Gill's Story

"We have such incredible ability and power to make choices, to make a positive difference and to leave the world better off than when we entered.

For me, I wasn’t given a choice when a young man detonated his bomb in the train carriage I was travelling in BUT I did have a choice in how I wanted to react, how I wanted to express my disbelief, anger and sadness at what he had done to me and to so many who were my fellow commuters.

It wasn’t difficult to make the choices that I did. I instinctively wanted to celebrate the fact that I survived, that I could experience all that being alive offered. My memories were not of the blast and its trauma, it was of the unconditional love that was given to me by all those who fought so hard to save me, the people who held my hand tightly. There were many who risked their own lives to save mine, however they did so not knowing me, it simply didn’t matter who I was, what I believed, how much money I had – to them I was a precious human life.

My peace is in my heart. My peace is the beaming smile on my face. My peace is the embrace that I can share with those I love. My peace is knowing that I can contribute to the world. My peace is feeling grateful and appreciative for every day that I am here. My peace is completely understanding that 2 ‘Wrongs’ can’t make it ‘Right’.”

Apply it »

Gandhi, Mandela, Aung San Su Kyi - all the greats - say that the only person you can really change is yourself. So that’s the place to start. Try to get as close as you can to the real emotions you’re feeling. Think about how you might be contributing to the conflict. Ask yourself what’s more important – being right or being in contact with this person?

Donate now »

Return to the Peacebuilders' Toolkit »