Hello and a happy Friday to you,
When I was writing a deeply personal piece and felt a little unsure this week, my friend gave me the advice: "Make sure you’re writing from the scar not the wound.”
This advice (thanks Nicola) is inspired by the theologian Nadia Bolz-Weber, who told author Glennon Doyle that’s how she tries to preach. And it really helped.
When you’re a person who wants to share their experiences to help others but also has mental health ups and downs, there’s a fine balance when deciding how vulnerable to be in your writing, while also protecting yourself.
Thinking about metaphorical wounds and scars reminded me of our amazing capacity as humans to survive. The way we get through moments that at the time feel like there is no way out, but actually make us stronger. They can serve as reminders to invest in our own self-care, grieving and healing that little bit more. If you’re going through a tough time right now, remember all the hard things you’ve got through before and all the people who have got your back. Hopefully one of them is yourself.
I’ll share the article, which is about egg freezing, next week when it’s been published.
On a lighter note, here are some uplifting news stories for you.
Uplifting News Stories
BBC Weatherman Owain Wyn Evans completed 24 hours of drumming for Children In Need. Absolute hero.
Adele helped a couple get engaged and it was a massive, beautiful surprise for the fiancée-to-be. I could watch this video over and over again.
No regrets! Pandemic purchases that made us happy | BBC News (Thanks to Aaron for sending this one to me!)
Britney Spears was finally freed from her controversial conservatorship
A musical of Moulin Rouge has opened in London and I very much want to go please
Gok Wan was awarded an MBE this week
(Speaking of Moulin Rouge, I can’t stop singing Gok Wan to the tune of Roxanne)
Features Worth Sharing
I'm 40 and single – is it too late to consider motherhood? | Telegraph
I regret speaking so publicly about my weight loss – and I fear for Adele | Metro
‘I sniffed out good news like a bloodhound’: how I broke my doomscrolling habit | Guardian
Want To Read Please
OK thats it from me this week. Unless you want to sponsor my podcast.
Hope you have a lovely weekend.
BB x
This is The Uplift, a weekly newsletter by me, journalist Becky Barnes. If you enjoyed it, feel free to buy me a coffee.
The Uplift will arrive in your inbox every Friday, featuring good news and self care. I also have a podcast about life advice.
A bit about me: I’m a journalist living in London. You can find me on Twitter and Instagram.