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THE NIGHT I DECIDED

Decisions, decisions, decisions In life, we make many decisions- whether we are going to resist the temptation of another chocolate bar or whether we are going to give in and scoff it, what school we are going to, what we are going to buy for Christmas presents, what we are going to have for lunch or what car we want to drive, but on this day, I made the biggest decision of my life. Not a typical day in the life of Katie Graden It was a seemingly ordinary day in the life of Katie Graden, I had been at school, did my homework, laughed I don’t know how many times, talked incessantly, but when I arrived home mum was telling me that she was going out. I didn’t listen because mum was always out and about doing various errands, but she was going to a Baptism information meeting at Thriving Life, immediately I felt an urge to go, I put it down to supporting my mum and granny, but when I arrived I knew there was something more. I felt strange walking into room 222, I mean I kne...
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A BORN FIGHTER

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A BORN FIGHTER A small spark to a roaring fire Chelsea is a young boxer who trains and fights at Ards Boxing Club and never in my life have I met someone so committed, determined and courageous. She is just 15, but already she is so focused on her future and has her eyes set on competing in the Olympics. I had the privilege of meeting Chelsea at Nendrum College where we both went to school, I watched her grow and develop for four years. I remember Chelsea when she was unsure and unmotivated about life, but now she is a fighter, she gives everything her best and no goal is too great or too small. Chelsea always had a kind heart, but she didn’t have the drive to help in her community, although Chelsea may have never believed in herself before, I always believed in her. You see Chelsea had a spark in her- I knew she was unique and I knew that her transformation would be absolutely incredible and I was 100% right. Living the life of a boxer Chelsea told me that before boxin...
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Katie becomes a Thriver

Katie becomes a Thriver FIRST STEPS... I first walked through the doors of Thriving Life Church when I began volunteering at Newtownards Food bank. I had never been a Christ follower, in fact the very thought of it made me angry, even when I was broken, I never wanted to turn to God, I wanted to do it my way, but I always wanted to make a difference and change lives. The world seemed unfair to me and I wanted to change it. Suddenly, my whole life seemed to be focused on this massive goal, it ignited passion inside and I loved every moment of my previous experiences of public speaking, campaigning and writing. I loved the food bank and to this day, I am still volunteering, almost 2 years later. Food bank really helped me to become who I am today, it revealed the inner me, who I really was. I wasn’t the stubborn, emotionless person I thought I was, I actually had a heart and I cared, I really cared. It sparked a confidence within me, I started to truly believe in myself and my abi...
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Education is the solution

HEY GUYS! I am back, don't worry!! This is a speech I wrote about the importance of education- my dream is to become a teacher because I believe that if we educate our young people, they will educate everyone and this will change the world. We need to learn because if we don't learn, we don't develop. It isn't just about learning French vocab or being bombarded with spelling tests, it is about learning life skills and shaping our young people for life in the real world, so change that negative attitude of education and join me in the fight for a better world! WE'VE GOT THE POWER Education is simply power. A spark… A boost of confidence… A light… It is a pathway to a safer, healthier and happier life. As Global Partnership explained “whether a person is living in poverty or among the wealthiest in the world, education is necessary to advance in any situation.” Education decreases poverty, promotes health, minimizes malnutrition and provides economic growt...
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Now a published poet

Now a published poet… Just a childhood dream “Mummy, mummy, I want to be a writer, a real author.” “That’s great Katie, but…” “No buts mummy, I am going to be a writer.” This is all my family heard when I was a small child, I had my heart set on being a writer, I mean it was unrealistic yes, but it is what I wanted and I was determined that I would achieve my dream. I guess my family didn’t want me to be disappointed if things didn’t work out, but nothing could stop me, not even criticism. As time went on, I drifted away from writing- I just stopped. I suppose at the back of my mind there was always this discouraging voice eating away at me saying, “you won’t make it, people won’t want to read about your boring life, you aren’t good enough,” and for ages I listened to that voice. It ate away at me. I was wondering what was wrong with me, but I was shutting the door to something which I absolutely loved, something that satisfied me and something that made me happy… Why? Some p...
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Anxiety killed me inside

HEY GUYS- AS PROMISED, ANOTHER BLOG MORE FOCUSED ON ANXIETY AND HOW TO FIGHT IT! COME ON, WE CAN DO THIS. Please read and share with all your lovely family and friends. Anxiety killed me inside… BREAKDOWN TO BREAKTHROUGH In year 8, change prompted anxiety levels to rise dramatically- my father had left and pressures at school were becoming overwhelming. I had always been a worrier, but now panic attacks were part of everyday life. I just wanted to give up and this was what I was doing- I lost interest in all the things I absolutely loved and before I knew it, I was trapped in a cycle of seemingly unbeatable anxiety. Each day was a challenge I no longer wanted to face. I didn’t want to eat. I didn’t want to sleep. I didn’t want to study. I didn’t want to exercise. I didn’t want to read. I didn’t even want to talk. I wasn’t living, in fact I was barely surviving. My family watched me disintegrate as I believed that I was nothing, but today I know that I am something. Now, after a...
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Money, money, money, nothing is free anymore

HEY GUYS, I HOPE YOU ARE ALL WELL! I wrote a useful blog tonight to help you save and spend money wisely- I hope you like it! Please follow me, comment and share!! Even as a young person, I understand how easy it is to struggle financially. The kids want another ice cream, you have to buy those GCSE textbooks that your teenager needs, your partner needs new work clothes, the bills need paid and the list goes on. It is endless, but there are ways that you can take the pressure of yourself and therefore, your family. I HATE WASTE, AND YOU SHOULD TOO! Whether it is wasting money or food, I hate it! Did you know that the average UK family wastes almost £60, throwing nearly an entire meal away a month? THIS IS RIDICULOUS AND IT NEEDS TO STOP! For my family, this is a weekly shop. We are all guilty of food waste, but let's not complain and think proactively about it! How can you prevent food waste? I believe there is simply no reason to chuck your food away if you can follow ...
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