Words o’ wisdom for ourselves and future generations
- Written by: Hilda Campbell — COPE Scotland — CEO
- Published: 6th May 2020

Alongside the release of COPE Scotland and the ALLIANCE's affirmation jar video, Hilda Campbell reflects on the power of words.
Do you ever wonder where ‘words of wisdom’ come from, the wee things our grandparents may have said to us ‘It’ll no heal, if ye keep picking at it!’’ being one we may remember when having had a skint knee which was scabbing over and we just felt so tempted to have a wee pick then…ouch! As it started bleeding again!
We are in strange times with COVID-19, we are living in a historical time which people will look back to, where our children’s children may ask, what was it like in 2020 when the world went into lockdown due to COVID-19?
We may find this is an emotional roller coaster where we have high and low days. When we have a low day, that’s when we need some words of wisdom to help us get through and remind us that tomorrow will be better.
Making an affirmation jar is a way to have some fun, get inspired and create our own new words of wisdom to help us, and who knows, future generations, get through the day when life is being more challenging than we would like.
In partnership with COPE Scotland the ALLIANCE we are delighted to put together this video and accompanying instruction booklet on how to make your own wee affirmation jar. Enjoy!
Watch the video on the ALLIANCE YouTube Channel (this link will take you away from our website). Written instructions are at the bottom of this page.
These are strange times but as a wise wee bear once said:
‘You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we’re apart… I’ll always be with you.’ -A.A. Milne, Winnie the Pooh Library.
Social distancing doesn’t mean being alone. Making a wee affirmation jar can be something you discuss with others on the phone or online. We may think we are alone but there are many people who care, sometimes we just need to reach out to them. Affirmations can remind us, we do have choices and we matter.
Read on COPE Scotland’s website why being socially isolated doesn’t need to mean alone (this link will take you away from our website)
Read on COPE Scotland’s website about the emotional roller coaster of COVID-19 (this link will take you away from our website)
End of page.
You may also like:
The ALLIANCE’s Women’s Health Lived Experience Group reflect on their input to Phase 2 of the Scottish Government’s Women’s Health Plan.
Continue readingWellbeing Scotland’s Chief Clinical Officer Ashleigh Ronald highlights why we must shift stigmatising narratives around child abuse.
Continue readingAs we mark twenty years of the ALLIANCE, Person Centred Voices continues to show the power of listening, kindness and connection.
Continue readingThe ALLIANCE’s Women’s Health Lived Experience Group reflect on their input to Phase 2 of the Scottish Government’s Women’s Health Plan.
Continue readingThe ALLIANCE’s Women’s Health Lived Experience Group reflect on their input to Phase 2 of the Scottish Government’s Women’s Health Plan.
Continue readingThe ALLIANCE’s Women’s Health Lived Experience Group reflect on their input to Phase 2 of the Scottish Government’s Women’s Health Plan.
Continue readingThe ALLIANCE’s Women’s Health Lived Experience Group reflect on their input to Phase 2 of the Scottish Government’s Women’s Health Plan.
Continue readingIn her latest TFN column, our Chief Officer Sara Redmond marks 20 years of the ALLIANCE and looks ahead to a future built on hope.
Continue readingOur Chief Officer Sara Redmond reflects on hope, action and why human rights must remain at the heart of how we shape the future.
Continue readingAs Phase 2 is launched, Dr. Irene Oldfather shares her reflections on how the ALLIANCE has contributed to the Women's Health Plan.
Continue readingThe ALLIANCE’s Women’s Health Lived Experience Group reflect on their input to Phase 2 of the Scottish Government’s Women’s Health Plan.
Continue readingThe ALLIANCE’s Women’s Health Lived Experience Group reflect on their input to Phase 2 of the Scottish Government’s Women’s Health Plan.
Continue readingThe ALLIANCE’s Women’s Health Lived Experience Group reflect on their input to Phase 2 of the Scottish Government’s Women’s Health Plan.
Continue readingThe somatic approach, from Louise Davidson, host of the Self Management Week event ‘Calm the Storm: Movement & Breath to Lower Cortisol’.
Continue readingAs we enter the new year, 2026 is an important milestone for the ALLIANCE; it is our 20 year anniversary.
Continue readingReflections on the role of peer support for women’s health in Scotland
Continue readingDr Rebekah Ballantyne, a speaker at the Self Management Week 2025 webinar ‘IFIC: What I need to lead’, shares her self management insights.
Continue readingLucy reflects on what’s needed to progress rights in Scotland.
Continue readingIn her latest TFN column, our Chief Officer Sara Redmond explores how Scotland can move from coping to truly thriving.
Continue readingIn this part two of two opinion pieces, Satya Dunning offers us ideas for healthy eating and lifestyle habits during the colder months.
Continue readingIn this part one of two opinion pieces, Satya Dunning reflects on nutrition as part of self management during the colder months.
Continue readingWhy working together, not against, is key to creating a digitally included society.
Continue readingIn her latest TFN column, our Chief Officer Sara Redmond shares her thoughts on hope being a much needed tool in building change that lasts.
Continue readingJane shares a new resource which explores good practice examples of rights-based decision-making.
Continue readingDr Hannah Tweed discusses the inclusive communications campaign the ALLIANCE launched in early 2025, and how you can get involved.
Continue reading