I WAS shocked and upset to hear about the recent stabbings, but I also feel pity for the ones who have done this to people.

To take someone else's life shows not only do you have no respect or value for another's life, but also for your own. It makes me wonder what awful kind of life this person has had to get to this point.

I know the world can be a scary and also unfair place - I grew up on a rough estate and have seen the harder side of life.

But I have realised it takes a much stronger person to walk away from the way life tries to push you, rather than just let your experiences or surroundings influence who you are.

Those influences can be your family, your friends or even occurrences with strangers.

But we all have the potential to achieve something better in our lives if we choose to do so, regardless of our background.

It can take time, but taking small steps, even though we may trip on the way, can get us to places we never thought possible.

A positive step is to have the courage to go out without a knife, and even to decide using one is just not an option and even if people you know do so.

Who knows, others may follow your lead.

But, more importantly, you will have respect for yourself. You may then find people respect you.

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