Courage

“We can’t be afraid of change. You may feel very secure in the pond that you are in, but if you never venture out of it, you will never know that there is such a thing as an ocean, a sea. Holding onto something that is good for you now, may be the very reason…

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Recreation

“Art is both creation and recreation. Of the two ideas, I think art as recreation or as sheer play of the human spirit is more important.” Lin Yutang This week we are exploring recreation, and for me – this is the time I spend outside my work, and it includes a range of things; time…

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Grief

“But grief makes a monster out of us sometimes . . . and sometimes you say and do things to the people you love that you can’t forgive yourself for.”  Melina Marchetta It has taken me all week to complete this musing about grief and I only realised yesterday, it is because I am still…

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Health

“A further sign of health is that we don’t become undone by fear and trembling, but we take it as a message that it’s time to stop struggling and look directly at what’s threatening us.”  Pema Chodron It is now three years since the beginning of my breast cancer journey, and I am more than…

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Being a carer

“One person caring about another represents life’s greatest value.”  Jim Rohn Being a carer can be a rewarding AND also difficult at times, especially if you are on call 24 hours a day, 7 days per week.  It can also be many roles; you may be the partner and the carer, the parent and the…

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Life’s meaning

“Whenever you become anxious or stressed, outer purpose has taken over, and you lost sight of your inner purpose. You have forgotten that your state of consciousness is primary, all else secondary.” Eckhart Tolle This week we are exploring your life meaning or you’re meaning for life. Sunday began two important awareness campaigns for October:…

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Peace

“War is over … If you want it.” John Lennon I write this piece today after day one of five of Sand Tray Therapy extensive.  Whilst the brain is slightly overloaded (and yes it will get more over the course of the weekend) – my mind is at peace.  I feel that I have made…

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Wisdom

“It is not that I’m so smart. But I stay with the questions much longer.”  Albert Einstein This week’s topic is wisdom, and this often comes with learning, not necessarily age.  To be able to learn is an artform as your mind needs to be open and willing to look at a question and seek…

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Happiness

“You cannot protect yourself from sadness without protecting yourself from happiness.” Jonathan Safran Foer This week I am exploring happiness and the above quote certainly rings true when wanting to avoid huge emotions. In any relationship, emotions are needed and at times, even emotions that we don’t like to experience.  Avoiding a more negative type…

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Affirmations

“Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you’ll start having positive results.” Willie Nelson I am continuing to work towards my goals and have got the accommodation and plane tickets ready for the trip in a few weeks for the five-day intensive to continue with the Graduate Certificate in Sand Tray Therapy. I have…

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Cheerleading

There is no way around the hard work.  Embrace it.”  Roger Federer It’s no secret that I have been struggling attempting to fit in a new therapy and the learning that this requires into my life.  I am slowly going through the assessments prior to attending the five-day intensive and hoping that my learnings so…

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Growth

“The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential…these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence.” Confucius Growth, both personal and professional can take a lot of time, work, and investment. I have been reflecting recently and have realised that I began working towards my…

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Balance

“Happiness is not a matter of intensity but of balance and order and rhythm and harmony.” Thomas Merton Finding balance in life can be really tricky at times.  There doesn’t seem to be enough time, enough money or energy. Unfortunately, sometimes, we really need to stop and prioritise what is really important to us and…

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Compassion

“All I ever wanted was to reach out and touch another human being not just with my hands but with my heart.”  Tahereh Mafi Merrraim-Webster’s definition of compassion is “sympathetic consciousness of others’ distress together with a desire to alleviate it.” I have been travelling recently, both for pleasure and for work to attend conferences. …

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Curiosity leads to learning

“It is simply this: do not tire, never lose interest, never grow indifferent—lose your invaluable curiosity and you let yourself die. It’s as simple as that.” Tove Jansson Curiosity often leads to learning, and this is certainly true for me on my current journey.  I started reading a book on art therapy, which led to…

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Gratitude

“Everyone enjoys being acknowledged and appreciated. Sometimes even the simplest act of gratitude can change someone’s entire day. Take the time to recognize and value the people around you and appreciate those who make a difference in your lives.”  Roy T. Bennett I once worked with a client and attended his virtual visit with a…

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Supportive people

“Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great.” Mark Twain I was lucky to find a support person who encouraged me at my first full-time position.  I had left school in year eleven as a…

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Relationships

“I find the best way to love someone is not to change them, but instead, help them reveal the greatest version of themselves.”  Steve Maraboli My life has certainly changed over the years, especially with relationships – both those of family and friends. The relationships change and alter as we all develop, change and grow. …

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Bookshops

“Books … they’re kind of a compulsion for me. To find a great bookstore is a great thing.” Philip Seymour Hoffman I have purchased so many books over the past few months.  Books are also a compulsion for me and at the recent conference, three new books were purchased and are sitting patiently waiting for…

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