How I rushed into a love scene — but was it just an act? — An unusual name. Not one I’ve heard before. When I say it out loud, your voice lifts. ‘You’re the first English person who said it right first time!’ Surely not… the first English person in… 52 years (not 50 like your profile on the dating app states — do lies…

We’ve given up on us — Love of my life… it’s easy to remember when I met you. The roundest of round numbers (in our lifetime). The year 2000. It’ll be just as easy to recall the end. Another round number. The beginning of a decade, bringing with it so much new hope, to then dash…

Never mind love — our very survival is in the balance — ‘For every decision you make now’, our friend told me in the hospital waiting room, ‘ask yourself one simple question, “Will this help him to survive?”’ I stood by that guiding principle. For dear life (yes, literally), I clung to my new mantra. But now, as I watch him slowly…

Warm-Up writing (or speaking) exercise if you’re considering a jailbreak from the corporate world or any other soul-destroying job. — Planning an escape from your joy-sucking, spirit-crushing job? Here’s a model to adapt as you like. Subject: Resignation Reference: Staff Number 12345 Dear Mr. Big Boss Man, Per Article 5.4.3.2.1 of the Staff Regulations, I now tender my resignation from The Grey Sheep Mind-Control Corporation effective from today’s date because:

…and then the pain engulfed me — I’m so tired of having to be strong So weary of holding it together I hadn’t realized until… …I felt safe in your arms yesterday. Held I melted into your body. Melted into you… …on the beach… I want you to hold me again I want to be held by…

Six yoga teachers share their perspectives on yoga — Have you noticed how suddenly it’s everywhere? From your best friend to your whacky Cousin Josephine, and from your super-smart boss to those neighbours opposite with the orange voile curtains… they’re all at it! ‘What’s that?’ I hear you asking — although, probably not, if you’ve read the title. Yoga. …

Put your big-person pants on and be a parent to be proud of — Whenever one of my kids asks to invite a friend round, I get a bit nervous. You could call it playdate anxiety. My knee-jerk reaction is to say ‘no’. But I’m working on it. Playdate disaster I think I was traumatised in early parenthood when the first playdate I arranged turned to…

Those Beach Boys were on to something — It’s hot inside We’re cramped, heat stifles The kids need out Mountains from trifles I’ve loads to do In overwhelm I just need out escape the helm I flick a switch radio on The Beach Boys sing that catchy song Of waves and sea happy Cali Of course they’re right it’s time to…