The myth of closure
After a traumatic event, particularly the death of a loved one or breakup of a relationship, people often search for meaning and "closure", writes life coach Jan Aitken.
Life Coach
Making the most of life's opportunities
Making the most of life's opportunities
Nothing is permanent. That goes hand-in-hand with "change is the only constant", writes Jan Aitken.
Surviving the tough times
Surviving the tough times
It's so important to have a good, solid emotional first aid kit to turn to in tough times, writes Jan Aitken.
When you're down, embrace the RAIN
When you're down, embrace the RAIN
When we find our expectations have been dashed and we're left feeling disappointed, sad and angry, what do we do about it?
Managing expectations
Managing expectations
"I didn't sign up for this!", "This isn't what I was expecting!". How many of us have uttered either of those comments, asks life coach Jan Aitken.
Putting apps in their place
Putting apps in their place
We're meant to be the ones running the apps, not the other way around, writes life coach Jan Aitken.
Carrying a lighter load
Carrying a lighter load
While we are decluttering our living spaces, perhaps we should clear out some more personal ones too, writes life coach Jan Aitken.
Understanding who we are
Understanding who we are
Defining our identity is a lifelong challenge.
Remembering to look after yourself
Remembering to look after yourself
I suspect we are all fairly comfortable dealing with the physical wounds, the bumps and bruises, that life deals out. We know what to do with physical wounds, we know when to reach for the...
Dealing with life's curve balls
Dealing with life's curve balls
Two weekends ago, I attended the first conference in New Zealand on "Compassion in Healthcare", writes life coach Jan Aitken.
Is the pen mightier than the keyboard?
Is the pen mightier than the keyboard?
Does it really matter how we write, or take notes, asks Jan Aitken.
Re-framing your internal voice
Re-framing your internal voice
I often tell people to be careful with their "self-talk" and I've received some puzzled looks in response, writes life coach Jan Aitken.
Seeing out New Year's resolutions
Seeing out New Year's resolutions
Welcome to February. It's hard to believe the first month of the year has already flown by, exclaims life coach Jan Aitken.
Meeting and setting goals
Meeting and setting goals
The final column of the year is always a bit tricky, writes life coach Jan Aitken.
Making time for yourself
Making time for yourself
There can be a certain craziness present in December, writes life coach Jan Aitken.
Leaving their comfort zone
Leaving their comfort zone
A certain amount of care is a good idea for when we leave a comfort zone, says Jan Aitken.
A Christmas state of mind
A Christmas state of mind
Get yourself in a state this Christmas, writes life coach Jan Aitken - just make sure it's the right one for the occasion.
Knowing when to walk away
Knowing when to walk away
Were often told the best approach to life is to "never give up". We can have anything we want and be anything we choose. While I wholeheartedly support encouraging people to do what fulfills them,...
It's OK to not be OK
It's OK to not be OK
Last week was Mental Health Awareness Week. It's a hot topic and often the news - and there's a reason for that, writes Jan Aitken.
Getting the halls decked
Getting the halls decked
There are health benefits to getting out the Christmas decorations early, writes Jan Aitken.