High as a Kite!

Feeling as High as a kite after the last weeks activities! (And not a drug or a drink in sight!) 
I know that if someone gives us a gift we get some very nice "feelgood" chemicals in our brain, of course we do, it is nice to think someone has thought of us and gone to a lot of trouble to please us, But I also know that if we GIVE something we get substantially more of those feelgood chemicals, it seems silly not to have them! Free chemicals! And no "come down" no hangover! The person receiving from us feels good, we feel good and those around us feel good just by witnessing that kind act. It is a win win situation! 
Last weekend I was not well enough to stay for the Humanist conference, but I did manage to hear  AC Grayling talk about the philosophy of "friendship" so uplifting, so inspirational (and not a god in sight!)
Then I was teaching some truly lovely people, working in the most difficult circumstances in prison and drug services (and not an ego in sight!) 
But the highlight of my week has GOT to be going up to Edinburgh to speak at the launch of the brilliant initiative "AID AND ABET" !!!! I still haven't come down!

THE most amazing people "Cons and Cops" (their words!) working together and saving lives! It was a privilege  to be a part of it and to be SO well looked after by these altruistic people. So professional. so compassionate so honourable and

SO humble, I did NOT want to get back on that plane!This has given me a new lease!, but actually what it did was remind me how being around recovery and altruism feels! It is so easy to get a little jaded or complacent when you have "been 
around" as long as I have.These lovely recovery friends, and their equally lovely police colleagues reminded me what it is all about!

Their optimism and joy was infectious, their determination mind blowing,  breaking down barriers, getting rid of  "Us and Them" and creating partnerships that are making a real difference. 
I came away with enough of those "feel-good chemicals" to last a month! But I don't mind admitting that I want MORE! And I  know exactly where to get them! 

 I don't always remember, because I am human, I need reminding!  But when I do it feels great!
And then to top it all they sent me beautiful flowers!!! It was a bit like getting a big box of chocolates and then being rewarded for eating them! What a week!

Best laid plans!

I was so looking forward to the British humanist Association annual conference in Birmingham this weekend, had my ticket for ages! Wonderful speakers lined up not to mention old friends to see and new ones to make. I only managed a morning!
I had to miss last years in Bristol because of my health, and I did it again!
I have been trying to cut down on my steroids for weeks and thought maybe I could get off them! I think I was a bit too ambitious,because the trouble is, without them I have awful pain and  I can't walk ! So I had to hobble to the car park and back and although it was quite near -  I couldn't do it.
I did however, manage to hear  Professor AC Grayling who is a great hero  of mine, so inspiring and also so charming. His talk  gave me some brilliant inspiration, and indeed a few gems that I can use to make me,and others  happier! Every time I hear him, he makes me wish I had more time to study philosophy properly!

I also managed to hear my good friend Peter Tatchell, and get a hug! Another inspiring human being, Never come across anyone who is more of the epitomy of "walking the walk" and is also able talk a good talk too!
So although I couldn't stay, I got so energised by the little I experienced. I have always got so much energy from being around inspiring or like-minded people, our survivor gatherings, my addiction work students, other recovered addicts, my family.
So back up on the wretched steroids, waiting for the "moonface" to come back, and feeling a bit sorry for myself! But I am not half as bad as aI would have ben without the morning in Birmingham!
I am looking forward to the week ahead, teaching in Oakhill secure training centre for four days, and then one day up in Scotland to the launch of the brilliant "Aid and Abet"!

               So what if I  have a Moon face!!