Time After Time

Time after time.

The bad news is time flies, the good news is you're the pilot.

I’ve already seen and read masses of new year/new you articles, blogs on being rid of the horror that was 2020 and of course the usual discussions about new year resolutions. Well never mind that; I am not making any. If you have a goal then plan it, don’t wait for New Year or miss starting because you didn’t start straight away. If 2020 taught us anything it is not to waste time. But remember, resting, planning, thinking, recovering are all great uses of your time as well as doing and being.

Many people will have heard me speak at womens and charity events and talk about the Indian Chief. I explain that in days gone by Indian Chiefs were just as likely to be women as men and that the title “Chief” was gender neutral. I also say that the headdress is a symbol of strength because they received each feather for returning from or winning a battle and so the larger the headdress the stronger the wearer. I have asked the audience to think about how many feathers they have gained in their lives for battles they have survived or are currently “fighting”. So the feather is symbolic of bravery, courage, determination and leadership.

I can’t keep wearing a £3.99 headdress I bought from the fancy dress shop to inspire me; the analogy is really just something to think about. But what I did do recently was get my own version of a headdress designed for me and tattoed on my shoulder so I can see and feel it all the time; even when I doubt their existence.

In 2019 at Backup (where I am CEO) we developed our first ever Calendar and that was for 2020; so each month we had an image based on a film theme and each month was sponsored by local businesses or organisations.

Every time I turned a page I could feel

time passing but as I looked at each photo I could recollect the planning and design that went into each one. I was present for all of them and was able to smile at the thought of everyone who had gotten involved and the fun we had doing it. I did the face painting for the tin man and the cowardly lion, I organised fancy dress, wigs, moustaches and more. I also got to the March pin up where I play James Bond and was laughing out loud as I recalled my error of getting Julie O’Hara Gradwell to volunteer to be the lady on Goldfinger covered in paint across the bed on the condition that no-one would see her bottom. Oooops. Bottom line though; sorry Julie, was that calendar raised £5k.

But each picture in it represented time for Backup; 12 months of activity, planning, outcomes and challenges plus the 6 months planning and putting the calendar together for production.

During the lifespan of the 2020 calendar we have had so many challenges as individuals, teams, services and as an organisation; but Backup have met those challenges head on and dealt with everything they have faced with compassion, empathy and strength. The young people have received 1st class services despite everything and many have moved on successfully. The pandemic is not even the most serious aspect of a young homeless persons life. Backup have carried on ensuring young people are safe, not just from a virus but from predators, from risk of self harm, from rough sleeping, from poverty and ill health, from exclusion.

We weren’t able to develop the calendar for 2021 due to restrictions and the photography required to make it. So we have planned to make one on 2021 for 2022; the year that Backup turns 30 and mark that occasion and time with another themed calendar.

People reflect often but at New Year more than ever: looking back at memories, good and bad and then looking forward. But today I am reminded that I am here; today, now. Fit and well, safe and secure with something else almost as precious as time; peace of mind. Whilst I am always planning ahead for Backup I am mindful that I am rested and content for me which has not been the case for some time. As I planned to write this blog I kept hearing the lyrics to the chorus of Cyndi Laupers “Time After Time”

“If you’re lost you can look and you will find me

Time after time

If you fall I will catch you, I’ll be waiting

Time after time.”

This applies to Backup; we are still here after 29 years of providing services for young people who are homeless - for those who are lost or who fall. It also applies to me as in 2020 I turned 50 and had my first brush with mental ill health. Around July and August I was “lost” and I “fell” due to personal circumstances and again in December when I had stress related shingles - I received moral and other support from so many people it was overwhelming.

Thank you; especially to my husband Ian, my Mum, Eveline and my siblings, Russell and Helen and my three dear friends Julie, Caroline and Alison. You have all helped me to gain and value my feathers even more and in doing so you also have gained yours. I have huge appreciation to ALL those who assisted me last year; believe me it will be reciprocated: time after time.