antonyjcbutcher

I want to share a little present with you all. I’m afraid I haven’t wrapped it, but I don’t think it matters.

I want to thank you. And those aren’t just two words on a page to be forgotton. This year didn’t quite go according to plan. You all know the story. I had some truly bad days – some days so bad that I wasn’t sure I wanted more days. But now, as the year comes to an end, I’m back in work, I’m smiling again, and I’ve got enough energy to share some with the rest of the world (sorry, world). 

You don’t know this, but you helped. When I needed positive things to cling on to, I had you guys. Some of you wrote to me, telling me your stories and making sure I knew that I wasn’t alone. Some of you commented on my cries for help, pumping love into my life and reminding me of better days and of treasured friendships. A whole tonne of you just took the time to read my blog and make me feel like I had a role to play in this world. And then, on the days when I wasn’t Antony, and I didn’t know how to be Antony, the memory of our friendship – of all the amazing times we’ve spent together – helped remind me who I was.

So this Christmas, I want you to give yourself a pack on the back. And I want you to know that I love you – and there’s nothing you can do about it.

In return, I ask a favour.

Next time, it might not be the well spoken popular ginger kid sat on the stairs by themselves. So later on, when the food is digesting and the wrapping paper is all in the bin, send a few messages to long lost friends. Say hello. Tell them you miss them. reinforce the positive bonds that keep us tied to this world. Then next time you see someone a bit out of shape, say hi. Go for a drink. Tell them you’re there for them. Listen. Send them funny gifs of cats. Let them know they aren’t alone.

Love and festive wishes to you all 🙂

Antony