Christmas 2020 without Family

Christmas

Christmas Home Rituals Isolation Sadness Together Missing Altogether Soon

Christmas feels so different this year and for so many it is hard! Being alone on Christmas day seems to have a weight greater than other days. Remembering a loved one we have lost at Christmas seems to hurt more than other days of the year. Christmas evokes a multitude of emotions from love, laughter and joy to sorrow, sadness and despair. Continue reading “Christmas 2020 without Family”

Who Cares for Carers

Who Cares for Carers?

I have so much admiration for the army of carers out there. The NHS staff, the Care Home staff, the mobile carers to name a few. There are also those who are at home looking after a loved one, caring for your husband, wife, mother, father, daughter, son, whom ever it may be, caring for a loved one is a tough job! Continue reading “Who Cares for Carers”

Lonely at Christmas 2020

Loneliness this Christmas

As l sit in my counselling cabin this morning with a cup of coffee, I reflect on the conversations had with family this week. With Christmas ahead of us and the hope of all being together temptingly close, my Mother-in-Law called to say Continue reading “Lonely at Christmas 2020”

Reading is good for Mental Health

Reading is good for your Mental Health

There are many ways to support your own mental health and one of them is reading. It may seem surprising but reading can be extremely beneficial to your mental health. Getting lost in a good book with your imagination and transported to that moment in the story can feel like nectar to the mind and soul. Continue reading “Reading is good for Mental Health”

Kindness and Compassion

Put the Human into Humanity

I am struck by how covid-19 evokes a sense of detachment in many of us. To protect us we are not allowed to be within 2 metres of one and other, we can not hug each other and the detachment these restrictions are enforcing upon us are unusual human behaviours. Continue reading “Kindness and Compassion”

Dementia Sonnet 7 – Smothered Synapse

Smothered Synapse

A hollow emptiness of days and hours
has heightened Jane’s dependence on my love.
Now spaniel like, she dogs my every move –
craving attention. Fine – but anger lowers! Continue reading “Dementia Sonnet 7 – Smothered Synapse”

Monthly Goal Achievement Journal

Monthly Goal Achievement Journal

I saw a post about writing a monthly goal achievement journal on one of the social media channels and my response was curious and prompted this blog!

“End of Month – Review and Reflect ….. Do you review the end of the month before planning the next? I think it’s very important or you may find yourself setting the same goals every single month and not hitting them.” Continue reading “Monthly Goal Achievement Journal”

What makes us Human?

What makes us Human?

Many in the past have asked this question and I expect many more will ask in the future. Here are my thoughts on what makes us human.

Compassion, kindness and understanding, our ability to love and equally our ability to hate. Our rational thoughts and processes, which drive us consciously and unconsciously. Continue reading “What makes us Human?”

A Shielding Counsellor

Shielding

I am a shielding counsellor! Since 13th March 2020 I have been shielding at home with my family. During this time I have continued working in my private practise, Caroline Ellison Counselling and as a volunteer counsellor for the Fountain Centre at St Luke’s, Royal Surrey Hospital, meeting with clients each week over the telephone and online using Zoom. Continue reading “A Shielding Counsellor”