How easy is it to parent calmly? If I had a penny for every time I lost the head with my children I would be filthy rich. Parenting is tough!

Social media is a prominent feature of modern-day life. Wherever we go and whoever we speak with, some aspect always manages to weave itself into our daily routines and conversations. Whether we are posting or consuming content, it is a feature of life that plays a big role, and some might say the benefits are countless.

We all have worries and fears and we often cope with these emotions by avoiding something that triggers them. But what if we faced up to something that really scares us? What might that feel like? Why should we bother? Are there even any benefits? Surely, it’s better to keep away from the things that frighten us?

I grew up looking after kids. In my extended family, there were always kids knocking about - there still is even to this day! With so many children about, it meant that once I reached 8 years old or so I was put in charge of entertaining the little ones, along with my older cousins.

Have you ever stopped to wonder how our memories are made? Life is so busy these days; we’re always rushing from one hasty activity to the next, only to fall into bed at the end of the day, tired and worn out.

I think it’s fair to say that over time we have grown apart from nature and what we sometimes forget is, we are part of it. Nature is not a place we visit or something we look at from afar: it is home. And with Spring edging closer, now is a perfect time to think about how we can connect to nature.

We set ourselves goals and resolutions for all kinds of areas in our life: ways we want to improve personally or professionally. These are great things to do. But perhaps we could also reflect on the ways in which we can have a positive impact on the world we live in. After all, the way we live has consequences for everyone around us.

Winter can be a struggle for some of us as the dark evenings and cold weather can bring our mood down. The hazy summer days seem like a lifetime ago but instead of pushing against the winter vibes why not embrace them?

Technology has helped in the invention of so many wonderful things that make life easier and more efficient. However, it’s fair to say that we are now learning that some of these ingenious inventions have left a negative mark on the environment.

I often feel that I’ve nothing to say. There was a time when this niggled at me, forcing me to wrack my brains as to why? What was wrong with me?  And how should I fix this?

Every parent wants to help their child develop some level of resilience so that when those curveballs arrive they will be able to manage a bit better.

Recently I was scrolling online about the topic of family routines. So many websites telling me that routines are of the utmost importance to family life and what routine is the best to have.

I sometimes panic when I look up from my phone and see other members of my family glued to a screen. There’s something vacant about it, as if we’re zombies in a trance. I feel the need to light a fire under us, get us excited, or motivated to do something energising!

“Home should be an anchor, a port in a storm, a refuge, a happy place in which to dwell, a place where we are loved and where we can love.” - Marvin J Ashton

Why am I influenced by other people?

In my teens, a close relative made an honest observation about my personality, I am easily influenced. It never occurred to me until then, but my likes, dislikes, moods and general behaviours were moulded into shape by the people around me.

In my mind, I divide beauty up into two types: visible and invisible. Visible beauty is the obvious one. A physically attractive person, an ornate building, a person’s movement or dance, the colours and shapes of the natural world, an exquisitely decorated room.

“Look up! Look up! What you see might surprise you.” Old Lady Jackson from Talking as Fast as I Can by Lauren Graham. Do you ever feel that you are looking at your phone or tablet so much that you don’t see what’s going on around you?

Stuck for something to read? These books might spark some interest!

A rainy day, a cup of tea, a blanket, a good book. This is an image I conjure up in my head on a regular basis. The reality is a different story.

The most common topic of conversations I have with my friends is how we don’t see enough of each other. Life is so busy for everyone, now we are a certain age.