We have long sought to support and journey alongside this community through our programmes, kai for koha cafe, and Listening Ear service – but we have avoided any more in-depth engagement until we were ready to ‘do the mahi’ properly. It is complex support work, requiring time, capacity, and specifically dedicated team members.
In preparation, we have undertaken literature reviews, analysed similar models (within Aotearoa and beyond), and had discussions with our rough sleepers, funders, and other service providers.
At the end of 2023, we reached out to the Toi Foundation and shared our vision for this community project. We were absolutely stoked that the Pilot received partial funding – sufficient to proceed with exploring with other funders.
Project Objectives
Develop an inter-service collaborative co-designed pathway to support the homeless community
- Collaborate with local service providers, police, government agencies, and non-profit organisations to create a comprehensive support pathway.
- Conduct outreach programs to connect with homeless individuals, providing advocacy, information, goal-setting/coaching assistance, and long-term supported routes to housing
Tackle antisocial behaviour, particularly in the New Plymouth CBD
- Develop strategies (including education) to address safety concerns while respecting the rights and dignity of homeless individuals.
- Implement measures to “design out” antisocial behaviour in public spaces, such as community-building initiatives and activities in the CBD that help to build confidence and collaborative relationships rather than ‘fear of the other’
- Support individuals into exploring opportunities for constructive use of their time, including mentored assistance in community projects; and pathways into training and employment opportunities
In the next part of the story, we explored working with our local Police, Taranaki Housing Initiative Trust, and District Council to make this happen. So far, so good – all three are keen to be involved /collaborate, and NPDC has, awesomely, signed up as a further funding partner.
Our next steps will be:
- Seeking out a further funding partner – in order to make the pilot programme achievable (Is this mahi your passion? Could YOU as an individual or via your organisation/business get this project across the line? We would be very, very keen to hear from you. Please reply to this email – or drop a message to [email protected])
- Recruitment for the roles required for the Pilot Project to run
- Holding collaborative community hui and stakeholder meetings, and engaging in pathway co-design, resource allocation, and outreach worker training.
We will definitely keep you in the loop as things happen – and would love to hear from you if you’re keen to collaborate or find out more.
Arohanui, Jamie
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]]>1. Accepting feelings as feelings.
At the Retreat, we think about the person holistically; and understand how the sensations in our bodies are helpful signals for us. What sensations are in your chest and your belly? Are you tense, jittery, or nauseous? Ask yourself, “What sensation do I feel in my body?”
Then, try this exercise: Identify which feeling that physical sensation is connected to? (For example – butterflies in your tummy are often connected with a situation we’re anxious about). Are you angry? Sad? Glad? Scared? Some mixture of one or more of those? Once you can identify a feeling; what it’s to do with, the next step is to decide whether you accept or reject that feeling. (“When that feeling arises, I will identify it, name it, then focus my mind on a different feeling”). For example, I’ve learned that if I identify a feeling that’s connected with a burden I don’t want to carry any more, it helps me to name the feeling and then push it away. If there’s a feeling in my body connected with the beauty of the morning, for example – that spring-morning-energy – I notice it, hold onto it, and cherish it.
Having inner strength means noticing your feelings – they’re part of you and you’re amazing! Feelings aren’t bad, they just ‘are.’ Think of it this way: We learn the behaviour of bottling up feelings and censoring them. Think of a young child: When they are really sad, they cry. When they’re happy, they run around yelling with joy. They don’t worry what others think — and you shouldn’t judge your emotions, either!
2. Having Boundaries.
Once you learn how you feel, you can create boundaries — saying ‘no’ when you don’t want to do something. For Inner Confidence to grow, boundaries are essential. If you’d like to know more about this, please ask for our Recipe on Healthy Boundaries.
3. Bend With Challenges.
Life brings us challenges — sometimes unexpected, maybe painful. Because you are ‘here’ – we know that your challenges have been ‘next-level’. Can we bend with them, can we go with the flow and let ourselves move with, feel the feelings, and adapt to what’s happening without breaking?
We encourage you to take a moment to reflect on your own personal growth, and to be proud of your strength in adversity. We get stretched, maybe going beyond what we have imagined we can endure. But as we move through a challenge, (especially when we take the wise step of getting a little help along the way), we discover that we have an amazing resilience. We expand our capacities. We grow more inner strength.
4. Be Open to Learning and Asking for Help.
When someone is open to learning they are saying, “I’m not threatened that you know something I don’t, I’m curious. Tell me so I can discover that too and enrich my life. And while we’re at it, I will validate you by listening and absorbing what you know.”
When you’re stuck and don’t know how to make yourself feel better or create something in your life, can you ask for help?
Some folks feel that they need to do everything themselves. As if it’s a sign of weakness to ask for help. It’s not! But if you are good with you, you won’t have a problem reaching out and finding that person or source who can add wonderful things to your life.
5. Answer This Question: Do You exercise Self-Care?
Are you good loving friends with your body? Do you love your body as it is? Do you ask your body what food it wants to eat, what exercise feels good, and what rest does it needs? Or do you ignore what your body is telling you? Do you stay disconnected from the messages it speaks to you?
Look at how far your body has taken you up to now! And still truckin’! When we make friends with our body and appreciate it, our body responds in kind and we feel happier. This helps grow inner strength.
How about your mind? Do your thoughts race around in endless cycles of negativity? Do you hate it or can you calm your thoughts and find peace? Knowing how to relax your head, to accept that sometimes our mind needs tender loving care too, goes a long way to supporting your inner core. If you’d like to know more about this, please ask for our recipe for mindfulness.
And do you have a spiritual connection that feels awesome? Many people gain much strength from their relationship with the Universe or whatever it is that feels right to them. This is an amazing source of inner strength that helps create calm and loving and accepting you as you. If you’d like to know more about this, please ask for our blog on spiritual wellbeing.
]]>Using the 5-4-3-2-1 technique, you will purposefully take in the details of your surroundings using each of your senses. Strive to notice small details that your mind would usually tune out, such as distant sounds, or the texture of an ordinary object.
What are 5 things you can see? Look for small details such as a pattern on the ceiling, the way light reflects off a surface, or an object you never noticed.
What are 4 things you can feel? Notice the sensation of clothing on your body, the sun on your skin, or the feeling of the chair you are sitting in. Pick up an object and examine its weight, texture, and other physical qualities.
What are 3 things you can hear? Pay special attention to the sounds your mind has tuned out, such as a ticking clock, distant traffic, or trees blowing in the wind.
What are 2 things you can smell? Try to notice smells in the air around you, like an air freshener or freshly mowed grass. You may also look around for something that has a scent, such as a flower or an unlit candle.
What is 1 thing you can taste? Carry gum, candy, or small snacks for this step. Pop one in your mouth and focus your attention closely on the flavors.
Categories
Choose at least three of the categories below and name as many items as you can in each one. Spend a few minutes on each category to come up with as many items as possible. Possible categories: movies, sports teams, animals, countries, colours, cities, books, cars TV shows, cereals, fruits & vegetables, famous people.
For a variation on this activity, try naming items in a category alphabetically. For example, for the fruits & vegetables category, say “apple, banana, carrot,” and so on.
Body Awareness
The body awareness technique will bring you into the here-and-now by directing your focus to sensations in the body. Pay special attention to the physical sensations created by each step.
- Take 5 long, deep breaths through your nose, and exhale through puckered lips.
- Place both feet flat on the floor. Wiggle your toes. Curl and uncurl your toes several times. Spend a moment noticing the sensations in your feet.
- Stomp your feet on the ground several times. Pay attention to the sensations in your feet and legs as you make contact with the ground.
- Clench your hands into fists, then release the tension. Repeat this 10 times.
- Press your palms together. Press them harder and hold this pose for 15 seconds. Pay attention to the feeling of tension in your hands and arms.
- Rub your palms together briskly. Notice and sound and the feeling of warmth.
- Reach your hands over your head like you’re trying to reach the sky. Stretch like this for 5 seconds. Bring your arms down and let them relax at your sides.
- Take 5 more deep breaths and notice the feeling of calm in your body.
Mental Exercises
Use mental exercises to take your mind off uncomfortable thoughts and feelings. They are discreet and easy to use at nearly any time or place. Experiment to see which work best for you.
- Name all the objects you see.
- Describe the steps in performing an activity you know how to do well. For example,
how to shoot a basketball, prepare your favourite meal, or tie a knot.
- Count backwards from 100 by 7.
- Pick up an object and describe it in detail. Describe its colour, texture, size, weight, scent, and any other qualities you notice.
- Spell your full name, and the names of three other people, backwards.
- Name all your family members, their ages, and one of their favourite activities.
- Read something backwards, letter-by-letter. Practice for at least a few minutes.
- Think of an object and “draw” it in your mind, or in the air with your finger. Try drawing your home, a vehicle, or an animal.
The Model Deployed by Liz
Be Bold education focuses on increasing levels of self awareness and self acceptance/love. It empowers the individual to take some control of their emotional state. The model includes/combines a number of accepted coaching concepts, recognising mood/state, in both an experiential and logical way.The concept is based on the red zone (where the individual is disempowered, fear based, disconnected) and the green zone (where the individual is empowered, love based, connected) in a visual reference model with choice in between.When asked what Guests have got out of the session with Liz, it is often the visual simplicity of the model, that really helps it hit home to them. Helping them to understand where they are at, and what they want to be working towards. It provides clarity and context that the individual can easily remember and refer to going forward. Liz has found that those she works with connect quickly, and our situations change.
How it works
1. The first step is an initial session with Liz – during which she’ll explain how it works. Generally, this is done face-to-face – but can also happen over the Internet using Zoom or Skype.
2. If it ‘feels right’ Liz will talk to you about going further
3. We’ll then enter into an agreement to support you with Life Coaching. Taranaki Retreat commits to the support detailed in the agreement for as long as our Guest and the Life Coach together feel the support is beneficial. Liz’s support includes contact by phone/text outside of your sessions.
4. Liz will be making a considerable reduction of her rates, each session, as part of her support for the Retreat. We ask that everyone doing Life Coaching makes a contribution to the cost (even if it’s just $10 a session) – so that they have some ‘skin in the game’. We will discuss sensitively how much you feel able to contribute. Taranaki Retreat will commit to make up the balance – because we know this works!
5. You’ll decide on an initial number of sessions to meet. After these sessions are complete, we’ll review with you – and decide ‘What Next’? More sessions? Or moving into the next step on this journey. Of course, you can withdraw from the plan if you find that it’s not working for you.Any questions? Go right ahead and ask!
]]>Q. I am determined / my loved-one is determined to withdraw from D&A. Looks like a stay at the Retreat would really help with that?
A. Our answer would be – quite possibly later – but most definitely not now. Taranaki Retreat does not cater for rehab or detox patients and we aren’t a clinical facility. If you or a loved one are looking to break free from substances, the D&A service at Te Whatu Ora Taranaki or primary healthcare agency (for example, Tui Ora) is the first contact that should be made. They will provide you with all the resources necessary to tackle addiction – or contact numbers / websites / places to reach out to for this crucial service. We may be able to involved later, as we said – for example, some solutions are based on a plan for “Social detox” after the clinical support around withdrawal has been taken care of. This can look like a phased process or returning to home or community, and figuring out what the next chapter is going to look like, with the right supports. Alternatively, engaging with our ‘Outreach Support’ programme alongside clinical services could be the right call. Interested? Ask for more info.
Q. My loved-one/I’m in the process of withdrawing, and determined to succeed, but the environment at home is causing risk of relapse. Looks like I might be safe there?
A. Let’s talk this over. A good period of sobriety from alcohol and drugs and sometimes this is the right call – possibly for something like day visits / Outreach visits from a member of our Team / working towards a stay. Early on in getting on top of stuff, though, the best way to stay safe is to engage with a Rehab service such as Bridge; it is their speciality – whereas our particular objectives are quite different : to provide a breathing space and to focus on Suicide Prevention work for our community.
Q. It’s only weed, and I’ll be fine without it; in fact, I’d appreciate the opportunity to have a break from it, so that I can change my habits.
A. Taranaki Retreat does not function as a rehab service. It goes without saying that cannabis is a highly addictive substance, and stopping using it isn’t the easiest; we’d strongly recommend talking to your local A&D service and getting some tools and resources in the bag to tackle this the right way.. Taranaki Retreat is not the place to attempt to go cold turkey as the results may trigger or affect other Guests staying at the same time – and will certainly divert you from the core purpose of being here.
Q. I have been drinking quite a LOT lately, if I’m really honest, but I’ll be fine without for my stay.
A. As with cannabis (above) Taranaki Retreat is not the place to test whether you can cope without regular use of a substance. Please engage with your local A&D service; get the right help and support (it’s doable – but of course, much more doable if there’s the right supports around you). Remember that, while you’re finding your way through this – we can be alongside you through our Outreach Programme.
Q. Is there a helpline I can ring about my loved-one’s or my own drug/alcohol use?
A. https://alcoholdrughelp.org.nz/ – 0800 787 797
Kia kaha… we look forward to hearing from you further.
]]>- Both parties in the relationship complete an online survey about their relationship. It’s a ‘go with the gut’ survey of quite a few questions – touching on all areas of relationship, and the way we tick. The online tool we use for this charges $50 for this service. There is no cost for any of our input, nor any other aspect of the process. If this cost is a barrier to using the programme, we can sometimes help out with this fee – please ask!
- The survey process is confidential to the person completing it. It’s therefore a great, non-confrontational way of both sides reflecting on where the relationship is at, without it turning into a slanging match, or a point-scoring exercise. Nobody ever knows what the other person puts in their survey – and the rule is that there’s no conferring to be done, or reporting back.
- When both of you have completed the survey, separately, the system produces a detailed ‘road map’ – a cool booklet comprised of information, charts and data showing where the relationship is at.
- It’s strengths-based, so it doesn’t give you a mark out of ten – but it shows where the relationship strengths are (eg leisure time / sexual relationship) and the challenges are (eg communication and dealing with conflict).
- Once the profile is generated, a facilitator is arranged by the Retreat to meet with you as a couple to show you the profile and to talk you through it. Ideally, this is the first in a series of get-togethers, in which the facilitator is aiming to equip you, as a couple, with the tools you need to resource the areas of the relationship where there’s challenges.
- How many support visits people go for will depend on your needs and both parties’ buy-in / commitment to making this all work 🙂
- The profile also addresses issues like – how personality typing (eg introvert/extrovert preference) might affect things; past family background; who carries the stress in the relationship.
The next steps?
If you’ve not already done so – please talk to your partner about this possibility. Share the above information. Reflect together on whether you are ‘in’. If you both are, we need to be in touch with your partner, direct. The easiest way for this to happen is for them to register with our Portal, just as you have done.
Finally – GOOD ON YOU for taking this leap. We are keen to support you – drop us a message back with your thoughts, once you’ve had a read of this.
Arohanui, the Care Team at Taranaki Retreat
]]>E ngā iwi o te Motu; ānei mātou te whakaruruhau o te kotahitanga e whakatau ana ia koutou, tautokohia, hāpaitia tēnei kaupapa: A co-design, research and co-production process kicked-off in 2014 resulted in the launch of Taranaki Retreat as a response to a significant need in Aotearoa New Zealand for a peer-support service that included a residential “Space to Breathe”.
Those doors nervously opened in 2017. Five years on, we are taking a ‘Pause Moment’ with you, our support whānau, to look back and look forward. So, please, grab a cuppa, be comfortable, and take a moment for reflection and thanksgiving for all that has been, and all that is yet to come!
- It is regularly blessed for purpose, and opens the arms of the whānau, the pets and the community to express hope, awhi and restoration.
- It is with pride, at every Induction of new groups of whānau and individuals arriving, we tell the true story that everything the surrounds and awaits is the community’s gift – a physical expression of compassion and understanding.
- The kaupapa is… people supporting people: People gave the land, the buildings, the plants, the kai; they knitted the blankets and dug the trenches, and then, five years ago, said, “Nau mai, haere mai – Welcome.”
- Bit by bit, the site has been added to, as we’ve fundraised, beautified, built and learned from each person who has stayed or visited (“What helps? What doesn’t help?!”). A PhD Research Project and External Evaluation work has been crucial in guiding us. Our Host Whānau have cooked, cleaned, cared, cheered and cried alongside each of the thousands of individuals and whānau who have found “Space to Breathe” here.
Entering into our support network is simple. You can phone, text, email, rock up at Waimanako, or hit up our support portal, right here.
- Even now, new building work is happening on the site – Cathy’s Care Centre, which will bring us extra support/counselling space, an accessible bathroom, and a Reception/Team mahi area is so very nearly complete! Newsflash that the gib started going up this week:
- The Ministry of Health published the report Every Life Matters in 2019 with specifc action points for suicide prevention in Aotearoa New Zealand. The report specifically recognises “Government agencies have a responibility to lead some components of this work but cannot reduce suicide on their own. They need to support services and communities to lead other components”.
- Ms Carla na Nagara (former director of the national suicide prevention office) commented back then, “Through my work as a coroner I’ve seen that suicide is not always the result of a mental health problem or a simple moment of distress.To be understood it needs to be seen in the wider context of a person’s life…….we need to do more.”
Taranaki Retreat is a place and a people seeking to walk exactly this talk. Reading this, you are part of this movement for social change, too. Thank you.
Our Host Whānau and Peer Support Team will, as ever, be welcoming new Guests into the space and providing the opportunity for really focussed support – not beset by the environmental/situational stressors which so often make it impossible for us to discern ‘a way forward’ – but held by the aroha of a community and a nation that is working to achieve an end to suicide. Person by person, situation by situation, we are getting there.
Our longed-for aim is to be present and involved before the wheels come off. It is a tragedy that any person could ever reach the point of suicidal distress. It is, therefore, crucial that you know: The Retreat and Waimanako are not just for a particular type of situation or level of distress. We want to work to pull the amblance way, way back from the edge of the cliff. Sometimes people say, “Do I have to be suicidal to access your support?” Nope. Just wonderfully human! This means you!
Shared with permission, “I saw you guys are celebrating five years. Happy Birthday!! I was one of your first Guests and I will never forget what you did for me and the others were staying too. I was so broken, and I knew I couldn’t go on any more. I owe my life to the Retreat and that I am now clean, free and can honestly say, a good mother. It was hard to write that, but I know that it’s true.“
- Waimanako is a space (five premises in all) in which:
- Clinical and non-clinical services can collaborate to provide a simple and immediate point of access; information (and onward referral to allied services as appropriate)
- There’s peer listening support; well-being services (through a raft of workshops such as “Wellness”, “Stress Busters”, “Grief and Loss Support”, “Recovery Support”, “Connection through Creativity”, “You are Not Your Thoughts”)
- We offer simple, nutritious kai for koha (“Pay What you Feel”) – By the way – our new Baked Spuds menu is such a HIT! A delicious feed, and my personal favourite… Specially with creamy mushrooms… Mmmmm
- Taranaki has an evening sober socialising space to support people abstaining, and helping us all to re-connect after so many lockdowns. This ‘safe space’ is available to the community six days a week, through to 9pm. One day, when funding allows, we yearn to see those hours to be increased to a 24/7 service. It needs to be!
- Waimanako supports hundreds of whānau by appointment and drop-in each week, and also tends to the needs of our rough sleepers in the city – providing food, respectful listening ears; and company on the journey. We are blessed to offer constant coffees and kai, and that the threshold feels safe to cross without judgement.
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Monday Board Games Night
- for example (5pm onwards) is a much-loved feature (Bring your favourite board game, and some friends – or join up with a group when you get here, and enjoy a very wholesome evening accompanied by great kai for koha.) |
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- The most important aspect of it all, though, is the provision of an option for anyone who needs it, to be able to access listening support now – without appointment or barriers. We all know that ED is not always the right place, when the wheels are wobbling off – often, the opportunity to connect into a support journey, today – simply and with the help of a feed and a hot chocolate is the right answer.
- One evening this week, I was on Listening Ear duty. One of those I supported articulated, with tears (shared with consent), “I took myself up Paritutu today. Then some kids arrived and of course I couldn’t do it. Somebody told me about this place. I just need someone to talk to.“
- The hospo wrap-around also gave us the ability to partner with MSD with a pilot project. and offer placements for people working through difficult times, to find a pathway back to mahi. It’s been the coolest thing, and the people we have met and worked with through it – have brought such amazing energy and courage into Waimanako. We mihi to them…. and are very, very hopeful that the vision is there to offer this as a long-term programme for our community.
Here’s what a few of our visitors have written down about Waimanako:
- As someone who struggles tith BPD, I live alone and pay a LOT in bills. Appreciative of the generosity and kindness
- Love it! 2nd time here and the food was lovely. Will be a regular for sure. The whole idea is inspirational.
- Great place, lovely comfort kai. our community is very lucky to have such a wonderful place to come to. Nga mihi ki a koutou moe te kai reka!
- Fabulous – thank you for lovely warm space and fab food. I am encouraging my tweens (who seem to think town is a ‘cool’ place to out with their friends) to hang at here as it is a safe place to be!
- Thank you so, so much for your manakitanga. Blessings
The Team of five hundred and fifty five.
Cards on the table: It has been a BRUTAL time to keep our doors open and to continue to do what we do – Covid has slapped down our community fundraising efforts, whilst the increase in need has been exponential. We really need your help to keep doing what we’re doing; simply to fund the staff team and train/support/care for our volunteers; and to provide the resources to each person and whānau who reaches out for support.
Remember the dream of the Team of 5 million, and how it brought us all together? We are aiming high, and aiming to achieve the TEAM OF 555. 555 supporters who will be awesome enough to support us with a monthly AP of $5 (a coffee!), $55 (a dinner out!) or more! Could you / Would you be part of this team? Please?! Our GiveALittle Page is right here. We need YOU on the teamo.
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- Also on World Suicide Prevention Day – you are warmly and lovingly invited to visit Waimanako at any time during the day or evening (10am-9pm). A space will be set aside for you to light a candle, and for reflection, with quiet music. Karakia will be provided, and a support person will be available to stand alongside you as you light your candle, and share – or take some time in quiet. To all attending, we welcome you to receive a wristband and a hot chocolate or coffee ‘on the house’ – and to write a message. More details here
- Tues 13th Sept – International Chocolate Day! Even more reason to celebrate… Chocolate-themed events will be happening during the day and evening at Waimanako (remember those chocolate fountain days? They’re back!)
- Sat 17th Sept 9am-1pm – Pop Up Op Shop and Bake Sale at Waimanako: Clothing, books, toys, handmade crafts, furniture, quilted blankets
- Sat 17th Sept – Soul Board Workshop, Waimanako. Join Liz, our LIfe Coach for this popular workshop, all ticket money going to Taranaki Retreat. More details and to reserve your space here
- Sat 24th Sept – Our Living Library Event. We are really excited to have this back in the mix again! We have some human books lined up to share their story. Click here to decide which stories you want to book in for…
- 26th September – October 2nd – Mental Health Awareness Week – there will be many workshops on during this week for you to come and get involved in!
Check out our birthday page, and refer back to it regularly for updates, if you would like to receive the newsletter, then please subscribe here.
Phewwwww!!
We send you our aroha and manaakitanga.
Jamie, and all at Taranaki Retreat – Space to Breathe
Manaakitanga, Jamie, and the whole Taranaki Retreat Whānau, local and national.
We welcome corporate donors to help us to continue to provide support in our community.Please contact us at [email protected] to discuss.
Even though I missed the experience watching it in the cinema I feel like I will always remember when and how I watched it. Friends invited me to their lovely home and after cooking together we watched the movie while eating (yes, more food 😊!) Belgian waffles. If you haven’t watched it so far, I would highly recommend to do so. It’s about dreams, friendship, creativity and believing in yourself.
One song really touched me when I properly listened to the lyrics.
It starts off quietly and you cannot only hear but feel the pain and the hurt in the voice. With each verse the song is getting stronger and more powerful.
The message is loud and clear – You are worthy, you are brave and there is only one beautiful you. Don’t hide, don’t allow anyone to put you down and don’t let anyone tell you you’re not good enough to be loved. Say strongly and loudly “This is me”!
“This is me” by Keala Settle
I am not a stranger to the dark
Hide away, they say
‘Cause we don’t want your broken parts
I’ve learned to be ashamed of all my scars
Run away, they say
No one’ll love you as you are
But I won’t let them break me down to dust
I know that there’s a place for us
For we are glorious
When the sharpest words wanna cut me down
I’m gonna send a flood, gonna drown ’em out
I am brave, I am bruised
I am who I’m meant to be, this is me
Look out ’cause here I come
And I’m marching on to the beat I drum
I’m not scared to be seen
I make no apologies, this is me
Oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh, oh
Another round of bullets hits my skin
Well, fire away ’cause today, I won’t let the shame sink in
We are bursting through the barricades and
Reaching for the sun (we are warriors)
Yeah, that’s what we’ve become (yeah, that’s what we’ve become)
I won’t let them break me down to dust
I know that there’s a place for us
For we are glorious
When the sharpest words wanna cut me down
I’m gonna send a flood, gonna drown ’em out
I am brave, I am bruised
I am who I’m meant to be, this is me
Look out ’cause here I come
And I’m marching on to the beat I drum
I’m not scared to be seen
I make no apologies, this is me
Oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh, oh
This is me
And I know that I deserve your love
(Oh-oh-oh-oh) There’s nothing I’m not worthy of
(Oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh-oh-oh, oh, oh)
When the sharpest words wanna cut me down
I’m gonna send a flood, gonna drown ’em out
This is brave, this is bruised
This is who I’m meant to be, this is me
Look out ’cause here I come (look out ’cause here I come)
And I’m marching on to the beat I drum (marching on, marching, marching on)
I’m not scared to be seen
I make no apologies, this is me
When the sharpest words wanna cut me down
I’m gonna send a flood, gonna drown ’em out
I’m gonna send a flood
Gonna drown ’em out
Oh
This is me
I am light, I am light
I am light, I am light
I am light, I am light
I am light, I am light
I am not the things my family did
I am not the voices in my head
I am not the pieces of the brokenness inside, I am light
I am light
I am light, I am light
I am light, I am light
I am light, I am light
I’m not the mistakes that I have made
Or any of the things that caused me pain
I am not the pieces of the dream I left behind, I am light
I am light, I am light
I, I am light
I am light, I am light
I am light, I am light
I am not the colour of my eyes
I am not the skin on the outside
I am not my age, I am not my race
My soul inside is all light
All light, all light yeah
All light
I am light, I am light
I am light, I am light yeah
I am divinity defined
I am the God on the inside
I am a star, a piece of it all
I am light
Music plays an important role in my life and there are so many memories which are attached to various songs. When I listen to one of them it brings up the specific situation or person who is connected with this song. It’s actually incredible what our brain does.
“I am light” will always remind me of the Retreat and Te Rau.
Te Rau was singing this song at the last evening of my stay. It was a night with a starry sky and she started playing the first chords. Her amazing voice was so powerful and her words literally touched my soul.
Tears were running down my face. It felt like she was talking to me.
She reminded me that even though I have felt quite lost and alone for some time me and my light are still there. Maybe it doesn’t shine as bright but it still glows.
