I have never enjoyed making or even thinking about New Year Resolutions. The idea of 'New Year, New You' and much like a fairy tale - things will significantly change after the stroke of midnight is a myth. You may enjoy celebrating the new year with others around you, but when I wake up the next morning and as soon as I get an email or a bill in the post, the realisation that things have not magically changed sets in. As soon as 1st January comes around and a lot of the ti

Understanding the Impact of Daylight Saving Time You might not be aware, but here in the UK, the clocks go back an hour at 2 AM on the last Sunday of October. The advantage is we get an extra hour, which many of us may use to spend in bed (I know I certainly do!). However, the downside is the shorter days and longer nights as we lose natural daylight. As someone who has experienced this cycle for a few decades now (yes, I would consider myself middle-aged), I still find it su

What Does It Mean to Be an Unpaid Caregiver? Unpaid caregiving often arises from love or compassion for others. It can involve anyone, but typically includes a family member, friend, or neighbour who provides regular help and support to another person without compensation. People may need assistance for various reasons, including: Illness or injury Long-term health conditions Disabilities Age-related frailty Mental health issues The help can begin with small acts of kindness,

Autumn is my favourite season of the year. This may be an unpopular view, as many associate it with shorter days and colder weather. However, it has only been in the last few years that I have truly understood why. There is a subtle shift in the natural world that invites us to slow down, breathe, and reflect on where we are. It suggests we 'take stock' to ensure we have what we need for the days, weeks, and months ahead. Reasons to Love Autumn Here are some of the reasons wh

In a world that often encourages conformity to societal expectations, the fear of judgment can be overwhelming. Choosing not to fit in can lead to being labeled as the 'black sheep' of the family. At a recent family gathering, I openly shared my feelings about being the 'black sheep' because I was the first in my generation to move away from our local area. Embracing Authenticity After years of shaping my life into something I was proud of, I realized that my journey was not

Discovering Hidden Talents Did you know that despite their vibrant, intricate patterns, butterflies cannot see their own wings? They have no idea how beautiful or unique they truly are. Humans are similar; we often struggle to see our own potential, talents, and worth. What’s more, we tend to focus more on our flaws and compare ourselves to others. Instead of celebrating our progress, we overlook how far we have come in life. While we might overlook our own achievements, othe

I have suffered with anxiety all my life, it has always been present in some form or another. The one thing that has helped has been...

Over the past few weeks, I have been busy attending various events. What I was surprised about was it did not take much to drain my social batteries and the need for me to take time to recharge. I should not have been surprised, given the changes to my life and what my personal preferences are when it comes to social interactions. Personality types and understanding them has always been of interest to me. There are a lot of tools to help you determine what classification

Kindness is often seen as a soft skill, a simple act of goodness, or a fleeting moment of generosity. But it can be a transformative...