Joe

How do you find self-compassion and redemption for all that was done to escape a troubled and dysfunctional childhood?

Joe's upbringing might be described as deprived and abusive, but it was 'normal' then. Sent to boarding school at eight, he learns that 'big boys don't cry' and how to maintain a stiff upper lip. His mother's adage "those who ask don't get, those who don't ask don't want" hangs over his troubled childhood.

He grows up to be self-destructive and emotionally disconnected from those around him, loathing himself and striving to achieve something which deserves his parents' affirmation. Confused and searching for meaning, Joe wants to be in control of his destiny, to hold onto happiness. But everything he touches seems to fall apart. He also is falling.

Joe knows he must do what is right for himself, and not worry about other people. However, his family legacy seems to be loathing oneself with a love-hate pendulum swing of emotions that are only reinforced by the pressures from those around him. When it all becomes too much Joe seeks out escape in alcohol and risky behaviours like getting arrested while drunk on Lambeth Bridge's parapet one day. But this leads nowhere more than back where he started - hating himself even more. But he must learn to forgive himself and taking one day at a time, he must find his redemption.