Arguably one of the greatest inventions of all time is the wheel. Wheels help us get from here to there with more ease. They offer a smoother ride. So, how can we use a wheel for self-care? Introducing the Wellness Wheel This version builds on the original 'six dimensions of wellness', developed in the late 1970s by Dr Bill Hettler, co-founder of the National Wellness Institute. It is an holistic approach to understanding and promoting well-being. His framework aimed to encourage individuals...
13 days ago • 1 min read
Tragedy or comedy? First the tragedy. Here comes a sad story... At the time of writing this newsletter, both my parents have just passed away. First my mother five weeks ago, and then, just this week, my father also left his body. My parents had been divorced for 45 years, so their passing was somewhat of a tragic coincidence. As you can imagine, it's an overwhelming experience. Two funerals to attend and all that comes with them. I've been deep in reflection. Part of that reflection is about...
20 days ago • 1 min read
How to be hard at rest. Sounds odd doesn't it? My relationship with rest is unhealthy. I find it hard to rest well. Usually there are feelings of guilt, of wasting time, or missing opportunity, or letting someone down, of being unproductive. I try to turn up in all aspects of my life in high definition. But without downtime, without a deliberate practice around self-care, the cycle is one of diminishing returns. So here's what I'm at work on: I am changing my relationship with time. I realise...
27 days ago • 1 min read
She sells self-care by the sea shore We wish that were true. It's more like... She sells her time 24/7/365 because that's what makes her valuable. She has no time for self-care. That's for other people. She's too busy to even think about it. Western culture often ties productivity to personal worth, promoting the idea that relentless hard work is the only way to succeed. This 'grind culture' pushes people to ignore their need for rest, making them feel guilty when they take breaks. It...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
A quote from the depths of Nick Cave... “Unlike cynicism, hopefulness is hard-earned, makes demands upon us, and can often feel like the most indefensible and lonely place on Earth. Hopefulness is not a neutral position either. It is adversarial. It is the warrior emotion that can lay waste to cynicism. Each redemptive or loving act, as small as you like... keeps the devil down in the hole. It says the world and its inhabitants have value and are worth defending. It says the world is worth...
about 1 month ago • 1 min read
What's that sound? Lub dubLub dubLub dubIt's the sound of that muscle in the centre of your chest that keeps your lights on and your brain active for an entire lifetime. Your old ticker. Your heart. It's arguably the most important part of you, and yet, when it comes to communication, it's often treated as a nuisance, getting in the way of rational thought. Why? Generally, humans struggle with emotional content. Emotions, like nature itself, don't contain straight lines. They don't fit in...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
Curiosity killed the cat. Did it though? When we work with people within our organisations, sometimes we forget they are also humans, with squishy insides and their own insecurities, fears and concerns. We see their role, not the person. It's easy to get defensive if you feel their point of view is questioning your own... but we have an antidote for you... STAY CURIOUS! This is the third principle of how to have better difficult conversations—Exploration over Defensiveness. Every conversation...
about 2 months ago • 1 min read
The Police said it best... Sending out an S.O.SSending out an S.O.SSending out an S.O.S Obviously they were talking about; SolidarityOverSelf-righteousness This is the second principle of how to have better difficult conversations. In difficult conversations, what would it mean to focus on solidarity rather than proving you’re right? Co-operation comes from recognising what unites you, not what divides you. Before the conversation, reflect on shared goals to ensure you approach it from a...
2 months ago • 1 min read
This is the first principle of having - better - difficult conversations. Humans make assumptions; it's a short cut to meaning making. And, they will inevitably pop up in difficult conversations, but... You can choose to make them work for you rather than against you. Start by assuming there’s information you don’t have yet or perspectives you haven’t considered. This shift keeps conversations open and productive, rather than defensive or confrontational. ✅ For instance, if a team member...
2 months ago • 1 min read