I Know You’re Somewhere Out There, Somewhere Far Away.

It’s been an emotional rollercoaster this week, getting through each day has been quite hard, and I was away for a whole week as I’ve been making sure to pay my respects as I lost a close friend of mine of two years last week.

I won’t make this too long-winded, but I want to take this opportunity to pay my full respects to my close friend who was an absolute inspiration to me and everyone else, and that she’ll be remembered for spreading positivity and happiness with everyone she came across.

I thought it would be wise to use this photo of the moon I produced as Bruno Mars‘ ballad, Talking to the Moon, moved me to tears but in a way where it helped me to understand and come to terms with her sudden passing at such a sudden, yet saddening time.

I Know You’re Somewhere Out There, Somewhere Far Away,

This week has been really emotional for me and everyone else, but with each day, I’ll get stronger. We’ll get stronger. I want to be strong for my friend and continue to get stronger and value the time me and all of you have.

I want to make the most of every opportunity to go out and make the most of the time, as going out and making the most of the time and valuing every single second is what my friend would want for me to do.

I know you’re somewhere out there, somewhere far away, but I’ll always be thinking of you in my heart, and the inspiration you gave me and everyone else.

You are and always will be greatly missed, but I shall remember you for the positivity and happiness and that you’ll always be my close friend.

Rest in peace, my dear friend.

Alex Smithson x

What About Us?

For all of us, this whole world, we all see unrest, violence and hatred being talked about on the news, but it hurts when no one can get on.

How does violence in this world solve problems? Well, I know the answer to that.

IT DOES NOT.

Why is this world so messed up?

THAT’S IGNORANCE FOR YOU. A LACK OF CARE, RESPECT, EQUALITY, DIVERSITY AND LACK OF INTEREST FOR OTHERS SHOWS HOW DISGRACED THE WHOLE WORLD IS WHERE VIOLENCE, UNREST AND HATRED COME IN.

Yes, I’m ranting, but with a purpose. That purpose is to get my point across that we, as a world, shouldn’t fight and hurt and disrespect others.

WE SHOULD LOVE, CHERISH, RESPECT, TREAT ONE ANOTHER EQUALLY, DIVERSELY, AND VALUE EVERY SECOND.

I’m not here to be political, I’m not here to judge, criticise or belittle anyone or anything. I’m here to spread positivity and treat everyone equally and diversely.

Enough is enough! Now, let’s all come together and love one another and respect, cherish and value every second that counts. Lives count, and so does yours, so stand up and be counted and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

I hope this inspires you as P!NK’s record: “What About Us” sure did inspire me, and her inspiration is the reason why I wrote this article. Yes, it’s short and yes, it’s not as long an article but hey, it’s not about the length of an article, it’s the inspiration and hard work you put into it that counts.

Alex Smithson

Mental Health: Make a Difference!

Far too often, mental health is often shunned to one side by many of those who believe it doesn’t exist. Some see it as an excuse to make anyone who suffers from mental health feel like they cannot prove their worth because they’re different to everyone else.

Mental health is often ignored nowadays in the modern world, as some people actually believe it’s something that doesn’t exist.

It does exist.

No two people are the same when it comes to mental health. Everyone is different and why should those who believe mental health doesn’t exist feel like it’s okay for them to make others feel left out because they are different to everyone else?

They shouldn’t!

Mental health should be acknowledged by everyone. This doesn’t mean one person should recognise it, let alone any charities should recognise it, but the whole world has to recognise mental health and take into account that the more mental health is acknowledged, the better chances there are of help, support and treatment being provided to everyone depending on the mental health condition they were diagnosed with.

Why do so many ignore the signs of mental health?

So many people ignore the signs of mental health, not because they don’t just think it doesn’t exist, but because they believe it can be cured.

Well Hello!

It is not curable!

It can be managed, however, through the use of help, support and treatment, including support lines, websites surrounding mental health and charities that specialise in providing help and support to all those suffering from a mental health condition.

I care about mental health a lot as I have a lot of friends who suffer from mental health, or do suffer from mental health but haven’t declared it due to their fear of worrying that they may be shunned, left out or be discriminated against because they are different to everyone else. Mental health is something that is very close to my heart and I always support anyone with a mental health condition but don’t ever listen to those who say it’s curable because it’s not!

We are all different, not the same and you cannot flip two different sides of the coin and pray it can be cured. It’s incurable but manageable.

We should be making a difference by raising awareness, opening up more about mental health, and tell the naysayers that tell us to ‘man up and toughen up’ to get a life!

Let’s end this stigma once and for all!

Want to end the stigma? Let’s do this! Please tell me if you raise awareness for mental health, and if you do or don’t, that’s okay and I respect you fully, but please feel free to tell me if you are or know someone, whether it be a family member or friend who has a mental health condition who has struggled to open up or has recently opened up about how they feel. I am more than happy to hear how you felt about opening up, but I am also happy to hear about how someone you know felt about opening up and showing their real emotions.

Please feel free to refer to the Mental Health Organisations page by clicking on the link provided below this article.

Alex Smithson

https://asterisk15.wordpress.com/mental-health-organisations

The Harsh Reality of Social Media (Parental Guidance is Advised)

This is a topic of discussion that needs to be talked about and I want to make sure this happens.

I’m just throwing this out there if you’re willing to read this article as there is a bit of fruity language included in this article, so my sincerest apologies in advance. I’m just expressing my views and venting my frustrations at certain core areas that revolve around social media.

Social media, as we know it, is often a foregone conclusion to the digital world nowadays, as it is used in many different ways, either to criticise someone based on their appearance and how they choose to appear, as well as what they look like.

The harsh reality of social media is this; a messed-up overzealous world that looks to criticise and judge those around them to make others feel low when they don’t deserve it.

It’s all well and good using social media where other’s comments are concerned, but how do people expect to treat others with total disrespect and then not have the bottle to say what they say to someone over social media to their faces? It is hypocrisy gone wild! The art of communication now has truly gone out of the window and it is no thanks to social media and the media in general, and I shan’t be ashamed, to say the least.

I always live by this rule. If you can’t say anything nice about someone on social media and then not have the bottle to say what you said to them on social media to their faces, then keep your mouth closed. No one wants to know your business. No one wants to know what you’ve got to say about others, so stop bitching about someone on social media if you haven’t got the nerve to say it to their faces.

To clarify, I do apologise if you feel I am aiming this at you because I’m not, I’m only aiming it at those who are willing to twist and manipulate others whilst also criticising them without them having the bottle to say it to the person’s face.

I had that fair share of experience last year when someone twisted and manipulated my kindness emotionally and it did get to me briefly, much like it would for anyone else who has had that fair share of experience themselves and I shan’t deny that but I felt better about myself after learning that that person who did that to me got nowhere and took control and learned to not take shit.

I won’t lie, for me to take no shit and give it back to those who gave it to me first has made me feel better and has made me more confident as I will treat that person the same way back if they aren’t willing to be nice.

Like they say, when push comes to shove, if you cannot handle the heat, then get out.

If the language I have used in this topic of discussion did by chance offend you, I sincerely apologise.

Have you had that fair share of experience from someone who has made comments about you or to you on social media but they didn’t have the bottle to say it directly to your face? Please feel free to sound off in the comments. I would love for you to express your views freely on the harsh realities of social media.

Alex Smithson

INSPIRE TO BE POSITIVE

There’s no denying that inspiring someone can spread positivity; inspiration holds the key to positivity.

To inspire everyone around you not only allows you to spread positivity, but gives you the ability to give everyone around you the best outlook on life, and that life is special, even if at times it can be dull.

Inspire someone today. Your positivity is what this world needs, and is also the key to giving you the best possible start in life, and also the best possible career you want in life.

I believe with my hand on my heart that we should inspire others and spread positivity because this world needs to drown out inequality and negativity and bring out the best in everyone with inspiration and positivity.

Start today by drowning out all negativity and inequality and filling the empty spaces where the negativity and inequality were with equality, diversity, love, care, compassion, respect and diversity.

If this inspired you, please let me know. I’m here to inspire and want to make this world a better place and I want for all of you to be in a world where equality and diversity stomps on hatred, inequality and a lack of diversity.

This world needs equality and diversity, and with love, compassion, care, acceptance and respect, this world can be a better place.

Alex Smithson

÷ (Deluxe) / Ed Sheeran is Back!

After a three-year break from music, and after his hotly anticipated second studio album became the most streamed album on Spotify and other music services, Ed Sheeran is back with his third studio album, ÷. Shape of You really sets the tone of his latest album, because it has a unique vibe that really sets the mood you want to experience when listening to this album.

As it is the first ever vinyl record I have owned, I feel so honoured to go retro for the first time, because the original vinyl discs initially ceased production many, many years ago, but it’s only been in the last few years that vinyl has made a comeback and I am pleased to say that ÷ is my first ever vinyl record I have purchased.

How many tracks are on ÷?

There are 16 tracks on the Deluxe version of ÷ and here is the official tracklist:

1. Eraser
2. Castle on the Hill
3. Dive
4. Shape of You
5. Perfect
6. Galway Girl
7. Happier
8. New Man
9. Hearts Don’t Break Around Here
10. What Do I Know?
11. How Would You Feel (Paean)
12. Supermarket Flowers
13. Barcelona
14. Bibia Be Ye Ye
15. Nancy Mulligan
16. Save Myself

What comes with the Deluxe Boxset?

In the Deluxe Boxset for ÷, these are the items that come with the album:

• 12” x 12” premium hardcover book with photos, lyrics and artwork
• 2 x heavyweight blue vinyl, exclusive to this edition of the album
• Deluxe CD album
• Silver plated Divide charm and necklace, packaged separately
• Deluxe digital album sent to you at release

÷ (Deluxe) / Ed Sheeran / Official Album Artwork
© Asylum Records, Atlantic Records, Elektra Records, Gingerbread Man Records & Ed Sheeran

My Review of ÷ (Deluxe)

This album brings out Ed Sheeran’s unique and interesting side to his music, You can’t quite help but think just how much ÷ gives you life. When he released Shape of You, straightaway, it brought along with it its own vibe where you would remember it, not just for Ed himself singing, but because of the fact it has that eccentric and realistic appeal that you want. With Ed Sheeran’s previous album, X (Multiply), that album brought about love and respect and courage, which is why we love Ed Sheeran, I too love Ed Sheeran, not just because he has tugged at our heart-strings, but because he’s made us realise that there is life and love even in the darkest places, and for me, ÷ carries that message too, but also goes on to add that with love, respect, courage, compassion and support, the world can be a better place.

This album gives me life!

Ed Sheeran is a living legend in my eyes because his music is timeless and will never date, but you begin to appreciate life a whole lot more after you’ve listened to ÷ because you can relate and share the same feelings that he has as a musician. Not only that, but his music is eccentric and brings positivity to the table, which is what this world needs and I take my hat off to Ed Sheeran. ÷ is a masterpiece, in fact, +, X & ÷ are all masterpieces and Ed Sheeran is a legend!

If you haven’t already, I strongly recommend you purchase ÷, you will not be disappointed. ÷ is such a perfectly crafted album and Ed Sheeran has produced another exquisite masterpiece that is worth purchasing.

If you enjoyed my review of Ed Sheeran’s ÷ (Deluxe) album, please feel free to comment below. Your feedback is greatly appreciated.

Alex Smithson

© Asylum Records, Atlantic Records, Elektra Records, Gingerbread Man Records & Ed Sheeran, 2017

© The Divide Album Artwork & Complete Tracklist are all copyright of Asylum Records, Atlantic Records, Elektra Records, Gingerbread Man Records & Ed Sheeran. No Copyright Infringement Intended.

÷ Album Rating: 10/10

HAPPY NEWS!

After months of rumours and speculation, Cheryl has officially announced she is pregnant! This news has come at the perfect time and it was only a few weeks ago that Beyoncé announced her pregnancy with twins to the world. February is most certainly shaping up to be a fun-filled and heartwarming month.

I am over the moon and absolutely overjoyed at the news of Cheryl’s pregnancy because it has been a long time coming and I am absolutely happy for both Cheryl & Liam Payne! Both of them will most certainly make fantastic parents and to see Cheryl at her happiest makes me and everyone smile. Happiness, love, respect, compassion and care is what matters and I send all of my happiness, love, respect, compassion and care to both Cheryl & Liam Payne.

Congratulations Cheryl & Liam! Both of you will most certainly be wonderful parents and I wish you every ounce of happiness all the way because you are both worth it 🙂

Alex Smithson

© L’Oréal 2017

© The photograph of Cheryl is copyright of L’Oréal. Full photo credit goes to L’Oréal. No Copyright Infringement Intended.

A Note Regarding the EU Referendum. Please Read.

Since I voted to Leave the EU on the 23^rd June, which I don’t regret in doing so, I have noticed the large amount of Facebook statuses on my News Feed, not to mention the large amount of tweets that have appeared on Twitter that are xenophobic, racist and even disgraceful, especially certain statuses that have come up on my News Feed from those who feel I should have to delete them off of my Facebook because I chose to Leave.

Saying that the older generation shouldn’t have a right to vote to Leave or Remain is not your choice because at the end of the day, to those of you who are the same age as me, 18, or possibly older, you may get a say on why you choose to Leave or Remain in the EU, but it doesn’t make you as knowledgeable as them because you, including myself, have not been around long enough to say that you choose to agree or disagree with why someone chose to Leave or Remain.

Realise one thing, your parents are the reason why you’re here and if they chose to vote to Leave or to Remain, that is entirely up to them.

Your parents have every single right in the world to have their say on why they chose to Leave or to Remain, purely because if your parents were born before 1975, then they have every reason to choose to Leave or Remain because they have been through what you and myself never went through at mine and your age.

I will not delete you off of any social media whatsoever because I haven’t done anything wrong. I gave specific reasons on my website as to why I chose to Leave the EU and the reasons I gave were not xenophobic, racist or even disgraceful at all.

For once in your life, and this is aimed at some of you, grow up and start acting your age because I have done the most adult thing in voting for the side I chose to vote, and whether you choose to respect that or not is your choice, but don’t feel you can complain and make judgments towards me or anyone else because that makes you immature. This is my first time voting so please give me a chance.

I have chosen to write this as I am seriously getting fed up of all the rude statuses, comments, not to mention the rude tweets that keep coming up and for some of you to pass judgment and make comments purely because you may or may not like the final result that was announced at 7:35 AM on Friday morning (and yes, I stayed up until that time for the result), it just proves if you’re going to be like that towards others, then what good will this do to you in the future? It won’t do you any good and it will lose you friends.

You can choose to disagree with reading this, but the simplest thing is, if anyone chose to vote to Leave or to Remain, you have to respect anyone’s choices and also treat them with respect and vice versa, even if they chose to vote either side. You also have to respect those who didn’t get the chance to vote as well and especially those who may have chosen to not vote at all.

I understand and respect everyone’s decisions entirely if you voted to Leave or to Remain, but please don’t feel you can criticise, blame, make horrific remarks and not give a care what decisions everyone chooses to make.

Even though I have voted Leave, I have and always will give you all respect no matter what the situation or outcome, but please do not promote hate and bad blood because the decision has been made for the United Kingdom to leave the European Union.

But most of all, please show respect towards one another and respect all those around you because you are all going to need one another one day and you will find that by not showing respect, you will have taken each other for granted.

By showing respect, you show that you will not take them for granted and accept them for the decisions they choose to make in life.

Make peace. Don’t start a war, but most of all, come together and respect one another because whether you chose to vote to Leave or Remain, I will always respect you no matter what.

One more thing. Always be equal, diverse and respect all those around you and you’ll find that you’ll be respected more.

Please don’t feel at all that what I’ve said here you shouldn’t take to heart, I just want everyone to get on with one another and to love one another. I respect you all no matter what choices you choose to make and will always respect you no matter what.

To all of you reading this, I sincerely apologise if you do by chance get offended. This is not my intention.

Alex Smithson

The EU Referendum. The Historical & Most Controversial Voting Event in History.

It’s been the most talked about event of the year. The EU Referendum. But just how important is the EU Referendum? Well I’ll tell you.

The EU Referendum, as we all know it, would be the biggest referendum for the European  Union, in which all citizens of Europe, for instance, the UK, Gibraltar, Scotland, Northern Ireland and many other parts of the United Kingdom would cast their vote on whether to Leave the European Union, or to Remain in the European Union. I stayed up until 7:35 AM this morning after I went to bed as I was eager to find out the final result from the EU Referendum and I was one of those people today who would not sleep until I found out the final result from the EU Referendum.

I am absolutely pleased that the Leave side of the EU Referendum campaign won the vote to leave the EU and I have absolutely no problem whatsoever with anyone who chose to vote Leave or Remain and I absolutely have no problem with anyone who chose to not vote in the EU Referendum.

I was somewhat surprised of the news that the Prime Minister, David Cameron, had announced his resignation from his position as Prime Minister for the United Kingdom but after I woke up to the news of his resignation and that he would be leaving his position as Prime Minister in October, I went from being tired and not alert to being wide awake and fully alert.

You can say I was surprised but wasn’t shocked. However, I am pleased that the Leave side of the campaign won the vote to Leave the European Union.

It was obvious from day one that the EU Referendum wouldn’t just be the historical voting event in history, but that it would also be the most controversial Referendum in history.

There were always going to be those certain stages where xenophobic, racist, and even homophobic comments would crop up and cause a series of bumps in the road, as well as other forms of social abuse online.

Of course there was and still is a huge amount of backlash from both sides of the campaign, as there have been a large number of comments that are deemed racist based around immigration, but even so, I’ve been keeping a close eye on Facebook to find out how everyone else reacted to the United Kingdom leaving the EU.

I will be honest, I voted to Leave the EU for a number of reasons and it’s not in any way about immigration at all just before there is any chance of someone jumping the gun at why I chose to leave.

I chose to Leave the EU because:

1. Of the lack of money being funded for our National Health Service, our voices not being heard, including a government that is corrupt because they take advantage of our human rights and tell us what we can and cannot do.
2. Our human rights are being taken away from us if we chose to remain, for instance, by remaining, we won’t get much of a say over what we can and cannot do in the UK if we chose to Remain.
3. The lack of policing on our streets, our safety not being taken into account and the fact that our government and the EU are failing to crack down on the crime rates. For instance, the crime rates are at an all-time high due to gun and knife crimes being committed, not to mention the leniency of sentencing where a prisoner’s amount of years behind bars are concerned. Every day there are a number of reports being published of multiple stabbings taking place, including gun crimes, and also crimes where technological devices such as smartphones, tablets, televisions, even the latest smartwatches being stolen.

Obviously, this article will receive mixed reactions and quite possibly a lot of criticism and I’m not in any shape or form going to deny that, but I have absolutely no intention of causing offence based on my reasons for choosing to leave the European Union, so I do sincerely apologise if you are offended.

Every single day, I always keep myself up to date on the news, even when I’m not publishing any articles, as I always make sure to never miss a single thing. I watch the news very closely 24/7 so that I can get a clear understanding of the news, as well as to what goes on in the world every single day.

I will make it perfectly clear I have absolutely no problem with anyone who chose to vote to Leave or Remain and I also have absolutely no problem with anyone who chose to not vote in the EU Referendum.

This is my first ever time voting, but I respect everyone’s decisions entirely if you chose to vote to Leave or Remain, and I also respect everyone’s decisions for if you chose to not vote in the EU Referendum.

Did you vote to Leave or Remain in the EU Referendum? If so, please feel free to submit feedback. Your feedback is much appreciated.

Alex Smithson

Pray for Orlando

Out of respect and remembrance in light of the recent events of the 50 victims who lost their lives as a result of the deadly massacre, there will be absolutely no publishing of any articles for tomorrow and Wednesday as I want to pay my full respects to all the victims and all the families who are grieving at this time. Mother Nature will resume operation on Thursday 16th June.

Please show your support by placing the Pray for Orlando badge I’ve created today on your blog/website.

Pray for Orlando Support Badge

With love, full respects, tributes and condolences,

Alex Smithson x