassination. Lady Justice, I did not follow suit. I noticed throughout the season, stories of half truths, manicured lies, pedicured persuasions. The bad thing is that there will be persons who believe and propagate. The good thing is that, to date, my conscience allows me to sleep. 

What I found too was that students support, campaign and subsequently vote for many different reasons. Similar to what happens across the board with elections. Some persons will vote or omit to vote for a particular candidate because:

•  Of the resonance of their message. 
• Who they believe is more competent
• Provisions/promises  made to address specific needs
• Loyalty and alliance
• Confidence in or the lack there of
• Biases
• Spite
• Old grudges 
• Age
• Sex 
• Religion etc

While it sounds harsh, it is true. These factors continue to play a major role in elections to date. Therefore, person 'A' getting a person to vote for him or her may not be because they like 'A'. But because they dislike person 'B'. Similarly, an individual may not have voted for 'A' because they have more confidence in the work of 'B'. You get the gist. 

As soon as we are ready to have these discussions with an open mind and transparency, comments from all angles are welcomed .Again, the vote is yours. Cast your ballot 'yay' or 'nay'. 

Now back to my assertion earlier. It was the latter of my two elections that I really won! Firstly, I left trouble makers hanging on to carbon dioxide, as I did not oxidize their attempts to breed rivalry. Keep your votes I thought. I'll keep my peace. Secondly, I did not at all feel as though I was robbing anyone of their hegemony.  In fact, I was bolder and knew very well my capabilities. To add, I was contesting against someone who contested healthily. That was refreshing. Commendations to him. He won. I lost, with grace and dignity. Nonetheless, he was the only candidate I have contested against who did not engage in 'foul political normalcies'. While I cannot confidently speak for his team and other supporters I can of him. And that made me proud to know....it is POSSIBLE.

Thirdly, I dismissed the 'pity parties'. It was very kind of persons to check up on me after the ballots were counted and I was not declared victor. I appreciated that and I made sure to tell each person I valued their time and kindness. I told them too, that I wasn't in a state of pity nor should they...and I meant that. To this day, I am happy that I did not have a bitter outlook for the winner nor my decision to contest. See, I participated in an election, which will naturally have a victor and a not so victorious person.

My tips to lady Justice:

• Good sportsmanship is imperative. While your opponent may or may not be your friend,
   it is always good to win with grace and loose with dignity.

• Campaign with grace and dignity too.

• While we cannot control another's perspective, we can control our own. What we speak of others, is it true? Or is it part of the election blues?

• Monitor closely the attitude towards elections, campaigns and sportsmanship on campus. It says a lot, as the space is a microcosm of our society. 

Self- Care In College 

Ever wondered what your future self will look like after all your hard work in college?

do you think all those positions, titles, A pluses and good tutorial attendance will be all you

need for your degree?  I hope not! Look, if you don’t practice self- care in college, then

college itself won’t care for you. Here are a few things nobody tells you in college:

• §  Self- care is a priority and necessity, not a luxury.

• §  Lack of self-care affect others around you.

• §  Self-care isn’t selfish.

• §  Self-care is not something you do once then tick off the list.

Whether you live on a hall of residence or you commute to and from school, life sometimes

get hectic by virtue of being a college student. There are so many demands! You try to beat

the traffic but bloody hell the roads are under construction! You feel exhausted from staying

up all night to finish your assignments and there goes the bags under your eyes (not cute).

Not to mention the roles and responsibilities you have at home and school. Feel flustered yet?

Maybe not, but that may be because you are in denial or still stuck in traffic and

yet to face the day!



One can contend that with such high taxes to pay, our bodies need a tax reduction or a tax

break every now and again. Surely, the finance minister won’t disagree. This is where self-

care comes into “play”. Or should I say, “work”. Self-care is enhancing your wellbeing,

managing your stress and practicing activities that support and sustains your being positively.

With just 24 hours in a day, this seems hard. However, this article is here to your rescue.



Compliment yourself, and while you are at it, compile the compliments you have gotten from

others. Say them to yourself. Live them and let them aid in your self -growth. Too often we

zoom in on the negative things that people say about us and let them eat away at our beings.

While you are at it, or perhaps later, give your body at least ten minutes of attention. Yes, get

in tuned with your body. Check each body part and become aware of yourself. You’ll

probably notice sooner than later something that is a miss or perhaps you’ll notice your best

smile or a ‘hidden’ beauty spot.



Remember too, to have a good laugh. Don’t base your happiness solely on good

grades or a lecturer’s astonishment that you read all the cases. Read your favourite comics,

goof around for a while in a safe space. Laughing relaxes the muscles and aids in

youthfulness. However, don’t forget to check in with your other emotions. Reflect

meaningfully what you are feeling. When you acknowledge those feelings see how best you

can cater to them.



Take quick naps when spare time presents itself. Before you say there is no spare time, think

about the amount of time spent using social media; time spent standing around with

people who don’t even notice that you are there. Think about things in your daily

routine that your non-biased persona would acknowledge as time wasting. Then, with a

fraction of that ‘spare’ time, reduce your sleep debt with quick ten to twenty minutes power

naps.



With a little self-care each day, you will feel more connected with yourself and the people

around you. It is not selfish to delight in small likings geared toward yourself. Make it a habit

while in college and don’t fool yourself to think that after graduation you’ll be equipped with

a degree to do so.



This article was written by me; Fiona DaCosta back in November 2018 as part of the Mona Law Society's partnership with Haute magazine

"The Jamaican Dream"

--A Stark Reality

From Rural to Urban Jamaica...(and let me slip the 'Sub-Urban' in for the critiques), there is a dream so present in the minds of all nationals that it becomes so easy to call it the "Jamaican Dream."

The question is, what is this dream?

Of a fact, we all know of success stories and try openly or privately to create our own. These stories, in their kaleidoscope of colours, have effects on different hearts; minds and agendas. 

We hear about the boy who had to attend to his family's live stocks barefooted before hurrying off to school and is now CEO of a fortune 500 company. Similarly, the young chap who turned away from gang culture and now lectures at prominent universities. What about the girl who got pregnant as a teen and has now re-claimed her focus, starting her bakery after being certified by HEART. So too, the children from those "less-off" families who have made strides in making their families and communities proud. Do these hypothetical scenarios sound familiar? I bet you could sit and coin many of your own or even regurgitate the factual ones from Profile.

 It is the dream of overcoming adversities and being able to triumph at the breakthroughs that fuels the engine of the people and is "The Jamaican Dream."

This dream is so potent. If it could raise the dead it would! Remember how persons lamented, "Him nuh interview me yet!" when the late Veteran journalist and deputy chief executive officer of the Jamaica Information Service, Ian Boyne, died. Think too on yourself or persons you know who have reached heights of their success after loosing a loved one or a very real supporter...if only they could see that person now and share the 'realization' of the "dream".

Sure, we hear of America and the perceptions people have of going there, making a fortune and choosing whether or not to return to their country of origin. The American Dream they call it. Somehow though, "The Jamaican Dream" is different. It is more gradual. It is our flag. You see, the hardship of the people beat them down, it shakes faith, it limits. Notwithstanding that, the very same courage and resilience of the people, enables them to spur on. This vigour and vitality represents the lush vegetation that has blossomed through adversities. The sunshine becomes the smiles and contentment experienced from sacrifices and steadfastness. While it is good and safe to say adversaries are faced by people worldwide, it is better and safer to say "No place like Yaad".

So then, the truth of the Jamaican saying " We likkle but we tallawah" (passionately expressed on many occasions by our very own Miss World 2019, Toni-Ann Singh) is embedded in the "dream". It is an affirmation for the nation as much as it is for each Jamaican.

"The Jamaican Dream" is not limited to class, status, colour, parish etc. It is Jamaican. Resultantly, Jamaicans from all walks of life are striving. Some, in different capacities than others. It is true though that each wants to overcome their adversities and triumph at their breakthroughs. 

My tips to Lady Justice are few, as a matter of fact, just two.

•  It is absolutely fine to emulate the good traits of other persons who you believe are inspirational. Nonetheless, I urge you: Do not live out your days replicating the successful personalities of other individuals. You have an original dream of your own to actualize. In doing the latter, you add to the variety of success stories and a personal twist on how you achieved same.
• Secondly, be in tune with who you are and the realities that confront you. For in so doing, you preserve the truth of your life. You give yourself permission to acknowledge your path, obstacles and breakthroughs. Thus, the authenticity of your dream and the originality of your story bears the power to be 100 times more impactful and inspirational than those replicated and have lost their originality.

              

Don't be a dreamer they say.

I object. 

Dream. Dream Big. "If your dreams don't scare you, they are not big enough." 

For what your mind can conceive, you can achieve.

I dream. You Dream. "The Jamaican Dream".

Mental Illness
"The Smoke Screen"

In recent times, there have been an amazing trend in promoting mental health and removing the stigma attached to mental illness. However, a heavy cloud still lingers over the issue and leads one to wonder whether these attempts are 'trendy nine days wonder' or serious efforts to sustainably assist those with mental illness.


I have arrived at this assertion because of experiences I have had, observations I have made and the realities that exists. Quite frankly, removing the stigma attached to persons with mental illness is easier said than done. This is evident in how we treat with the mind/brain.

Consider the following illustration: when we come across an individual who has injured a limb or even an eye, there is a certain amount of sympathy shown and urgency towards improving their misfortune. On the contrary, a disease of the mind is met with much scuff, scorn, shunning and scorching pity. It is as though the mentally ill individual ceases to be fully human and has taken on 'alien traits' unfit for the 'sensibly constructs' of a 'sane' world. Thus, the isolation of the sane and insane becomes more that just classifications but more so, rooted mental slavery for those with 'shackled minds'.

In essence, there exists a smoke screen when it comes on to the attitude towards persons with mental illness. October brings with it, its fair share of awareness and de-stigmatization. Dated with campaigns, forums, sympathy and even temporary dutch courage for those ailing from mental illness. The sudden change of heart and soothing perspectives makes it easy to believe in a possible stigma reveloution and maybe even...a "Stigma Run"


What happens throughout the year though? What becomes of the awareness and the supposedly de-stigmatization. Why does a metally ill student on medication gets cast out of a brotherhood? Why is a metally ill cousin seen as an embarrassment and a chore? Staying home with the passing years, ignorant to how the changing world operates? Why is a mentally ill child hushed and made to think they are causing their worries?

 Why is mental illness associated predominantly with eating from the trash can, clothse indecently fitted; hair matted and odor rotten? Why do we not emphasize and desist from making taboo, the fact that even depression should be taken seriously?

So many 'whys' that our forums and campaigns neglect to address to the core. Instead, fancy posters, grand decors and of cousre media coverage takes the fore. The issue of mental illness continues in the minds of many after the season of coverage has passed...literally!
Lady Justice, is mental illness a crime? Will the relvance of October continue to plea #Insanity or will we put our hand across our breasts and become heroes and heroines of our mental wellness and that of others?

Lady Justice, what can we do differently? Here are my tips to you:

⦁ Conduct more advertisements and public awareness campaigns throughout the year about mental health (illness and wellness). This will aid in consistency, relevance and a normalization of discussions surrounding the topic. Hence, more time is allocted for persons to come forward with their stories and reintegration for those recovering will not be so daunting.

⦁ Encourage community and family members to seek help for the mentally ill members around them instead of concealing the situation or settling for confinement in the home/community with little to no medical attention.

⦁ Do not ignore cases of trauma or other streesful situations on self or on any other individual. Speak about these emotions and get professional advises too. Sometimes, these "little" emotions fester, leading up to a big break.

⦁ Support assylums. Seek out their needs. Are they over crowded? Are they in delapidated conditions? Both workers and patients in these facilities need to be treated well so as to improve, stabilize or secure their mental wellness.

⦁ Build good support networks for individuals who are mentally ill. Remind and/or persuade them to take their medication. Some persons are all good until they miss out on their meds. Having a good support system, even for reminders... is imperative.

⦁ All in all, do not ridicule. We are fragile beings whose mental well being can be disturbed at any point in our lives. While some individuals are predisposed to these conditions more than others, we ought to remember that illness (mental) is no respector of class, gender nor age.
The next time you endorse mental health..don't do so lightly.

The next time you campaign for the de-stigmatization of mental illness, do so beyond the trends and hashtags.
The next time you look in the mirror, take note that even you can become mentally ill. How would you want to be treated then?