The last few weeks have been a real struggle for me. I think this is for a number of reasons, and I know I’m not unique in that. But I feel like I’m coming out of it, and over this week I keep being reminded of the Phoenix.

There are two key things that you need to understand about the Phoenix

1. They burst into flames and then rise again out of the ashes

2. They have healing tears

When Harry Potter first met Fawkes – the Phoenix that belonged to Professor Dumbledore it happened to be on a burning day. Harry was obviously quite shocked when this bird that didn’t look too great in the first place burst into flames in front of him. Then he had to explain to Dumbledore, but Dumbledore explained to him ‘it was time’ and the Fawkes started to appear out of the ashes.

It was necessary for Fawkes to burn in order to rise and live, although I’m not entirely sure that’s what he was thinking during the process. If I’m completely honest it’s not just been a tough few weeks but a tough year, and there have been some real down points. I have learnt from some of the moments, and I have become stronger in some situations, I can see the positives as I look back. But… when I’m feeling low I don’t sit there thinking what can I learn from this situation, how will I become stronger, I sit on the sofa watching rubbish and feeling rubbish.

Please do not misunderstand me and think that we should celebrate feeling rubbish, but I do think it is important to recognise that sometimes those ashes are necessary for the person we are to become and the strengths that we will have.

Now I do love a murder mystery, and I love where the detectives have to really seek through the evidence. I’ve watched a couple recently where they have had to seek through ashes. I find it fascinating how the remnants in a pile of ashes can help decipher a persons involvement.

Fawkes played a vital role in the second of the Harry Potter stories where he blinds the Basillisc and cries on Harry to heal him. Why such a vital role? Because Harry had shown loyalty to Dumbledore. That might not have been the response of another Phoenix but they may have aided someone else.

Our ashes, our low points, will have a specific impact on us, and they may then enable us to provide ‘healing tears’ for others. I don’t mean to go and cry on people but that because of our experiences we may then be able to provide the necessary support for others who are experiencing similar situations and feelings.

We can learn a lot from the Phoenix, when we feel low it need only for a period of time and when we rise from the ashes we can grow from the place we have been and help others as well.

If you feel you are in a place of ashes at the moment, have faith that you will start to grow and will be given strength.