My Paradoxical Companion

I took a little step back from social media, of late. Sometimes I just want the head-space. Well, that is to say that sometimes life throws a curve-ball or two and then I just find myself wanting to withdraw and stay kind of still, while the mad world rushes on around me. This only happens...

The Nitty Gritty of Us

“Great minds discuss ideas. Average minds discuss events. Small minds discuss people.”- Henry Thomas Buckle. I was reflecting over what Focused friends means to me. I find reflective thinking is an important part of life. I feel we do not stop to think about aspects of our lives and our experiences, enough. Having reflected on...

Round and Round We Go

“Violence is the last refuge of the incompetent.”- Isaac Asimov. I always put the radio on, of a morning. I listen to wonderful LBC Radio; based in London but a talk-radio station with an audience of people across the UK and, indeed, the world. Callers come from far afield and so the breadth of views...

The Lifeline Paradox

“They say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself.” - Andy Warhol. I am at my desk, as the clock fast approaches midnight, thinking about change.  Change is everywhere and it is somehow everything.  Ironically, change is a constant.  That is a fact that does not change.  No matter what is happening...

Your Component Parts

"People only look at me as a Beatle but my friends look at me as a whole person. That's how life works, but it's not bugging me any more."- Ringo Starr. I’d like you to think of yourself in component parts! For example; as having component parts that include a creative self, an intellectual self,...

It’s a New Dawn

"Every new beginning, comes from some other beginnings end."- Seneca. What are your thoughts about life after lockdown/restrictions? Do you feel optimistic and excited or perhaps a little pessimistic and even anxious? There may be a whole range of thoughts, feelings and emotions that you will experience in relation to the days that will follow...

Focus on Joy

"When you do things from your soul, you feel a river moving within you; a joy."- Rumi. At Focused Friends, we believe fun and laughter are good for the soul. This is most certainly my own personal viewpoint, too. Make time in your day, to bring a smile to someone’s face. Be silly! Wear a...

The Importance of a Critical Mind

"It is the mark of an educated mind, to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it."- Aristotle. So many times, in recent years, I have picked up a newspaper and been confronted by evidently questionable facts. This is something I feel increasingly concerned about.  My concern is not simply that fake news pervades...

It’s Worry O’Clock

“Worry pretends to be necessary but serves no useful purpose”- Eckhart Tolle. We will all experience varying degrees of worry and anxiety in our lifetime.  It is my view that we can take control and become empowered, as a response to worry and anxiety. Here's an exercise that you may like to try...Here is a...

5 Ways to Approach Lockdown

By Deano Parsons. “Even under the most difficult circumstances, you can have creative flexibility.” - Anne M. Mulcahy. Lockdown can make you feel like you are going stir-crazy.  Well, there are some simple things to remember that I believe will make each day at least bearable, while the lock-down is in place. Follow my simple 5...