How caught up can we get in dramas - our own, other peoples? How many of us feel we are not living unless something is 'kicking off'? By creating disturbances I can test others out, get my adrenaline running, be at the centre or just start it off then retreat... My mind is busy thinking about what is going on - trying to predict, explain, justify, blame, deny... All this is hard, hard work and maybe, maybe I am avoiding asking for what I really want; really need. However, if I want peace and harmony I must first look to myself and my behaviour. What can I do to prevent disturbances? Can I assert myself in a non aggressive way - a different way? Different to that which doesn't seen to work?

Maybe because it is 'Black Friday' I just don't want to buy anything. The thought of the crowds sends me running in the opposite direction. And do I really need this stuff? Do I need to get more stuff just because it is Christmas? This year my family have agreed a £10 present limit on each person to open on the big day...and then we are going to plan a day out. I don't know what yet but we've decided shared experiences might be more fun and fulfilling than yet more stuff. Perhaps less bah humbug and more hey, ho than I thought

When is the last time you did absolutely nothing for 10 whole minutes? Not texting, talking or even thinking? Mindfulness expert Andy Puddicombe describes the transformative power of doing just that: refreshing your mind for 10 minutes a day, simply by being mindful and experiencing the present moment. (No need for incense or sitting in uncomfortable positions.)

Ash Beckham: We're all hiding something. Let's find the courage to open up,

Why look after ourselves? Well, if we don't then we may not be there for others. We don't have to devote hours and hours but it's ok to be a little selfish, to take a little time, to allow ourselves a little of what we give to others. To keep mind and body together don't forget the basics - good nutritious food, sleep, exercise be it a short brisk walk or time in the gym, hug with family, friends or furry friend, time out reading or meditation... What would you recommend to a friend? Be a friend to yourself. Thanks to HealthyPlace.com

This made me smile and was also very humbling. Today it is 'Black Friday' and the news footage is full of people fighting for Christmas 'bargains' in Asda, Tesco and in America. What a contrast. Also reminds me a bit of when I've purchased expensive toys only for the box to be so much more interesting...

Don't do it! Great animated film by the NSPCC drawing attention to the perils of sharing the wrong thing online. From what started out as a bit of fun ends up with terrifying consequences. This is one of the issues I hear about regularly from both parents and youngsters. Once the pic or comment is out there...

Still waiting for 'the One' to walk into your life? Has it been a stressy time and you are doubting 'the One' you are with? Do you find yourself being particularly picky? Dan Savage may just offer an alternative view to finding that special person. The Price of Admission or rather, what we can compromise on to share our lives with someone whose qualities support us. And, by the way, it works both ways. Are you perfect?

This takes me back to my very first week of counselling training when one of my peers broke down in tears and many of us rushed to her side offering words of solace, comforting arms and tissues to "dry those tears." Our wise tutor stopped us there and suggested we go back to our seats. What were we doing? Who were we doing it for? She asked us kindly. Why, the tears unsettled us - made us sad, reminded us of our own fragility, trials and tribulations that life throws at us. So, shall we block the tears? Shut them down? Repress or supress the feelings? She went on. Try sitting with the feelings. What happens then? How do you feel when it is okay to cry? As I said, she was a wise woman.

I particularly love number 8 - "In five years, will this even matter?"

People are often surprised that there is laughter in the therapy room. Lets face it, life can be absurd and laughter is a very effective coping strategy and a way of bonding with others. How infectious is a baby's giggle? And yes, it can bring us right into the present.

I love this quote from Maya Angelou. It was hard to choose as she was a wise woman with a gift for words and has left the world so many inspirational quotations. Thank you to Artwell Art Therapy for the image.