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We often hear the familiar proverb: “ If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.” Persistence is usually presented as an unquestioned virtue. We are encouraged to keep pushing, keep striving, and never give up. Certainly, some degree of persistence is important. Without it, we might abandon things too quickly and miss opportunities for learning and growth. But like many qualities, persistence can become unhelpful when taken to extremes. When we are repeatedly told that g

“Use what talents you possess; the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best.” Unattributed “Comparison is the thief of joy.” Theodore Roosevelt Many of us spend a great deal of time comparing ourselves with other people. Sometimes this can motivate us to grow, but often it has the opposite effect. Instead of feeling encouraged, we feel inadequate. Modern life makes this comparison almost unavoidable. Through television, the internet and so

Happiness is something most people want, yet it can be surprisingly difficult to define. If you search online, you will find definitions such as “feeling or showing pleasure or contentment.” While this describes what happiness feels like, it does not really explain where it comes from or why it can sometimes seem so elusive. When I was a child, I remember asking my older sister what happiness was. After some discussion she eventually said, in frustration: “Happiness is just a

Awareness of mental health has increased greatly in recent years. As stigma has reduced, more people are recognising the value of talking openly about their thoughts and feelings. Counselling provides a supportive environment where this can happen. People seek counselling for many different reasons: anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, addiction, feeling overwhelmed, or simply wanting to understand themselves better. While every person’s experience is unique, couns