Part of what it means to be alive is to experience joy and sorrow – sometimes in the same moment. Whilst we can find unexpected joys through our lives, the sorrow will often be peeping around the corner – because life isn’t perfect. Even without Covid-19 and Lockdown, life holds ups and downs for all of us and it would be strange if we didn’t respond to that.

In those moments I often find myself doubting whether I’m on the right track or if I’m capable of handling the situations that come my way. I can often begin to wonder if I’m doing enough or if I’m doing the right things. Everything can start to feel imperfect and too difficult. [Read more…] about Listening for better music

My family would tell you that I have a long memory. I remember dates and numbers quite clearly – something passed down in my genes, I think. For the most part, being able to remember things like birthdays and anniversaries is an absolute blessing in lots of practical ways.

But it can also be a strange way to walk through the year: I don’t just remember the good dates and the happy stuff but also remember the days when things weren’t quite so good. And, of course, we now have things like Facebook memories to help me, even if I have tried to suppress an uncomfortable date!

A memory popped up this week which reminded me that this weekend marks 10 years since [Read more…] about Thanks for the memories

I have been watching some of this week’s coverage of the events around the 75^th anniversary of VE Day and have been struck by the very clear memories of those who served in World War II and lived during that time. Even those who were very young can still remember the change in atmosphere as the end of hostilities in Europe was announced. [Read more…] about A new normal?