ALICIA V PERRY

THE LAST SHOUT ALICA V PERRY

LATE IN OCTOBER OF 2014 the owner of this magazine invited me out for coffee and asked me to write for them. I accepted and I’m still here but the time has come for new challenges; this will be my last column. This is the last shout. I’d like to thank everyone at GNI Magazine for all the love and support a girl could have possibly wanted. I’ve had a rollercoaster of a ride in that time so I’m humbled by your continued support. I appreciate every like, comment, retweet and share my columns received over the years. It has been a real joy reading feedback each issue and yes, even the criticism for it increases your self-awareness. So here it is, one last pearl of wisdom from little old me.

What have I learned during my time on this planet, as I turn 45 years old this month? Well, when it comes to life and our quest in finding inner peace to gently lift us up to a higher and better self, there is no more capable person to do this than you. You are the only one who possesses the qualifications to manifest the greatest life you could possibly envision. I’ve learned the hard way trust me, that there is absolutely no point in denial and hesitations when it comes to learning about yourself. Life challenges won’t wait about for you to make up your mind. The hands of time can never be turned back and once it’s gone, it’s gone for good. Patience,

acceptance, tolerance and sacrifice are vital in our quest for a better life but remaining humble is the key. Taking it one day at a time, not running ahead hastily and always remembering that karma is the Head Bitch In Charge. Leaving things that we can’t control in the hands of karma is a liberating act. Being sincerely grateful for what you have and who you have in your life and always valuing that there are people out there in the world worse off than ourselves. As Eleanor Roosevelt said, “yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery and today is a gift – that’s why it’s called the present.” When we least expect it life presents to us painful new challenges to test our resilience, our courage and our willingness to adapt. It is in these moments that belief in yourself and readiness to rise to these challenges become such a fundamental and significant factor in successfully overcoming these encounters. However, when you have a mental illness believing in yourself appears to be the easy part, finding yourself first can be your hardest struggle but do not hide from your fears because they are not there to frighten you. They are merely to remind you that life is precious and so worth it. Confront those memories of the darkest corners of your mind and exert with passion to expel them through ruthlessness, clemency and illumination. Truly understanding your own mind is above all else the most important step you will ever take on your journey to acceptance and with that acceptance comes healing and recovery. Don’t be anxious about change. We are all changing in some way but rather welcome change. Get out of your comfort zone and face your conquests head-on with sheer confidence. It’s all very well enjoying the equilibrium of the pond but if you never swim out of it you will never know or appreciate the streams, rivers and oceans of life.

Be kind and brave, especially amongst all the frustration and disenchantment life throws at us. Be kind and brave to live the life of your dreams according to your unique meaning and purpose. Don’t let yourself become distracted from your intrinsic value nor be consumed with mutual comparisons. Do not be side-tracked by the fickle opinions and expectations of

others. Some people say if something is not broke don’t fix it but these are the very same people who don’t know what it is like to truly live life; they merely exist. Remember, settling for second-best may be the very reason you don’t have something better and more fulfilling in your life right now. Grab life by the horns and get out there and live it. It is your life and it is your right to live it. You do not need anyone’s permission – their approval is neither required nor desired but be gracious and kind enough to embrace their acceptance. Be bold and know that one day you will leave a legacy, your legacy, so listen to your heart and be guided by your gut-instincts.

The truth, more importantly your truth, should always be paramount in your life and the life of those who claim to love and respect you. Do listen to those around you who you feel close to but be mindful that those in your corner should never demand your silence nor try to muzzle your wish to express this certainty. Some people say life is short, I’ve even said it myself, but when you think about it life is the longest thing you will ever do – can you think of anything longer? So we might as well make the most of it and make our lives as enriched and comfortable as we possibly can, while always remaining as humble as we possibly can. So there it is, so it is. It has been a pleasure.

This is where my GNI story ends. This is goodbye. Stay safe and well. Alicia xx

This is an opinion piece from the columnist/contributor and not the opinion of GNI MAG / Romeo & Julian Publications Ltd.