Having been through the menopause including, hot sweats, mood swings and emotional upheaval that goes with it.

As she stared into the mirror grimacing and pointing to the lines on her forehead. My friend cried.

The menopause can be a very difficult time for many woman bringing some new challenges. However it can also be a very positive time of transition depending on how you approach it.

Overcoming adversity in your own life can take many forms. My own experience of living with and overcoming depression is something that enables me to relate to other women with depression giving them inspiration and hope.

It’s easy to think forgiveness is for the new age but nothing could be further from the truth. At some point in life you will experience hurt and pain.

With the winter months firmly in your grasp it’s a good time to turn your attention to health & well- being. When its cold and snowy outside you naturally want to eat foods that are both warming and comforting.

I recently went to a remembrance service for a young woman who had been battling with anorexia and sadly lost. In life she was courageous and spent much of her time abroad in voluntary work. She was clearly loved by many and the cathedral was full of family and friends wishing to pay tribute.

With the Christmas and New Year festivities behind us for another year it’s the perfect opportunity if you haven’t already done so to sow seeds for the coming year.

What does living for the present mean to you? And I don’t mean Christmas presents. Although Christmas is a wonderful time just the same as any other time to live in the moment and taking each day as it unfolds.

It’s that time of year again people either love it or hate it. It causes family arguments, stress, not to mention a huge overdraft!