I was reminded this week of an old joke that a colleague of mine used to tell. A man goes into a branch of WH Smith and asks the young lady behind the counter, ‘Do you keep stationery?’ To which she replies, ‘Yes, until the very last minute when I go absolutely wild.’ It wasn't the shop … [Read more...] about Where would we be without disappointment?
Gratitude
How To Make Yourself Anxious (and then stop doing it)
I'm having a video call with my daughter and trying to get the dogs into the car following our walk. Precariously holding the phone between my chin and shoulder I'm trying to make sure I have both the leads and my rucksack. My daughter is walking to the supermarket to buy milk. She's been … [Read more...] about How To Make Yourself Anxious (and then stop doing it)
Exit Music
Some other therapists and I are in the middle of a 'check-in' and reflecting on our feelings before the meeting begins. There is a short silence, so I decide to take my turn. 'I've had a good week but I'm feeling tired this morning because I was lying awake for too long last night trying to … [Read more...] about Exit Music
How To Make Changes That Stick (if you really want to)
Watching “Gardeners World” on the TV there’s an interview with a “snowdrop expert”, which makes me immediately question all of my life choices. Finding motivation and sustenance in something so niche is incredibly inspiring and a reminder, if one were needed, that there is almost infinite … [Read more...] about How To Make Changes That Stick (if you really want to)
Christmas Lights and the Paradox of Choice
Henry Ford telling his employees that a customer can have any colour of Model T Ford "as long as it's black" is a well-known anecdote even though it's unlikely he ever said it. Regardless of whether or not he did, the sentiment is one we ignore at our cost. We’ve been lulled into the belief that … [Read more...] about Christmas Lights and the Paradox of Choice