About Mickey Elias
Mickey Elias was a nice Goan Catholic boy, whose idyllic childhood in post-colonial Uganda came to an abrupt end at the age of eight.Fleeing death threats, he arrived in the UK, fatherless, finding himself in 'barbaric' rural Wales via refugee camps and familial emotional abuse.
Ex-marketeer, publicist, therapist, feng shui consultant, general nice-guy; this is where he stops and claims his manhood after years of addiction, workaholism, OCD, study, world travel and perpetual fleeing for his life.
Mickey is my best friend. In fact, I am perfectly happy in the sound knowledge that he is the best friend anyone could ever have; even though I still wish I'd never met him, on a fairly regular basis! We've had pretty-much daily contact for the last five years, and although it has been fraught with conflict and chaos, I have grown; in ways I myself, and the people that knew the 'old' me, would have thought impossible. I attribute this to my relationship with Mickey, not just because of the contact, but because I want to be like him, and try to be - all the time.
Like a child, Mickey wants more. Of everything. All the time! Especially when it comes to love, relationships, wisdom and life in general.
Sometimes it's exciting; fun; inspiring; motivating; and lots of other good stuff - sometimes, it's just over the top and I begin thinking of unpleasant ways of making him shut up - but that's usually when he's telling the truth (again) and I don't like it!
There is one thing Mickey always is - different. This is what I really love about him. He has a gift of awareness, and he loves to share it.
As the global representative for the phrase 'the truth shall set you free', Mickey has unshakingly demonstrated it to be... well... the truth! One possible flipside is the truth becoming an obsession, which I don't recommend, and sometimes need to remind my best friend.
The vulnerability, honesty and openness on these pages changes lives - and if we would all do it even just a bit, it would change life on earth as we know it. But don't take my word for it - or Mickey's, or Ed's - try it! I dare you!
Luis Judge, London, January 2003