Celebrations around Christmas very often bring family to mind. Many of us reflect on times shared, both happy and sad, moving and uplifting. How is it possible, year after year, for rituals and festivities to trigger such raw emotions inside of us? Nonetheless, these sensations can summon sentiments that run [...]
Every now and then, Take a good look at something Not made with hands: A mountain, a star, The curve of a stream. There will come to you wisdom and patience, And above all, the assurance That you are not alone in the world. (Sidney Lovett) When I was a [...]
“Value your mistakes; you may not need to repeat the experience”. Dowrick, S., (2000) Almost everyone appreciates the genuine sense of value discovered in a daily ritual of sincere gratitude. On the other hand, how is it possible to feel grateful when at times our life appears to be completely [...]
“Life is difficult and frustrating for all human beings at least some of the time, and often much of the time.” Bryne, J. (2018) The capacity to endure endless change is often more than most people can handle. Shifting attention away from events and situations which arouse fear, can offer [...]
During this week’s careful analysis of my Gold Coast Counselling practice, I found it interesting to consider how often “relevant themes” emerge with clients. Currently, the theme appears to be based upon feelings of worthiness. The Oxford dictionary describes worthiness as “the quality of being good enough; suitability.” Free dictionary [...]
We have all met people whose adult children appear to be “problem free.” Other people, some of whom we know and love, raise offspring who come into the world presenting a range of challenging predicaments. Despite the fact that these kids were raised with tons of love, the best of [...]
There is virtually nothing more appealing to human beings than the capacity to express and receive genuine appreciation. Expressing thanks by means of a few simple and sincere words offers most people a sense of joy and the feeling of being valued. In fact, it can literally be quite life [...]
What happens when we observe that our partner, the one who normally has our back, appears to be distant and disconnected from us? If we perceive this behaviour to be genuine, our responses can be destructive and risky to our relationship. Without examining the evidence, creative imagination takes over and [...]
“Our words have the power to create profound healing, or incredible suffering, yet even with the best of intentions, it is often difficult to express ourselves in ways that build harmony and trust” Rosenberg, M.(2003). Have you ever been curious as to why people spend so much time playing the [...]
The Oxford dictionary defines the word kindness as “The quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate”. The Dalai Lama speaks of kindness: “When we feel love and kindness towards others, it not only makes others feel loved and cared for, but it helps us also to develop inner happiness and [...]
To introduce positive long term change and achieve the results we are capable of, we need to profoundly review how we think about ourselves and others. Simply changing how we act alone, can be unproductive. In view of that, how do capable people improve? Habitually with practice! From musicians and [...]
As we welcome the arrival of 2018, it is customary to consider fresh resolutions for the year. People speak of doing more; more of this and more of that. We are constantly on the lookout for experiences to expand and develop our lives. All this make me wonder about the [...]
As the year 2017 draws to a close, various people will begin to reflect on their individual progress and personal growth. Looking back and evaluating experiences that worked, and those that require more of our attention, is good practice. By a process of elimination, we come to understand how to [...]
What is a harmful habit? Definition from the Free Dictionary on line states, “Of a kind, likely to be damaging”. “A recurrent, often unconscious pattern of behaviour that is acquired through frequent repetition”. Detrimental patterns of behaviour or habits can influence and define our existence. Habits guide the way we [...]
In an ideal world, we could accept people as independent individuals and become comfortable with their differing needs and struggles, including their imperfections. Uncompromising expectations may then possibly fade away, perhaps even become non-existent. People in return for this esteem, could at that point, reciprocate harmoniously with us. But is [...]
Most people will agree that there are no shortcuts on the road to success. Becoming the person we are meant to be is an enduring process. It takes time, effort and skill. It demands an ability to reflect, to stand up and be counted, and to accept complete responsibility for [...]
