I know its only been a while since I talked about the discourtesy shown to Michael McIntyre at the Comedy Awards last year and here I am again pondering why it has become so acceptable for comedians, in particular, to get a laugh at any expense without a thought for how the joke lands. It was … [Read more...]
So, Noddy Holder walks into this bar……
A friend rang me "Eileen - is it true that you were in a bar once at Christmas with Noddy Holder and the Slade Christmas song started playing?". "Nooooo" I assured her, "I was not in bar with Noddy Holder, I was in a bar that Noddy Holder was in". She rushed me on "Yeh, yep - same thing. I was … [Read more...]
The oldest therapeutic intervention known to man….
This morning I received the usual notifications of new books, resources and online help for goal setting. I read the details and they were indeed impressive: two "how to....", several "put yourself in a go-get mindset" and of course "what is it you really want?" I filed them in my "Motivational … [Read more...]
When we prepare for Change – we have to rehearse for setbacks…
When I run training courses on Achieving Change, I introduce the importance of the Rehearsal for Change - I can see that delegates are comfortable about this, and comfortable too when I talk about the importance of identifying what needs to change; what difference it will make emotionally, … [Read more...]
Do you think you know your child best?
I was dismayed this week to read a pyschologist assessment that was full of assumptions, labels and in some parts, clearly absent of simple child behaviour knowledge. The Foster Carers of the four year old child, showed me the report as if they were showing me the gospel: "this is what the experts … [Read more...]
Parenting – the Irish way
Having a conversation with colleagues about parenting and cultural differences in parenting - I found myself referring back to my experiences in Ireland, both recently and in my own upbringing there. As one of a dozen children brought up in a small cottage in rural Southern Ireland, before joining … [Read more...]
Solution Focused Therapy:The Silent Session
I heard a quote this morning from a 19th century French statesman: "When we ask for advice, we are usually looking for an accomplice". It resonated with me. Whether consciously or sub-consciously, I think we are happiest when we are met with agreement. We don't have to think too hard then and we … [Read more...]
Francis Blake of London N17 – just got to quote you!
I was really taken with this letter in The Guardian (5/10/11) Notes & Queries page because it made me still with wonder. I have no idea whether I am allowed to just copy and paste a reader's letter but in good faith I have to! Bravo The Guardian - not only has it the smartest writers but … [Read more...]
Around Ireland with an Appetite
I have recently returned from a "Round Ireland with an Appetite" trip and was so proud that everywhere I went (yes everywhere) the customer service was excellent. From the smallest tea-shop to celebrated restaurants and all stops in between - the "one-step-extra" service just lightened my … [Read more...]
Why we need the Nanny State
As I watched the news yesterday about the cage fighting club in Preston, Lancashire - I heard a father of an eight year old, in defence of allowing his son to take part in this awful spectacle "What else would he be doing - out on the street causing havoc?". Let's just clarify this for a moment: … [Read more...]
