NO – I don’t have any illusions of grandeur, but recently a local newspaper asked me if I’d give them an interview for a column they ran.

Basically, they wanted to know 5 things I would ban, 5 things I would make mandatory, and what my motto would be, if I ruled the world for a day. As it turned out, they only printed 4 of the first and 3 of the second, but never mind.

Why did they choose me?

I think they were desperate, although it could possibly have been  because the journalist who wrote the column had covered my story when I’d written my three books and  guessed I’d be obliging.( You don’t have to do much to make the news where I live!)

However, I was a bit dubious because the interview  was held over the telephone and I knew it would be edited to the bare bones.  The problem with that is, if your words are taken out of context, the result can be very misleading, especially if you are talking about anything to do with health.

Some people  believe everything they read and thrive on gossip,  misfortune and outlandish claims. After all, if  it’s in the paper it MUST be true -  right?

Of course, it isn’t and some newspaper columnists, like some internet marketers are prone to exaggeration.  Hype sells - remember that.

Anyway, back to my five minutes of fame in the local newspaper, and I have to say I was really pleased with the result.

Here’s what they printed:-

If I Ruled The World I Would Ban:

People with special needs from being sidelined.  My son has autism and I’ve found a real lack of facilities for people with disabilities.

Dental Amalgam Fillings.  I know from experience they can have a serious impact on health.  It’s a taboo subject but the evidence about mercury is definitely out there.

Automated phone services and  call centres in a foreign country. I hate pressing loads of options before speaking to a live person, and it’s even worse when they don’t speak the same language and can’t fully understand the problem.  Usually they are extemely polite but it can get frustrating.

Untested and unsafe generic amoxil toxic synthetic chemicals in skincare products. Skin will absorb 60% of whatever you put on it, and it’s frightening what’s actually in most products. My advice is to read the ingredients and if you can’t pronounce it, or wouldn’t want to eat  it, DON’T use it.

I Would Make Mandatory:

Smiling. If you smile it makes you feel so much better and if you smile at someone else it can really make their day.Last week I counted how many people I could spot who actually looked happy and only saw one.  He was a child of about four!

Befriending.  The idea would be for the “normal” young people to get to know those less fortunate – i.e. those with special needs. It might make the majority more appreciative of what they have  and less critical of others.

Getting To Know Your Neighbours. It always surprises me the amount of peole with no idea who lives next door to them.  You cannot choose your neighbours and you may not wish to have them as friends, but I think everyone should at least know their names.

My Motto Would Be:

Smiling at you.

Jean Shaw