Building a Strong Sense of Community in a Rural Setting
A year ago, I wrote about increasing connection in our small rural city. Since then I have noticed people being friendlier and more willing to say hello on the beautiful walking and cycling tracks our council has provided for us and in general around the urban area. I lay no claim to being responsible for […]
The Power of Relationships in Every Part of Life
Q How important are relationships for wellbeing in our personal and work life? Thanks for your question T. Relationships are at the heart of everything we do. Whether we are navigating family life, leading a team or building a business, the strength and quality of our relationships can either support our success or quietly work […]
The Power of Reading Aloud to Children
Reading aloud to children is one of the most powerful and lasting gifts an adult can give, it goes far beyond literacy and vocabulary. When we read to children, we are building trust, connection, and a love of learning. At its heart, reading aloud strengthens the relationship between adult and child, and it helps children […]
Q My partner is not interested in intimacy anymore. What can I do? I am frustrated and unhappy. B
Thanks for the question B. When a partner is no longer interested in being physically intimate, it can feel like rejection. You may feel frustrated, lonely, or even question your worth. These feelings are valid and reflect unmet needs in the relationship. The good news is that you are not powerless. You can take steps […]
Our Memories Are Unreliable, Limited and Suggestible
Our Memories Are Unreliable, Limited and Suggestible Most people think of memory as being like a camera or computer that stores everything exactly as it happened. We trust our memories and believe they are accurate, but research shows that memory is not as reliable as we think. In fact, human memory is unreliable, limited and […]
How do I get get along with a difficult neighbour?
How do I get get along with a difficult neighbour? Thanks for the question K. Living near someone who is hard to get along with can be frustrating and emotionally draining. It might be tempting to avoid them altogether, or to respond with anger or blame. However, if your goal is to improve the situation […]
Focus on the Present and the Future, not the Past
When something goes wrong in life, whether it’s a relationship, a health issue, or just a general feeling that things aren’t right, it’s tempting to look backward. We replay old conversations, blame our childhood, or dredge up past hurts. But here’s the truth: no matter how far or deep we dig into the past; we […]
Q Is moving away to get a fresh start a good idea?
Thanks for your Question S, the idea that a new city or country might be the solution and that new faces, unfamiliar streets, fresh coffee shops and different conversations could work is tantalising. We think to ourselves “If I can just get away, maybe everything will feel different. Maybe I’ll feel different and everything will […]
Are Punishment and Rewards for children effective?
This topic often raises intense emotions and discussion when raised. In homes and classrooms across the world, methods of discipline mainly fall into two categories: punishment and reward. Whether it’s a gold star for good behaviour or a punishment for misbehaviour, many parents and teachers rely on these strategies to encourage children to do what’s […]
Understanding Impostor Syndrome
Impostor syndrome is the persistent feeling of self-doubt and inadequacy despite evident success. Individuals experiencing this often believe they are deceiving others about their capabilities and live with the fear of being exposed as a fraud. This internal struggle can be better understood through a framework that focuses on basic human needs and how behaviour […]