-
Fake grass and our emotional well being
I grew up with a small understanding of tools. My Dad was, and still is, a very practical man, the shed and garage was full of saw, drills, spanners, screwdrivers, bits of wood, metal, nails, screws, pipes, plastic, levers, sawdust..loads… Continue reading
-
On Praise of the Men who
On Parise of the men who are trying to keep it together men, The staying strong for others men, The ones about to break men, The ones whose needs come second, third or fourth, The men who dont lash out… Continue reading
-
15 phrases not to say to children of abusive parents
A few months ago I wrote a piece about the myths that surround in regard to parents – myths like ‘Parents love you whatever’ or ‘Mums are so supportive’ that do nothing for anyone who’s experience of parents is vastly… Continue reading
-
Why its time to be kind..on the younger version of me
Sometimes I think about what my 42 year old self might want to say to my 8 year old self, or my 16 year old self, or the 28 year old? Sometimes I wonder what I feel about the 8… Continue reading
-
On Shame, Vulnerability and Faith – the experience of women – a conversation to listen and learn from
Two of my last posts have been about Shame and Vulnerability, and in particular the areas of shame that may be more prevalent in Men, given societal expectations. So theres Shame that men feel. Theres also Shame that men create… Continue reading
-
What have I done to deserve this? Salvation through The Pet Shop boys (Healing and Recovery Part 11)
What is the music that saves you? That carries you? Is it music that makes you dance in the kitchen – despite the ‘rain’ or pain? Is it music that soothes? Is it music that takes you to that place… Continue reading
-
Sorry Brene – I got you wrong
Ive got to admit I didn’t really want to like Brene Brown. Her name had been banded around for quite a few years, usually by the phenomenal women that I know…and on the ever shared many internet memes and quotes,… Continue reading
-
Confronting Shame No 1 – Don’t be weak Emotionally
I took a while to do this. A very long time in fact, because I had conditioned myself to numb the pain, to survive and also that I had only my own resources to get through things. You might imagine,… Continue reading
-
How does Shame hold you?
‘When we (Men) reach out and be vulnerable, we get the shit beat out of us… and dont tell me from the guys…but from the women in our lives So I started interviewing men and.. You show me a woman… Continue reading
-
Healing for Men; 1 Year Update
Hey folks, I just wanted to write a piece about what’s been happening with me in the last few weeks and months as Ive realised that my writing on this blog has dried up a little. One of the things… Continue reading
James Ballantyne
The Universe conspires to help the dreamer
Paulo Coelho
Life is a Journey paved with Love
James Ballantyne 