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A few years ago, while having dinner with a friend we got talking about which of the world problems we would solve if we had the power!

At first, we found ourselves thinking about major issues such as world hunger, lack of clean water and poverty. And then we both realised that, actually, if we could eradicate conflict and create more peace and harmony in the world then people and nations could genuinely collaborate, share resources and bring an end to all of these problems.

Now I know people have been talking about creating world peace for decades but to be honest, I’d probably been guilty of thinking this was a bit of a pipe dream and something of a cliche. And certainly, on a macro level, it might still seem like a pretty insurmountable task. Yet in that moment I really gained a fuller realisation of just how vital this is.
Today, more than ever, we are living as a global community. We are all  (more…)

Welcome to the year of the Rabbit! 

This week marks the beginning of the Chinese New Year and the year of the Rabbit.  And if you choose to believe in this ancient astrology then it promises to bring us some much-needed peace and tranquility after the turbulent tiger of 2010.

According to tradition, while the Tiger makes waves, the Rabbit brings peace. This is the year when diplomacy reigns and when the way to succeed is through negotiation and cooperation rather than forcing ideas upon others. It’s also a time to kiss and make up, forgive and forget and (more…)

Well, it’s that time of year again, when everyone seems to be talking of new year’s resolutions, setting goals for 2011 and all the changes they want to make. And why not, it’s as good a time as any? Although I do believe that we shouldn’t feel compelled or obliged just because of the date on the calendar. Nor should we focus so much on the future that we forget about the here and now ;-)

One thing I notice though, which might partly explain why so many new year’s resolutions fall by the wayside, is that so many of us seem to declare our intentions without (more…)

Recently I’ve begun practicing the Japanese martial art of Aikido ;-) And whilst I’m definitely very much a novice, it’s still quite amazing to experience the strength and power that can arise without physical effort or brut force.

Aikido means ‘The way of harmony of spirit’ and uses natural movements like yielding and flow to divert an attackers energy rather then block it or fight it. And it really does demonstrate that the harder we try, the less effective we often become. During the class there are frequently times when I forget this. I start tensing my muscles, revert to old habits and exert physical effort to push back against my opponent, only to discover how swiftly they are able to overpower me ;-)

And this is so true in life and in business too. (more…)

There’s so much talk these days of uncertainty, and of these uncertain times we’re living in, it seems as if this is something to fear. Yet if we just pause for a moment…..how many of us, honestly, would want to be absolutely certain about the future, know exactly what’s going to happen for the rest of our lives and have it all mapped out with no surprises to look forward to? I know for a fact I’d find it somewhat dull and predictable. It would be like Groundhog Day all over again ;-)

And I’d be willing to bet that most of us never expected to be exactly where we are in life right now, doing what we’re doing, knowing who we know, having learned the lessons we’ve learned and enjoying the gifts we’ve received. When I was working in financial services all those years ago I never imagined I’d be running my own business, writing on a blog (what was a blog?) or sky diving out of a plane! (more…)

When I woke up this morning I got quite a surprise! As i slid my feet into my snug, warm slippers I felt something strange under my right foot. And when I removed my foot and shook the slipper… out fell a HUGE spider :-o
You can imagine my surprise! I’d like to say that I took it all in my stride and calmly removed it but No, I have to confess that I screamed and leapt right out of the way. Yet the thing is, I’m not actually afraid of spiders. It was more the shock of finding it there, so unexpectedly, that prompted my somewhat irrational reaction.

Last week, on the other hand, I was more pleasantly surprised when (more…)