Welcome back! I enjoyed a delightful break in Scotland with my family, waking up each morning to the breathtaking and ever-changing scenery of Loch Lomond. Spending time away with my family, including our family dog… well, he’s really just a boy dressed up in a dog costume, and it’s always special, especially as my eldest son will soon be 18. (sob) There’s a serene joy of being away for us and the dog, as he doesn’t bark as much as there’s nothing to be posted or delivered! But the experience of being present, inhaling the crisp autumn air, and savouring traditional Scottish delights like Haggis and Dundee cake… when in Rome… Scotland!
As we left, the of a rainbow
How easy things can get Ugly?
In this week’s vlog, I address the issue of unnecessary social media frenzies, particularly when discussions take an ugly turn. Ironically, it’s not the platform that becomes unsightly, but rather the individuals who choose to express themselves. We’ve emphasised multiple times across various platforms that using social media as a tool for causing intentional disruptions, venting frustrations, or instigating problems, especially to then verbally attack others, is not the ideal use of any social media platform. This week, amidst the disappointment of the Christmas market not taking place on Main Street, we’ve witnessed this UGLY tenfold.
Whether you’re a business, project, group, or page, it’s crucial to recognise that when utilising social media, you should:
- Safeguard your professional reputation
- Be mindful of potential long-term implications to yourself and others.
- Consider how your words might be misconstrued or misunderstood.
- Ensure you present a balanced perspective, not just your side of the story.
- Be aware that there could be legal consequences if your statements become personal or controversial.
While freedom of speech is a fundamental right, it doesn’t mean you should express every thought, especially when, as mentioned above, it leads to REALLY UGLY outcomes.
Leeds-Live recently posed an interesting question: would people prefer to live in the past, perhaps back in the ’80s, or embrace the present? The responses flooded in a SHWOOSH….. with many voices aiming at the changes life brings with social media. While it’s true that these platforms have transformed our lives, and thankfully mine! It prompts reflection on whether the hate we see today has always existed or if social media merely amplifies what was already hiding.
I’ve noticed that some individuals from the older generation, (NOT ALL) harbour a somewhat stagnant perspective on the present. Reasons range from the rapid pace of technology to the world hurtling forward at speed, leaving some feeling unable to keep up. Issues like changes in personal expression, the way people dress, and social shifts can be challenging for some to cope with, which I acknowledge without fully understanding.
It’s essential to acknowledge that this perspective is a mindset—a perspective that has the potential to evolve. Although we can’t reverse time, we possess the ability to mould our present and future into a more enjoyable existence. The decision lies within our hands, and at times, it’s our mindset that requires a shift—perhaps to embrace the changes and discover the exciting aspects that come with them. Otherwise, there’s a risk of constantly resisting and criticising what’s unfolding around you.
This year, espcially, I feel we have seen a lot of hate across the world, it’s a complex and deeply rooted emotion that can manifest in various forms. It often stems from fear, misunderstanding, or a sense of threat, real or perceived. In the realm of human interactions, hatred can be directed towards individuals, groups, or even abstract concepts. It thrives on differences, whether they be in race, religion, ideology, or any other distinguishing factor – and it can also affect the most positive of people
Sad times for high streets
Unfortunately, The Assembly has shut its shutters forever, another business lost, and as we have read on socials this week, and again in our Vlog. CLO is changing direction for the business, and Shine Tanning Salon really needs your help. And the news just in, the city centre are also losing shops. Clintons Cards, Neals Yard Remedies, and Tommy Hilfiger as well as a few others – The energy crisis and the cost of living are hitting harder than Covid did
What’s on
- Today and tonight – Friday Feeling at The Podger – 2 Mains for £11
- Tonight –At The Gaping Goose – Pizza Box will be cooking your favourite pizzas from 5.30 until sold out
- Saturday – Garforth Women’s Institute Christmas Fair – Welfare Hall -10am -12 pm
Coming up
- As part of Active Leeds – THIS you can use the QR code or click this linkhttps://activeleeds.courseprogress.co.uk/login
- Saturday 18th November – Townswomen’s Guild have their Christmas Fair at Garforth Welfare Hall 10 am -12 pm
- Saturday 18th November – Garforth Methodist Christmas Fair – 10am – 1 pm
- Friday 24th November – Garforth Christmas Lights Switch on – and what you need to know about when the street will be open and closed
Planning
- I’ve noticed that the Old Garden Centre on Selby Road, Swillington Common, has been Under Offer since July. There have been sightings of people in Hi-Viz jackets checking out the site this week. With its listing price of one million dollars; I mean pounds, it’s likely to attract a developer with deep pockets. Here’s to dreaming and hoping that it could be transformed into something enjoyable, perhaps a leisure facility! https://bit.ly/40A7HRe
- Thorpe Park Railway – Have your Say as the developing plans get underway https://bit.ly/40AoeFa
- Have your sayTransforming your city centre – We have ambitions to make the city centre a better place to be by investing in the places where you spend time and in the streets where you walk, wheel and cycle https://bit.ly/3FWgX93
- Love this – shared with me today, so I’m sharing it with you, not only is it something quite fabulous, but one of our local artists, and one of our local illustrators are part of it https://bit.ly/3MBPXPM
Until next week – Lest we forget ‘should not be forgotten’
Recent Comments