Poetry. Perhaps you’ve thought about writing it but were too shy to try. Or you tried but were put off by the idea of rules or rhyming. If so, you’re not alone. The prospect of composing a poem can strike fear into the heart of anyone who thought they’d left the subject behind at the …
We all know exercise has many benefits – it can build strength, prevent health problems and boost your energy levels, to name just a few – but it also requires a healthy dose of motivation. One way of increasing your enthusiasm and commitment to working out is to buddy up with someone and use them …
Whether you’re married, cohabiting with a sibling, flatmate or romantic partner, or have a genuinely close friend, you might be dependent on someone else to a greater or lesser extent – and they might be dependent on you. Perhaps, day-to-day, you’re always available to them – and vice versa – in a way you’re not …
The phrase ‘networking event’ is enough to put the frighteners on many people. It conjures up images of polyester suits, fake smiles and hovering by the pastries table, feeling both horribly self-conscious and totally invisible. Let’s face it, talking to strangers at the best of times can be hard. Networking, as a definition, means not …
Do you recognise the frustration of grinding to a halt in the middle of a project, when inspiration dries up and you just feel stuck? It might be a creative endeavour, like a painting or piece of writing, or an essay or presentation at work. You’re staring at a blank screen and nothing’s flowing. One …
Work, household chores, family, friends, exercise, meditation – life’s myriad demands, even the pleasant ones, often make the prospect of fitting in space to learn something new feel daunting. And even for those who do manage to find time, being able to focus for long enough for it to be rewarding can be tough. If …
You sigh as you get into bed and set your alarm for work the next morning. What you wouldn’t give for one more week off. Whether you’ve been away or just enjoyed time at home catching up with friends and family, annual leave is a precious chance to recharge your batteries, and gearing yourself up …
Maya Angelou, the great American poet and author, famously wrote: ‘Nothing can dim the light that shines within.’ However, when the sky is grey and the night draws in at about 4pm, it’s easy to start feeling lethargic and perhaps a little low in mood, too, especially if you’re nursing yet another winter sniffle. The …
The spotlight picks out a podium on the stage. A hush descends over the audience. There’s the rattle of an envelope opening, a clearing of the throat. ‘And the winner is…’ A long pause. And then a name is spoken. Yours. If you’ve ever been in this position, it might have felt unreal. Or perhaps …
‘Have you no wit, manners, nor honesty, but to gabble like tinkers at this time of night?’ exclaims the stern Malvolio to some high-spirited merrymakers in Act II of Shakespeare’s comedy Twelfth Night. Known for his dislike of loud, drunken fun, Malvolio might be at the extreme end of party-pooper territory, but his preference for …
