I often reflect on how and why I become so interested in other people, and working out what makes people tick, what make people angry and what makes people do and behave how they do.
So, neuroscience aside, this is your turn to analyse part of my story.
I grow up in a small town in Somerset. I was born to a Filipino mum and an English dad. Back in the 80s, this made us the second Filipino mixed raced family in our town. I attended a local primary school, did ballet lessons and enjoying playing netball. I was never conscious of my skin colour or my household culture being 'different'. That was until I hit secondary school!
I was also chubby. Yes, I was a mixed raced, chubby girl! I remember being part of a fat club in primary school. The headteacher came in with a nurse and picked four of us to attend a healthy eating session. Needless to say, my mum was not happy when I told her about it after school. And needless to say, this type of practice would not happen now.
Words do hurt.
I am sure it is fear coupled with finding your identity that makes some kids repeatedly say unkind things and unkind words that they probably have no understanding of. This curiosity should not be dismissed but enlightened with knowledge, empathy and understanding by trusted adults around them. They are probably hearing things too.
Less of the blame, more of the education and being a listening ear.
Maybe this explains some of the reasons why I've become me? Everything we experience makes us who we are today. So, it is important to unpick parts of our past and learn from our experiences. But it is more important to be in the moment, and being and feeling the best we can right here, right now.
I am happy with the journey I am on.
Hazel
