A personal collection of thoughts and ideas and exploration of life over a few years – updating and reflecting on my words and thoughts as I walk life’s journey.
Hopefully this is an honest reflection, hopefully challenging though not disturbing. Some is inspired by what I read or heard somewhere, and its not always possible to remember exactly where that was. I hope you find something here of interest or that amuses you and it will help you on your own life journey. There is a therapeutic value for me to see my own writing and thoughts made public.
Much of the old content comes from a period of depression, that was mostly written in 2012-2013. I felt somewhat better by 2015 and there were some edits to reflect that. I changed jobs in 2017, I was better to a large degree before doing that, but I had to be in that improving mode in order to make the transition and cease the opportunity.
I got a new lease of life, changed how I approached things, a new focus on the team and management that took my focus from my inner self. I took an interest in others around me and tried to understand things from their perspective. There was a lot to do and focussing on that definitely lifted me.
In trying to come to an understanding of what my values and thoughts and direction in life were once I had found some better mental state to be in, I found a great deal of crossover with Quakers and joined a local Quaker meeting. That restoration of faith and religious activity I think fits me where I am and where I have been and certainly at the moment where I am looking forward to going.
My retirement came about quickly by my own choice after thinking about it for quite a while. I am very confident the life of being able to focus on other fulfilling and personal activities will provide happier times ahead.
Mark Sheffield
October 2020
Hengist the Nord's Blog - I have changed my mind 