BELONGING

I’m reading a book ‘Belonging’ by Owen Eastwood (2021). Owen has Irish and Māori descendants. He has a wonderfully considered understanding of whakapapa (genealogy) which means the tracing of lines of inheritance from our ancestors/descendants - it is also about our links to the land (whenua) and our connections to people and our relationships with them.
But what if we don’t belong for a time? In my career in education spanning 45 years, I’ve experienced a workplace where I was ostracised, maligned and sidelined. This has possibly happened to you. I was also micromanaged and bullied. Highly stressed and feeling a failure, Val would watch me leave for work and worry about my wellbeing. Not anymore. Without the unwavering support and encouragement of a number of colleagues, Val’s unconditional love and knowing that I was safe and secure with family and friends then I’m not sure where I would be today. 
Today I belong. I believe in myself, my ideas and know I am worthy. I’m part of something much bigger than myself. I am loved. 
So are you.

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