Hi Reader, I had a gruelling day yesterday. And gave too much of myself trying to combat it. The result was by late afternoon I was drained and struggling to pick myself back up. But during a trip to the shop, I struck up a conversation with a stranger that turned me around completely. I often find that to be the case. Just sharing a brief interchange with another human being can erase so much negativity. It reinforces our self worth and creates a sense of acceptance and belonging. And what...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, This week I completed a task long overdue that had presented me with a level of risk. I was aware of the need to complete the task for sometime however have only now been able to achieve it. On completion I was surprised to notice a palpable shift in perspective. I felt significantly lighter. I hadn't realised how much worry I had been carrying over this job. I thought I had accepted the unavoidable delay without consequence to my mental state. It reminded me that when we carry a...
2 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, The Dalai Lama teaches that anger is a weakness, and counsels never to act or make a decision when in an angry state. While passionate feelings may inspire great deeds, no good comes from anger. I am generally an agreeable person. Though we all get angry at times. When angry, my natural response is to try and rationalise the situation. But my reasoning is flawed by the negative emotion, and I always, and I mean always, either make things worse or hurt others or myself. So now, when...
3 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, I went home for a few days recently. My family home. My parents still live in the house I grew up in. It is a house filled with memories, and love. The same chair where I sat on my Mums knee as an infant, that I now sit in with my daughter when we visit. The dining room where my family shared Christmas meals after opening gifts. The bedroom I shared with my older sister. Every square inch of the house is crammed with memories. As is the village it is located in. And going there I...
4 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, When I became a parent I was given one piece of advice that I found particularly useful. Never compare your child to others. As a first time parent it can be easy to question your own methods. And by comparing your child to others, conclude you are getting it wrong. But as we know, every child is different. So I chose not to compare mine to others, particularly for significant milestones such as crawling, walking and potty training. And I let my daughter proceed at her own pace....
6 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, As we develop and age, much of our behaviour becomes habitual. The statistics for just how much vary greatly, but at least half of our actions seem to be driven by habit. And the implications of habitual behaviour are greater than you may imagine. As such, it is important to make a conscious effort to foster good habits. A bad habit that seems trivial now could be devastating should your circumstances change. When placed under extreme stress, there is a tendency to rely on...
6 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, I give a lot of thought to the first article of the year. Not everybody enjoys the festive season. It has been described as a magnifying glass, amplifying our feelings. Some find the experience euphoric. For others it brings melancholy. But the new year offers an opportunity for change. And I want to encourage you to embrace it. None of us are on our own. No matter what your beliefs, know that there is something greater than you at work. Given the complexity of life and the...
7 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Sometime ago a friend suggested I read Confucius to help me find the answers I was seeking. I haven’t found it an easy read, some points require consideration, but that’s as it should be. And on some points I disagree. But that is also perhaps ok. Shouldn't we always make our own evaluation? We have been gifted with free will. As long as we beg to differ with respect, no harm is done. But I clearly remember the first statement that struck a chord with me. 'To attack a task from the...
9 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, It has been a very challenging couple of weeks. Watching the events of the world unfold. And escalate beyond comprehension. My energy has been directed elsewhere. As a result I find myself with little to say. Which is most unusual for me. I like to have several articles ready, or in progress pending further consideration. But this week, none seem to be appropriate. Instead I have chosen to share a brief interchange I had on social media. A journalist I follow created a post...
about 1 year ago • 1 min read