Our Claire is thinking about the future…

On WHISC’s Facebook page this week there was a post about an art competition being run by Liverpool Hope University. It asks people to “submit a work of art which represents that person’s hopes and dreams for the future, as well as what makes them truly happy”. This got me thinking about what kinds of things I would like to see in the future and I ended up with quite a list. Below are some of the things on it…

Less Arguing: I really dislike people picking arguments. I don’t see the point of it. They very rarely change anyone’s opinion and, more often than not, get very heated and end up with people falling out with one another – sometimes violently. I believe they’re really best avoided.

More Inclusion: One of the joys of lockdown for me has been doing things virtually. The need to be at a certain place at a certain time has gone and often at no – or very little – personal cost. This has made things more inclusive but, instead of this being the only option, it can be one of many options for people. And why stop there? When diversity strengthens society, why not make the effort to be truly inclusive?

Truly Global Thinking: The pandemic has proven that what happens on one side of the world, affects the whole of it. So I believe our thinking needs to be global accordingly. As such, I’m glad that the government is donating to the COVAX scheme, for example, but it shouldn’t stop there. If we put our differences to one side and tackled things as a globe, we could end wars and improve the health and living standards of everyone.

A Better Environment: Green issues are big at the moment and rightly so. However, as well as getting our governments to take more action quicker, I believe the first thing each one of us should do is to stop thinking things are disposable. Things don’t disappear just because they’re thrown away. If they’re incinerated, they go into the atmosphere. If you bury them, they stay in the ground. And don’t even think of throwing them in a river or the sea!

Now, I know the above may be part of a utopian dream but, as the old song goes, “if you don’t have a dream, how you gonna have a dream come true?”

So what are your dreams for the future? Why not share them with the people at WHISC? Their Listening Ear service can be accessed by calling 0151 707 1826. Alternatively, leave a message on their Facebook page with your phone number and they’ll ring you back. They’re waiting to hear from you whatever the occasion!