Shift happens all the time — and when it does, boy it can knock us off balance can't it? My mother used to tell me that the only constant thing is change — she didn't tell me that it was probably one of the most impossible things for which to plan. She also didn't tell me that it could arrive at any moment and that whether or not you're ready, it sure is going to have an impact on your life! It would seem that some of us have experienced more ”˜shift' than others. Some prolonged ”˜shifty' periods, and some shorter moments where the time may be less but the shift can be much more potent. Yes, there are indeed varying degrees and innumerable differences in our experiences — but …
This Little Light Of Mine
Today's article was inspired by a post by Respite From Sociopathic Behaviour. Stating a fact I believe to be absolutely true, the post says: “After narcissistic abuse there is light, life and love. Do not live in fear of the past — it didn't last. YOU did!” It made me smile — because these days I absolutely know this to be true. Believe me, there have been countless times when I could never even have imagined I would be able to experience any of those things again. The dark times have been overwhelming — not only after I escaped and realised the truth about my relationship, but also, as I now recognize, during the times I thought I was happy living with my ex. In those days, though …
If You Think You’re Too Small To Make A Difference…
Thank you for your comments about thinking like a Jedi — I'm so pleased that the post struck a chord with many of you! Today I have another idea to share with you, this time inspired by The Body Shop's Anita Roddick. I always admired her get-up-and-go attitude, as well as her no-nonsense approach to life. For me, she lived and breathed the belief that nothing is impossible, and she was passionate about getting that message across to people. For a time, she would have quotes and messages adorning the sides of her delivery lorries — one of which has stayed with me ever since I first saw it: “If you think you're too small to make a difference, you've never been in bed with a mosqu …
If You Think You’re Too Small To Make A Difference…Read More
Thinking Like A Jedi!
My last post seems to have prompted lots of comments — and I'm glad, thank you. Corporate sociopathy is a major subject and one that I intend to continue exploring in my professional career. I shall let you know how I progress! In the meantime, this week I am encouraged to write about something else. Well, on the surface it may appear to be a different subject”¦ then again, it's to do with choice and action. It's also to do with responsibility — making a stand, whatever that may mean. I've titled this post “Thinking Like A Jedi” because I'd like to share with you something I call The Starwars Theory. Most people I talk to about this have at some point come across the film — even if they …
The Corporate Sociopath
Today I've decided to tackle a different subject. Why? Because once again, just this week, I've been horrified by the sociopathic behaviour of a corporation towards one of my dearest friends. This friend of mine, I'll call him Jack, is a hugely talented, dedicated professional who has worked all his life in the people industry. He is a Managing Director, and has the most incredible people-skills. Teams who work with him — even those who may have been somewhat disparate before his arrival — will galvanize together and with him to deliver outstanding results. He is, in my opinion, a superstar who genuinely cares for people and who gives his all to his employers. He's always been that way. Oh — …
Healthy Friendships, Healthy Boundaries
This is today's status for one of my friends on Facebook: “Let go of those who bring you down and surround yourself with those who bring out the best in you, and want the best for you” It's particularly apt for me at the moment, as the subject of what constitutes a healthy relationship has once again become something that is close to my heart. Last week, once again, I found myself re-evaluating the value of my friendships following a series of eye-opening realizations. Not just with one person, with a handful of people covering contrasting situations and differing levels of severity. Funny, don't you think, how sometimes the universe seems to conspire to make absolutely sure we get the poi …
Dancing In The Rain
Thanks, again, for all your comments — I'm glad you seemed to like the more light-hearted approach on my last post! This week there have been so many things I could choose to write about that I simply don't know where to start. I can assure me, it's unlike me to be lost for words, but that's how it feels at the moment. You see, the past couple of weeks have been magical in so many ways. I have re-connected with old friends. Extraordinary business opportunities are opening up everywhere I turn. Publishing contract now agreed, the words are flowing for my first book (I am so excited!) And as if all that wasn't enough, one of my dear friends swam across The Channel from England to France t …
Cigarettes And Sociopaths – Stop The Insanity
This week I am inspired to write following another intensely personal experience that happened to me the weekend before last. I was in London, attending Allen Carr's workshop “Easyway To Stop Smoking”. Yes, I am ashamed to admit that for most of my adult life I have been an on-off smoker. I have had countless long periods of non-smoking (six months, eighteen months”¦ two years was the longest) and I have never classed myself as a ”˜proper' smoker as I rarely exceeded ten a day. But I had been fooling myself. Because the fact is, as I learned last week, that I was an addict and I had been hooked right from the very start. During the course of the workshop, I came to the conclusion that add …
Standing Up To The Bully
This week's post was inspired by a heartfelt email I received from a Lovefraud reader who has just successfully achieved the final step in her resolute struggle to break free: “Two years of tears and agony, stress and anxiety. Nevermore!” As we all know, it takes a huge amount of guts and gritty determination first of all to escape and then to heal — and as I sat reading her words I whooped for joy and punched the air. YES!!! Because it means that one more person is free. One more person has shattered the chains that used to bind. One more person has broken out of the shackles of manipulation and madness — and I am pleased. In fact I am delighted. Every time I hear stories — or recei …
Lessons From The Men I’ve Loved
Thank you very much for all the comments and emails I have received since my last post. I am so glad that I'm able to make a difference, and I'm deeply honoured to be part of this amazing site. This week's writing has been prompted by something in my personal life — I hope you like it. Happy Birthday It's just turned midnight on my son's sixteenth birthday as I sit down to write this week's article. I am so very proud of him, and am constantly amazed at the depth of wisdom, strength and kindness in such a young man. When I look back at the day just two and a half years earlier when I had to sit him down and tell him the truth about the man who had been his step father since just before …