Feel empowered. And if you start to do it, if you start to feel your voice heard, you will never go back.” Mary Robinson These are the wonderful words of the 10th President of our nation of Ireland and a mantra for me and many other women around the world. I first realised I had
Read More
Libby is one of our young writers. She is afraid of lots of things. But she’s not afraid of curse words. Just a heads up… 😊😊😊 You know what? I’m fucking terrified. All of the time. In this article I’m going to be telling you all my own hot take on fear and bravery, exciting stuff
Read More
We hear a lot about Stigma, especially in relation to mental health. But what exactly is it? According to www.seechange.ie, stigma: involves the use of negative labels to identify people as different. takes many forms from the unkind word, social exclusion to higher insurance premiums. results in the person feeling devalued and may lead them
Read More
Its almost that time again!! The sun is out (sort of), bringing with it the dreaded JC and LC. Bedrooms all over Ireland are covered in study timetables, highlighter pens and index cards and pretty soon churches will be full of Grannies saying Novenas and health shops will be sold out of rescue remedy. But
Read More
The ‘Who Is Olivia Foundation’ is an amazing website I tripped across! It was founded recently by Sze Sze Yuan and focuses on empowering women, helping people with anxiety, eating disorders and suicide prevention. The foundation has since started a ‘No makeup in May’ campaign! Sze Sze was inspired to start this campaign because of the
Read More
Knock Down the House” is a documentary that follows four women run in the 2018 primary elections. They are Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (a.k.a AOC), Cori Bush, Paula Jean Swearengin, and Amy Vilelain. These women are not career politicians. They are underdogs that came from a grassroots movement. I like many people grew up watching and rooting
Read More
There’s a bit of a bully in all of us, although its a label nobody wants. I hated school, I never felt like I belonged, and I had no idea where I fit in. I wasn’t a happy or confident kid, I was scared and insecure, but even more terrified of people knowing that I was weak,
Read More
For our Shona Book Club this month we decided to read The Tattooist of Auschwitz. It wasn’t an easy read but it was an important one. The Tattooist of Auschwitz is based on the true story of Lale and Gita Sokolov, two Slovakian Jews, two ordinary people living in an extraordinary time, deprived of their
Read More
Oh Taylor we’ve missed you! While we were all asleep in our beds last night, the internet was loosing its minds as Taylor Swift released her new song and video. The song, called “ME”, features Panic! at the Disco frontman Brendan Urie. You guys, its a visual treat for eyes, with splashes of pastel paints,
Read More
Ode to the girl I wish I was I am robot woman, humming the song of war I’ve been here before A million times and tries A million smiles and lies I don’t want to play games. I am soldier woman, I have will power of steel And I don’t feel remorse for those I
Read More
A thing recently happened that blew my mind. I won a Garda youth award for my work in my local Comhairle Na Nòg. Now THAT, guys, (mostly) gals and non-binary pals, is an organisation you should look about joining (if you want to!). There’s a Comhairle in every county, and if you’re interested in politics,
Read More
This Monday is Earth Day, and to celebrate, rapper Lil Dicky has released a new start studded, if slightly bizzare song called “Earth”. The animated video, which is over 7 minutes long, features lots of stars including Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, Halsey, Shawn Mendes, Lil Yachty, Leonardo DiCaprio, Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry, Adam Levine, Charlie Puth,
Read More
A problem shared is a problem halved. At Shona, we believe that talking about our problems, and admitting that we feel vulnerable is incredibly freeing. Trying to keep up the facade that we live perfect lives is exhausting. Creating connections with others who feel like we do creates stronger and longer lasting friendships. Its really
Read More
If you’re planning on hitting the cinema over the Easter break, may we respectfully insist that you go see Marsai Martin’s movie ‘Little’. Its very funny, super sassy and beautifully stylish. But more than that, we need to get behind Marsai as she rewrites the rules of Hollywood. Let us make our case…. Marsai is
Read More
Very rarely do you check in to a Kardashian’s Instastory and not see a Rumi quote. No matter your mood, Rumi has a handy phrase to help you express it through the medium of social media. But who is Rumi anyway? In the 13th century, Rumi was a wealthy nobleman and scholar, until he met
Read More
Dear Shannon, You’re 16 and I’m writing to you to you to give you a heads up. There is a rough few years ahead. Being different is nothing to be ashamed of, but unfortunately you will learn this the hard way. Soon you will be mocked, taunted, pushed, and shoved. A feeling of dread hangs
Read More
With the rise in popularity of ‘true crime’ documentaries, I think it’s important to ask ourselves why we’re so fascinated in the tragedies of others, in the minute details down to each minute and each dodgy footstep. Spoiler alert, it’s not because you’re secretly crazy. Yes, it’s true that these kinds of films are becoming
Read More
Hello! 😊My name Blessing and I am 19 years of age. I am Afro-Irish (born and raised in Dublin,with African ethnicity-Nigeria). In African culture, people often have a different perspective on ‘mental health’. Africans rely on faith, family and social communities for emotional support, rather than turning to health care professionals, even though medical or therapeutic
Read More
