This is simply because it means we are subject to less exposure and are less vulnerable. Humans need and often crave control. Power is a huge influencing factor on our survival. Without control and power, life can become daunting and intimidating.

So, by reading about celebrities, ‘every day’ people feel like they become part of their showbiz lives. I believe that by learning of the supposed thoughts and feelings of celebrities through the media, this becomes our form of ‘self therapy’.

I am a firm believer in how celebrity culture enables us to take increased risks when reflecting upon our own situations. I hold the view that the celebrity world and its
eye-catching headlines help us to think, feel and act upon this, which hopefully will lead to people increasing their inner insight and knowledge, and therefore helping us all to make the changes that we want with our lives and ultimately for us all ‘not to stand still’.

I think that many people like to think of themselves as being open minded. However, I believe that this view is put to the test when we have to not only think globally, but also act globally.

From my own personal and professional experience, I know that the US can be a great benchmark for experts here in the UK, with regards to their approach to family relationship issues.

I think that issues and dilemmas within families start well before one approaches a professional for help. They in fact start as a result of our mindset and value systems. Therefore, I think that professionals within my sector should look at the different avenues of influence, as well as how to eliminate any obstacles standing in the way of progress.

By way of an example, I believe that the US has an immensely powerful role model in its latest President, Barack Obama. It is clear that Obama has not only impressed his own nation, but also the world with his stance and opinions. Obama speaks about the need to focus on the family and the importance of parental values. According to Forbes (dated 20/01/2009), ‘Obama promotes and encourages a “model of proper parenting and faith” for the next generation’.

This shows that ‘every day’ people need positive role models in order to help them to move forward and to avoid ‘standing still’.

I think that what we lack here in the UK is the focus on the ‘every day’ person and the importance of family life. A Forbes survey  in 2007, showed that 3/4 of 13-34 year olds considered the time spent with family as the most important factor in their happiness.

Interestingly enough, many family relationship experts in the US share Obama’s view on family values and of the need to ‘strengthen’ families. Don’t Stand Still acknowledges that this fundamental principle from the US of the ‘family friendly shift’ is the only way forward in order to create better relationships and communities here in the UK.

It is important for us all to increase our efforts to reach out and influence families, as opposed to empowering people on an individual basis, as the stress endured by individuals can erode family unity.

But what happens when illness occurs within the family? A roller coaster of emotions usually ensues. These emotions often include worry, fear and feelings of uncertainty. The emotions associated with ill health affect all family members and not just the individual who is actually experiencing the illness. The challenge of illness requires a “family approach”, as it is a “family crisis” and those facing this crisis are in need of support, understanding and appreciation, in order to face and adapt to this challenge. This is clearly a process led by multi-faceted needs and unfortunately, there is not a quick fix solution.

Considerable evidence and research exists to support my thinking. For example, the Daily Telegraph (21.4.09), referred to the UK as being rated as one of the worst places in the developed world to be a child in this current day. The World Health Organisation states that the UK has one of the highest levels of teenage pregnancies in Europe. Lastly, according to one of the UK’s most senior Family Court Judges, Justice Coleridge, the UK has one of the highest rates of family breakdowns (Mail on Line, 11/7/2009).

It is not just David Cameron, the Conservative leader, who argued that the UK is a broken society and how lost we are without family relationships. In January, the Archbishop of Canterbury also expressed a concern about our damaged society in his speech to Wall Street. David Cameron and the Archbishop may have many differences, but they are united in emphasising the need for good, quality relationships, as opposed to the ‘man on his island’ (a term that I use frequently) type of approach.

Whilst work and school provide the main academic lessons in life, the lessons we learn in family life are invaluable, as these determine our values and behaviour.

Therefore, is it not time that we should look to support the individual, as opposed to adopting the current approach of ignoring the family role and its wonderful support system? Isn’t it about time that we started to recognise the family as the starting point of everything in life?

I leave you with this final thought… would it not be refreshing if we focused more on ‘we’ than on ‘I’? If we focused more on responsibility ,than on rights and more on community than on the individual? Shouldn’t the 21st Century aim more to restore relationships and promote togetherness, rather than fragmentation?!