How do I show myself love and compassion?

So often in our world the emphasises is on achievements. Loving yourself can feel like a radical act. Yet, self-love is the cornerstone of mental well-being and personal growth. But,

How do you love yourself?

For me, the key things to embrace are;

  • Acknowledge your worth
  • Practice self-care
  • Set boundaries
  • Embrace imperfection
  • Celebrate your uniqueness.

The very first step in loving yourself is to acknowledge your value. It is not about your successes or failures but more about your inherent worth. Reflect on your strengths and weaknesses no matter how small you feel they may be. Sometimes being that person in the family who notices when someone needs a helping hand has enormous worth. read more

What do relationships bring you?

Our lives are made up of a range of relationships. Your earliest relationships are with your parents and siblings. As we grow, they include friends, fellow students, wider family, neighbours, lovers, managers, colleagues and many others.

We chose to be born into this life to learn life lessons.

Life lessons are not about acquiring material wealth but more about how you behave with other humans, animals and nature.

It is my belief that some of our greatest challengers and difficult relationships are our greatest teachers. read more

Tour de France: what does it say about humanity?

The first Tour de France was held in 1903 with the aim of selling more newspapers. It was set up and sponsored by French sports paper L’Auto, which hoped a tough new endurance race around the country would capture the public’s attention and boost its declining sales figures.

What do we learn about humans from the Tour de France?

The Tour de France started as a commercial venture but has captured the hearts and minds of people globally.

There was and still is so much support and good wishes from the French people in support of this spectacular sporting event. Their enthusiasm is catching and has spread world-wide. read more

Why is life so hard?

I haven’t met the person who has everything easy in their life. Even people who appear to have everything, if you follow them home, they may have a partner who isn’t kind or financial worries or other difficulties.

I believe we are meant to experience challenges and to learn how to overcome them. They are not about having big houses and fast cars but more about how we interact with other people or how you treat yourself.

How do I feel joy rather than life is all hard work?

Living a good life is often about taking pleasure from the smallest of things. read more

Are you or someone you love lonely?

On the whole, other people are not very interested in what you do. Yet naturally humans are tribal. They feel happier and safer living in groups, be it family or a community.

Are you or any of your loved ones lonely?

With population movement becoming common for career opportunities and to find affordable housing, family groups are becoming scattered.

People are becoming more dependent on community or good neighbours.

It takes time and effort for a community to form and grow. Community is not only your local area but can embrace groups of likeminded people such as an interest in yoga, football, history and many other interests. read more

How do you feel about yourself and your life?

When I was growing up, my mum always used to say to me;

People value you at what you value yourself.

At the time I don’t think I truly understood what she meant. But having lived more and experienced other people, I feel there is some truth in what she said.

Ask yourself these questions;

  • Do you express your views and emotions honestly, albeit kindly?
  • Do you take action on how you truly feel?
  • Do you give yourself time and space in your life?
  • Do you look after your own mental health?

If you value yourself in your interactions with others, you are able to feel and speak honestly, know your needs and be able to take actions to satisfy them.

Expressing your views and emotions

Of course it goes without saying, that in sharing your views and emotions it should be with kindness, love and sensitivity to others. If you did it in a way that hurt others or was vulgar and included a lot of swearing, you are not honouring yourself. You may come to regret it. However, being able to speak your truth is very important to feeling a sense of freedom. It should not be ignored and if not done, can make your throat chakra feel uncomfortable and even blocked. read more