Life and Living

Parent

Are you experiencing the full potential of love?

Love comes in many shapes and forms

Whenever anyone speaks of love, they are often referring to romantic love between two people. I believe that love is infinite and can come in many forms. If romantic love was the only form of love, it would be quite exclusive and in limited quantities. It would be a hard world with only this type of love available to give and receive.

Fortunately for us love comes in many forms – parental, family, friends, pets, yourself. All of the important people in your life are available for you to love. In my view love is infinite and the more of it in your life, the richer it will be. Some people believe that you cannot possibly love a step or adopted child as much as a biological child. I disagree with this view. I think the choice is yours to decide how much you open your heart to love a person. read more

By Alison Wem, ago

Remaining calm through the festive season

The festive season is meant to be a time of joy – being with loved ones, a rest from work or studying, giving and receiving gifts.

The reality is often far removed from the intention. Experiences can range from too many people in the house with tensions between the generations or individuals, to someone on their own feeling left out and extremely lonely.

The preparations for gatherings and gifts can be onerous taking the joy from the occasion.

If you are experiencing feelings of being overwhelmed, financial stress or dread of the December festivities, it is time to take a step back and evaluate what you want this time to bring for you and your loved ones. read more

By Alison Wem, ago

How do you choose the best New Year resolutions?

We have entered the last month of the year!

Traditionally you might give yourself some New Year resolutions on what you are going to do differently in the up coming year. Equally traditionally most people don’t keep to their resolutions beyond the end of January.

How can I choose resolutions which I am more likely to live up to?

You are guided not to rush your decision. They aren’t to be chosen quickly on New Year’s Eve as you welcome the New Year in. Quick decisions often lead to inappropriate or unattainable resolutions. read more

By Alison Wem, ago

War: How do we find peace?

I am writing this article to you on Armistice Day when at the eleventh hour on the eleventh day of the eleventh month in 1918, the peace treaty was signed ending World War I.

How do we achieve peace in the Ukraine and Gaza?

In improving the way humanity chooses to live, I have always felt it will be a bottom-up evolution with the masses deciding what is the right way to live, forcing our national leaders to change the way they behave.

However, there is nothing stronger than the anger of one nation on another nation. We are seeing this in Gaza/Israel and Russia/Ukraine. In these circumstances I feel it will take a special sort of leader(s) to achieve peace. read more

By Alison Wem, ago

Why is my life and those in it so difficult?

Life is a journey we all make whether it is consciously or unconsciously. While you may feel your life is out of control or more difficult than other people’s life, you have more control and influence over your life than perhaps you realise.

See your life as a train carriage and you are the conductor who decides who comes into your carriage. Of course, when you are young, you need people to take care of you. But as you grow, you gain strength as the conductor of your life.

The choices you make today will reflect the life you enjoy or perhaps endure tomorrow. read more

By Alison Wem, ago

Rumi’s Reflections: Alison Wem’s Journal – Day 13

I have been a seeker and I still am,

But I stopped asking the books and the stars.

I started listening to the teaching of my soul.

Jalal al-Din Rumi

We are much wiser than we often realise. By getting to know yourself better, you will meet your soul.

In the silence and peace of my inner landscape, I met my soul. I realised I had been talking with her for years but didn’t realise who she was. She has been a consistent companion in good times and bad. She is my greatest friend, objective rather than emotional and a wise and compassionate person. I need to listen to her more…. read more

By Alison Wem, ago

What is the true cost of war on children, families, loved ones?

As a mother of an adult son, it concerned me when I read that the UK are sending British troops to the Ukraine. Of course, we need to support the Ukraine but I’m glad our troops are training Ukrainian solders rather than being in active combat.

I am very nervous about an escalation in the conflict resulting in more countries becoming involved and our young going to fight in foreign countries.

Is that selfish and wrong of me?

It breaks my heart when I read about Ukrainian solders returning to their families with life affecting injuries or worst still not at all. read more

By Alison Wem, ago