Posts by Colleen Ward
Opportunity in change: how to make the most of disruption
In times of disruption, turmoil and chaos, it’s hard to accept that change can be as good as a holiday and that variety is the spice of life. Now more than ever with the current COVID-19 health scares and economic instability, I know many people are feeling unsure, frightened and angry at the change that…
Read MoreWhat Women Want: Equality
As a counsellor, gender equality and pay parity aren’t really areas I can claim to be an expert in as part of the discussion around International Women’s Day (IWD). But as a counsellor specialising in women’s wellness, there are a number of subjects I’m privy to having experience with that I think well and truly…
Read MoreBe your own Valentine this Valentine’s Day
When you think about it, flying through this turbulent life is no different to a plane in distress – when the masks drop, you must apply yours before attending to others. Why am I talking about plane disasters in a Valentine’s Day article? Because it’s a great analogy to recognise that sharing love with…
Read MoreThis New Year, Don’t Set Resolutions. Set Goals
How often have you set a resolution only to have abandoned it by February? Research indicates that less than one in four people will stick with their resolution after 30 days, and only 8% of those that make a resolution will commit to it 100%. While it’s inspiring to use the gap between the year…
Read MoreSilent Night, Lonely Night – not all Christmases are merry and bright
Recognising loneliness at Christmas For some, Christmas means having breakfast at home, lunch at the parents’ place, and dinner with the in-laws. It’s a busy time filled with people, presents and pavlova, and there’s not a moment to themselves. But for others, Christmas Day may look very different. Some people don’t have family to visit,…
Read MoreYou can’t always change your circumstances, but you can always change your outlook on the circumstance
The one thing we all have in times of stress, sadness, guilt, frustration and anger, is the power to change our mindset. It might seem like emotions of this nature are uncontrollable, and that negative events happen to us, but the reality is, no person and no activity can make us feel a certain way.…
Read MoreWhy we should place more importance on stress
I’m not sure when or where this concept of stress being a by-product of our busy lives started. It’s almost as though some people wear it as a badge of honour. “I’m stressed, which means life is busy; if life is busy, I must be successful. If I’m successful, I must be happy.” …
Read MoreIs it time to spring clean your relationship?
With winter now firmly behind us, everything is starting to awaken, bloom, blossom and buzz. Spring is finally here, and with it comes an opportunity to de-clutter our homes and our lives. It can also give us the chance to focus on the emotional and intimacy clutter we may have with our partner, or any…
Read MoreImproving low self-esteem for a better work and home life
How you think and feel about yourself impacts on your actions and behaviours every minute of every day. Negative self-talk can affect our relationships, our job and our day to day life. In today’s busy society where there is a constant pressure to do well, or to keep up with social media trends (fashion, home…
Read MoreYou’re not alone in feeling alone – how adult loneliness is affecting us – Part 2
Last month I introduced the topic of loneliness and how it has become more commonplace in our lives as adults. I felt this subject is too important for just one article, and so Part 2 has developed out of a greater desire to help adults not only understand loneliness, but how we can turn adult…
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