Life and Living

Parent

Friends: 3 characteristics of a good friend

A friendship can strike up quickly between you and another person or it may grow over time.  Both are valid approaches to establishing a friendship.  At some point you will realise they are important to you.  Your relationship may display many of these characteristics;

  • challenge you making the relationship exciting and fun.
  • stay with you through the good times and the sad times.
  • supportive of each other – your hopes, desires and fears.

Often conversation bounces backwards and forwards between you with each of you listening and giving a considered reply.  Good friends love you and can feel as comfortable as an old pair of slippers!

You feel able to ask them for their help and they are there for you if your world comes tumbling down. read more

By Alison Wem, ago

Back to work: how do you keep the relaxed feel from the break?

Many of us have now gone back to work.  After the long Festive break, you will be adjusting back to the relentless pace of business.

Stress resides not in the mind but in the nervous system. Our ‘fight or flight’ response raises our cortisol level causing the sympathetic nervous system to activate. Our bodies are designed for a raised cortisol level but only in short bursts to aid our survival. However in our modern ‘always on the go’ life style, many people live with chronic raised cortisol levels leading to slow digestion, sleep disruption and other side effects. read more

By Alison Wem, ago

Feeling sad when everyone else is happy?

Sadness often goes hand-in-hand with loneliness. You can feel lonely in an unhappy relationship, family or city. Humans are tribal by nature so loneliness is the hardest of conditions. I experienced loneliness as a widow in my 40s. With two children life was very busy but inside I had an aching loneliness. I count my blessings that I fell in love again and my husband came with a large, boisterous and loving family.

Over Christmas and the New Year festivities many of us have enjoyed time with friends and family – even if there were some irritations along the way. Sadly many have spent this time alone. Or a person who normally lives alone, who has spent time with people, is now faced with going home to a lonely life. How daunting is that? read more

By Alison Wem, ago

Happy wishing for your coming year

Now is the time between Christmas and the start of 2024 to reflect.

What did you experience in 2023 and what would you like to bring in for you and your loved ones for 2024?

Think about the things that went well for you in the last year. For me 2023 was a mixed year. I made some good progress as an author publishing my third book and continued to grow the number of people who seek my assistance with personal and spiritual growth.  My greatest delight was the arrival of my granddaughter. As the saying goes read more

By Alison Wem, ago

Are you busy?: take a few moments to reflect

Today is expected to be a busy day at the shops as everyone gets those last items they need for Christmas. Or perhaps for some it is their first item!

In our affluent society of Christmas celebrations, present giving and receiving, Christmas trees and decorations – whether you are a Christian, Atheist, Druid, Muslim or any other faith, do you take time to reflect and express thanks for all in your life?

December is a good month to say ‘thank you’ to your loved ones for being in your life and for all they do with and for you. read more

By Alison Wem, ago

Women: the secrets of surviving Christmas

The approach to Christmas can be a challenging time. Women are often the main organiser of school costumes for nativities, other social events, presents, and the food preparation for the day. Of course, this is on top of normal daily activities. It is not a wonder many women are tense over the pre-Christmas period.

Do you recognise the scenario?

Lovely as Christmas can be, it takes a lot of work to make it a success. Often all of those preparations are not recognised. Others may say

How hard can it be, its only one day! read more

By Alison Wem, ago