happiness Archives - Jo Emerson

Simple spirituality for dogma-shy desperados October 23, 2019 – Posted in: Advice, Personal Development, Spirituality

As someone who has come to understand how important ‘plugging in’ spiritually is to her life, I have developed a rudimentary and ever-changing spiritual practice. But, before you run for the hills in horror at how pious that sounds, please understand that the words ‘rudimentary’ and ‘practice’ are foremost in that sentence. Like a lot of us, I have found traditional religion tricky to stomach and I am tired of other people’s dogma. So, I…

When there is no desire, all things are at peace September 5, 2019 – Posted in: Advice, Personal Development

For those of you who follow me on Instagram, you will no doubt have seen that I spent 10 days catering for our five kids in a tent in Cornwall during one of the most crazy storms the South West has seen in a while. My amazing husband spent two sleepless nights outside pegging and re-pegging the tent while the kids slept soundly through the whole thing! For me, it was like trying to rest…

Lessons from Love Island June 12, 2019 – Posted in: Advice, Confidence, Personal Development, Relationships

If, like me, you’re new to delights of Love Island you may, on first viewing, have been shocked on several levels: the amount of flesh on show (I realise this comment identifies me as seriously middle-aged but I grew up with Bananarama and Duran Duran and those guys wore their clothes on TV), the forced/heavily controlled environment (like Big Brother on speed) and the painful desperation of the contestants, all makes for very uncomfortable viewing.…

GOALS AND PURPOSE – why we need both May 16, 2019 – Posted in: Advice, Personal Development, Relationships

I was lucky enough to marry my partner recently. After going through divorce in 2011 and then spending 6-years as a single person with three children, it really did feel like a pinnacle moment in my life to be marrying my soul mate. We had the most amazing, joyous day and then spent a week on a gorgeous island in the sun together. We were literally lavished with cards, gifts, good will and messages of…

Happy Couples – how to keep your relationship happy every day (not just on Valentine’s) January 31, 2019 – Posted in: Advice, Personal Development, Relationships

Valentine’s Day is marketed to us as a ‘day for lovers’ and, of course, in some ways it is. It’s a day to maybe put extra thought into your primary relationship and make more effort to show your special person just how much they mean to you. But, I would argue that every day is a day for lovers because actively loving your partner (and yourself) is the key to keeping your relationship happy every…

Have yourself a confident Christmas… November 30, 2017 – Posted in: Advice, Confidence, Personal Development, Relationships

For those of you who regularly read my blog and my advice column you’ll know that I’m all about authenticity and being real. Why? Because perfectionism and mask-wearing are two of the biggest barriers to confidence that I’ve come across in my six years as a coach. I’ve worked with hundreds of people (probably thousands now) and they all tell me that pretending to be someone or something they’re not feeds their insecurities. And dismantles…

Confidence is a muscle that you need to exercise October 23, 2017 – Posted in: Advice, Confidence, Personal Development

So many people think that confidence is something we are either born with or not but this is a lie! Confidence is a muscle – we all have a confidence muscle but some of us haven’t learnt to exercise it yet. If you want tight, strong tummy muscles you go to the gym to do your sit ups, crunches, planks, and leg raises 3-4 times a week, you also watch your diet and, lo and…

Your past is not your destiny October 15, 2017 – Posted in: Advice, Confidence, Personal Development

I was listening to a podcast recently on which an eminent psychotherapist was asked what she would say to those who remain cynical about the effectiveness of talking therapies. Her answer was simple, “Your past is not your destiny,” she replied, before explaining how counsellors, coaches and psychotherapists are all in the business of helping their clients detach from their past in order to create a new future. I think I punched the air. …

The Power of Acceptance October 9, 2017 – Posted in: Advice, Confidence, Personal Development, Relationships

Have you ever wondered what your life would be like if you just accepted everything as it is without judgement, without trying to change other people, and without complaint? What if life were a river you were simply required to swim in; going with the flow, navigating all the twists and turns, and rocks and rapids, and tranquil spots along the way? How would your life be if you stopped trying to control everything and…

Finding your inner sparkle July 3, 2017 – Posted in: Advice, Confidence, Relationships

Your inner sparkle is THE ONLY sparkle you should be interested in showing to the world. Why? Because it’s the real you and that’s what’s always most attractive. Your inner sparkle is unique and you’ll know you’ve found it when you feel like you are flowing through life, connecting easily with people, and generally attracting positive things into your world. How to find it… STOP comparing yourself to others and start concentrating on being truly…