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That pretty much sums up where my principles lie, my stances on things have cost me promotions, so called friends and finances.

You also touched on the fact that at some time in our lives we have compromised for the sake of keeping the peace or fitting in, this only has a detrimental effect on my mental health as I’d beat myself up for it, it’s better to stick to what your gut thinks is right rather than appeasing folk.

The last few years has been a real eye opener for me seeing people who I’d thought were of superior intelligence caving in to and aiding and abetting a corrupt government and health service, it’s very hard to forgive and forget how folk like us were and still are ostracised from certain parts of society for holding our line.

Keep up the good work Julie you’re a force to be reckoned with, the pen is indeed mightier than the sword.

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author

Aww thanks John. :)

Yes, I lost my face painting business as you might know because it just wouldn’t have been viable without going along with the ridiculous protocol which I absolutely would never have succumbed to.

Friendships too.

Yes although I’m no longer on Twitter I’m often head in hands these days on Facebook seeing people share things I thought they’d know better about.

Still, each to their own…

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My thoughts exactly. The lack of integrity and principles of modern day politicians and leaders is ruining our country. People are now politically homeless which exposes the illusion of democracy. Don’t know where we go from here…

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Spot on John.

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Very well put. We must at some point recognise the importance of being true to ourselves. Ironically the shit show that’s played out over the last few years, and continues so to do, has brought this to the fore for me as never before. 👍

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The mask debacle was done I believe to clearly mark out ‘disidents’.

To further ‘us and them’ divide.

But I’m stronger for it all.

For losing my business and facing those bullies on public transport.

The less you have to lose, the less you care about holding unpopular opinions.

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Definitely couldn't live with myself, I love being a self employed dog groomer no bullshittery occasionally have the odd customer who doesn't return usually if we have a conversation about the shit show in 2020 I open me gob & say it was a scamdemic & not having an experimental drug in my body that usually does it ! they are so intolerant of people who have a mind of their own so glad to see the back of them to be honest ( not the dogs though) as they don't understand & if they did would probably have more brains than their owners ! 😀

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You cannot imagine how momentous this article is for me...like a fragment of my conscience whispering in my ear

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Wow - what an accolade!

I very much appreciate your words Sybil and am pleased you have found something that speaks to you within it.

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founding

It can be lonely, being principled. Or, more to the point, being different. I have friends and family who are principled - on the topic of climate change or BLM, mask efficacy, standing with Ukraine or whatever. Within their own echo chamber they believe both that they are in the right and that they are in a minority. Walk a mile in my shoes. People who know me already think of me as a contrarian who will seemingly take an opposing view for the sake of it - but what they ignore is how much time I’ve spent educating myself on the issues that they’ve so readily formed an opinion on because the media told then too. The more you educate yourself, the less group identities you fit into - and the more honest you are about this with others, the lonelier you become.

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Yes, although whatever principles or stances we take, may we never be too self righteous to fail to listen to another’s point of view.

As the song says “The more I find out the less I know”.

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Brilliant well written article, so true I've lost work from having principles but worth it

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author

Cheers. Same here.

Losing one’s own self respect is worse though, hey?

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Yes, just me and the golden thread! I cannot keep quiet if I strongly believe in something, the result of which has alienated me from friends. I do question whether they were really friends at all.

My son is having a house warming party on Saturday. Pop in any time from 2pm he says. I will be a lone voice in a sea of Covidians. One hour will be long enough especially if my ex is there at the same time. I haven’t seen my son since Christmas. That’s how it is now, we only get together for our respective birthdays and Christmas. Mother’s Day has disappeared off the calendar! A high price to pay for being a 🩸some would say but I’m content that I have been true to myself.

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Bless you, Jan.

We can’t ever celebrate Mother’s Day in my house for different reasons - ‘occasions’ get to my son and his anxiety/behavioural issues so it’s just not worth the hassle. Not had a card since he was about 5.

Shitshow tore through families, friendships and relationships. I no longer feel I have much in common with the man I live with.

But I still think we have to be honest with ourselves first and foremost.

Love to you x

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Really enjoyed reading this - so true over the last three years. It is better to stand alone on your own principles than compromise to be one of the crowd. I’ve lost a few ‘friends’ over the last three years as a result of staying true to what I believe in but the price is always worth paying IMO.

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It absolutely is.

Self respect is crucial, there is always a cost to ditching your beliefs. Often it is hard to quantify but it will make itself known further down the line.

You have to look yourself in the eye every day, no-one else.

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April 29, 2023
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😂 yeah I remember it. Wasn’t a shop I could afford to frequent too often but I remember finding their stuff on car boot sales (that was more my price range😉😂)and being chuffed😂

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April 29, 2023
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Your piece chimes with how I feel about the coronation. I’m going walking out on the hills whilst the coronation is on. I don’t want to join in with the enthusiasm or be a Debbie downer on other peoples’ celebrations. So I’ll leave them to it.

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I don’t think it/he will be as popular as the Queen was.

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Indeed. I don’t have an issue with monarchy as it can work better than or as well as a republic. I just have an issue with THIS monarchy.

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I want anarchy. Get rid of it all, monarchy, our political system, to get really radical,

In the hope that chaos will then bring new ideas that will serve us all better.

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I hear ya.

Apparently Colin the Caterpillar cake is having a Coronation remake with a crown and red, white and blue sprinkles. Percy would never sell his soul like that. I don’t think….😉.gotta love some Percy Pigs eh? 😊😂x

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Totally. Percy has one aim in life.... to give the poor diabetes ✊🏻🥴

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🤣

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