Sometimes the person you thought you would spend the rest of your life with, ends up being just a chapter in the story of your life.

Sometimes the safety you felt growing up vanishes into thin air as toxic relationships pile up.

Sometimes life throws curveballs like an unexpected loss into the mix. Loss of work, loss of income, loss of family members, and more.

Sometimes just getting out of bed feels like an achievement. Low in energy but still wanting to move.

Sometimes it’s worth the effort, to keep showing up regardless. …

Anyone that knows me knows that I absolutely love quotes. I love reading them, writing them, learning from them and appreciate the pearls of wisdom contained in them. So imagine my initial confusion then slight resistance followed by a full blown light bulb moment when I read the following quote.

“You cannot suffer the past or future because they do not exist.

What you are suffering is your memory and your imagination.” (Sadhguru)

Initially upon reading this I found myself hesitant to just accept the depth of it at face value. How can the past not exist we have lived…

Never did I ever imagine life to turn out as it has…

Never did I ever imagine that I would grow up and live the life I am living

Through such abuse, such trauma and distress as a child,

Having others control and bully me, feeling helpless and hopeless

Using school as an escape route to fit in socially whilst inside breaking emotionally,

Never did I imagine that I would have the ability to wear so many masks

One for home, one for school, one for mates and one just for me… one nobody else could see.

I always imagined…

Winter is nearly gone now

Cold dark nights are slowly fading

As market places and shops open early for trading

It seems hope is in the air, for those who dare

To envisage an exit from this pandemic

As vaccinations are offered people feel a bit safer

But we must remain ever vigilant and not waver

Masks and sanitizers are still a thing, just like social distancing

Life goes on as things develop, we face more change

Now nothing feels too odd or strange

As our lives slowly begin to overcome this exchange

Working from home then returning to offices…

I know far too many families that have split up, lost contact, cut contact and become estranged over this topic. Inheritance is often about who gets what after a loved one has passed away. Sometimes there is no ‘Will and Testament’ document in place, so family members are left to fight it out. Other times there is a Will, but it is written in such a way that leaves unequal shares for heirs and this can cause much conflict, acrimony and pain for all involved. Contesting a will is not easy and causes all manner of upset for all involved.

…

Like birdsong, quiet nights in and good company

How often are we still… long enough to appreciate life’s little gifts like birdsong in the mornings, or the smell of coffee in the air? If there is one thing this pandemic and lock-down has taught me it is to be grateful for the blessings that I do have. I have been forced to slow right down. As I have slowed down I have noticed the subtle nuances around me. The simplest but most beautiful things that exist that I for one have long taken for granted and not really focused on…

Families are complex things and we often tar many with the same brush particularly where in laws are concerned, but each individual has their own strengths and can make for good companionship if given half a chance. Of course not withstanding those who are obviously harmful towards you, those members should be kept at a safe distance both emotionally and physically where possible.

However I do believe that yes is the answer to my above question, despite what we hear and read about in magazines and on TV. In laws can become very good friends, but they often get a…

A long long time ago I remember pulling hair, she pulled mine too

It was my neighbor's daughter, but at that time I didn’t have a clue

We were both about a year old and each wanted the other’s attention

Looking back now 40 years on its like we were living in another dimension

Marbles and lollipops, Barbie dolls, and Care Bears were things that kept us entertained

As if somehow toys and games of the olden days were preordained

Playing outdoors in the park and getting mucky was fun, our favorites were tig and tag, hide and seek, and…