"The world as we have created it is a process of our thinking. It cannot be changed without changing our thinking..." goes Albert Enstein.

Now I know I'm going to risk getting even more labels than I got myself in the last weeks, but I have to expand on this statement. It follows that changing the world requires of us more than a vote, or a couple of meetings 'taht u barra t-tinda'.

It actually obliges us to unshackle our minds to think deeply and differently. Now we all know that if that is the case, rather than venture into the unchartered expanse of reflection, most of us would surely prefer to let the world sink, while secretly hoping that someone brings about that change for us... clearly without expecting to be reminded in the least of our own apathy and inadequacy in the process...

Now don't think I'm underestimating what voluntarily bringing about change entails. I'm qualifying the type of change as being of the 'voluntary' type because 'involuntary' change comes often enough, often  unexpected, unannounced and unwelcome, bringing with it upheavals of varying degrees.

Voluntary change on the other hand is invariably preceded by a period of unrest that can manifest itself in different forms. On an individual level, but also if collective, restlessness and unsettlement of the mind usually heralds the moment, when suddenly one recognises, acknowledges and comprehends that which IS. A period of internal conflict accompanies this thorny stage, as utter disbelief gives in to an unassailable resolve to face up to an unwholesome reality.

Now if one stops at the unswerving determination stage, presses the 'pause' button, and buries his head in the sand indefinitely, that would be completely mainstream and harmless. If on the other hand one dares to press the 'play 'button instead then... lo and behold... the Queen of Hearts leaves Alice alone in her Wonderland and takes to screeching her 'Let the Games Begin' in that unmistakeable bloodthirsty voice as often and as brazenly as necessary.

The above reflections lose their abstraction and become relevant if we apply them to the Maltese political scene as it unfolded in the last 13 months. Alain de Boton insists that “There may be significant things to learn about people by looking at what annoys them most”; and believe me, I have been blessed with quite a crash course.

Annoying people was certainly not my intention when I decided to start sharing my thoughts and opinions with the public at large on the social media. I had always done that when solicited on a private level by groups or individuals, but I quickly learned of the endurance and resilience that was necessary for a female politician to venture into the uncensored public space and voice a frank, unbridled opinion.

Now, one could easily keep to oneself as many suggested in strong disapproving language, but to me the public domain is where politics is nurtured. The private space might give birth to the seed, but for the latter to germinate it has to venture into the soil that the public space provides. Politics would die if it remains private and it finds no public arena, and we all know what the death of politics leads to.

I think the real trouble started when my readers realised that I wasn't part of the "I wanted change as long as someone else does it for me" clan, or part of the "I'm alright f--k you Jack" clan or "l-aqwa li l-lejber fil-Gvern clan".

They had to cope with the fact that I'm one of the thousands of Maltese who wanted change, want change, and are resolved to bring about among other things the change in mentality required to spare women politicians that serve now and in the future the 'unflattering title' of 'bicca imbarazz' because they speak their minds.

Now don't get me wrong. This piece is not about discouraging people from engaging with me or anyone who cares to share a thought. On the contrary, I seek to stimulate the thinking process into action of as many people as possible... for if Einstein is as correct as he usually is... to bring about real change we have to change our thinking... and to change our thinking we obviously have to start thinking... first!

I wish to congratulate H.E President Mlouise Coleiro Preca on her new role.... and tell her that it would be a great honour especially for women if the Constitution of Malta gets the overhaul it needs during her tenure. I for one am looking forward to listening to speeches that reflect the thoughts expressed by an autonomous Presidency...and that would be just the beginning.

Marlene Farrugia is a Labour MP