When someone dies, we often find it difficult to know what to say to the people they've left behind. Strangely, rather than overcoming this sense of embarrassment, we often avoid having a conversation at a time when, by just being there to listen, we could make such a huge difference.
I have been based from a home-office since the early 1990s, when my then employer, SmithKline Beecham, set me up as their first full-time office based team member. I like my home office, I feel comfortable in the space I find familiar and safe. Indeed, so comfortable that I, like many of my peers, have … Continue reading Get out of your home-office box
It seems like a wonderful idea; a day to celebrate the most giving, caring and nurturing person in your life. The person who gave you life and raised you, perhaps with the help of another, or perhaps alone, to become the person you are. A day to acknowledge mothers all over the UK who deserve … Continue reading Mixed emotions on Mother’s Day
We are allowed to change. We are allowed to feel differently as we age and experience new things. Is it time for your to explore your next vocation in life?
When I watch people giving expensive gifts, I have to ask whom are they really doing it for? Is it for the recipient, or, is it more for themselves; a way of announcing, “look how well things are going for me. I’m so successful I can spend loads of money on generous gifts for those I wish to impress.”
I'm setting myself a challenge for 2018 and I'd love you to join me. I'm going to find more to celebrate. I'm going to go out of my way to share things I believe will encourage other people to celebrate the positives in their lives too. And let me be clear, I'm not hiding my head in the sand or pretending that everything will get better for Planet Earth whilst I'm focussing on the positive. I am not going to be silent, I am not going to sit back and let the world continue on it's self-destructive path without speaking and peacefully protesting in any way I can. And I will do that in a positive way, celebrating my ability to express my opinions in a (relatively) free country.
I've been reminded this week of the first time we saw North Lodge in Myddfai, now our home for almost three years. It was a rainy day at the end of October 2014 and we knew we belonged here before we got through the gates. All our previous homes have "spoken" to me long before … Continue reading November Myddfai Musings
Talking about our inevitable death and our wishes after the event, is not usually included in recommended light conversation for date night. Even amongst those who work in roles where you'd expect talking about dying to be something they're trained in, and despite us all knowing that we will, at some point, die, many of … Continue reading Let’s talk about death, darling
You know your mother has always dreamed of giving you the Big White Wedding, the one her parents couldn't afford for her. You know your dad will be nervous but proud in equal measure and has been keeping his top-hat specifically for your big-day. You've got to accommodate every diet from gluten-free to vegan, via … Continue reading Planning a wedding to please everyone (and other ideas that will drive you to the edge)
This summer, I was ready. Ready to decide where my new life in Myddfai, Carmarthenshire, was going to head in the next chapter. When you've been lucky enough to live a life that has been full and varied (not just because of opportunities but also challenges) then finding the next thing you want to focus … Continue reading Why I became an Independent Celebrant