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Kindness is Cool.

Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelms the world. Desmond Tutu.

In these uncertain times, acts of kindness, gentle words, praise, encouragement, warm smiles, considerate behaviours, helpfulness and thoughtfulness are more important than ever.

Co-operating with lockdown rules is an act of united kindness. We’re all in this together, doing our bit, for the greater good.

Kindness not only magically lifts the spirits of those giving and receiving, but even onlookers to kindness have increased levels of the happiness hormone in their brain.

We can be of service to humanity in many different sized ways. It doesn’t have to Continue reading →

Tags: caring for yourself in lockdown, corona virus emotional wellbeing, Covid-19, covid19, Kindness, Kindness is cool, Relationships

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Categories Compassion, Covid-19, Gratitude, Health, Kindness, Relationship advice, Save the World, Self-love

5 Things People Do Wrong In Relationships.

16 Aug

Illustrated by Clementine Sourdais.

1. We focus on what’s wrong rather than acknowledging and growing what’s right.

Ruminating on annoyances never makes them magically disappear. Instead we need to consciously manage our own reactions, responses and behaviours by curiously wondering what gets triggered within us when we feel wronged or annoyed. Or we could choose to just step away and skip merrily on our way, sidestepping obstacles. The more we involve ourselves in tasks that propel us forward and make us feel good, the better. See if you can stop, breathe, count to five and remind yourself of the value your loved ones add to your life.

2. We criticise rather than praise behaviours or affirm competence.

Think about how it feels when you have your less than fabulous traits pointed out to you in a way that doesn’t invite healthy discussion, kindness or creative solutions. People are so much more ready to give negative feedback than positive, and are likely to tell all who will listen about bad service rather than yell thanks from the rooftops about great service. Let’s all aim to spread more kindness around. Acknowledge. Affirm. Praise. Give Continue reading →

Tags: Anger management, Communication, Conflict resolution, Leanne French Counsellor, Mangawhai Counsellor, Northland relationship counsellor, NZ Relationship Expert, Relationships, Self-care, telehealth counsellor

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Categories Communication, Conflict resolution, Relationship advice, Self-care, Toxic Friendships

Set In Stone?

1 Feb

“What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.” Pericles

Would you like to be remembered as someone who approached life in a calm and curious way, who lovingly affirmed and praised those close to you, or is it more likely that you are heading in the direction of leaving an imprint as someone who is frustrated, critical and irritated?

If you recognize that even a small part of you is heading towards the latter, here are several things you could do to invite more neutrality and less Continue reading →

Tags: Communication, Finding balance, Love, Relationships