Whether you’re in full lockdown, self-isolating, or are one of our heroes on the frontline, this is a moment in human history that we will remember for a long time.It would be a shame to allow a crisis of such proportions to go to waste. What lessons can we learn and how do we want to look back on this extraordinary time in our lives? This is a unique opportunity to do a few things differently that in years to come we can look back on with pride and satisfaction.

In a time when we are digitally more connected than ever, at least on an illusory level, social isolation is probably at an all time high. “Friends” and “followers” on social media are no replacement for real conversations and human interactions. Our social media avatars have become yet another mask we wear to selectively portray a certain persona. Today I want to share a few things I do to make it work for me to stay open to new connections, some of which go on to deepen into real friendship.

Relationships fascinate me. How new people come into our lives. How some people help us to grow by being supportive whilst others appear to teach us life lessons in the most unexpected and hurtful ways. How someone you were once best friends with is now on a completely different wavelength. How in your hour of need exactly the right person shows up, as if by magic, helps you and then disappears before you’ve had a chance to even say thank you. Or how you can no longer bear to be around people you once so loved and admired.

I recently listened to Dr Gabor Maté’s audiobook When The Body Says No. I don’t exaggerate when I tell you that it has shaken me to the core and changed so much of what I thought I knew. I’m not alone in my belief that staying positive is one of the simplest things in our control that can lead to better emotional and physical wellbeing. I now know I was wrong.

Today I’m sharing with you something I put together for my children, to help them deal with the curve balls life will inevitably lob their way. No matter how grown up or responsible you are, there will be moments when you feel like a helpless bystander in an out-of-control world.

Learn about gifts that cost you nothing but will mean the world to those receiving it. Gifts that can create lightness of being and bring joy to others, and will leave you feeling happier, healthier and more fulfilled.

The greatest gift you can give yourself if to become self-centred. “What?” I hear you say. “Isn’t that the same as selfish? How’s that a good thing?” Being self centred is about going deep within yourself & taking ownership of all your choices & actions. It’s about understanding that everything you need & want can be found within you. It means that even change around you begins with you.

I’m not a fan of labels. Literally and metaphorically speaking. I’d be hard pushed to tell you what brand of trainers I wear, or what make my kettle or iron is. To me they serve a purpose, and so long as they do it well, I don’t care what names they goes by. The same logic applies to individuals. Over time we attribute labels to ourselves based on what we do for a living, our current abilities and the perception we and others have of who we are. These labels can colour our self-esteem and become our limitations.