rainy afternoon – busy

I love it when I can have time with my immediate surroundings. And when I think about it, I don’t need much. Social Media always leaves me feeling detached and frustrated, as apart from sourcing, networking, and staying close to distant mates and family, it can also start to make us less connected with who we really are.

I like to think that if I form a bond with a human, it could be similar to real life, and it’s not just a means to gain front house popularity. It’s not like when we go to heaven then get asked by the door keepers, ‘so, how many Twitter followers did you get? Or, how much money did you stack up?’ Karmically the universe sees everything anyway. So, what will be, simply is. We are only ever our true intention. And living with a free conscience is true wealth.

We all make mistakes but taking account for our own destiny and purpose is nobody else’s responsibility. Everyone has stuff going on, both good and bad. But some are much worse off than others. It is not so much luck, but who we have around us. Our Tribe. The people who really do help each other through the mess. Sometimes, just by being a listening ear or a hug. Sharing a fag or grabbing a bag of chips to scoff in the park.

With mental illness there is a thin line between being prepared and reaching out for a frame network. And the internet can become a fine line of confusion, since, as much as being a means to share great things, it can equally become a bow and arrow for keyboard warrior’s and those who know how to inflict a precise and calculated hate campaign. Often targeting a seemingly lone person, with the intention and purpose to make that target feel as vulnerable and detached as possible. Various means to this route could range from a desire for fame, money and an/or an ample amount of free time to plan such acts of spite. Either way such calculations derive from the perpetrators own sense of worth and often they turn to the web to push that onto those they envy most. Often a person who lives quite happily without the need of validation from strangers, all day, every day. A vicious cycle.

Either way, the older I get, the more it all jumps out at me. Saddened by the fact there are those that seek drama by means of (cowardly and indirect) disruption when it is so unnecessary. I myself have at times become very low, but after counselling or just speaking with a friend, it becomes apparent I am simply processing how life events have made me feel. Mentally I would describe myself as strong. I know this, as when I am under enormous pressure my adrenalin kicks in. Especially if someone I love is being hurt or bullied. Worse still, if someone I love is being a bully.

I have however, gone on to make real life friends as a result of the internet. And have sourced crafts and trades this way too. But then there are a small majority that offset the positive by creating a simultaneously ‘fake existence’ online. One of which takes residence over their own ‘real life’ world. The broad term ‘stalking’ covers much of above. And can overspill to the target’s friends and family also being scrutinized. And in some cases, books and scripts are created using the base line of the stalker’s often misguided assumptions. Financial wealth is awarded to the prowler. But guess what. The target remains richer in terms of balance and abundance.

That’s why, it is imperative to think above and beyond small minded cycles that serve no purpose to our origin and purpose. That said mental health is a huge factor towards using the internet to seek revenge and reap havoc. Especially during a psychotic outrage of another. This in turn is ‘so far’ completely unvetted by social media hierarchy. I know, I have been on the receiving end. The web being a cry for any means of ‘often the wrong of’ attention. Where the mentally meek will use any means of falsehood to be heard in a sea of sharks. Then, when they get well, everything is back to the real perspective.

But when this happens, a portal opens for the prowlers to become almost ecstatic at discovering such seemingly potential drama, that could not possibly happen in their own ‘white supremacist’ bubble of bullshit. The web makes tribes very vulnerable. Isn’t life so very wicked at times. We just have to know we can turn it off and find happiness all around us. In my case, alleyways, and my my kitchen, where I just cooked myself and Danielle (my housekeeper at the hotel) fajitas with spinach and peppers. Going to have another in a mo, with a skinny coffee fix. Then my time warp of a girl cave (bedroom), where I find absolute inner tranquility. A space that is full of worthlessly sentimental treasures, to include my crystal ball, rocks, shells, driftwood, tarot and pets. It’s indescribably connected to core.

I gave up regular drinking a few years ago. when I realised I was in a cycle of addiction to the internet and booze, due to ill health and grim living conditions. Wine being my ‘then’ poison and a means to numb my constant sense of no confidence. I went on an all out soul-searching, learning curve and during this time set up Pet Service Directories and Animal welfare groups. Through my unstoppable determination, I was subsequently bullied to fuck by an established ‘designer pet group’ and a couple of seemingly do good ‘social influencers,’ who use their money (millions) to tick heads. I hate snobbery.

This all went on for years. A systematic battle for which my faith would not be deterred. But on reflection the feedback and updates I still get to this day, regarding the progress I made for the animals, make it all worthwhile. And my tech skills vastly improved, due to the long haul out of physical service.

As we get older, we look back at life and wonder how we could have done things differently. But what we must remember, we cannot change the past. Only learn and grow away from it.

tiffany belle harper

We must remember there are those that confuse ‘love and admiration’ with ‘jealousy and resentment’. People who do not know how to feel empowered by any other, than themselves. The greatest people alive, are often ‘seemingly’ the most hated at a social glance. Maybe because they are truly loved within their own tribes in the real world. Where this in turn creates rivalry. Popularity indeed walks alleyways and does not need or wish to fill stadiums or win prizes. Wisdom has always been free for us all. Never forget that. Dew glistens brighter than diamonds and we can all afford nature.

Two nights a week I may enjoy a drink. It’s a 9% rose fusion made with strawberries and summer fruits. I thoroughly enjoy it on ice with a splash of tonic. I also have a takeaway and make wax melts, soap and bath fizz. I listen to jazz. I know it sounds boring, but I get off on it. I have a load of rescue pets too.

I was a young mum to two boys. I hardly had a social life. In fact, I cannot remember having one at all. I had an open house for all their mates. Three jobs. I would spend all my spare income on food for the kids. I drove them everywhere. I recall taking them to see Eminen in Milton Keynes. The town was rammed. There was absolutely nowhere to park up to wait for them. So, I rather stupidly drove all the way home, walked the dogs. Put a wash on then drove back. Due to it being so busy it took me 3 hours to get there. It was pouring with rain and my phone battery was dead. So, I got out my old banger of a car and ran around the arena circuit looking for the group I had to take home.

I was so worried, not only that I had lost my own kids, but also the two boys with them. I think they were about 12 and 14 at the time. I had given them strict instructions how to stay safe. And where to meet me. But the place we had arranged, which is where I had dropped them off, was now closed off to divert all traffic. The entire system was mayhem. Eventually finding the boys, I was by now almost wetting myself. I had an old washing up bowl in the boot so hid my best and went for a pee in there. Not one of them thanked me for my efforts to transport them to and from the concert. But we don’t do it for praise. It was their first gig. We do it to fill their lives with good memories. But as they turn to adults, they can all too often forget the things we did in favour of what we did not.

I love my boys, but it has not been easy. I am similar to both of them, but in different ways. I am proud. Our children, no matter what age can break our hearts, repeatedly. And we have to allow them to do that. I want James to move to Blackpool as I think he could nail this town. And I want Ashley to release his confidence with balance and harmony.

I still miss Dad. He was my best friend. I never really knew Mum. But I am trying. Our lives have been so different.

I want to retire before I die. But then work keeps me from over thinking. I sometimes miss blogging so much, now I am living in a goldfish bowl. Not everyone wants to be clapped by strangers. Life is much bigger than that. We are all on the same journey and it’s how we feel with our own space that counts most. Nothing to prove here. Am fine with me. I do good. Best I can.

Finally here is a video by a really good mate of mine, Seca One. Speaking quite openly about his history on the streets, together with his mind and how he turned it into being a successful artist. I hope it can help at least one person. Men tend to suffer in ways that are harder to detect. Often becoming hostile and aggresive. This makes me worry. Men need to be heard in a way that takes away a sense of delusion and guilt shifting.

Tiffany. X

An Empath Loves for Worry

A few close friends this week have had things go wrong in one way or another. Being an empath means never feeling totally happy about life, because there is always someone worse off. My most loved ones are indeed empaths. I want to send love to Janet (a wonderful part of my heart) and to another friend whose doggy lost its only born puppy at the weekend. To my mum who has an abscess on her back that has to be re-dressed and packed with seaweed every other day. She nurses my dad too. He gets up and digs the garden, despite falling over on a regular basis. I worry for my kids. I want them to have a good future.

Yesterday a gentlemen should have come here to collect a pile of things I put together for his forthcoming home – he’s homeless. He didn’t turn up and you have to make allowances as the road to recovery has many set-backs. We cannot push people to make decisions. Every journey is unique.

Today I drove past Amazing Graze and he was sat on the doorstep. After a brief conversation it transpired he could not get a lift to pick up the keys to his new home. I took him to the agents to collect them. We then returned to my place to get his parcels I had prepared, such like bedding, towels, plates, a teapot etc … ahead of making our way to his new home. It was a first floor studio in an old neglected, dirty building.

The place was left filthy and it smelt stagnant. The busiest part of town – a one way street near to a chaotic junction. But to me it was beautiful. It was a roof with walls – just needing a clean, some TLC. It bought back memories, though not good ones – I told the man, ‘great things come when we are faced with challenges.’ ‘To not fear change or new beginnings.’

I don’t enjoy blogging here anymore – it takes a lot of courage – where as I used to be nomadic – I now prefer ‘private’ with my lifestyle as in my real world there’s adventure, the seaside and friendship, to include a baby seagull. There’s never any peace. Such is life. We’re a long time dead. Embrace each day and don’t fear change. For it is change that will teach you much. Tiff. X

 

Setting up a Small Biz – Friendship by Tiffany Belle Harper

We are going in literally ten minutes for our daily exercise so this is rushed but if I don’t write it now I won’t bother later. Setting up a small biz for the future in this current ‘climate’ is terrifying on all levels. It is fine for those who are financially stable to give a bit of sarcasm or press for a laugh out of the survivors trying to make something of their futures. But I tell anyone thinking about setting up your small biz, focus on friends/colleagues and family who will support you in spirit and encouragement. A tangible real life biz is going to expand well by word of mouth. When I was at my busiest I didn’t have time to go online but now it is all we have and for those not used to networking it’s daunting. A lot of my guests/customers are not even on the internet. So we are appealing to a different kind of person. But remember a lot are having to resort to the web market for now, anyway but don’t worry I believe things will get better. The web is good for testimonials and recommendations when we become established. Online promotion is good to engage customers or offer discounts/promos etc. But don’t give up your small steps in the now – it can be tough.

The real love around you will be there to hold you up and support your morale. It is also a good way to find out who your real support is and don’t be disappointed if it’s not the people you have given your free time and kudos to – expect nothing and you will never be disappointed. Be strong and keep going. Break away from the negative and stay with those that really do want to see you shine. Get help (as I have) with social media if you struggle with concentration – find out if your fiends have a bit of spare time to give you support. Time will prove your efforts if you stay close to your goals and remember, less is more. Put yourself first. And when you do well the people you love most will benefit. Anyone trying to undermine you now will not be there for you tomorrow or the next day … remember that. We find out during these terribly difficult times what to let go of most. And new doors open – new opportunities – new people who have similar focus or are inspired by yours. It’s all in the real world that lives in the future. Patience is a virtue. Be good to yourselves.

Tiff. X

The Truth About Social Media #addiction Mind Control – Be Free by Tiffany Belle Harper

There is mixed opinion about social media. I personally believe it is about a healthy balance as I do appreciate the internet is a life line for many people. When I travel alone I enjoy listening to music. Seeing what friends are doing. Finding out about the latest topics – However, I never surf the web on my phone. It’s a strict rule – as I do not wish my free time to become consumed in surrealism.

When I am on the train – I look out the window and see beautiful landscape and architecture. I get my best ideas whilst roaming the findings of nature and art. But I see so many people staring at their phones.

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Recently a woman and her young daughter sat by me on the train. The woman was on Facebook. I couldn’t help but notice she shared a picture of the view from the carriage window. Her daughter was then handed a mobile phone by her mother. They didn’t speak a word to one another for the entire journey which lasted for over an hour. It must have seemed to her Facebook friends they were on a jolly. But they were not. They sat in silence. I really felt for that little girl. I wanted to chat with her but she would have found it strange to be disturbed from her virtual world by a stranger. I don’t think either of them were even aware I was there? This really is a problem and we cannot live in denial.

If things carry on like this, what is life going to be like in the future? I do know it is about balance and to protect the vulnerable. Particularly children. We need to be honest with ourselves and do what is best for the next generation. We should not leave it to the power engines to decide how we should think – what we see – what we know! Life should be free. It is as if the mass majority are serving a prison sentence without realising. That we are not using our brains to the full potential. We are shrinking into clones of the opinions of those we will probably never meet or know. We are exchanging likes and shares with bots that are nothing more than an automated nothingness. We are becoming dependent on a false reality that does not validate our worth in the real world. Obesity – depression and violence are at an all time high and no one is taking responsibility. Scholars and artists are being silenced and incarcerated for art – whilst social media is filling our heads with fake news and fear. It does not have to be this way.

To post bulletins, share your news, show what is happening in your community – all these things can be positive. To learn to spread time across recreational and community living – alongside the more positive aspects of being on the internet. To not allow yourself to feel degraded or belittled by a keyboard. What began as a useful tool should not become more important than a good quality of life. Algorithms are controlling what we see and what we buy into. A repetitive cycle that keeps us stuck in the system.

Even think about what you are doing today – Are you alienating yourself away from real life events and gatherings in favour of social media? Did you used to paint – write – craft or go the gym? What sacrifices have you made to spend time on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram?

Of course I would not want to change your free choice – I am simply saying it is all about moderation. Be with your children – talk with them. Teach them new skills. They need you.

TBH©

 

‘Women be Crazy’ by Tiffany Belle Harper

gypsy

A post for women and girls in particular. Never let anyone say you are weird, mad, crazy or stupid. You are beautiful. Own your body. Own your mind and have fun with your soul. There’s some gorgeous guys out there. I have some amazing male friends both gay – straight and transgender. It doesn’t matter. We are all human and it’s a case of letting go of fear and being ‘you.’ Simply ‘you‘ because you are so special and valuable. Men and women need one another. Demand Respect – Be a Goddess. Make nice friends that want the best for you and your feelings.

Tiffany. X