Revealing The Hidden Beauty

Revealing The Hidden Beauty

Welcoming a fourth child into the house, as we’ve done this last month by being a host family for Friends of Chernobyl’s Children, is very rewarding, but also brings with it a lot of hard work and disruption to our ‘normal life’. This of course...
Are You Unhappy That You’re Not Happy?

Are You Unhappy That You’re Not Happy?

I’ve been feeling a bit depressed lately. No real reason, just a change in my mental weather. It happens from time to time. A few years ago I would have felt anxious and worried that I was feeling depressed, wondering what was wrong and if I was about to be...
Human Being, or Human Doing?

Human Being, or Human Doing?

Our little Belarusian visitor arrived at the weekend (through Friends of Chernobyl’s Children – check out these posts for the story of last year’s visit). Last year I found the visit exhausting, challenging…and hugely rewarding; it pulled on...
What Happens When We Are At Our Best…

What Happens When We Are At Our Best…

If you’re a regular visitor to my blog, you’ll know that I use an Oak tree as my metaphor for personal and professional growth, as well as an acronym for key principles (Ownership, Acceptance, Kindness for example). A couple of weeks ago I wrote about what...
Dealing With Fears: Befriend, Not Fight

Dealing With Fears: Befriend, Not Fight

I’m feeling quite proud of myself just now. Last week there were a number of events and tasks I’d been absolutely dreading. They made me feel a bit sick in my stomach. To make it worse I was feeling ashamed that I was so ‘pathetic’ in feeling...
Why It’s Hard To Ask For Help

Why It’s Hard To Ask For Help

I like to think of myself as independent and resourceful, and as someone who helps and supports others. As a values and beliefs set, these go deep with me. From an early age (and with the best of intentions from my parents), I got a lot of positive re-enforcement when...