It's Life, Jim....

This month, I will look at some of history's unsung heroes, and see what we might learn from them. First, a brief story. In World War 2, a variant of the famous Avro Lancaster was developed to assist with the War over the Atlantic. The eleven crew Shackleton - named in honour of Ernest Shackleton, who received universal plaudits for his having rescued his entire team of explorers from the frozen wastelands of the Antarctica - was an effective aeroplane, but prone to crashing. The bomber may not have lived up to its famous namesake, perhaps. Or perhaps it did.... The thing is, the credit for this incredible feat of endurance and salvation really was down to one Frank Worsley, not Earnest Shackleton. Worsley, born in Akaroa, New Zealand was the captain of the Endurance.  The Endurance was the vessel Shackleton had kitted out to start the first trans-Antarctic expedition. Very inclement weather and a late start meant the vessel was committed to plough into the rapidly forming ice as w...

 Today, l et's dive into why I haven't hopped on the life coach certification bandwagon. Don't get me wrong, life coaching is an incredibly valuable field, and I've got nothing but respect for those who pursue it. But for me, there are a few solid reasons why I've chosen not to take that specific path. First and foremost, let's talk about legal protections. As someone with a background in teaching psychology, a Degree in philosophy, a Master's in Adult Education, and three decades of experience working with various age groups in schools, counselling, prisons, and observation units, I've already got a pretty solid grasp on the importance of legal protections. I know some might argue that life coach certification comes with legal safeguards, but the truth is, there are already laws in place to protect clients from negligence, misconduct privacy, confidentiality and consumer law. These laws are designed to hold professionals accountable, and I've alway...

Are you tired of those pesky destructive patterns of behaviour that keep dragging you down? Why not take Taylor Swift's advice and Shake it Off'? Do self-sabotage, negative self-talk, and feelings of unworthiness constantly plague your mind? Well, it's time to take control and embark on a paradigm shift! In just 66 days, you can alter your expectations and break free from the chains that bind you. As Shakespeare once said, "It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves." Let's dive in! The first step is to acknowledge the need for change. Aristotle once stated, "Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom." Take a good, hard look at your current patterns and identify the destructive behaviours that hold you back. Recognize that these patterns do not define you; they are merely habits waiting to be broken. Next, it's essential to become aware of your self-talk. Remember, you are what you believe. Nietzsche proclaimed, "We ha...