The Torment of Time

People procrastinate. We know what needs to be done but, all too often, we delay doing it. We have a tendency to set aside all but the most urgent of tasks until such time as can be bothered broaching the subject. And therein lies the danger. A large proportion of the anxiety we suffer is … Continue reading The Torment of Time

The Significance of Self

It's often been claimed that we have a herd mentality; that we're too quick to follow without question; that we're content to allow others to do our thinking for us; that we're too willing to choose compliance to avoid conflict. Doubtless there are times in our lives when such criticisms ring true. We can lose … Continue reading The Significance of Self

The Reality of Respect

Everyone has the right to be the very best version of themselves that they are capable of being. And most people spend their life working to achieve that ideal. Therein lies the key. Reaching a higher level of being and maintaining it - whether that's physical or spiritual -  takes personal effort. It's not something … Continue reading The Reality of Respect

The Question of Quitting

At some stage in our life it's likely that each and every one of us has called it quits over something. We have decided that the energy we are expending fails to measure up to the real or expected return. We make the conscious decision to walk away from a job, a relationship, a responsibility. But quitting has consequences. … Continue reading The Question of Quitting

The Protection of Patience

We don't like to wait. While we may think we know what we want, we definitely know that we want it now. It's all about instant gratification. Anything else results in frustration. We have expectations and most of them are short-term. It's no small surprise then that anxiety is the scourge of the modern age. Generally … Continue reading The Protection of Patience

The Option of Optimism

Life is all about decision and choice; moments of confusion and moments of clarity that contribute to the rich tapestry of our existence. There will always be things that we could have done better, things that we should be doing better and the prospect of better things ahead. No-one gets it all right all of … Continue reading The Option of Optimism

The Nuisance of Negativity

There are some people who see life as being a glass half full; others who see life as a glass half empty; and more still who take their chances, drink whatever's in the glass and move on. Life is a mixture of positive and negative experiences. Survival is about how we deal with both or … Continue reading The Nuisance of Negativity

The Mire of Melancholy

'Tis the season to be jolly...and 'tis also the season for melancholy. There are few times in the year other than Christmas that generate the grab-bag of emotions now swirling through our homes and communities. Much of what we feel, we understand - if only in part. But it's those things we don't understand, those … Continue reading The Mire of Melancholy

The Lavishness of Love

The Beatles may not have been the first to say it but they said it in the most memorable of ways when they sang the lyrics..."and in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make.'' Basic, yet profound, it's a life quote that I have carried in my heart and … Continue reading The Lavishness of Love

The Killing of Kindness

In a world where individuals are increasingly self-focussed; where self-interest is supplanting care and compassion; the milk of human kindness is becoming alarmingly bitter. We're moving from an era where the perceived threat once was killing an issue, situation or person with kindness to an era where it's kindness itself that has become the victim. Neglect is now turning … Continue reading The Killing of Kindness