Beyond Band-Aids

Creating Lasting Health Solutions Through Community and Authentic Harmony

I knew it was wrong, yet I was too small and bewildered to do anything. It all happened so quickly.

Thank heavens for nosey Mrs Bass peeking through her net curtains on that bright Sunday morning.

When I was around 6 years old, I went out to play with the girls next door. In fact, it was the first time I was ever allowed out to play.

Two men approached us and persuaded my friends who were older than me, to go to the local sweet shop down the road with one of them.

I protested that it was closed on Sundays, but no-one listened to me.

As soon as they were out of sight, the other man picked me up and started running with me in his arms towards the forest.

The men picked on the wrong children. ?This blue-eyed blond haired little girl (me) was the daughter of a Policeman, and our family was well known locally. This episode happened in around 1963 back in the days where communities knew who was in their tribe and looked out for each other.

Mrs Bass could see something wasn’t right and had the presence of mind to dial 999.

As the man was running down the slope into the forest, one of his hands clutching my bottom and my heart beating fast by this point, I saw a hand tap him on the shoulder.

The man dropped me to the floor and the policeman ran after him.

I don’t know what happened next and we never spoke of it as a family ever again.

A lucky escape you might say, however, not everyone has a happy ending.

In the UK, approximately 70,000 children are reported missing each year and worldpopulationreview.com provides the overall totals of missing children by country which are quite staggering.

It's crucial to remember that behind these statistics are individual children and families affected by these incidents. If you suspect anyone is missing, it's important to contact the police immediately of course.

Why am I telling you my little story and referring to missing children?

Because I fear that a sense of community and belonging is fast disappearing. No-one looks out for anyone else these days. People don’t talk to one another, apart from via texting on their mobile phones. Neighbours no longer speak, nor help and rarely even know each other, never mind help each other.

More and more people are living alone. No one seems to care anymore. What has happened to change loving communities into non caring scattered soul less places full of illness and disease?

The daily pressures of today’s fast paced and expensive lifestyles have resulted in no one having time for anyone else and so communities have crumbled.

Mothers are expected to work within a short time of giving birth to help pay the bills for the house they rarely see because they are always working.

Children get farmed out to nurseries whilst the parents or carers are working, and so bonds are not created. And so, the spiral continues.

How do we break the cycle?

I’m sure you have a few ideas of your own. Here are some suggestions: -

·?????? Be more mindful of others – smile first and you will receive the same back

·?????? Pay attention and give small compliments without seeming creepy or too personal – nice hair, pretty dress, fabulous colour on you…etc

·?????? Limit time on social media – ?live your own life, not through other people’s gossip

·?????? Don’t use your phone when eating out - other than perhaps to scan the menu

·?????? Play games as a family or with friends – board games, cards, puzzles etc

·?????? Mix with friends of all ages, races and genders – listen to their stories and be there for them when they need a shoulder to rely upon

·?????? Take time out for yourself and sleep well – your body heals at night and when at peace

·?????? Get out into nature more often – walking is a great social pasttime

·?????? Eat well – avoid ultra-processed foods, make meals from scratch using organic in season produce, minimise or avoid sugar intake, limit alcohol and fizzy drinks

·?????? Drink quality, clean water daily – around 2 litres although quantity depends upon your body measurement

·?????? Clear your mind of emotional baggage which holds you back in life generally – consult a qualified practitioner to help guide you safely

·?????? Come and hear my talk on Friday October 18th in Albufeira https://g100leadershipsummit.org/

·?????? Join The Perfect Health HUB tribe for free https://apps.fliplet.com/perfect-health/registration-1ce1a

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Elaine Godley is the founder of The Perfect Health HUB and the G100 country lead for Portugal – Authentic Harmony – Positive Masculinity. [email protected]