Grief and hope: how do they go together?

Grieving is the process of saying goodbye to something or someone you valued. When we talk about grief most people think of the death of a loved one. However many life events cause a loss, for example being made redundant, divorce, selling of your childhood home, death of a pet.

Unexpectedly widowed in her 40s, Alison found herself alone with two children and a demanding job. She speaks of the emotions she experienced and the 4 step Grieving Process she went through.

A key technique at Your Soul Family is to ask the question; read more

Taking the leap: is fear holding you back?

Typically our lives move forwards in fits and starts. When things are on an even keel, it takes courage to make a change to reach our next phase of personal development. A change can come in many forms, or example; committing to a relationship, having another child or a new job.

Fear can freeze us both mentally and physically. It stops the flow of life. But fear is in the mind and is not real.

Analyse with you mind what you think is the best way forward. Then trust your heart to tell you if it feels right. If your heart answers to the negative – do nothing, stop and consider other options. Your heart and your ‘inner you’ will always know what is right for you. This may not be the same thing as what is right for other people such as parents or partners. read more

Menaca Joji: My journey from East to West

Menaca Joji

Guest author Menaca Joji shares her story of how she came to leave her beloved Sri Lanka and family in search of a safe home. This early experience has shaped the person Menaca is today. After successfully practising dentistry for over 20 years and building a practice in London, she now advises dentists on their client skills and how to build a successful business.

Menaca’s story reminds you that it is often through some of your greatest life challenges, you get the opportunity to meet some good and caring people. read more

Your kitchen: is it a place to work or relax in?

A kitchen is often the centre of a home. For women, typically it is a place of work where they prepare meals, do the ironing, help children with their homework or do other domestic chores. For me I also write my blog sitting at the kitchen table. It is not a room I would think to relax in.

All of that has changed since I found Onitani at the London Mind, Body, Spirit exhibition earlier in the year. They gave a live demo of their healing music and I felt compelled to buy their CD. Now at the end of the working day I put their music on in the kitchen when I prepare dinner. It changes my work room into one for relaxation. My sometimes tired or hassled brain relaxes and then my body loses its tension. It makes me a better dinner companion.  Music can definitely change your mood and make you feel more relaxed. read more

Divorce: do you live with the fall-out from another person’s failed relationship?

One of the greatest gifts you can give a child is a happy childhood.  Sadly divorce happens.  The impact goes far wider than the couple who have decided to split – their children, parents, aunts, uncles and wider family, friends and new partners.

The true impact of divorce is often not spoken of in a family and can continue for many tens of years after the decree absolute.  Even new partners and their families can be caught up in the web of emotions.  There are those awkward family gatherings when you are not sure who to invite and if everyone will get along alright. read more