Introduction We live in times where many people want their emotional pain and sadness taken away from them. They either want someone else to do this for them or they want to do it for themselves. Self-help books are full of quick-fixes to be happy, to cast aside negativity and to live positively. We all…
Goodby Dearest Holly: Ten Years OnAmazon.com & Amazon.co.uk It is hard to recall a more beautiful and yet ultimately harrowing image than that of two ten-year old missing girls, in Manchester United T-Shirts, smiling to camera. This image became known worldwide, on 4th August 2002, twelve years ago today. The photo was of Holly Wells…
The Good FatherAmazon.com & Amazon.co.uk The Good Father, by Noah Hawley, is a gripping read which looks in-depth at the difficulties of fatherhood. It does this through the most dramatic of prisms when Daniel, a son of divorced parents, is accused of murder. Not just any murder, but the murder of a soon-to-be Presidential Candidate. Dr…
If you’ve ever wondered what codependency is, whether or not you could be involved in a codependent relationship and what to do about this, then you may find my recent article of interest. Please click on the link below to understand a little more about codependency: We often hear the word ‘codependency’ in relation to…
I wonder if you struggle to part with things or if you have a problem with hoarding? The article highlighted today offers help for anyone who is a hoarder and also offers support for their loved ones. It looks at why people hoard and what treatments are available to help those suffering from this anxiety…
How important is a child’s voice? Today, from my window, I saw a child walking to school with his mother. I’ve seen them before. He is straining to look all around him, wearing his little backpack, tugging at her to gain attention, and she is wrapped up looking at her mobile phone as she hurries…
Well, it’s good to be back here posting again and thanks so much for all your great support while I was away. I thought with my first piece back I’d talk a little about feeling overwhelmed. I know it’s something that I experience and I’m sure that many of you do too. We all have…
This is just a short note to let you know that I’m taking a break from posting for a while. Unfortunately, I haven’t been doing well with my health over the last few months and also my Mum has just been very poorly in hospital and is now home, hopefully to recuperate. A little break…
We all know that being a good listener is vital if we want to have valuable friendships and successful personal relationships. With this in mind, I thought you might enjoy my latest article which looks at some important listening skills which we can all benefit from adopting: When we have problems or difficulties which we…
Empty CradlesAmazon.com & Amazon.co.uk Empty Cradles is a harrowing memoir which details the uncovering of an appalling part of British history: Child Migration Schemes. It has been many years since these events were brought to light by Margaret Humphreys. As you read this memoir, though, you understand that there is no end to the pain…
Living with high levels of stress is becoming, more often than not, our default position. With such busy lives and increasing responsibilities it can often seem impossible to effectively manage our stress levels. Knowing that many people cannot simply offload tasks from their day and engage in excellent stress management options, I wrote the following…
We all know the famous proverb ‘Actions speak louder than words,’ but it’s surprising how often we all disregard it. Throughout our day and our lives we are constantly trying to make sense of the world, make sense of people and understand what is going on around us. Our main line of attack and defence…
OverAmazon.com & Amazon.co.uk Over, by acclaimed author Margeret Forster, is a novel which portrays the after effects of the tragic loss of Miranda, an 18-year-old daughter, sister to Molly (her twin) and Finn – her brother. The contrasting ways the different family members deal with their loss is the heart of the novel. The family is…
Perfectionists have created many of our great works of art. Perfectionists are also at the heart of many of our scientific and technological discoveries. Perfectionists also show continued and extraordinary dedication to their tasks. But many pay a high price for their perfectionism. Does this have to be the case? We know that perfectionism can be…
Every day, most of us are doing things for ourselves and for others. Often unrecognised things. Things which keep our lives running smoothly. The childrens’ washing, a morning cup of tea for a loved one, a smile, opening a door, working and paying bills, shopping, loading the dishwasher, and so on. All of these things,…