Silly me, I accidentally pressed something that messed up my latest post, you may have already read it (and I may be worrying over nothing) but just to make sure, please click this link: https://graciechicksblog.wordpress.com/2017/06/26/why-does-it-matter/
Thank you everybody! You’re all so understanding. I’m just terrible with technology, what about you?
One simple statement. Why would my opinion matter? Why would your opinion matter? Why would anyone want to know what anyone else thought? Those are the questions I’m asking. In this world, which is almost as crazy as the one in existence within my mind, it doesn’t seem to matter what anyone else thinks or cares about.
Our world is very muddled up at the moment, everything seems to be in political and moral chaos. As someone who is aware of current affairs, I see all the hate, confusion, greed, anger, bitterness, prejudice, my list could go on. It makes me feel helpless, but with a great responsibility, as the next generation, to replace these with peace, trust and light. But, I do believe in deeds not words, we must take action.
Sorry about this jumble of words, I usually try to articulate myself carefully, but today I just had to be honest and pour everything out. So yeah, apologies.
Please get in touch through the comments, I’m sure everyone has equally crazy ideas and thoughts. I wonder what YOU all think? Let me know….!
‘Butterflies in your stomach. Butterflies in your stomach.’ It’s such a cliche but it takes experiencing it to understand how true it really is. I take deep breaths and stare down at the salted caramel cookies my Dad bought especially for today. I realise that this is actually happening.
The gentle rocking of the boat isn’t making me feel any better, I keep glancing up the towpath, nervously watching, waiting. I expect to see them any minute. I don’t really know what they look like. All I know, (well, all you’re allowed to know) is that I am being filmed for a casting development project for a mainstream TV channel. A London production company is coming to film me and my life.
This has all happened so fast and, although I’m nervous, I feel an elated anticipation. Suddenly they’re here, carrying a huge camera and looking professional. This is it, Gracie…..this is it……
It all goes so amazingly, I enjoy every minute. Every minute spent giving my opinions on big modern life issues, being interviewed on challenging topics like politics, feminism, social media, materialism, relationships and social care. Every minute talking about my life and the things I’m passionate about, reading poetry and stories in a voice that seems more powerful now there’s someone here especially to hear it. Every minute spent being absolutely myself.
It was intense and my brain whirrs just thinking about it now. But I was in my element, I like a challenge. I like people who value the perspectives of young people on modern society. I loved thinking about the questions and carefully wording my replies. I didn’t find it easy, but I had the opportunity and I wanted to make the most of it.
All in all, I may be accepted to participate in this programme or I may not. I would love to be able to share my thoughts on life even further, but if not, I am just eternally grateful for this experience and I’m proud of myself for making it happen and getting this far.
Please leave me a message in the comments box below, I absolutely love to hear from you all. Thanks!
Hello People, Last weekend marked the tragic death of one of my greatest inspirations: Jo Cox. I wrote a guide on theCramm as a tribute to her amazing life and want to share it with you all today. Here goes:
WHO?
Jo Cox should be remembered as an individual who wanted to make a difference, someone who worked tirelessly to create a fairer, kinder and more tolerant world.
She was the Labour Party MP for Batley and Spen in Yorkshire from 2015-2016. She was a passionate politician, one who cared about every one of the people in her constituency.
Before she entered the world of politics, she was a humanitarian aid worker in many countries throughout the world, she also spent years of her life campaigning for countless charities. On top of that, she was a loving and much-loved mother, wife, sister, daughter, friend and colleague.
She made a huge difference to many people’s lives, from refugees to the elderly to children to people with disabilities. Perhaps this is why she is remembered and honoured with such sadness today.
Jo Cox was tragically murdered on the 16th June 2016, at a constituency meeting. Her killer was later caught and is currently serving a life sentence in jail.
The past few days have been spent remembering the compassionate deeds that were fulfilled in this short life. Jo was just completely human.
IN HER OWN WORDS….
Here we have some quotes from Jo herself:
“One of the reasons I’m entering politics is that only 23% of the house of commons is female. If women don’t make that 50/50 then the people making decisions for our communities are never going to be reflective of our needs.”
“Our communities have been deeply enhanced by immigration and, whilst we celebrate our diversity, the thing that surprises me time and time again is that we have far more in common and far more unites us than divides us.”
– An extract from her maiden speech
“These children have been exposed to things no child should ever witness and I know I personally would risk life and limb to get my two precious babies out of that hell hole.” – On refugees and immigration.
“Every decade or so the world is tested with a crisis so grave that it breaks the mould. It’s how history judges us. The second world war, the genocide in Rwanda, the slaughter in Bosnia. I believe that Syria is our generation’s test.”
Please click the link below to listen to the most joyful and emotional protest song put together by some of the world’s greatest musicians, in memory of Jo:
https://youtu.be/PvF2llqLzxA
Friends of Jo Cox featuring MP4, Steve Harley, Ricky Wilson, KT Tunstall and David Gray cover Rolling Stones classic ‘You Can’t Always Get What You Want’ in honour of Jo Cox MP’s legacy and work.
A unique protest single is to be released by a group of music stars and MPs as a tribute to the late MP Jo Cox and her outstanding public service. Revenue from the song, a cover of the Rolling Stones classic You Can’t Always Get What You Want will raise funds for the launch of the Jo Cox Foundation established after her death.
The song was chosen as it called for multiple singers and choirs, reflecting a message of togetherness. During a time of growing worldwide political upheaval and uncertainty, the song marks the need for unity and tolerance.
Now, there’s something for YOU to do! I want to know who inspires you, why and how. Let me know in the comments, along with how this makes you feel. I appreciate all your heartfelt messages and I’m sure Jo would too. Thanks for reading and please keep Jo’s husband and two young children in your minds and hearts.
Hello everybody! As I said before, I want this blog to be a place where young people can share, discuss and challenge their thoughts, ideas and honest feelings. I asked my blogging friends to contribute to this and today I’ve got a brilliant guest post from Elsie .Yay! Thank you! So, here it goes:
Hi everyone! Hope you are all well! Before I start this post I would like to say a massive thank you to Gracie for letting me do a guest post on her blog! I chose to write my perspective on an aspect of our world that is changing/becoming more apparent with the help of social media.
There are a lot of horrible and appalling things taking place in the world every day because of people who, for whatever reason, believe they have the right to put other people’s lives in danger. This is a known fact and the thing that keeps people going after tragic events is the strength of those around them and not only those around them, but on social media too. Things have changed in how we don’t back down in times of fear. How we react to it. Yes, I am talking about Ariana Grande’s One Love Concert and how the image of people uniting and remembering lives lost was shared and spread across the world, showing those who choose to hurt others that we are stronger than they think. The concert was put on YouTube for those who could not view it other ways or wanted to remember it and in that way the memory never dies.
It will always be known that the good in the world is by far more powerful, as it is so easy to view on social media. In areas of terror where fear should radiate, it doesn’t. Life goes on for the people who’s brave actions strike a change in our world, reminding us of what it is like to be loved and what love truly means. Something happens on the other side of the world and the platform in which the news is shared becomes home to prayers for those hurt. People who will most likely never meet each other are there to hold each other up. Could this kind of thing even be dreamed of say 20 years ago? Of course social media is home to some spiteful people and content but the good by far outweighs the bad in bringing about a silent change to our world. I’m not saying that people used to live in fear before social media, only that what keeps us from falling apart as humans is that the fear is conquered right in front of us and we can actually see what’s going on together so as to stay strong. The blogging community is a fair example of this sense of friendship!
I don’t think the world will ever be perfect as nothing is. There are always new boundaries to set and overcome but the fact that the world/life can be altered by our actions and the way we react to what is happening around us brings us closer to a more realistic “perfect” and that is incredible in itself!
To me, this is a display of hope, optimism and compassion from a young person who truly believes in humankind. This is so refreshing after all the negativity, hate, anger and division in our world today. Perhaps it is our society, which is filled with these things, that causes the actions of these terrorists that Elsie speaks of. Maybe it is the feeling of being lonely, bitter and lost that makes them do the things they do. I don’t know. Whatever happens, our world has to change and our generation has to be the ones who make that difference.
Anyone who’s interested in guest-posting for me, please click here
What are your thoughts on social media? Positive or negative? Please leave all of your opinions and thoughts in the comments section, people! Thank you!
Hey Guys!
I got really positive comments on my guide to the UK General Election that I shared with you all a few days ago, you can read it here. I’ve written a few more sarcastically humourous and informative guides for my friend Liv from theCramm since. I thought they might be helpful to you all (and make you smile!) Hope you enjoy…!
Firstly, here’s one on the current Brexit situation:
See you all later…!
Do you keep up to date with current affairs? Are you inspired to make a change? Did you laugh out loud at my guides? Please leave me a comment….
Hey there guys!
My dream for this blog is to create an atmosphere where young people who care about the world can discuss and share their thoughts and ideas, meet and connect with others and be a part of an inspiring community making a change. Where we can be honest and open.
To achieve this ambition, I want other bloggers to start contributing. If you think you’d be interested in doing a guest post for A Light In The Darkness, please let me know via the contact form I am including.
The guest post can be on any of the following subjects:
Changing the world
Writing
An inspiring blogging campaign idea that you may have….
Poetry
Things you struggle with/something honest
Something to do with words!
A short story on current events
A young person’s perspective on the world today.
Note: If you’re reading this in your WordPress feed, the contact form may not show up and you might have to click ‘visit site’.
Thank you all very much! I look forward to hearing from you soon!
Gracie
Xxx
Hey there guys!
As some of you know, I have a job as a researcher for the inspirational Liv, the young creator of theCramm, a movement aimed at empowering and informing today’s youth. You can read more about my role and theCramm here.
Today, I sent Liv an in-depth guide to my country’s recent General Election results. I wanted theCramm’s readers and subscribers to understand what’s been happening and be inspired to try to make a change.
I’ve tried to include a bit of humour and sarcasm and I hope that you’ll all enjoy and learn from this short guide.
Please do note that it contains some of my personal opinions and that I do not wish to offend anyone. I welcome different ideas and thoughts and am happy to listen to others and discuss anything with you all!
Okay, so here goes:
Demons haunted my sleep. “You have seen us and so you will die.” they hissed. I tried to wake up, but there was something about this slumber that was different. It felt like I was in a prison, trapped in the darkness and unable to free myself. I struggled for every minute of the seemingly endless sleep to wake up and find my way out.
Finally I broke through, gasping and sweating. My fingers closed around my cloak, it was covered in dried, crimson blood. I eased myself back down and stared up through at the canopy of leaves. Sunlight seeped through the gaps between the branches and touched my skin. It was so bright! I never knew how good the light was until that moment. I glanced around me.
I was laying on a sort of mossy bank and I could hear what sounded like a brook, bubbling somewhere nearby. I reached up to touch my head, it was pounding in a most peculiar and painful manner. My hand brushed a ragged cloth, again I could tell that it was crusted with blood.
“Faith.” my voice came out like a croak. “My name is Faith.” This made me laugh, despite myself. I don’t know why I was so deliriously happy. Perhaps it was because I knew I didn’t have Amnesia. I remembered the Ambassador and his strange behaviour in the moments before my accident. I even remembered the force of his hand pushing me hard to the floor.
Salty tears run down my cheeks. I trusted him. I thought he was good and kind and wanting to be my friend. I was so naive and now I had paid. I struggled to my knees and gritted my teeth against the searing, throbbing pain that plagued my head. “Ah!” I used the tiny incy bit of strength I had to heave myself to my feet and stumble off into the trees.
I had only walked a couple a steps when I began to feel extremely dizzy. I tried so hard to hold myself up, but it was no use.
I fell.
I don’t know how long I laid there, half conscious and moaning. It could have been minutes, even seconds, or it could have been hours. I only recollect two familiar arms folding themselves around my body and lifting me gently up.
Up, up, up.
High.
I was on top of the world.
All I could see was a deep, never-ending blackness, and I felt lost. “What if I’ve gone blind?” Stupid thoughts filled my barely conscious mind. Then I heard his voice and I didn’t care either way. “It’s ok.” he soothed, sitting me back down on the moss, I could feel its comforting springiness. I couldn’t see his eyes so I had no idea how he was feeling.
“I can’t see your eyes.” I whimpered. “Try opening your own.” he laughed. I did and was so overjoyed that I forgot to feel silly for not thinking of it before.
“Phoenix.” I spoke the word slowly, cocking my head to one side. An understanding passed between us. “The bird that rose from the darkness in a glorious burst of flames and lit up the world with its light.”
This was so different to the way I had imagined telling him the name I’d chosen, but it seemed like the perfect moment. “I’m sorry, Faith.” he whispered. “You will forgive me, won’t you?”
“Of course!” I cried. “But why did you do it?”
His answer distressed me even further. “Because you’re my friend.”
“Then why did you push me?” My head started pounding again.
“I didn’t want you to leave. I knew they’d come to take you away from me and I, being the selfish person I am, wanted you to stay. I’m sorry, Faith. It wasn’t your fault. I was just hurt, and angry that you had to be taken away from me so soon.” he hung his head “Now I’ve ruined every chance I ever had of changing. I can never change, the dark side has crept into my mind and is poisoning me. I understand if you don’t trust me any more.”
I began to laugh and he glared at me. “Phoenix-” “Call me Ambassador.” He was angry with himself, I think he was on the edge of absolute despair. I had to make him understand.
“But I was never going to go with them! I decided that long before you found me!”
“What!? Don’t be stupid, Faith. They’re your friends.” he smiled ruefully. “So are you.” I said softly, turning sadly away.
“Huh?”
“I said you’re my friend too!”
He hugged me then, tightly like he’d never let me go. “Are you sure?” he asked, doubtfully. “Yes!” I exclaimed. “Phoenix, no one has ever been a better friend to me. No one has ever shown me so much, inspired me more, trusted me with their very identity. Honestly, please believe me.”
He gave a slight nod of his head, too overcome with emotion to speak. I nodded back happily and then sank, exhausted, back onto the mossy bank to sleep.
Da da da! All has been revealed! I find character’s motives in stories quite fascinating, don’t you? What did you think of The Ambassador’s name? I decided to stick with the original one that I chose. I think it suits him. Do you like the sort of prose-y vibe that I snuck into this installment? I hoped it would compliment the drama of this part of the storyline. Please leave me all your thoughts, questions and ideas in the comments below! It’s much appreciated, guys.
See ya….😉
Gracie
Xxx
I want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart. You have given me hope and showed me that we can unite and make a difference if we try. I am just a young girl who wanted to do something. Something that would draw young, passionate and inspirational bloggers together. And we have achieved, thanks to you.
I have discovered just how beautiful and incredible our passions are. I never ever expected so many people to share them, along with their ideas and loyal support for this project. You have brought us together and created a sense of belonging amongst bloggers. That’s so precious to me. Thank you all again.
I received too many awesome entries to crammed them into one post. Today, I’m here to share a few more in part 2! 🤣😁
I’m going to start with someone who sent me an unbelievable entry. Her words really summed up the purpose of this project. I was actually really emotional after reading it. I give you the wonderful Lee
Like many of us here in the blogging community, I’ve always had a strong passion for reading and writing. Growing up, my childhood wasn’t the best, and all of the tragedies contributed to me being more isolated, reserved, and quiet about my feelings or opinions. But this also caused me to be more observant of people and my surroundings, it helped me become more in tune with myself and writing became my natural flow. I kept diaries where I would write my feelings and what I would like to say to people who I felt I never could in person. I also kept notebooks where I would write short stories and poetry, song lyrics. It all came natural, it all made me feel good. I amazed myself. From then on I could always count on getting lost in a good book, and getting inspiration to write my own. I could always count on releasing my emotions safely. Reading and writing became my therapy. But can inspiration be a passion as well? I’d say I have a HUGE passion for inspiring others and being inspired. You can gather inspiration from almost anything in the world, nature, music, pictures, the news, you name it! There is always something to be inspired by.
I can and I will use my passion to change the world by inspiring others through my work to encourage and inspire others, to be more in tune with themselves and the world around them, and to be more loving and caring. I want my work to not only bring people closer to themselves, but closer with friends/family, closer to nature, and closer to their creative sides. Everyone has something they can bring to the table, everyone has something unique about them that they can share with the world to make it a better place. The more we share the more we’ll realize we’re more alike than different. Uplifting each other is far more beneficial than putting each other down.
Absolutely stunning. So honest and true and real. Yet this conveys so much genuine passion. Now I want to share the next incredible piece. It comes from Clara
My absolute passion, why I love it and why I couldn’t live without it:
My passion is photography. I love to capture the amazing things that are happening all around me and I don’t think I could bear watching those moments pass without capturing them in a photograph. I take my camera everywhere with me and have taken many thousands of photographs since I got my first camera.
How I think I could use my passion to change the world:
I would love to be a photographer for an organization like World Vision or Prison Fellowship International that helps kids in awful situations all around the world. They need photographers to capture the poverty these kids are living in so that people who want to help can see what it’s like in these places.
It takes a special person to have such a noble desire. I hope you get to fulfil it, Clara. Thank you for sending this in! Now for one from my friend Smilingdreamer
Hey There! My absolute passion is blogging. Words can’t describe the happiness, delight & comfort that blogging brings to my life. It’s such a great feeling just to write a post where you can share your thoughts & feelings, or talents & interests, or just offer/ask some advice with everyone out there!
What is even more rewarding is getting comments from various bloggers out there in the world who contribute to the discussion & share their opinions! I’ve only been blogging for 7 months now – but I’ve grown so so attached to my blog & the whole WordPress community! Everyone is just so genuinely kind & caring! I believe that blogging could absolutely change the world because when you share your honest feelings or some useful life tips with the whole world online…people will surely get inspired, motivated & happy to take the right track in life, be positive, or also share their own thoughts & be more open! I find this to be truly important & one of my main goals when it comes to blogging!
It’s simply beautiful to be able to express yourself through your own unique blog & spread your individuality & creativity all over the world as well as influence, stimulate & energize others to do the same! Blogging is a blessing in disguise for me!
I’ve managed to make tons of new friends online & I’m much happier and relaxed since I’ve started blogging! I think everyone would agree with me about how much enthusiasm & excitement blogging provides to the world!
This makes me smile. Now, I’d like to share one from a budding writer, Mirra
My passion is writing. Writing makes me me. I get to create new ideas, make new writer friends and basically ANYTHING. My writing can make YOU READERS feel happy, sad, angry, etc. I can express my thoughts to the WHOLE WIDE UNIVERSE. Writing lets me manipulate others’ viewpoints. I’ll make the world a better place by using my passion. I’ll clearly express my points and even put them in a story to create an awareness on recent issues.
This may be short, but it’s fiery, and I like that. 
Now, next it’s the turn of Nabila
My absolute passion? Blogging one hundred percent. For me blogging started as something I would do when I was bored and had nothing to do. It has grown to so so much more than that though. Blogging has become something that describes me and really makes me, me. I love it because it is a way for me to share my crazy ideas and maybe help people in the process. It is a way for me to voice my thoughts and actually have people respond. My readers and just the community is so amazing and kind and generous that you almost always have someone to talk or that will understand what you are talking about. If I was for some reason banned from blogging I would probably break down. It is what I do when I am not doing school or eating or sleeping. It is something I am proud of but always thinking of how I can improve. If I try I could do totally make a difference with my blog as that is my goal. The internet is a big place with so many ideas floating around. It is where so so many things get started. People go to the internet when they have no other place to go. I could use my passion to change the world for the better my making people see more kindness and to be kinder themselves.
This girl makes some seriously good points. I can relate to everything she mentions. Her passion for blogging definitely shines through. Next it’s a lovely girl called Jirah Merizz
1. My absolute passion would be writing, whether it be a journal entry, a poem, a blog post or such. I can’t live without having nothing to write. My mind has full of questions, thoughts, random ramblings and I honestly could make a novel about it all. Kidding, but seriously, writing is my comfort zone. It makes me get to know myself better and I am just so glad to find another platform where I could share what I write– which is my blog. Writing also makes me express the things I can’t say out loud– having anxiety and depression, writing has helped me a lot and is still helping me so much.
2. I could help the world change by inspiring people through my words and my works. I could honestly write about what I see in the world, the problems, lack of peace and love that I know someone, somewhere out there will be interested to read it and to share the words. The people in our world lacks understanding, and by writing, I can make their eyes open and see what’s really wrong. I know for a fact that some would criticise me for the world is so full of critics, but I’m not losing hope that someone who have read my words will make a step and make a change. And every word, story or a piece that I write is all for God’s glory.
Wow! What a great example of passion! Finally, we have the lovely LifeOfAngela
Okay wow, pressure. I think my passion at the moment is definitely blogging. I’ve had many others, but none have stuck as long as this. I love having this creative outlet where I can share my thoughts, experiences and memories. I love that I’m able to connect with so many people around the world, I have met so many amazing people and discovered so much about the world, through other people’s writing and experiences. It’s pushed me to think more creatively, and to get back into other hobbies and interests, like photography, baking, reading, and definitely writing!
I’m trying to think how I can use blogging to change the world. I would love to leave my mark on the world, and I think this is a good avenue. It will stay online forever (I’m assuming), so my thoughts, life and memories will stay too. I hope that someone can read it and it brings a smile on their face. I’m a positive person, and I like to think this comes through in my writing. I don’t know if I can make a change in a big, impactful way, my blog doesn’t have that reach yet. But maybe one day? 🙂
Love this. 😄
Okay! Please leave a comment and let me know what you think. How do these messages make you feel? Do you have a passion to share? Thank you all once again….
Gracie
