Our brains are at the heart of who we are as human beings. I have had a fascination with how the brain works and how you can maintain a healthy ‘brain’ since my Dad died of dementia. It was the most awful sight…this proud man disintegrating in front of our eyes…this man who was incredibly intelligent not even being able to function at all without help.
Gosh even writing about it brings a lump to my throat. I idolised Dad and it still hurts that I could not stop that happening to him.
Anyway, (Anna pulls herself together!) I recorded an audio …read more

Many of you know that I part of my legacy to my Dad I produce a podcast called The Engaging Brand. On todays show I talk to Loren Slocum who speaks to me about how to turn your life around (Listen here)….
Talking to Loren I realised a few things
1) That the most important positive person you should have in your life is …YOU.
2) We spend so much time working, watching TV, pleasing others…but how much time do we spend on ourselves?
3) Do you allow yourself to breathe…do you allow your mind to breath….or are you forcing it think in some …read more

A while ago Jonathan Cunningham left a comment on the blog about Lets Reflect. How he had turned his life around through the power of self actualisation.
Well, I was lucky enough to interview him for The Engaging Brand podcast. For anyone who is searching for meaning and not knowing how to start building a new life it may be worth a listen. You can listen here to this epsiode of The Engaging Brand.
Let me know, has anyone used this technique and has it worked?

It is 5 years today that Dad took his final bow from this world. A world that he graced so well. There is not a day goes by without me thinking of him, wishing that I had spent more time with him, asking myself how could I have been a better daughter….all the kind of thoughts, grief riddles your brain with, during the bereavement process.Many of you know that I run a podcast and blog in Dad’s honor called The Engaging Brand. He would have been so proud as this year it was nominated for the Best Business Podcast award. Though it …read more

Many readers of Widows Quest might know that I also produce a podcast called The Engaging Brand which is a business show, but this week I interviewed a wonderful lady – Kim Ades -  who talked about how we think and how we can control how we think – turning our negative thought into positive thoughts.
I thought you may enjoy the show and it may help people to think more positively during this period of grief – here is a link to playing it online

Last week I posted about Never Be Afraid of Living, a post inspired by talking to Brianne Schwantes. I said that I would post when the interview on The Engaging Brand went live…if you are feeling down today then just listen to this audiopodcast…it is full of hope and will inspire you to never give up.

Early this year I posted about my aims for 2007 back in January which looked like…

Publish the Widows Quest podcast by 12 January and keep to a weekly schedule.
Lose 2 stone in weight(28lbs)
Join a community group to support others with bereavement.
Achieve a life/work balance by downsizing both my career and my lifestyle.
Move house – back nearer to my family and friends.

I am proud to say that (3) and (4) have been achieved! I am disappointed to say that my house is still for sale so (5) is still on hold. As for (2) well the news is superb as I …read more

Once again in my day job I was privileged to speak to Robyn McMaster of the MITA International Renewal Center who look into all kinds of areas related to the brain. The interview with Robyn is about understanding negative thinking and how we can be influenced by others, also the effect of depression on us as individuals. You can listen to The Engaging Brand podcast here and also if you haven’t listened to the show with her colleague Dr Ellen Weber (Shows 67 and 68) that is a further wonderful insight into how our brain works.

At the start of January I resolved that I wanted to lose the weight that I had put on and regain control in my life. A fellow blogger who I had never met decided to join me and we are posting about our journey at Middle Age Shed. Up to now I have lost 14lbs and feeling so much better….it hasn’t taken away the grief but it is helping to build my self confidence back. We are having so much fun – we talk twice a week on the phone, tape it and publish the podcast .
Another friend created the …read more