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The Christmas Cake Story
I have always loved Christmas, so decided to write about Christmas traditions in our household. But I used to get so stressed about it until one year I was too ill to bother–and you know what? We had a lovely Christmas without all the fuss! So we do the stuff we enjoy and that brightens…
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Personality Clash: Sandpaper People
Have you ever had a personality clash with someone? When just the sight of them starts you prickling? What can you do if it is someone you have to interact with? This might be at work, or socially because they are relatives or friends. A personality clash can really disrupt your life and impact on…
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How to manage difficult people
I’m often asked how to manage difficult people, especially at this time of year, when we feel obliged to interact with people we normally avoid. If only life was like the story of the Grinch who stole Christmas. via GIPHY With a bit of magic and a different viewpoint, horrible people could be transformed into lovely…
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How to get back up when you’ve been knocked down
However well we plan, life has a habit of throwing unexpected curve balls. We can’t stop getting knocked down, but we can get back up. We can’t make a brand new start, but we can start now and make a brand new ending. What we do that doesn’t help What do we do when we’re…
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How to Manage Anger Well
How should we manage anger well? Should we let it rip? Or shut it down, show self-control? Speak up or stay silent? Both have advantages and disadvantages. Read here about how to decide whether to speak up or stay silent. If we are prone to angry outbursts, we listen to the reasons why we should…
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Guest Post: Fighting with Your Partner? Better Sleep Can Help
In my blog about boosting resilience, I mentioned sleep as a key factor. Here is a guest post from sleep expert Sarah Johnson of Tuck about how sleep helps reduce conflict. Relationships are full of ups and downs. Arguments are a normal and healthy part of life. However, if fighting has become the most common form…
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Why can’t they see the truth?
When we argue, our truth seems so obvious. We ask ourselves “Why can’t they see the truth?” Or we accuse them of lying. This makes us even more determined to prove that we are right. We appeal to friends, colleagues, strangers to agree with us and help us prove the other person wrong. Research and…
Read MoreHow random acts of kindness light up everyone’s life
Random acts of kindness may seem an eccentric and inefficient way of making the world a better place. Yet research shows that as well as cheering up the recipients, the givers benefit even more. The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer someone else up. – Mark Twain What are “random…
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Neighbour Problems: How to avoid them
A5 Get Your Story StraightNeighbour problems steal your sanity. They turn mild-mannered people into raging tigers. Too often, minor issues become major ones and the problem escalates. So how can we avoid getting caught up in disputes with our neighbours? What are the most common issues that cause neighbour problems? What can we do if problems…
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Won’t Pay or Can’t Pay?
People who won’t pay cause small business owners more hassle than any other issue. Years ago, my husband and I owned a quick print business. I hadn’t realised how much chasing payment impacted my life until I overheard my daughter (6) and a friend playing shops: “Now we’ll just close the shop and then I will…
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