Understanding the Difference Between Criticism, Complaints, and Honest Sharing

Understanding the Difference Between Criticism, Complaints, and Honest Sharing

There are moments in every relationship, friendship or community when something needs to be expressed. Something feels off, or heavy, or important. And for many of us who move quietly through the world, speaking into these moments can feel complicated. We want to be kind. We want to avoid hurting anyone. We care about the…

Reframing Quiet: Finding Confidence in Who You Are

Reframing Quiet: Finding Confidence in Who You Are

The Quiet Pressure to Be More Have you ever been told to “speak up more” or “put yourself out there”? Maybe you’ve felt the expectation to be louder, more social, or more outgoing to fit in. We know that, over time, those messages can make you question whether you’re enough just as you are. Many…

What I’d like my family to know about my experience of social anxiety
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What I’d like my family to know about my experience of social anxiety

Looking back, I never used to feel “socially anxious” whilst growing up.  I remember feeling shy as a kid when meeting relatives or strangers, but even when I first started working I felt okay. Anxious feelings kind of crept up on me into adulthood and, I think for me personally, feelings of social anxiety occurred…

3 reasons you need to have that tough conversation today
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3 reasons you need to have that tough conversation today

Let’s face it, we would all rather avoid uncomfortable feelings if it were at all possible. This includes avoiding tough conversations. When we feel hurt or vulnerable, our first response is often to do anything we can to move away from that feeling. We might be choosing to be burying our heads in the sand…

7 great gifts for the sensitive person who hates clutter

7 great gifts for the sensitive person who hates clutter

You know how messy your mind can feel when you’re surrounded by ‘things’? When the totality of your possessions becomes overwhelming, it chips away at your wellbeing. But, did you know you don’t need to be drowning in a sea of stuff for this to take effect? Some of us are more sensitive to this…

Mindset tips for overcoming nervousness in speaking
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Mindset tips for overcoming nervousness in speaking

At April’s Speaking Connections gathering, we spent some time sharing the valuable tips that our members are already using in overcoming nervousness in speaking. This is one of a two-part post sharing our members’ wisdom. Look out for our previous post passing on the gatherings practical tips. Getting into the right frame of mind What can you do to relax before an…