What’s in a label?
I’ve been trying to write this blog for over a year now, but haven’t been able to figure out where to start. Then recently I spotted a tweet that inspired a response (thanks, I think). I’m someone who has long been resistant to labels, and once upon a time I might have agreed with this […]
Some thoughts about “Stolen Focus” by Johann Hari
A friend of mine asked me if I’d read this book and was interested in what I thought about it. I hadn’t, so I did. On balance, it was thought provoking enough that I found it a worthwhile read but I’d hesitate to recommend it. Here’s why. Johann Hari is a frustrating writer. He makes […]
Orchids, dandelions and self-care
Some people are more like orchids, the metaphor goes. They’re fussy and high maintenance and need conditions to be just right for them to survive. Others are like dandelions: resilient and good at thriving even in the harshest conditions. I’ve seen people on social media using this metaphor to explain why we should all endeavour […]
Enjoying the journey – reflections on learning
After I climbed my first 7a last year, I had a little bit of a rough patch with my climbing. I got into a mindset where whenever I found myself struggling on what should be an easier climb, I’d get discouraged. “I shouldn’t be finding this hard, it’s only a 6b…” or “I know I […]
To wish the impossible
I have mixed feelings about New Years’ Resolutions. On the one hand, I like the idea of using it as a time to think about what I’m doing, what’s working and what isn’t, and refocus on new challenges. In practice I’ve never been very successful with them. Usually I’ll come up with a bunch of […]
Learning curve
As you’ll probably have picked up if you’ve been following my social media recently, Steve and I have been spending most of our free time this year climbing stuff. It’s funny – we’ve been climbing together since we met, but this year things have really taken off and I’ve properly got the bug. I think […]
Being a councillor: part 1 – casework
Local politics was never something I paid much attention to when I was younger. Although I grew up in a household where national politics was discussed around the dinner table, I had only the very vaguest idea what local government does. As a young adult, my main experience of actually interacting with my local council […]
Politics and mental health
For all the work that’s gone into reducing stigma about mental health recently, this still feels like a hard thing to write. I’ve not been well recently. This isn’t a new thing; I’ve struggled with anxiety and depression periodically since being a teenager. There have been episodes over the years where things have been particularly […]
Why I was wrong about Fallon Fox
Recently, I’ve been vocal on the topic of trans rights. When people ask me why this is something I care about, I tell them the truth: that I want to support my trans friends who are often on the receiving end of some really awful discrimination, abuse and harassment. That I stand against discrimination towards […]
MMA On Point – Rosi Sexton Breaks Down Infamous MMA Injuries
Here’s a video I filmed with MMA on Point last year that may be of interest to my combat sports followers. It includes footage of some pretty graphic injuries, so I don’t recommend it watching it while eating (or at all if you’re a bit squeamish).