When you’re writing stories, do you ever feel like your characters are coming to life on the page? Do they seem like real people, making decisions you weren’t expecting? Or do you prefer to focus on the things that happen and the challenges they face? The majority of stories have characters – be they human, …
There are many times when telling a little lie seems like the easiest thing to do to keep the peace. Such as saying to a parent you’re doing your homework when actually you’re watching TV, or blaming a sibling for starting an argument when you had some responsibility. Then there are the lies people tell …
It’s Monday morning at school and your friends are all chatting about a great sleepover they had at the weekend. Normally, you’d be part of the conversation, laughing and joking with them. But this time, you hadn’t been invited. It can be hard to cope when you’re feeling left out – whether it’s a weekend …
Have you ever thought ‘I’m unlucky’ or ‘Bad things always happen to me’? Maybe your sports team lost a match, you misunderstood your homework or a parent vetoed your plans with friends. Everyone has bad days and life won’t always go your way. But if you find yourself complaining a lot, or blaming other people …
When the morning comes, the first thing many people do is reach for their phone. But there’s another way. You could start your day by opening the curtains and making your room as bright as possible – keep your windows clean, roll up blinds, make sure any bushes or trees outside that block the light …
When you head outside and let your senses soak up the sights, sounds, smells and textures of trees, there are many benefits to gain. Apart from the simple joy and wonder you might feel in the presence of these lofty sentinels, time in nature can inspire a sense of contentment. Regular wholesome tree-time can make …
A line from a book or film that sends shivers down the spine. A lyric that captures the intensity of rage or the empty weight of sadness. A message received at just the right moment. Words can become tiny treasures – reminders that someone, somewhere, gets it. The other day, I found my daughter curled …
Do you ever feel as if you’re the person everyone turns to for advice? Perhaps you’re proud you can help others – it’s a sign of your kind nature that friends feel they can open up to you. But it’s also normal to feel overloaded if you’re regularly hearing about other people’s problems. Responding with …
You may have heard the saying ‘the early bird gets the worm’, but actually, night owls deserve more credit. Recent research found that night owls scored better on cognitive tests, which relates to the brain’s ability to think, learn and remember. So, could being a night owl be a secret superpower? Evening energy One of …
If somebody told you to picture one of your friends, and then asked how you met this friend, you might be able to answer with one simple word: hobbies. Whether it’s via a neighbourhood netball group or an after-school crafting club, many of us make friends for life through our extracurricular activities. But are shared …
