Our Features

at the heart of the matter...

01

eco - friendly way of being

Taking care of our beautiful planet is a cause which many people feel they are at the heart of - whether giving up plastic bags or participating in the 'new coat' scheme, where you simply choose a coat and can donate too. We all have a role to play no matter how small.

02

true to the heart of midlothian

This brilliant part of the U.K. has plenty of things going on where we can participate and find our own niche. What does the typical Midlothian lady seek out? Many services; to nail salons to a quiet walk or somewhere reasonably priced. A good coffee at the local bakers will do for me but sometimes a wee afternoon tea might be a good idea...

03

cultural diversity

With a host of different backgrounds, experiences and outlooks, it is interesting to hear the array of languages spoken. Midlothian feels like a wee melting pot highlighting the uniqueness of us all.

04

Technology social media

Living through this technological 'revolution' sometimes I feel left behind and struggling with 'technophobia' now and again...but everything has advanced so quickly with almost everything at the touch of a button these days which is wonderful but lets not lose our face to face interactions.

To play, press and hold the enter key. To stop, release the enter key.

Let’s talk

Culture

Search

Give it up for role models

P. Smith
Feb 6, 2024
2 min read

Are we really surrounded by people that we aspire to be like through admiration and imitation? Many people can recall who their role model was and the part that they played in their life story. From actors to pop stars and writers to presenters. Sometimes the person could do no wrong in the eyes of those who admired them. Perhaps the idealisation put on them filled the fantasy?

We can all be impressionable and the younger generation today are exposed to all the celeb information with confessions of bad behaviour and highlights of their lives. Often the role model will be closer to home - a parent, a teacher or a friend. In this case the mystery is solved : there is no V.I.P. space to hide in. Questions can be asked, discussions can result in new understandings. When values are shared it allows us to reveal ourselves without some of the worry of being judged or getting it wrong.

Charity and social conscience are everywhere with people doing their bit in various sectors. Wider causes and concern touch us all and through addressing issues with a strategy such as eco - purchases, recycling and garden projects, there can be a real sense of shared purpose rather than a one way role model road.

What about fixations and obsessions? Maybe we have to ask what exactly do we gain from having a role model : is it filling a space as part of growing up or is it filling a void? Having an interest is a good thing but if it takes up more time than education or there is a drop in other interests maybe a bit of navigating back to a healthy balance could help.

Hope - the role model can provide this in abundance just simply by being them but for children living in poverty and deprivation it serves as a great example of what can be achieved regardless of background.

Historical events can have a huge influence on us too - plights of others which have changed the course of life for us. We can vote, have more equal rights and learn about the world we live in whether nature or cultural diversity. We have so much on our side but self esteem comes from within and can be fragile.

As we outgrow activities and develop new interests the people we look up to most will have a different impact on different people. Unique and individual - our young generation have such access to celeb news however as time goes on they will realise that the latest celebrity program, if they watch one, may not provide the answers to questions they have.

Hello.