I do like this time of year in the UK. Longer days, warmer temperatures, new life emerging. I recently had three reminders that sparked joy that I’d like to share. The first was a recent trip to an Art gallery. The energy ‘of and within’ the gallery was lovely. It was helpful that it was quiet, as I also went a few days later to a different / popular museum that was heaving with people and though still a good experience, the art gallery felt profoundly different. Such c

I read a short article by Arti Shah. For those unfamiliar with her I can share that she is an actress and currently on stage in the West End of London performing the role of Paddington (she is in the bear costume). There was a line she wrote that said, ‘if you don’t love yourself, how can you expect others too’. For context, this was in relation to her not being very tall and many years ago contemplating surgery to extend the length of her legs. She didn’t go ahead as she r

“Beautiful” was the word that I exclaimed the other day when I went for a walk early one morning. The sun was just coming up and the colours were fantastic and even though I was just by myself, I said out loud ‘Beautiful’. The other thing I noticed was a smile on my face and though I was not in a bad mood, it lifted me higher still. I enjoyed the walk and later that day and the following day I remember some stressors and I managed to neutralise them when I went back to

Over the past few days I have read, watched and listened to things that have provoked various and varied emotional responses. I say, ‘the last few days’ and whilst this is accurate, I can also look back over the last weeks, months or years and say the same thing. However, as the last few days are freshest in my mind what I reflect on are these recent memories. Yesterday as an example – I watched the end of an extremely important and yet deeply harrowing documentary / fil

Most people know by now that I do enjoy my walks. Usually early in the morning (to see the sun rise) or evening (to watch it set). Typically this time offers space for me to think, look around and be curious with thoughts that pop into my head. Last week on an early dawn wander I experienced what I have called, ‘ Natures art gallery’ and I will explain. The first thing was something I felt, actually two things. The first was the temperature had dipped so was a bit more b