Hello to you, my lovely reader. As ever, with the advent of the summer months, I am taking a small pause from blogging. Today, it is hot and sunny in Glasgow, and everyone who can be outside, is. I realise that things may be very different tomorrow, but for now, my sense is that no…
How to live in the present in this season
How do we learn to live in the present, in this season? With all the uncertainty and instability in our world? And as Christmas rapidly approaches? One of the death bed regrets I have been musing on is regretting not making more of each moment that we live in. Do you crave the quiet enjoyment…
Gratitude practices…it does take practice.
How is your attitude of gratitude coming along? What gratitude practices are you cultivating? This is what I was musing on last time, along with not falling into the trap of Pollyanna-style toxic positivity. No one needs that. But like all practices, gratitude practices take…well, practice. I used to work as a physiotherapist (physical therapist).…
An attitude of gratitude
Have you read or seen Pollyanna? Or heard of the Pollyanna Principle? And what has this to do with cultivating an attitude of gratitude? Gratitude is a Good Thing. We know this, and there is masses of evidence to show the psychological and physiological benefits of gratitude. For instance, gratitude reduces stress and anxiety, improves…
Why Contentment Matters: Skills for Modern Life
Should contentment be taught as a skill? This is a fascinating thought – that contentment, along with other life skills, could be on some kind of educational curriculum. Contentment matters, along with skills like emotional intelligence and resilience. These are cornerstone skills for modern life, equipping us to deal with the day to day pressures…
It’s a brand new year….
It’s a brand new year, and a brand new you (as trumpeted to me by a big-brand advertiser)….. …new year’s resolutions…..changing/stopping/giving-things-up/starting-things…. Does this fill you with enthusiasm or horror? Sometimes the beginning of a brand new year can be overwhelming, with an assault on every aspect of our lives to reform – change – start…
To encourage takes courage
These past week have brought several unexpected encouragements from often unexpected quarters or at unexpected times. None of them were sought, they just popped out at me in passing, as if to say: Hey, you’re doing OK and I love who you are becoming.” Equally, I have had the opportunity to encourage or have affirming…
Inspire the dream
What was your dream when you were little? Maybe to be an astronaut, or a professional footballer or a film star. Perhaps something more pragmatic – my cousin always said when he was young that he wanted to be a lollipop man because you didn’t start work till you were 65. So funny. It is…
Celebrating milestones
How is your year going so far? Are you celebrating milestones of any size or shape? For me, this is a significant year as it marks 10 years as a life coach. I am chuffed about this, to say the least. I am not sure that 10 years ago I had any idea of how…
“Yes but…” – discounting the positive
How often have you replied to a compliment from someone with these words: “Yes but…” Yes but… “…they were only being kind.” “…she just said it because she felt sorry for me.” “…it was nothing I did really, lots of other people did far more work than me.” …