Why we must all take pride in who we are and how we act - Daxa Patel
Walking through the woods this morning with my German Shepherd reminded me of how blessed we are with the green fields and woods in our midst. Those tasked with maintaining this including community volunteers deserve our gratitude and applause.
Most dog humans pick up after their dogs and that is how it should be because if we collectively and individually, act with a sense of civic pride and responsibility we can create spaces for everyone to enjoy.
With the change in Prime Minister, there is a quiet question in the air. Will the new team at the heart of government be the same old story, promises followed by inaction, or will this moment truly be different?
I prefer to feel hope but let us not kid ourselves. We all have a role to play. My point is simple. Let us bring pride back into the conversation.
The Oxford definition of ‘pride’ and yes, I still have my old Oxford dictionary from my university days, defines it as “a feeling of being pleased or satisfied that you get when you or people who are connected with you have done something well or own something that other people admire.”
What if, individually and collectively, we focused on feeling pride in who we are and how we act? I would like to think we could help the momentum of this new government to carry out reforms that allow us, as a nation, to find our feet again.
Can Andy Burnham be our Gareth Southgate? I believe so. The media and the opposition need to allow him the space to execute his ambitions for change.
We now have a leader who wants to bring hope, even a smile, and instil national pride. My cynical head has doubts, but for once, I choose to stand in the parallel universe where I simply expect the best.
Let us park our fears and go forward with pride in our hearts. If what he wants to achieve brings tangible improvement to many lives, then surely that is something to feel mighty proud about.
It is music to my ears to hear the PM say that if social care is not improved the NHS will collapse. Admitting the problem is the first step. Collaboration with others and making this a nonpartisan challenge to solve is a very good step forward.
The review led by Baroness Louise Casey will help but throwing this into the long grass is not the answer anymore, the situation is critical.
I attended a funeral this week of a lovely lady who died in the bosom of her family at home. Those who wish to have end of life care at home should be empowered to do so; this should not be like a lottery postcode or the availability of whether local hospices can bring care into the home.
Death at home can be a good death for those who want it, and is particularly comforting for those of us left behind, I know as my dad died at home in his own bed just as he wished, but he was lucky not many are.
Similarly, young adults with additional needs cannot be left without support. Of course, funding plays a big part, and I for one, am in favour of tax increase on those of us who can pay to fund social care, but with this we also need to work towards reducing the welfare bill, and this can happen if young people feel they are valued, this comes from pride of being useful.
Changes to the education system to empower those who wish to take vocational training as opposed to the traditional university route is welcome, as not all youngsters need academic qualifications.
Joinery, gardening, painting, and decorating, working in the manufacturing sector, or making bespoke hand crafted shoes or jewellery are an art that requires patience, skill, and an eye to detail. I see no reason to treat this as inferior to someone with a university degree struggling to get a job.
My morning walks in the woods remind me of the forks in the road moment, at each turn we are presented with a path. If we take pride in who we are and how we behave we can make this country a force to be reckoned with, but we need humility to accept that for far too long we have been walking ahead with no clear long term plan in mind.
Leaders cultivate an environment for collaboration and teamwork, to make impactful engagement. When the stakes are high, we have nothing to lose by getting behind the new team at the heart of government.
Pool together change makers from outside the government but from within the UK and work towards fixing our great nation.
Admittedly, some questions are too big and too difficult to answer but we have been presented with a new opportunity and a new path, let us park our reservations and contempt, and get behind the leader. In conclusion, let us feel pride in who we are. The rest will take care of itself.
Daxa Manhar Patel is a leadership coach, author and solicitor.