Faith through Darkness

Even in darkness, beauty can be found,
In the depths of darkness, light can shine,
The grace of God, brings how when there is none,
Through faith, you can push onwards,
Until God brings you into the light.

Darkness still surrounds me,
Yet my hope in God,
My Hope in light,
Has not been extinguished,
I refuse, Refuse to let,
Let the darkness defeat me.

The love of God sustains,
Sustains and strengthens me.
Often I do not notice, but,
Looking back, into the depths of despair,
I know that without God,
Here I would not be.

The fight it far, far from over,
Years could pass before peace finally,
Finally comes, but,
With my faith in God,
I know, in the end,
My faith in God will see me through,
Through the darkness and into the light


Natalie x

Show me light

Oh lord my God,

Hear my prayer,

Hear my cry,

Draw near to me in comfort,

And bathe me in your love and Grace

My spark is faltering,

Hope is fading,

Desperate for this depression to end,

Desperate to draw close to you

Father I need you,

Bring me Hope

Show me light,

Through the Darkness that surrounds

Lord come again,

To live in me,

To Guide, strengthen, and

To gold me

Lord I need you.

I, a broken,

Painfilled, hollow shell,

Pray that you my God,

Accept, redeem and restore,

Restore me to what I can be.

For too long Darkness has been,

Benn all around,

Draining me,

Breaking me,

Please Lord, restore me.

Bring me joy once again in my heart,

Show me love, Show me peace

Teach me how to move on,

Teach me How to follow you.

Lord my heart yearns,

My Spirit Calls,

For you to draw near,

And to light the path,

Light the path out of this Darkness!

The incoming tide

The dam is breaking.

The pain swelling,

The panic setting,

Tears flowing,

With no way to cope.

Isolated, 

Scared,

Scared of self harming,

Which grows greater,

Greater each day that passes,

As my internal struggles grow....

The walls around my pain are crumbling,

With nothing to keep them in place,

With each day I grow uncertain,

I’ll make it through,

Through this crisis in one piece....

I know that the isolation is important;

Yet it is draining my ability,

Ability to go on. 

The little strength I had before,

Is leaving before my very eyes,

Yet I know that, 

That it’s important to keep the isolation,

But at a terrible price to me...:

This may seem selfish,

And I feel awful for feeling this way,

Yet as the pain,

Unfelt and undealt with pain,

Years of it stored inside.

Starting to rise...

With not being prepared,

Or any way to cope with it at all, 

I just know, this ,

This won’t end well at all,

And that,

Terrifies me...

I just wish I knew how to see past this,

Not knowing how long it’ll last for....

I just don’t want to be,

Be washed away,

Along with this incoming tide...:

An update in rant form

So it’s been a while since I have done a blog post so I thought I’d write an update with how things are currently (this is adapted from a rant I sent to a freind, and thought I may aswell adapt it for my blog and give everyone who’s interested an update)

I’ve honestly been feeling more exhausted than usual recently and no obvious reason why. Which isn’t fun. But I expect some of it is down to added emotional stuff that’s been happening. And the emotional drain of it.

 First of all I’m honestly really struggling and really fucking frustrated by how long the NHS is taking in transitioning. And it’s not like I can do it privately as that’ll cost more than I have. But it’s really fucking hard having to wait so long when I’m becoming increasingly uncomfortable with body. I’m probably going to speak with my support worker about chasing things up with the doctor soon. I want to make some progress this year as that’ll also help with other feelings I’m having too.

But yeah it kills me that it’s taking to long, and the effect that is having with everything else, all of which I’ve talked about before. I’m not saying I expected it to be over by now. But I definitely wanted more progress by now and it’s disheartening that it hasn’t yet. But I do know that it will one day. But it still doesn’t help with how difficult it is now.

I’ve also been feeling stuck emotionally recently with no clear way forward, and been feeling like more of a failure recently (more so than ever before tbh) for lack of progress with my depression and how that has caused so much destruction since it fully emerged. And I just want it to be gone so I can move forward in my life. Especially as although I have made a little progress with a couple of things, I’m far behind where I want to be and where I should be by now and recently that has been massively bothering me tbh. And I hate it. As honestly I usually don’t think about it. But with the new year and people sharing stuff about their last decade, it bought it up. And although I know its not something that I could have helped much. Also I know that I’m not a failure, I can’t help feeling it atm and that bothers me. 

Also I have been and will continue to make take steps to get help with this and will continue too, it’s just taking a while and has been difficult and complicated so far.

Also I know I have friends. And I love and appreciate them. They’re often busy  and some of them I don’t hear from that often (from a few days to what could be weeks or months although I can’t say I’m always the most reliable on replying either so I realised this is a bit hypocritical) (Also with one in particular I am worried about damage I might have caused by something stupid I did earlier this year, it doesn’t seem like it but I’m not sure and my anxiety isn’t helping with wondering there) it has all been difficult. And they also have things going on too which I always do my best to respect, it’s just not always easy especially when my depression etc is really bad) Also this is not a criticism of them, not in the least, it’s just a rant about my internal thoughts and part paranoia, and I massively love and appreciate all my friends)

Now I don’t expect them to be available 24/7 but I honestly thought I had enough friends that I could at least meet up with someone for a bit most days. But as it is, there is 3 days a week where I see people in person, the rest of the time I’m isolated in my flat so tbh my own thoughts and occasional messaging which most of my friends struggle with. Especially prolonged conversations. Which I don’t hold against them, I just find it difficult (also doesn’t help that I’m not the best at them either)

Also I am baffled about why they’re friends with me in the first place but that’s a different insecurity to deal with. 

And due to anxiety I massively struggle to meet new people so I won’t go to new things especially alone. Which is why I don’t venture out to new events. And try to find new friends. It’s hard especially as I struggle to trust new people.

But I do wish I didn’t feel so alone, helpless and vulnerable all the time.

Also one thing I’ve been thinking about is that I want to find someone to have a relationship with. However I’m also not sure I’m ready for that, also more fundamentally I can’t imagine finding someone that I like that would be reciprocal, as it’s not something I have any real experience with tbh. And it is something I do massively struggle with. And honestly makes other decisions I have to make harder tbh. Especially as one thing I want is biological children one day, but they’re is so many problems with that. And something I’d never do alone. Or could ever do alone. But I also want to go through the surgeries as soon as possible. I know I could store stuff, but it really isn’t cheap and I can’t afford that, also it would only last 5 years and that won’t give enough time. So it’s something I honestly don’t know what to think on. As it’s extremely fucking difficult and I’ve no clue what to do about it. 

But with that aside I still want to meet someone as although I know it won’t be easy, or even answer many questions, I do think it’ll help too. And is something I really want. But again I don’t see how that’ll happen, especially in the next few years but meh. Also dating sites are useless tbh, and kinda make you feel worse. But meh.

I just wish things were easier and clearer and that I didn’t have to deal with even half the stuff I do. As honestly I still have childhood issues to sort it or at least learn to live with and minimise the effects. Especially when it comes to feelings of abandonment and all the issues around that (especially with self confidence) and I need to learn how to reconnect with emotions properly tbh. Especially with the impact that has on me and my friendships (and any future relationships (which is why despite wanting one I don’t think I’m ready, it’s frustrating and confusing))

There is a lot I need to do mental health wise too. 

There is just a lot and dealing with it all (even just what’s in this snapshot) is frustrating, and recently especially around Christmas and New Years (which also made certain things worse tbh (also made me miss being part of a family more than usual tbh) has been massively difficult, and yesterday things intensified even more than usual, and aren’t that great now. And it’s frustrating tbh. Not to say I didn’t have good things happen and I appreciate the friends I saw and was with over Christmas and New Years and that’s massively helped and is very much appreciated, but that doesn’t mean I find the period easy, and this is a rant about why and just general things I’ve been struggling with 

Sorry for the long and difficult rant tbh. I don’t really expect so much to come out tbh. And I know I need professional help for most of this. I’m just l ranting about the main issues.

Massive hugs, and a massive thanks for all who read this. (I  don’t understand why you would tbh but meh) thanks it’s appreciated massively. And sorry for how depressing this is, and how long.

Hugs and thanks for reading. And hope that your all doing well and feel free to post comments and ask any questions.

Hugs. 

Also one good thing that I am happy about last year, is that I changed my LEGAL name and gender last year (and have the ID to match too, which I am happy and relieved about. 

Hugs to all

Natalie xxxx

My current Political Musings #BrexitBabyPM #WeCannotbeSilenced

In the last week, we have seen the most bizarre happenings in the house of commons and within the government that I recall seeing.

This parliament has only has 5 sitting days since summer recess, and not long before they did return, the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, or as I shall now call him, #BrexitBabyPM, sought with only 3 Privy Councillors to have Parliament Prorogued in the longest prorogation in modern political history, and is definitely the one of the most irresponsible of all time.

Also we have seen the Prime minister in Parliament today, refuse to seek an extension to Article 50 as is required by the European Union Withdrawal Act (2) 2019 which was passed by Parliament on Friday, and was given Royal Assent this afternoon, therefore becoming Law, under specific circumstances which are set out in the Act. All of this has been in the news recently.

The #BrexitBabyPM has tried to act like a Dictator, and force through votes and vote down motions like trying to force a General Election, and tried to vote down the Humble Address on the Publication of Yellowhammer and Prorogation Documents. Which should already be a matter of Public record, but the baby is trying to supress them. All he has done since taking office, is act like a stubborn toddler throwing a tantrum, and then only got louder when he wasn’t getting his way, so got rid of the Voices of the People, through Proroguing parliament, so there is no way to Hold Accountable the Prime minister and Her Majesties Government until Mid October. Which is something which The Speaker, the Opposition, and from what I could tell, the Lords and Ladies of Her Majesties Royal Commission to Prorogue Parliament were not happy, I would say that Bercow, The Speaker of the commons was livid by his expressions this evening. But No one had the Constitutional Authority to override this.

I do not blame Her Majesty for this shakedown of our democracy, and silencing of the people, as HM could not refuse. Who I do blame is The #BrexitBabyPM for the possibly unconstitutional attempts, to Shut Parliament down, and to Rip the Voices from the People.

What I would argue, first of all is for a Second Referendum once and Extension is agreed to as I believe this to be the only way forward for our Country to move forward and decide once and for all, as we now know what Brexit looks like and know the truth now, whether to stay or leave, and I strongly believe we will now vote to remain.

I also believe that then once that has taken place the results of that need to be implemented, THEN and only then, a general Election called. As I believe that this Parliament still has the mandate to sort Brexit out, and having one before this is done will not solve anything, and will only serve to make things worse and messier than they already are.

Then once this has been resolved, they’re are many constitutional questions which needs to be addressed. Some of, but not inclusive to, Parliament taking Prerogative from the Prime minister to request Parliament to be prorogued, and to set the date of a general election. I would argue that this needs to be in the hands of the House of Commons, and not the Executive to set, with a 2/3rds majority vote. Along side the Fixed terms Parliament act. Should make this a fairer process ad one which is Harder for the executive to silence the voice of a people.

Also when Parliament is Prorogued or Dissolved, to set up procedures, that in a national crisis, for Parliament to have emergency sittings at either the request of the PM or the Leader of the Opposition, to be made to both speakers of the houses of Parliament, and to the Privy council, to give leave to this special sitting.

Taking these powers away from the Crown, would require more power than Parliament has, and is not something I advocate. But I do advocate that certain Prerogative powers the PM has over these mattered should be given to Parliament. So that the events of the last few days cannot happen again.

Also one quick thing, I am slightly disappointed that John Bercow didn’t refuse to attend the Commission in all honesty, but I do understand that this would have just made the crisis worse, and I do welcome his criticism of the events.  

These are just some of my random thoughts of current political events, I have at the moment. I do have more, and more in-depth ideas. But this is enough for now.

Also suffice to say that I am livid with the Contempt that #BrexitBabyPM has behaved since being in office, and the opposition must do everything they can do to show his true nature to the people, and to do everything in their power to hold him to account and make things as difficult as possible to leave his heavily weakened by the PM

I hope and pray that we emerge from this Crisis with as little pain and wounds as possible, and that at all costs, we avoid a no deal Brexit. And that at the next general election there be a Labour Majority, or at the least a Labour led Coalition Government. 

We the People, and the Commons, should not, and Cannot be, Silentced.

The Dams Breaking

Tears stream down my face,

A symptom of the pain within,

And a sign that the dam,

Dam holding emotions tide,

The dam is starting to break.

Every move forward I take,

Seems to come with three steps back,

With the struggle,

Against my pain, against my past,

Grows harder and harder each day.

All I want is for this pain,

This pain to end, and the tears to stop,

And to let myself truly feel again.

But don’t yet see the light at the,

The end of the tunnel yet.

As hard as I try,

I cannot hold back the tide,

And every day the pain grows more,

Pain over lack of progress,

In both mental health,

And my transition,

Every day without progress,

The pain grows ever stronger,

And the weaker I become

I really need a break,

Break from the pain,

From my thoughts,

Yet rest-bite, seems,

Seems just out of my reach

Right now,

I’m fighting against,

Against causing more pain for myself,

And the crushing weight of my emotional burdens,

Squarely on my chest.

And I don’t know how to appease It,

Although I’ve carried it for so long now

The long fight has left me,

Left me drained, and exhausted,

I’m running on fumes,

And with nowhere to refuel in sight.

And I’m just here, wondering,

Why do I even bother at all?

                                                   

The last thing I want to do is give in,

Yet, what I can do I do not know,

My past, present and future,

All in different ways,

Frighten me.

So now I just wait and see,

Which will come first,

The bursting of the dam,

Or the progress I so desperately,

Desperately want and need?

Faith, Friends, and the Long Road.

My life has not been easy,

The path has not been clear,

Neither does my future,

Future look to be.

Consistency was but,

But a distant dream,

On a path filled with pain,

On a path filled with obstacles.

Obstacles with no end in sight.

One thing that has remained,

Remained through,

Through, Abandonment,

Depression, Loneliness, Grief

Hopelessness, Desperation,

And many other things,

Is my faith in God,

Although that faith has,

Has waxed and waned.

Over the years,

It has always been,

And still remains,

Ever present.

Even now,

When fighting back tears,

When holding in crushing pain,

When feeling lonely and afraid,

When feeling hopelessness

And many more things,

Even now,

in all of this,

My faith still remains.

Without my faith,

And without the,

The few friends I have,

I’m not sure where,

Where I would be right now,

Although I fear,

Fear it would be tragic.

My faith and friends,

Despite my faith being weak,

And my support little.

These things,

Are the reason I fight,

The reason I press forward,

Not wanting to give up,

Give up on my friends,

Give up on my faith,

Or Give up on Myself.

Although giving up on myself,

That is the hardest reason,

Reason to fight for.

Especially with the,

The hopelessness that surrounds.

But because of my friends,

And because of my faith,

I cannot give up,

Although I often wish,

Wish giving up was,

Was something I could do,

I must keep going.

As my friends,

And my faith,

Are not just things I,

I continue this fight for,

But are also a part,

Part of myself,

And makes up part of,

Of who I am.

The impact they have,

The waves they cause,

Reaches further than,

Than they can see.

Despite myself,

Often feeling hollow,

Empty, yet full of torment,

Despite this,

And the hopelessness around,

In my friends,

And in my faith is a glimmer,

Glimmer of hope.

And that is what carries me forward.

The Road has and will be long,

Long and hard,

More so than I,

I can put into words,

Especially in this,

A humble Poem.

But in the end,

My faith in my friends,

And in my God,

Is what will see me through,

Out of this darkness.

It will take a long time,

But as long as I have friends,

Friends who stick with me (which I do not find easy, as they seem to fall like flies)

And my faith in God,

I will eventually,

Eventually get to a place,

Place where Instead of,

Of Surviving,

I will be able to thrive.

So the tears can finally end.

And I do so long for that day to, eventually, come……..

So this is my latest poem,

Love and hugs to all readers,

Natalie Xxx