“Why should I have anything to complain about?” – dealing with individual and collective trauma all at once
Lockdowns, social isolation, difficult choices…spring is proving somewhat challenging. However, it also allows a lot of space to think.
A week ago I had the privilege to join wonderful people on a panel discussing the impact of new on our mental health. You can now watch the recording from the event.
Way back in July, I blogged about the different platforms enabling performers to carry on entertaining audiences remotely throughout the pandemic, using technology at a time where venues across the world sadly shut their doors.
Since then I have, albeit almost accidentally, immersed myself in the world of online gigs, hosting and supporting a series of music and comedy events on Zoom. I’ve been involved in over 60 shows, each of which have had special, memorable moments for the act and audience alike.
I have treated myself to a set of Mapology Guides, and today, I would like to talk about my favourite one: “How to Grow Your No.”
Media outlets thrive on the alarming news about the negative impact of digital technologies on our lives. We are especially worried when we read the news about children and young people. With carefully selected quotes from scientists published on reliable, trusted platforms, we have no choice but to believe that it’s all doom and gloom. Here is what we can do about it.
I have been experimenting with my list of privileges and spaces where people tend to discriminate against me with simple shifts in language. When people correct my pronunciation, I refer to myself as ex-pat (instead of an immigrant). When men refuse to read out loud my Zoom question during a public event I rename myself from Sylwia to Syl (less feminine, easier to read but also more ambiguous, so harder …
I was invited to speak at this online panel organised by the University of West England: “Mental Health Panel Discussion – “Switch it off” – the media, a global pandemic and its impact on us”. Join us!
This book is relevant to us all. It will change you for the better. It will help the healing, and who knows, it might also help you thrive.
We all know stories matter. Stories made Homo Sapiens the most successful kind. I wonder, what if we succeed in building a better, kinder future instead?