On being an end of the alphabet person

Joanna — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 13:22:06 +0000

I got an intriguing e-mail yesterday, from Richard Wiseman with the results of the latest Quirkology survey. I first came across their stuff in relation to the pace of life, and then couldn’t resist taking part in their research into the impact of your surname on your experience of life. The conclusion – from the study of some 15,000 people – is that there is very small but also real effect, suggesting that those with surnames beginning with a letter towards the start of the alphabet were more satisfied with their lives compared to those with names beginning with a letter towards the end of the alphabet.

I’ve been an end of the alphabet person all my life, starting as a W then going backwards to Y. Could this explain my restless nature, moving houses, changing careers, searching constantly for meaning and answers??? Are my happy with their lot friends more likely to be start of the alphabet people?

Interesting idea isn’t it? They’ve also looked at the impact of initials on your life span. H.U.G. for example gives you several more years than B.U.M… Also makes me wonder about the meaning of the words – did the Quirkology professor get a head start by getting the name "Wiseman"?

Nonsense or not it’s fun to dip into. They’ve more tests running just now that you can take on the Quirkology site – from a lie detector to seeing how well you can anticipate the results of a penalty shoot out…

Meantime any thoughts on how your name – or position in the alphabet – has affected your outlook on life?

Where stories transform lives

Joanna — Thu, 31 May 2007 12:04:05 +0000

One of my favourite charities is MAD About Art. They work with kids in South Africa, using a unique mixture of art and narrative therapy "to increase children’s knowledge of HIV and AIDS and create more open communication as well as reduce risk-taking behaviour by increasing self-esteem and self-advocacy." You can see some of the amazing art work that the kids have created at their website, alongside the "hero books" that they have produced. These are stories that have the power to move – us – and to transform the lives of those who have found the courage to tell them. As one of their young youth ambassadors writes:

"I am the hero of my book. I have my dreams."

If you’d like to support their work you’ll find out more on their site – or you can sponsor their contribution to the Walk for Life event by clicking here.

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On being an end of the alphabet person

Where stories transform lives