Here in Brighton in the south of England I’ve been enjoying the first signs of Spring. The blue skies and fresh, crisp air. And the appearance of the familiar green shoots rising from the earth, that I know will soon blossom into magnificent bright yellow daffodils. Known as ‘imbolc’ in the celtic and pagan traditions, … Read more
It is the start of 2023, and I’m going to resist the collective habit of sharing or encouraging intentions or resolutions. And instead just acknowledge that for many, including myself, the start of the year has thrown a few curveballs and unexpected challenges. This has meant, for me, that there’s very little space or time … Read more
Today is World Mental Health Day. I’d like to use this occasion to raise some questions around what we mean by mental health, and how we may address it in different way within our communities and organisations. Here we go: 1. How do we understand mental health? This in itself can be a very … Read more
This summer I came to grips with the fact that I – a so-called expert on burnout – might myself be burning out, again. I took time to completely slow down, seek professional help and reconnect with myself and with people around me. Then I realised that many others I talked to felt the same – overwhelm, … Read more
I have been a bundle of very difficult and unexpected emotions the last few days. First of all, just to get things straight. I am not a monarchist. Nor am I even a ‘Queenist’ – a word that suddenly entered the English lexicon last Thursday. I am fully aware of the crimes against entire populations … Read more
What does it mean to show up fully, as humanly as possible, in the wellbeing arena? This is a question I have been grappling with over the last few months, as I bring gentle attention and care to my own health problems. It can feel so difficult to publicly engage with discussions on mental health … Read more
I have not written a blog piece for a long while. Like many of us in these times, I have been struggling with overwhelm. I have been spinning many plates: a house move, putting in long term care arrangements for my ailing father, conferences and workshops on wellbeing and on my book’s main messages, chasing … Read more
Would you like to join me and a group of curious, open-hearted readers to reflect upon the ideas and practices contained within The Vulnerable Humanitarian? The Vulnerable Humanitarian Book Circle will be starting on the 10th and 11th February! Why a Circle? – Because as well as being a place to discuss the chapters you … Read more
The end of 2021 finds me in a soft, delicate, reflective state. It is a time of year that is difficult for many of us, and in these extraordinary, polarised and uncertain times – when many of us have suffered loss and illness – it is particularly challenging. I have found myself swinging between moments … Read more
I’m so excited to share with you that my first book, The Vulnerable Humanitarian: Ending Burnout Culture in the Aid Sector, was officially published by Routledge yesterday! After these many years of researching stress and burnout, and the working cultures of the aid sector, I’m really proud that my work is finally out there. It … Read more