Everything is changing at a fast pace at the moment and although I am always up for progress, I do worry we’re losing a few golden threads along the way like practical skills, everyday creativity, a sense of community and curiosity beyond screens...
So, here are a few movements I’d like to start. I don’t have all the answers but would love to hear your thoughts and ideas - we are all in this together!
- Bus Stop Pilates - Instead of doom scrolling whilst waiting for the bus or standing in a queue - let’s do squats and pelvic floor exercises! It would save the government and the NHS a fortune if everyone (including me) strengthened their core. I got this idea from my lovely friend @lizhigginbottom who I am working with to repair my back pain!
2. Ban Single Use Plastic - I am as guilty as the next person. It's everywhere in the supermarket, so we all buy it out of habit and ease. If we could do something to pressure the supermarkets to take it off the shelves, I am sure we would all be quite happy going back to brown paper bags for fruit and veg. It's awful when you think about the fact that our plastic waste which we use in one minute will be on this planet for the next 500 years.
3. Real Life Skills, Please - Let’s teach kids to cook, sew, mend and make. Things AI won't be able to do perhaps? I have recently been involved in a project called MAKE Learn through MAKE Manifesto, a Scottish organisation running a range of community projects encouraging learning through craft. I’ve heard so many emotional and heartwarming stories of children who may be struggling in the education system, engaging in craft activities and suddenly start thriving when learning skills. I was so surprised to hear some kids couldn't even tie a knot! We need to appreciate the value that craft and practical skills have in our society both for the future generations in terms of jobs and more importantly, for mental health. More about our project with MAKE Manifesto soon!
5. Positive Thinking In Schools - I feel like this is such an important life skill - looking at the bright side, having a glass half full approach.. This will have a huge impact on our children and such a positive impact on our brains and communities.
6. Saying Hello To Strangers - I often have completely random chats with people who I just happen to have eye contact and smile to. Maybe that sounds weird?! My kids die of embarrassment if they are with me, but I've met some very interesting strangers who always have a story to tell. I once met a person who went around the world mending church organs, and had a funny conversation with some prison guards from Peterhead Prison.
7. Grow Your Own Food - You really don't need a garden or an allotment. Even a few pots in a sunny window can generate a crop of tomatoes or carrots. If you do have space and time, growing your own food is seriously the most satisfying and mindful hobby. They taste a lot better than shop bought. I also think it's so good for kids to see where their food comes from and how easy it is to grow.
8. Celebrate The Power Of Plants - I hope I'm not sounding too alternative, but I do believe that every plant and weed has its purpose and power. Everything was once used for something - not just to heal an illness but to protect a crop from a pest or provide natural fibres for wearing. I think we have lost all this knowledge and I don't know how we can get it back!
9. Mend & Make - I am a huge fan of the imperfect. I love things that tell a story like a scar.If something gets damaged I will try to fix it again and again and would like to encourage others to do so as well. I love the phrase perfectly imperfect in every sense.
10. Travel (When and Where you can) - I know that flying is not good for the environment and that international travel can be pricey and out of reach for many. But when I think back, some of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned have come from stepping into another culture (and out of my comfort zone). Travelling has broadened my perspective, helped me embrace difference, and sparked lifelong friendships. It doesn’t have to be far-flung or fancy - it can be a day trip to somewhere new, or somewhere nice and remote in Scotland!
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