Merry Christmas and remember be kind

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all. I hope you all have a restorative, and fulfilling break. Even though Christmas is about giving and sharing time with friends and family, we can often be obsessed with our own happiness and the happiness of our immediate circle. We can end up being uncivilContinue reading “Merry Christmas and remember be kind”

We all have a choice

I read a tweet this morning by Paul McGee (@TheSumoGuy) that invited us to make a choice today. We could choose to be grumpy about whatever was irritating us or getting in the way of our life, or choose to be grateful for what we have and what is around us. I was out walkingContinue reading “We all have a choice”

Overview of Chapter 2: What Drives Our Shame

A little earlier than suggeested, but here is a sneak preview of what will be included in the 2nd chapter of Connected Living. This was a bit of a struggle, and quite challenging. So feedback will be much appreciated. Personal messages are helpful. If you do like it please feel free to share with others.Continue reading “Overview of Chapter 2: What Drives Our Shame”

The comfort of a good moan

I love a good moan. Moaning is comfortable, its comfortable because it is easy. All you have to do is sit in judgement with no responsibility, and ultimately don’t take action. We all love it, but we really do need to limit its use to being the precursor to problem solving, to move away fromContinue reading “The comfort of a good moan”

Memories of Leaving Home

Earlier in the week, I was talking to my eldest son about his University application, where he would like to go and what he would like to read. I do love our conversations, especially the ones that take place in the kitchen, whilst we are both busy doing stuff. It seems the more involved weContinue reading “Memories of Leaving Home”

The Shame of Being a Parent

I don’t know about you, but in our house for the past 18 years we have had almost daily discussions on our parenting skills. We would often fall in to the trap of comparison, especially when our children were younger. Everyone seems to be doing it better than us. “Tabitha and Timothy at soft playContinue reading “The Shame of Being a Parent”

Me and Foggy

My old friends will remember Foggy. For the uninitiated Foggy is my negative self speak, my dark cloud, my black dog.  He is my depression to put it simply, the dark part of my brain that likes to suck away my hope, my joy, and my enthusiasm. Maybe I am being a little bit unkindContinue reading “Me and Foggy”

What is Compassion?

I was reading Daring Greatly by Brene Brown yesterday (I finished it yesterday and started on Braving the Wilderness last night). As you may  have realised I am a little bit obsessed with this lady. I have completely connected with what she says. It makes complete sense to me. I keep kicking myself that it has taken me soContinue reading “What is Compassion?”

It’s OK to Lead with Compassion

When I started as a Student Nurse 29 years ago, my warmth, compassion and empathy were applauded, even considered a strength. I was not the most technically capable student, my written work was not the best, and I often just did enough. My interpersonal skills however were my strength. I naturally put myself alongside myContinue reading “It’s OK to Lead with Compassion”

Is your ladder of success up against the right wall?

I was minded to think about my anxieties this morning. An old friend, posed a question on social media asking for advice on any techniques for reducing anxiety. The response he got was overwhelmingly supportive, with many of his friends jumping to his support, and advising him on what had worked for them. They immediatelyContinue reading “Is your ladder of success up against the right wall?”