Your Happiness Factor

Faith in Something

2025-09-26T17:21:00.002+01:00

We all need faith in something. It may be only that the sun will rise tomorrow. But we need to believe in something. Our beliefs anchor us and give us a reason to get up each day. We act on our beliefs that the sun rises and out of bed we get to face what comes. And we rise sure in the knowledge that with tomorrow comes another day.

Most humans believe in more than that the sun will rise. And we believe in abstract things like goodness, justice and kindness to all. Many across the world also believe in God. These kinds of things are intangible. You might see kindness in action, but you can't hold it in your hands. Nor can you dissect it under a microscope.

So what about abstract things like patriotism for example. What about that big one, belief in God? What happens when there are conflicts between the things we believe. For example, how do we reconcile patriotism with our belief in kindness when we are dealing with, say, an enemy soldier? Suppose I start to believe that kindness to certain groups conflicts with my sense of patriotism. Should I believe in kindness to all except those I think may be a threat to my country? What about people who believe in, perhaps, a different God? Do they have a right to kindness and to justice and fairness? You can go on with this, thinking about different scenarios. You may find your kindness has quite distinct boundaries. Stop for a minute. Think about that. How does that reconcile with the belief that everyone is created equal. And, for Christians, there is an added complication. Weren't we commanded to love our enemies?

At a time when we live in a divided world these issues have a new prominence. Kindness has become more scarce. But many of us pay lip service to value of kindness, as well as fairness and justice. Maybe it is time to take a moment to think about values and, more importantly, how we live out our values in this world in the 21st century

Wendy Mason Smith

Handling the blurred the lines between our professional and personal lives.

2024-05-22T15:50:00.002+01:00

The rise of remote work has blurred the lines between our professional and personal lives.

How do you integrate them successfully?

My thoughts on this are are on my Wisewolf Coaching blog at the link below #lifecoaching #careerdevelopment

https://www.wisewolfcoaching.co.uk/2024/05/thriving-not-just-surviving-work-life.html

Wendy Mason Smith is a Life Coach, Career Coach,

Writer and Mentor to some very special people. You can contact her, book a free coaching session, or find out more by phoning her at 44 (0) 7867681439 or following this link.

Wendy has written a little eBook on how to get on with your boss and a book on job search - you can find her books on Amazon at this link

Time to make changes

2023-08-31T16:20:00.002+01:00

Time for Change

A time to make changes

The college year is starting and

the gears are winding up at work. All of this means September is a great time for making changes and fresh starts.

Making a fresh start is not easy, but it is possible, specially with the help of a life coach. Anyway, if you are ready to make your change, here are some tips to help you make a fresh start.

Tips for making a fresh start

Get rid of negative influences. This could include people, places, or things that are holding you back. Think about it. You know where the blockers and negativity is hiding.
Surround yourself with positive people. Spend time with people who support your goals and who make you feel good about yourself.
Take care of yourself. This means eating healthy, exercising, and getting enough sleep. When you take care of yourself, you have more energy and focus to make positive changes in your life.

Be patient

Be patient and forgiving of other people and yourself. Everyone makes mistakes. Don't beat yourself up if you slip up along the way. Just pick yourself up and keep going.

Making a fresh start is a journey, not a destination. It takes time, effort, and commitment. But if you are willing to put in the work, you can create the life you have always want. And if you would like the help and support of a life coach, get in touch.

Wendy Mason Smith is a Life Coach, Career Coach,
Writer and Mentor to some very special people. You can contact her, book a free coaching session, or find out more by phoning her at 44 (0) 7867681439
Wendy has written a little eBook on how to get on with your boss and a book on job search - you can find her books on Amazon at this link

Worrying: We all do it - tips to help you stop.

2023-06-21T11:47:00.001+01:00

Worrying: We all do it

Worrying is an experience we all share. We all worry about things from time to time. However, for some people, worrying can become a problem that can interfere with their daily lives.

Do you, or someone you love, you find yourself worrying all the time. There are things you can do to reduce it. Here are a few tips.

Tips to help you stop worry and feeling anxious

What sets you off? What are your triggers. What are the things that typically trigger your worrying? Once you know what your triggers are, you can start to make changes. You may be able to avoid them or you can develop coping mechanisms for dealing with them.
Challenge your thoughts. When you start to worry, ask yourself if your thoughts are realistic. Are you really going to get fired from your job? Is your spouse really going to leave you? Chances are, your thoughts are not as realistic as they seem.
Focus on the present moment. When you start to worry, take a few deep breaths and focus on the here and now - the present moment. What are you doing right now? What can you see, hear, smell, taste, and touch?
Begin to practice mindfulness. Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment without judgment. There are many different ways to practise mindfulness. You could try meditation or yoga. Or you can simply take a few minutes each day in a quiet place to focus on your breath.
Remember to set realistic goals for yourself - small steps. Take care of yourself with a balanced diet, enough sleep and some gentle exercise. Spend time with loved ones. And remember, binge eating is a good signal that you need to reach out for help.
Seek professional help. If you are struggling to control your worrying, consider seeking help from a counsellor or a life coach like me. We can help you to develop coping mechanisms and strategies for dealing with your worry.

Help when you need it

Worrying is a normal human experience, but it doesn't have to control your life. By following these tips, you can learn to reduce worrying and live a more peaceful and fulfilling life. But remember if you need help to develop coping mechanisms or strategies, do get in touch.

Wendy Mason Smith is a Life Coach, Career Coach,
Writer and Mentor to some very special people. You can contact her, book a free coaching session, or find out more by phoning her at 44 (0) 7867681439 or following this link.
Wendy has written a little eBook on how to get on with your boss and a book on job search - you can find her books on Amazon at this link

Ghosting: What It Is and Why It's Unkind

2023-06-15T15:29:00.001+01:00

Ghosting: What It Is and Why It's Unkind

Ghosting is the act of ending all communication with someone without explanation. It can happen in any type of relationship, from romantic relationships to friendships to professional relationships.

There are many reasons why people ghost.

Some people ghost because they are afraid of confrontation. Others do it because they don't want to hurt the other person's feelings. And still others do it because they are simply not interested in the relationship anymore.

Whatever the reason, ghosting is always unkind. It leaves the other person feeling confused, hurt, and rejected. It can also make it difficult for them to move on from the relationship.

Here are some of the reasons why ghosting is unkind:

It is disrespectful. When you ghost someone, you are essentially telling them that their feelings are not important to you.
It is hurtful. Ghosting can be very painful for the person who is being ghosted. They may feel confused, rejected, and even abandoned.
It can be difficult to move on. When someone ghosts you, it can be very difficult to move on from the relationship. You may find yourself constantly wondering why they ghosted you, and what you could have done differently. This can make it difficult to focus on other relationships.

If you are considering ghosting someone, please consider having a conversation with them. If you are no longer interested in the relationship, the most respectful thing to do is to tell them. This will give them the opportunity to ask questions and get closure.

An alternative is to send a brief message. If you are not comfortable having a conversation, you can send the other person a brief message explaining that you are no longer want to continue the relationship. This at least doesn't leave the person confused about what has happened. Although if you have been close it would be kind to let them know why.

Ghosting is never the right answer. If you are no longer interested in a relationship, please be respectful and communicate with the other person in a mature and honest way. If you feel the other person has been abusive the report them and block them. Don't just leave them hanging in the air.

Wendy Mason Smith is a Life Coach, Career Coach,
Writer and Mentor to some very special people. You can contact her, book a free coaching session, or find out more by phoning her at 44 (0) 7867681439 or following this link.
Wendy has written a little eBook on how to get on with your boss and a book on job search - you can find her books on Amazon at this link

How to Feel More Positive

2023-06-14T16:19:00.002+01:00

How to Feel More Positive: In today’s world, it can be tough to stay positive. There are so many things that can bring us down, from the news to our own personal problems. But it’s important to remember that we have the power to choose how we feel. We can choose to focus on the negative, or we can choose to focus on the positive.

My new post on my WiseWolf Coaching blog https://wisewolfcoaching.com/how-to-feel-more-positive/

Wendy Mason Smith is a Life Coach, Career Coach,
Writer and Mentor to some very special people. You can contact her, book a free coaching session, or find out more by phoning her at 44 (0) 7867681439 or following this link.

Wendy has written a little eBook on how to get on with your boss and a book on job search - you can find her books on Amazon at Wendy's Amazon page

Energy Drainers and how to deal with them!

2023-06-10T14:01:00.000+01:00

Energy Drainers - how to deal with them

Are you going through some kind of change or just going through a difficult period? You will probably find it drains your energy! You have to deal with confusion, your own, and you may have to deal with other people’s, anxieties. You may find yourself giving out lots of your energy in support of others. But some people seem to take just a little too much – more than you can afford to give if you are going to stay fit and cope with all that might be ahead of you.

We all feel particularly insecure in the middle of life changes. But energy drainers are usually people who are insecure and negative in their everyday life! Quite often they find it difficult to tolerate their own company. You may find people like this start to depend upon you to help them make all kinds of relatively simple life decisions. They may phone or text you several times a day on any pretext – they can eat you, as well as your time, and sap your life force!

Very often these sad people are stuck in “Survival Mode.” They don’t know how to tap into their personal energy reserves to survive and, like children, they haven’t accepted responsibility for their own lives. But they find a variety of ways, including emotional blackmail, to persuade you to provide them with the emotional support and the reassurance they need. Life is frightening and they are very scared indeed!

We all know people like this – they can be old friends, family and work colleagues. You want to help but their needs are overwhelming.

So, what do you do? Keep in mind that you may need to conserve your energy to deal with your own response to the change. If they are part of the change, you are certainly not going to be in a position to cut them out of your life. Anyway, at the end of the day, most of us would actually like to be in a position to help.

The stance you take depends upon what your relationship with the person is, and upon the level of your energy reserves. However, your first responsibility is to yourself. You, too, may have to adopt a “Survival Mode” attitude.

It is certainly much easier to deal with someone who is an acquaintance or a work colleague. You have less of a personal commitment to them and you have every right to say goodbye when you finish work.

When you are dealing with them try to stay in a neutral space – give neutral responses and try not to get drawn into their or your emotions. When you are dealing with them, imagine you are wearing a breastplate to defend your energy – withhold your energy behind your breastplate – deliver a neutral, and deliberately, low energy response. Offer no more and no less than is necessary to accomplish that particular task or meeting! And if you are worried about them refer them to those who may be better able to help.

As a personal survival technique, this approach could be adopted for family and old friends. But, you may choose to take a more compassionate and supportive stance. Demonstrate your love but it may be “tough love.” Your goal here is to move them from negative to positive and to move them back into using their own energy resources. In this way, you can help them to become self-sufficient. Get them to think through their own options – to make choices and plan. When they do so give them lots of quiet praise – move them on from where they are now to thinking about concrete ways they can help themselves!

Be aware, though, that Energy Drainers will resort to many forms of subtle emotional blackmail to get access to your energy. Don’t let them! Let them know, through your actions, that your energy is no longer accessible to them. Encourage them to make decisions on their own and to enjoy their own company by simply not being available: physically or emotionally.

It will not be easy for you or them. You are breaking established patterns of behaviour and setting a brand new precedent. But eventually a new dynamic should be established. They should take responsibility for their own life and their own decisions. You may have to support them through a change as part of your role but do so in a managed way! With friends and family, if they will not take action, success will be impossible. So recognize when you have banged your head once too often against that proverbial brick wall and when the wisest step may be simply to “let go.”

Wendy Mason Smith is a Life Coach, Career Coach,
Writer and Mentor to some very special people. You can contact her, book a free coaching session, or find out more by phoning her at 44 (0) 7867681439 or following this link.

Wendy has written a little eBook on how to get on with your boss and a book on job search - you can find her books on Amazon at this link

How to Increase Self-Awareness

2023-06-06T15:51:00.001+01:00

Self-awareness is a great help if you wish to live your best possible life. The ability to understand your own thoughts, feelings, and motivations. It is a key skill for success in all parts of your of life; from relationships to work and above all to personal development.

There are many ways to increase self-awareness. Here are a few tips

Pay attention to your thoughts and feelings. Throughout the day, take a few minutes to reflect on what you are thinking and feeling. What are you reacting to? Why? What us going on underneath in terms of your motivations?
Journaling is a great way to track your thoughts and feelings. You can also use journaling to explore your values, goals, and dreams.
Talk to a trusted friend or a life coach like me. Talking to someone else can help you gain a different perspective on yourself.
Take a personality test. Personality tests, like Myers Briggs, can help you identify your strengths and weaknesses, as well as your preferred ways of thinking and behaving.
Attend a self-awareness workshop or class. There are many resources available to help you increase your self-awareness.

Self-awareness is a lifelong journey. There is no one right way to do it. The most important thing is to find what works for you and to keep practicing.

Here are some of the benefits of increasing self-awareness

Improved decision-making: When you are more self-aware, you are better able to understand your own strengths and weaknesses, as well as your values and goals. This can help you make better decisions in all parts of your life.
Increased confidence: As you become more self-aware, you will develop a better understanding of who you are and what you want. This can lead to increased confidence in your abilities and choices.
Better relationships: Self-awareness can help you improve your communication skills, conflict resolution skills, and empathy. This can lead to stronger and more fulfilling relationships with your family, friends, and colleagues.
Reduced stress and anxiety: When you are more self-aware, you are better able to understand and manage your emotions. This means you can care for them better which means less stress and anxiety.

There are many resources available to help you get started. There are books, articles, websites, and courses that can teach you about self-awareness and help you develop a plan for your own growth. You can also work with someone like me to help you increase your self-awareness.

Self-awareness is an important investment in yourself. It can help you improve your decision-making, increase your confidence, improve your relationships, and reduce stress and anxiety. If you are interested in increasing your self-awareness, I encourage you to get in touch

Wendy has written a little eBook on how to get on with your boss and a book on job search - you can find her books on Amazon at this link

Diverse workplace - relate to younger colleagues - Wisewolf Coaching

2023-06-05T16:27:00.001+01:00

Diverse workplace - In today's workplace, it is not uncommon for older people to find themselves working alongside younger colleagues. This can be a great opportunity for both parties to learn from each other and share their unique perspectives. However, it can also be a challenge, as there may be some generational differences that need to be bridged and some preconceptions. I'm writing as a much older person and these are some f the tips I've picked up along the way.

Here are some thoughts for older people on how to relate to younger colleagues on my Wisewolf Coaching Web site.

Diverse workplace - by being open-minded and willing to learn from younger colleagues, older workers can create a positive workplace.

Diverse workplace - relate to younger colleagues - Wisewolf Coaching

Wendy Mason Smith is a Life Coach, Career Coach, Writer and Mentor to some very special people. You can contact her, book a free coaching session, or find out more by phoning her at 44 (0) 7867681439 or following this link.

Wendy has written a little eBook on how to get on with your boss and a book on job search - you can find her books on Amazon at this link

The Value of Friendship

2023-05-18T15:08:00.002+01:00

The Value of friendship

I've been thinking about the value of friendship and how lucky I've been.

I've lived a long and quite complicated life. So I've met all kinds of people. And they have come from all kinds of places across the world. Some I have known quite briefly. Everyone you work with doesn't become a friend in life. That is even though you may enjoy working together for a while. Although I do have many friends that I met in the course of my work.

Friends for life

I have friends as well that I made at the beginning of my life. I have two in particular that I've known from the age of four or five. One lived close to me at home. Our mothers were friends and so we played together as toddlers. We drifted apart for many years and then through the wonders of social media, and Facebook in particular, we found each other again.

The other friend I've known all my life, I met during my first year at school. I'd started school a few months ahead of her at the age of four. I can remember her first day and our very early encounters. Again our mothers were friends but their friendship formed a result as a result of our friendship. We led very different kinds of lives but we kept him touch. Sometimes this was only a few words written on a Christmas card. For various reasons , we hadn't seen each other for 30 years. But somehow when we did get together again, something rather wonderful happened. Our friendship was just as strong and we kind of picked up from where we'd left things. And now we as close as ever.

Friends met in other places

I have other friends that I've made through work as well as friends I've met through social media. Some social media friends have become friends in the real world.

I have other friends and their partners who have become friends far more recently. But I love them just as deeply.

Treasure your friends

The value of friendship can't be measured in gold. I treasure my friends and I value them. They are one of the greatest gifts that life has given me. And I celebrate them everyone.

Sometimes take a moment to think about and value your friendships. Think about how much those people mean to you. One secret I've learned is that you can make friends at any age, if you are open to the possibilities.

Water your friendships regularly

Relationships are important and we need to nurture them like plants. I was lucky. I neglected some of mine and didn't water them regularly. But luckily they survived the drought. I wouldn't recommend taking the same risk with yours. Take time care for your friends and in turn I'm sure they will care for you. But for now just concentrate on valuing and giving.

Wendy Mason Smith is a Life Coach, Career Coach,
Writer and Mentor to some very special people. You can contact her, book a free coaching session, or find out more by phoning her at 44 (0) 7867681439 or following this link.
Wendy has written a little eBook on how to get on with your boss and a book on job search - you can find her books on Amazon at this link

Rainbows and the power of resilience.

2023-05-17T16:14:00.004+01:00

The rainbow is a powerful metaphor for many things particularly of the power of resilience. It is a symbol of hope, promise, new beginnings, the journey of life, the search for happiness, and the power of resilience. When we see a rainbow, we can take heart and know that better days are ahead.

There is a post om my WiseWolf Coaching blog and about rainbows and the power of resilience. Here is the https://wisewolfcoaching.com/the-power-of-resilience-and-finding-the-rainbow/

Wendy Mason Smith is a Life Coach, Career Coach,
Writer and Mentor to some very special people. You can contact her, book a free coaching session, or find out more by phoning her at 44 (0) 7867681439 or following this link.
Wendy has written a little eBook on how to get on with your boss and a book on job search - you can find her books on Amazon at this link

Are you feeling stuck in your life?

2023-05-11T15:49:00.001+01:00

Are you feeling stuck in your life? Feeling stuck is grim. You are not alone. On my Wisewolf coaching blog at the link below is help to get unstuck. #lifecoaching

Are you feeling stuck in your life?

Wendy Mason Smith is a Life Coach, Career Coach, Writer and Mentor to some very special people. You can contact her, book a free coaching session, or find out more by phoning her at 44 (0) 7867681439 or following this link.

Wendy has written a little eBook on how to get on with your boss and a book on job search – you can find her books on Amazon at this link

What is box breathing?

2023-05-02T15:02:00.000+01:00

What is box breathing?

Box breathing is a simple yet powerful breathing technique that can help you to relax, focus, and manage stress. It is also known as square breathing or 4-7-8 breathing.

To do box

breathing, follow these steps:

Find a comfortable position where you can sit or lie down with your back straight.
Place one hand on your chest and the other on your stomach.
Breathe in through your nose for a count of four.
Hold your breath for a count of seven.
Breathe out through your mouth for a count of eight.
Repeat steps 3-5 for a total of four rounds.
As you breathe, focus on the rise and fall of your stomach. If you find your mind wandering, gently bring it back to your breath.

Benefits of box breathing

Box breathing has been shown to have a number of benefits, including:

Reducing stress and anxiety

Improving focus and concentration

Reducing blood pressure

Slowing heart rate

Promoting relaxation and sleep

How to use box breathing

Box breathing can be used in a variety of settings, including:

Before or during a stressful event
When you are feeling anxious or stressed
When you are trying to fall asleep
When you are feeling overwhelmed or agitated

Tips for box breathing

Here are a few tips for getting the most out of box breathing:

Practice regularly. The more you practice, the easier it will become.
Find a quiet place where you will not be disturbed.
Focus on your breath and let go of any thoughts or worries.
Be patient. It may take some time to notice the benefits of box breathing.

Wendy Mason Smith is a Life Coach, Career Coach,
Writer and Mentor to some very special people. You can contact her, book a free coaching session, or find out more by phoning her at 44 (0) 7867681439 or following this link.
Wendy has written a little eBook on how to get on with your boss and a book on job search - you can find her books on Amazon at this link

When you feel stressed.

2023-04-27T15:19:00.004+01:00

When you feel stressed

First, I am sorry you feel stressed. And I hope the tips here help. I am afraid that stress is a normal part of life, but I know it can feel overwhelming. When you're stressed, your body releases hormones that can cause all kinds of physical and emotional symptoms, The most common are headaches, muscle tension, fatigue, anxiety, and irritability. But there are some actions you can take to help you feel better.

Here are some tips to help you manage the stress in your life.

Exercise

Exercise is a great way to relieve stress as well as help your overall health. When you exercise, your body releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise three times a week. Even very gentle exercise can help. Walking is great.

Relaxation

There are all kinds of relaxation techniques around. They can help you reduce stress. Try Box Breathing or another breathing meditation. Find something that works for you and practice it regularly. I use Box Breathing.

Get enough sleep

Lack of sleep magnifies stress. 7-8 hours of each night is recommended.

Eat a healthy diet

Eating a healthy diet can help both your mood and energy levels, Eat plenty of fruit, fresh vegetables, cereals and nuts. Avoid processed, fatty and sugary food and reduce your intake of caffeine. For coffee addicts like me that is a real sacrifice, but it is worth it.

Keep your relationships strong

Spending time with loved ones can really help. Talk to them about how you feel and let them support you.

Do things you enjoy

Make time for you and the activities you enjoy.

Work on staying positive

Work on those negative thoughts. Try to challenge them and replace them with more positive ones.

Talk to some someone

Talk to you nearest and dearest But think about talking to your doctor and consider getting support from a counsellor or a life coach like me. We really can help.

I hope these tips help you to cope with stress in your life. It is important to act before stress makes you ill. Don't be afraid to seek help. I would be very happy to talk to you about how I can help.

Wendy Mason Smith is a Life Coach, Career Coach,
Writer and Mentor to some very special people. You can contact her, book a free coaching session, or find out more by phoning her at 44 (0) 7867681439 or following this link.

Wendy has written a little eBook on how to get on with your boss and a book on job search - you can find her books on Amazon at this link

BardAI and Motivation

2023-03-24T16:02:00.002+00:00

As AI becomes ever more present in our lives I asked Bard AI how motivation to work is going to be affected. AI and motivation to work is going to be interesting to watch over the coming years. You can find Bard's views at the link below.

https://wisewolfcoaching.com/bard-ai-and-motivation/

Become a Leader

2023-03-20T15:44:00.000+00:00

New leaders succeed by allowing people to learn and develop on the job. And by encouraging them to be proactive. Let them know they really can influence the way the organization achieves success. Find out more at the link below. #careercoach #leadership

Become a Leader

When the boss doesn't talk to you

2023-03-17T16:16:00.003+00:00

When the boss doesn't talk to you!

There is a new post on the main Wisewolf Coaching website about what to do if you are working for one of those silent types, Remember communication is key to success for organisations and for the people within them. Don’t be afraid to take that first step. Follow the link below to learn more.

When the boss doesn’t talk to you.

Wendy Mason Smith is a Life Coach, Career Coach and Writer. You can contact her, book a free coaching session, or find out more at this link.

Wendy has written a little eBook on how to get on with your boss and a book on job search - you can find her books on Amazon at this link

Building a relationship is a learning process

2023-03-10T16:26:00.001+00:00

Building a relationship is a learning process.

I've been thinking about relationships and how they are all about learning. Building a relationship is a learning

process.

You learn about yourself in the relationship and you learn about the other person. And most of that learning is done by listening. That means listening to the other person but also listening to yourself and your own heart, and your head reflecting your own values. And you must try to be very honest.

In any good relationship it is about being true to yourself, as well as being true to someone else. And it is not making promises you know in your heart, you may not keep, Promising things that in the moment feel ok.

Even if you think you know yourself very well, you will change as you learn this other person, if the relationship lasts. You'll be influenced by who they are, what they believe and how they behave.

Learning who they are can be quite a challenge. What you learn, if you listen honestly, can make you question yourself and your own values.

Learning who they are with an open mind can be quite difficult. This is because you will bring to it all your hopes and expectations of the other person and the relationship. And this is further complicated if there's a strong attraction between you.

It is all too is easy to give into the attraction. You, yourself, and the other person may believe the relationship is much deeper than it is really. You make promises that later you cannot meet.

Physical attraction is great. Let's face it, for many, it is what makes the world go round. But don't mistake a relationship built mainly on attraction, an infatuation, for anything else. Listen to the person, try to learn them. And then test what you learn against what both your heart and your head, knowing your own values, tell you. And have the courage to act on what you hear.

Wendy Mason Smith is a Personal Coach and Writer helping people feel happier. If you would like help with your career or your life away from work, you can book a FREE coaching session with Wendy or find out more at this link

On writing poetry and perceiving the world

2023-02-10T15:01:00.004+00:00

On writing poetry and perceiving the world

I've written poetry for most of my life. I'm not sure whether it is any good. But clearly some people like some of my work.

For me, though, whether the poems are good or not isn't the point. For me me they are a way of recording feelings and impressions of something I see, hear or feel. Describing how something was for me is something like adding another dimension to a photograph.

Every experience is unique

Sharing is interesting because I think every experience we have is really unique to us. That is because we will bring to it our interpretation of an event. That interpretation will be flavoured by all that's gone before; all that we are, all we know and all that we are. Some of our responses will come from deep inside us. We won't know how they came to be. And in childhood particular ways of viewing things and judging them were passed on to us by our parents and others. We were encouraged to share a view of what was beautiful or good. We were probably told what was and was not good writing or good art. No one can comes completely new made to it.

We assume we share exactly the same experiences.

We assume each one of us sees, for example, colours in something like the same way. But of course that isn't entirely true - what about people who are colour-blind? If we have the same equipment in our eyes, though, we assume we see the same thing. But then it's the very personal brain which interprets what the optic nerve is saying.

Our experience of poetry is usually very personal to us

This personal interpretation is even more so with poetry. We make up our impression up from a few, usually, intense words. How good the poem is, for us, depends so much on our part of the work in reading it. And subtle emotion is such a delicate thing to create.

Sunshine On A Winter's Afternoon

Anyway, yesterday I wrote about sunshine on a winter's afternoon. I had a very clear impression in my head of what that afternoon was like for me. I knew what I was seeing and how it felt. But I wonder in my very short few words how much of that impression I passed on.

The differences between us

And thinking about differences in perception led me on to wondering how such the differences challenge us in our ability to make deep and meaningful relationships with other people? Perhaps at the very least we need to accept that they will have very different experiences of the world we share with them. I suppose one of the wonders of a relationship can be the joy in learning to understand the others' perceptions. But sometimes great difference in perception can be deeply disturbing for us. And if we make no effort to understand and empathize with those different perceptions, we lose out. Where we cannot accept the difference, what chance is there for a healthy relationship? So maybe we need to work hard at taking stock of how different perceptions can be. And we can encourage others to share their perceptions in a spirit of acceptance and non judgement. There is no one right way to perceive the world. And hearing their perception does not mean we automatically change ours. Acknowledging and respecting each other's is what counts. And their perceptions can enhance our own if we wish. We have a lot to gain.

I will certainly keep that in mind in my future poetry and try to give even more clarity in how I express my own perceptions. And here is a link to the very modest poem I wrote.

https://wendywanders.blogspot.com/

The Wisewolf Navigator

2023-01-18T15:20:00.000+00:00

Find your new direction with the Wisewolf Navigator Program

Are you confused about what comes next?

Just know you need a change?

Unsure where to go from here?

You've done ok-ish in your life so far, but surely there must be something more.

Maybe life has lost its flavour.

You can find your zest again.

You can feel excited about life again

You can find your new direction and learn how to navigate your change in six tailored sessions.

Ring me (Wendy) now on 07867681439 (44 7867681439 from outside the UK) or go to this link to book a discussion how I can help you.

Friday Feast - Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Jambalaya

2022-09-02T12:48:00.002+01:00

Friday Feast - Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Jambalaya

In this video, Betty (of Betty's Kitchen) demonstrates how to make Shrimp and Sausage Jambalaya.

This is a spicy dish that is traditional to the Southern States of the USA.

Ingredients:

1 pound frozen white shrimp (31-40 count), thawed, de-veined, and shelled (Betty removes the tails, also.)
8 oz. andouille smoked sausage, cut into ½-inch slices (You may use any type of smoked sausage.)
1 small onion, chopped
¼ cup celery, diced
1 large green bell pepper, cut into chunks or strips
2 cloves of garlic, minced
14.5-oz. can diced tomatoes with garlic, basil, and oregano
14.5-oz can chicken broth
1 ¾ teaspoons Cajun seasoning (You may substitute Creole seasoning, or a blend of your own.)
¼ teaspoon ground red pepper
¾ cup uncooked long-grain white rice

Method

In a large skillet, saute smoked sausage over medium-high heat, until browned, about 3 to 5 minutes. Add 1 small chopped onion, ¼ cup diced celery, 1 large chopped green pepper, and 2 coves minced garlic. Saute 2 to 3 minutes. Add 14.5-oz. can diced tomatoes, 14.5-oz. can chicken broth, 1 ¾ teaspoons Cajun seasoning, and ¼ teaspoon ground red pepper. Bring to a boil, and stir in ¾ cup uncooked long-grain white rice. Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer 25 to 30 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is cooked. Stir in 1 pound uncooked shrimp. Cook 3 to 5 minutes, or until shrimp turns pink and opaque. Ladle immediately into serving bowl, and serve. I served my Shrimp and Sausage Jambalaya with freshly-made Hot Water Corn Fritters. Delicious! I hope you enjoy this recipe! --Betty

Are You a Nervous Networker? Tips to Help.

2022-08-30T06:00:00.000+01:00

Are You a Nervous Net-worker? Tips to Help.

Are you one of those rare (and very lucky ) people who enjoys networking? Or do you arrive at a networking event, look around at the sea of faces, then find yourself overwhelmed by a stream of doubts and uncertainties? Here are some tips to help

Negative self talk can tell you that you’re a fraud and everyone else in the room is just great. There they are, experienced business professionals, at home in this environment. While you feel like you are just pretending and you don’t really know what you are doing!

On top of that you think you are going to forget what to say. You won’t remember anyone else’s name and there is a very good chance you will forget your own!

The “sensible” part of you tells you not to be so silly. But there you are with all these negative thoughts and anxieties in your head.

Well it doesn't have to be like that. These tips will help!

Relax and take a deep breath, then tell your brain it has more important things to think about! No, you are not going to have a heart attack as you take the floor. You’ve got this under control!

Relax, take a deep breath, and smile! Taking in Oxygen deeply can steady nerves and lower your heart rate! Smiling releases endorphin and makes you feel more comfortable.
Practice positive self-talk. We all have some negative thoughts. Be conscious of them and then cut them off. Recognize them for what they are. Then replace them. As you approach the event fill your head with the repeated thought that you are confident and successful; People like you. Tell yourself firmly that you are going to do well and that people will be impressed. Say it very loudly and firmly in your own head. You can say out it loud in private at home before you go as well – repeat, repeat, repeat!
Have a great elevator speech and practice it ahead of time. This is a short paragraph or two that describes who you are and what your business does. Give it punch - make it interesting, informative, and memorable. Practice delivering it at home with confidence and don’t rush.
Be memorable. What is it about you and/or your job/business that makes you unique? Work it out then be quite clear about it. Don’t be afraid to tell people – make it part of your branding
Have good contact material! Make sure you always carry business cards with you with up-to-date contact information. It is worth investing in a good business card that you feel proud of. They will help you to feel very comfortable handing them out at events.
Be yourself and show an interest in others. Expect people to like you – tell yourself they will. People like people who show an interest in them, and that is what you are going to do. Remember you are bringing them a gift - your talents and experience and there can be no one else just like you! Listen more then you speak. You'll be surprised how much people appreciate a good listener.

Now you are ready to get started. Off you go and enjoy your networking. If you feel networking is particularly difficult for you, then please get in touch. I'm life coach who specializes in helping people to feel more confident.

Wendy Mason Smith is a life coach and writer committed to helping people be happy and fulfilled at home and at work. You can contact her by ringing 44(0)7867681438

Friday Fish - Nigerian Fish Pie Recipe

2022-08-26T13:18:00.001+01:00

Friday Fish - Nigerian Fish Pie Recipe

Nigerian Fish pie is one of the most common snacks in Nigeria. It is easy to make and delicious.
Nigerian Fish Pie ingredients:
For the Fish Pie Filling:
Fish(mackerel, hake,tuna,salmon, or any fish of choice)
a small onions(chopped)
1 stock cube(bouilion cubes) e,g maggi/knorr cubes
1 teaspoonful curry
1 teaspoonful garlic powder
1 teaspoonful thyme

For the Fish Pie dough/pastry:
350 grams Flour
100 grams margarine
1 raw egg
1 tablespoonful baking powder
1 tablespoonful salt
Vegetable oil for frying

A delicious Nigerian Fish Pie, to enjoy with friends and family.
The Nigerian Fish Pie is usually enjoyed with a chilled soft drink or fruit juice..Enjoy!

With thanks to Nigerian Food TV

I wish you, and those you care for, the most wonderful week weekend.

Warm regards
Wendy
wendymason@wisewolfcoaching.com
http://wisewolfcoaching.com

Do you have emotional intelligence - what is your emotional intelligence quotient?

2022-08-22T12:13:00.001+01:00

Do you have emotional intelligence - what is your emotional intelligence quotient?

"All learning has an emotional base."
-- Plato

The ability to express and control our own emotions is important to our success in life. But so is our ability to understand, interpret, and respond to the emotions of others. Imagine a world where you couldn't understand when a friend was feeling sad or when a co-worker was angry. Psychologists refer to this ability as emotional intelligence (EI).

Emotional Intelligence refers to the ability to perceive, control, and evaluate emotions - your own and other peoples'. Some researchers suggest that emotional intelligence can be learned and strengthened, while others claim it is an inborn characteristic.

A number of testing instruments have been developed to measure emotional intelligence, although the content and approach of each test varies. The quiz at the link below presents a mix of self-report and situational questions related to various aspects of emotional intelligence.

Do you have emotional intelligence - what is your emotional intelligence quotient? Take the quiz at the link below from http://psychology.about.com/ to learn more.

Take the test: http://psychology.about.com/library/quiz/bl_eq_quiz.htm

Friday Recipe Fish Adobo

2022-08-19T10:02:00.002+01:00

Fish Adobo is Filipino .

The fish is cooked using an inadobo style.

Inadobo means it is cooked in soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic; along with pepper or whole pepper corn, and dried bay leaves.

This the signature dish of the Philippines.

You will find the video on the Gelo YouTube Channel here

https://youtube.com/c/GeloSpicyChannel100621

Here is the recipe

Ingredients

1 medium-sized fish, sliced

4 of garlic, peeled then minced

1⁄4 cup of vinegar

1⁄4 cup of soy sauce

1 teaspoon of whiole black peppercorns

1 cup of water

4-5 pieces of bay leaf

1 red chili pepper (optional)

3 tablespoons of cooking oil

sugar

Instructions

Combine all the ingredients except for the cooking oil and sugar in a sauce pan.

Bring to a boil over medium heat.

Add the sugar according to your taste.

Then reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes.

Turn the fish over halfway through the cooking time.

When the fish is thoroughly cooked and the sauce is has thickened remove it from the heat.

Transfer to a serving plate.

Serve with steamed rice.

Your Happiness Factor

Faith in Something

Wendy Mason Smith

Handling the blurred the lines between our professional and personal lives.

The rise of remote work has blurred the lines between our professional and personal lives. How do you integrate them successfully?

My thoughts on this are are on my Wisewolf Coaching blog at the link below #lifecoaching #careerdevelopment

https://www.wisewolfcoaching.co.uk/2024/05/thriving-not-just-surviving-work-life.html

Wendy Mason Smith is a Life Coach, Career Coach,

Writer and Mentor to some very special people. You can contact her, book a free coaching session, or find out more by phoning her at 44 (0) 7867681439 or following this link.

Time to make changes

Time for Change

A time to make changes

Tips for making a fresh start

Be patient

Wendy Mason Smith is a Life Coach, Career Coach,Writer and Mentor to some very special people. You can contact her, book a free coaching session, or find out more by phoning her at 44 (0) 7867681439

Worrying: We all do it - tips to help you stop.

Worrying: We all do it

Tips to help you stop worry and feeling anxious

Help when you need it

Wendy Mason Smith is a Life Coach, Career Coach,Writer and Mentor to some very special people. You can contact her, book a free coaching session, or find out more by phoning her at 44 (0) 7867681439 or following this link.

Ghosting: What It Is and Why It's Unkind

Ghosting: What It Is and Why It's Unkind

There are many reasons why people ghost.

Here are some of the reasons why ghosting is unkind:

Wendy Mason Smith is a Life Coach, Career Coach,Writer and Mentor to some very special people. You can contact her, book a free coaching session, or find out more by phoning her at 44 (0) 7867681439 or following this link.

How to Feel More Positive

Wendy Mason Smith is a Life Coach, Career Coach,Writer and Mentor to some very special people. You can contact her, book a free coaching session, or find out more by phoning her at 44 (0) 7867681439 or following this link.

Wendy has written a little eBook on how to get on with your boss and a book on job search - you can find her books on Amazon at Wendy's Amazon page

Energy Drainers and how to deal with them!

Energy Drainers - how to deal with them

Wendy Mason Smith is a Life Coach, Career Coach,Writer and Mentor to some very special people. You can contact her, book a free coaching session, or find out more by phoning her at 44 (0) 7867681439 or following this link.

How to Increase Self-Awareness

Self-awareness is a great help if you wish to live your best possible life. The ability to understand your own thoughts, feelings, and motivations. It is a key skill for success in all parts of your of life; from relationships to work and above all to personal development.

There are many ways to increase self-awareness. Here are a few tips

Here are some of the benefits of increasing self-awareness

Diverse workplace - relate to younger colleagues - Wisewolf Coaching

Diverse workplace - by being open-minded and willing to learn from younger colleagues, older workers can create a positive workplace.

Wendy Mason Smith is a Life Coach, Career Coach, Writer and Mentor to some very special people. You can contact her, book a free coaching session, or find out more by phoning her at 44 (0) 7867681439 or following this link.

The Value of Friendship

The Value of friendship

Friends for life

Friends met in other places

Treasure your friends

Water your friendships regularly

Wendy Mason Smith is a Life Coach, Career Coach,Writer and Mentor to some very special people. You can contact her, book a free coaching session, or find out more by phoning her at 44 (0) 7867681439 or following this link.

Rainbows and the power of resilience.

Wendy Mason Smith is a Life Coach, Career Coach,Writer and Mentor to some very special people. You can contact her, book a free coaching session, or find out more by phoning her at 44 (0) 7867681439 or following this link.

Are you feeling stuck in your life?

Wendy Mason Smith is a Life Coach, Career Coach, Writer and Mentor to some very special people. You can contact her, book a free coaching session, or find out more by phoning her at 44 (0) 7867681439 or following this link.

What is box breathing?

What is box breathing?

To do box breathing, follow these steps:

Benefits of box breathing

Box breathing can be used in a variety of settings, including:

Tips for box breathing

Wendy Mason Smith is a Life Coach, Career Coach,Writer and Mentor to some very special people. You can contact her, book a free coaching session, or find out more by phoning her at 44 (0) 7867681439 or following this link.

When you feel stressed.

When you feel stressed

Exercise

Relaxation

Get enough sleep

Eat a healthy diet

Keep your relationships strong

Do things you enjoy

Work on staying positive

Talk to some someone

Wendy Mason Smith is a Life Coach, Career Coach, Writer and Mentor to some very special people. You can contact her, book a free coaching session, or find out more by phoning her at 44 (0) 7867681439 or following this link.

BardAI and Motivation

Become a Leader

When the boss doesn't talk to you

When the boss doesn't talk to you!

Wendy Mason Smith is a Life Coach, Career Coach and Writer. You can contact her, book a free coaching session, or find out more at this link.

Building a relationship is a learning process

Building a relationship is a learning process.

On writing poetry and perceiving the world

On writing poetry and perceiving the world

Every experience is unique

We assume we share exactly the same experiences.

Our experience of poetry is usually very personal to us

Sunshine On A Winter's Afternoon

The rise of remote work has blurred the lines between our professional and personal lives.

How do you integrate them successfully?

Wendy Mason Smith is a Life Coach, Career Coach,
Writer and Mentor to some very special people. You can contact her, book a free coaching session, or find out more by phoning her at 44 (0) 7867681439

Wendy Mason Smith is a Life Coach, Career Coach,
Writer and Mentor to some very special people. You can contact her, book a free coaching session, or find out more by phoning her at 44 (0) 7867681439 or following this link.

Wendy Mason Smith is a Life Coach, Career Coach,
Writer and Mentor to some very special people. You can contact her, book a free coaching session, or find out more by phoning her at 44 (0) 7867681439 or following this link.

Wendy Mason Smith is a Life Coach, Career Coach,
Writer and Mentor to some very special people. You can contact her, book a free coaching session, or find out more by phoning her at 44 (0) 7867681439 or following this link.

Wendy Mason Smith is a Life Coach, Career Coach,
Writer and Mentor to some very special people. You can contact her, book a free coaching session, or find out more by phoning her at 44 (0) 7867681439 or following this link.

Wendy Mason Smith is a Life Coach, Career Coach,
Writer and Mentor to some very special people. You can contact her, book a free coaching session, or find out more by phoning her at 44 (0) 7867681439 or following this link.

Wendy Mason Smith is a Life Coach, Career Coach,
Writer and Mentor to some very special people. You can contact her, book a free coaching session, or find out more by phoning her at 44 (0) 7867681439 or following this link.

To do box

breathing, follow these steps:

Wendy Mason Smith is a Life Coach, Career Coach,
Writer and Mentor to some very special people. You can contact her, book a free coaching session, or find out more by phoning her at 44 (0) 7867681439 or following this link.

Wendy Mason Smith is a Life Coach, Career Coach,
Writer and Mentor to some very special people. You can contact her, book a free coaching session, or find out more by phoning her at 44 (0) 7867681439 or following this link.