Ten years ago today changed the UK as we know it. The terror attacks that ripped through London destroyed lives and yet also managed to bring together a nation.
The world as we know it has changed so much these day – Facebook now has taken the crown of King of internet from the porn industry, everyone has a smart phone, a language made from smiley faces exists and everyone is obsessed with Game of Thrones. I have changed so much in the past ten years as well – back then I only 18 and waiting for my A-level results. I was young, fit, skinny and healthy back then, and brimming with excitement.
Ten years ago I had just been at home when I heard everything unfolding. The news of some electrical fault quickly turned into bombings. More and more information came out and I was transfixed to the TV. It seemed unreal that this was all happening and that I could have been there. A month and a half before hand I had been told by my mum that she was taking me to see Phantom of the Opera as my birthday present. With her working and me away to be a tent leader at a summer camp I was given the option of the 7th July or 18th August – I chose the latter. Me and mum could have been heading that very day towards the utter chaos that was London. While there would have never been the issue of us being in the attacks it did hit home how close it was. It was though that that point that I knew that I wanted to help others and make a positive difference in this world.
Taking a minute of silence today made me remember though the ten years that many of us have been lucky to have. We walk through life and forget that at any point something, anything could happen that could mean the end. This isn’t a depressing thought but more about thankfulness. The last ten years have had their ups and their downs but in a lot of ways they have been some of the best years. I have had 3 and a half incredible years with BF, 5 unforgettable years at university and I have been lucky to have two of my dream jobs.
If I am going to really enjoy as much time on this world as possible I need live a healthy and caring life. I need to be thankful for the people I meet, the experiences I have and the memories that I make on a daily basis. Part of why I am doing this challenge is so that I can make a change to my life so that I can help more people. If I am healthier hopefully I will be able to use those extra years, extra buzz and energy to help more people. Maybe I’ll be able to help others guide them on how they can live a healthy life and make the most of this wonderful time together.
We might be scarred as a nation forever from these attacks but we seem to be proud to show our scar off. We have survived, we have healed and we are stronger from it. I know I am.
2 Comments
Mir Fleur · July 11, 2015 at 7:49 pm
A sensitive and positive post, very nicely put. We should all be grateful for the time we have and make the best of it. Best of luck with your challenge! (I am sat here eating an orange, so I don’t feel too guilty at the moment 🙂 ). Mir xx
Annabelle Spender · July 15, 2015 at 10:53 am
Thank you so much Mir!