Perhaps one of the biggest issues in our lives is trust -- both of ourselves and others. If your trust has been betrayed, I think it is possible to learn to trust again -- and that this is best done slowly and gradually.

Tags: boundaries, relationships, social skills

I'm wondering about the idea of making a good impression -- whether this is manipulative and so to be avoided, or whether it is wise and kind to be aware of how others may view us. I certainly don't have an easy answer.

Tags: ethics, politics, relationships, social skills

Any personal growth I have achieved is because very talented people were very patient with me.

Tags: communication, school and studies, work-life

I'm thinking about what we wish for each other at Christmas -- peace and joy -- and how rare the opportunity is to offer each other such wishes.

Tags: communication, relationships

Although I have found goals and planning useful, I have lived on a darting and winding path. I certainly couldn't have predicted what my path through life would be.

Tags: meaning, work-life

I think our usual ideas of health need to be expanded to include how well we cope with illness. If we can embrace the idea that there are more or less healthy ways of coping with illness, this might help us relate to those who are going through the pain.

Tags: empathy, health, relationships

There is a difference between our needs and the way we meet our needs. Except sometimes we don't feel that there is -- perhaps because we don't know of another way for our needs to be met. But if we can learn another way then we can expand our repertoire of behaviour and live more flexible and fulfilled lives.

Tags: mindful awareness, relationships, self-esteem

Perfectionism -- how it can blight our life, and the 'benefits' it offers us. I think it gets in the way of our recognising that mostly we do pretty well.

Tags: motivation, relationships, self-esteem

Making major changes can be a time when we experience intense emotion. It is a thoroughly emotional business, from the desire we feel for change to what we feel when making the change.

Tags: emotions, empathy, motivation, relationships

We can get quite tied up trying to find the particular trick or approach -- that magic piede of knowledge -- that will change us or an unpleasant situation we are in. I suggest that what transforms us is the meeting of our own needs and desires with a relevant piece of knowledge -- that it is not (only) about the knowledge but (also) about ourselves.

Tags: meaning, motivation, school and studies