INBOX
Something you read in MiNDFOOD got you thinking? We’d love to hear your thoughts, suggestions and views. You can email us at inboxau@mindfood.com
UNDERSTANDING ABUSE
Thank you, Elli Jacobs, for your sensitively written piece about Manuela Whitfield (‘Trauma Will Not Define Me’, July issue). As a woman who has lived through domestic abuse, I find that women like us are often condemned for not leaving an abusive relationship. As Manuela points out, “abusers tend to isolate victims from family and friends as a way to control them and to perpetuate abuse”. Those who think abused wives should “just leave” have no idea of what it is like to be trapped by threats of violence, and financial and psychological abuse, as I was.
For abusers, the whole point is to render their victims incapable of fighting back. I had no more ability to leave than did my children. Now I am away from the situation, I can see there were ways out, but not when I was in it. Abusers don’t even need to actually be violent – just the threat of violence towards their partner, children, extended family or even pets is enough to keep their victims compliant. And husbands like mine are not remotely influenced by legal measures like protection orders. He had no fear of consequences. It would have been more important to him to punish me, regardless of what might happen to him.
I am now divorced and living a happy, fulfilled, single life. But my heart goes out to the multitudes of women who are still stuck in an abusive relationship and see no way out. Please do not judge, but help anyone you know in such a situation to get the help they need. Your love and support may just give them the belief that escape is possible. Name withheld by request
GROWING INTEREST
I just bought my first MiNDFOOD magazine, and I was very impressed at the focus on health and wellbeing. I was particularly interested in the articles about cacao and kohlrabi (June issue) – so much so that it’s encouraged me to grow my own. Jessica
MINDFUL MORNINGS
It’s 6:30am on Sunday morning (yes, I am an early riser) and I’m sitting in my lounge, listening to jazz – a coffee in one hand, MiNDFOOD in the other – waiting for the rest of the world to wake up. The morning couldn’t be more perfect. It’s really important to me to take time like this to relax and recharge; living in this busy, hurried world – so thank you for aiding in my mindful tranquility. Jemma
THE TIME OF YOUR LIFE
I loved the article ‘Fifty & Fabulous’ (June issue). In my fifties I took up running and resistance training, and it was the best thing I ever did. I met an 87-year-old on a walking tour in Copenhagen and decided that’s what I want to be like when I get old.
At 62, I don’t worry about my age or my wrinkles. I work on my fitness instead – especially mobility. There is so much to do and we don’t know how long we have left – so don’t waste it on things you can’t change. Deborah
INSPIRING WOMEN
Thank you for giving us an insight into how some women cope in refugee camps after fleeing from their homes and countries (‘From Broken Lives’, June issue). I was impressed with the courage and dignity of these women, and the pride they have in themselves, despite all they have been through.
The pain of leaving their homes and all that is familiar to them is so hard to imagine. I can only hope there is a place in the sun somewhere for them and their families. Brenda
UNCONDITIONAL LOVE
I have to commend Michael’s eloquent article saying goodbye to his dear cat, Ash (June issue). Animals bring love, comfort, peace and joy; but I feel they also teach us things about ourselves. Many years ago the family dachshund would instinctively predict my sister’s epileptic seizures and stay beside her.
Thank you for highlighting the heartbreak and respect that owning and loving an animal brings. Sally