Now isn't that a title that J K Rowling would be proud of?
Pete Aldin see where you've taken me? (No not turning into JKR - I wish) Or maybe it's just I've been reading Harry and The Half-Blood Prince, with my venture into Deathly Hallows just ahead of me!
But let's not diverge!
Some time ago Pete from Great Circle tagged me with a great topic for sharing. But as I've said before tags/memes are really a Curse!
So it is with great pleasure I share with you my Best of ... series, where I present 10 of my earlier posts that best sum up what Pink Apple is about.
That was actually quite challenging because that old Self-Doubt Demon (I really must come up with a name for it!) was doing its best to convince me I wouldn't find any! But, in fact, while time-consuming, I was quite surprised with what I found in the archives that I can summon pride in again sharing with you!
If you're a regular reader, you've probably worked out I have lots of interests
- supporting and nurturing women,
- staying sane at Christmas
- small business,
- books and reading, and
- networking,
But my BHAG (Big Hairy Audacious Goal) is to help couples discover the many and endless moments of joy in their relationships. I'm doing that by sharing the Secrets of Successful Relationships.
So the articles that best sum up Pink Apple fall under that category.
Here are links to 10 of my favourites. They're in no particular order, except occasionally chronological!
It's very tempting when we're angry with someone, be it our partner, colleague, or the Indonesian government, to avoid letting all our peripheral or past judgments, come into the debate. [more]
Isolation and alienation is a big part of the bully's toolkit. Unfortunately, psychological bullying is more likely to be the domain of women. Women's skills with relationship-building have a flipside in the female bully's capacity to alienate. Other tactics might include: [more]
Listening, Waffles and Spaghetti
Firstly, they point out what listening is NOT. Guys, I think you might sigh with relief as you read these! [more]
Little does she know, as she rests in the dewy-eyed wonder of her new marriage, that disillusionment is ahead. How will she manage when the sheen rubs off the relationship? [more]
Because one of the perennial problems that couples find most hard to get over, is the issue of the sharing of chores! On the surface, it would seem a simple enough problem to solve.
But it's like a wartime ocean, filled with depth charges and silent, drifting bombs just waiting to explode! [more]
As Doug reminds us, just because you find your soulmate, doesn't mean you can take the foot off the pedal, in terms of your efforts and input into nurturing the relationship. "The great danger of the soulmate myth is the accompanying belief that the relationship will be easy over time. Relationships decay when someone puts their feet up." [more]
We can also confuse our LOVERS with our language! And I don't mean abusive language; or even "talking dirty", for the more risque of my readers!
"I just feel so distanced from him. It feels like he's pushing me away"
This client "hears" love in the language of positive affirmations. If her partner criticises her, then, no matter how lovingly the criticism is delivered, she's likely to read that criticism as rejection, and even evidence of loathing. [more]
Now, I dare any of you to tell me you've got the perfect partner! I even dare any of you to tell me you've got the worst partner in the world! There's no such thing! All there is, is "good enough" or "bad enough" to prompt us to make choices. [more]
As I listen to some of my clients, I am sad to hear them relate stories of failing to restrain themselves when it might have helped.
When the fight is on, and it's far from fair, (and in fact downright dirty), THAT'S the time for restraint. [more]
One of the key secrets to successful relationships is a simple value that our Mums and Dads probably taught us - Respect and Goodwill.
What turns that head-over-heels love into a belief that Your Adored One is always "out to get you"? What would make you think that a nasty attack is the best form of defence? Where has that mean spirit come from and how long do you want to live with it?
For some reason slowly and painfully respect and goodwill have leaked out of the "lovin' feeling" [more]
Classics all... rather like the Potter series, ay what?
OK, so I don't do strine very well. Sorry.
Chris, this is one heck of a list! I have read everything you've written on your blog as you write it (as friends are wont to do) but still was blown away by the amazing content sitting there in your archives waiting to be dusted off and proudly displayed for the next generation of Pink Apple fans to drool over. You should be Very, Very proud of these (and all those other hidden gems lying under those dust covers over there)- you prove again and again why you are THE woman to go to for relationship advice and coaching...
Readers don't even need to say "alohomora" as they wave their wands to open up the treasure trove of goodness here at Pink Apple!
Posted by: Karen Wallace | August 21, 2007 at 07:09 PM
How awesome! There's some gold here, Chris. I'm taking away the idea of reducing my kitchen sink! Thankyou! This was worth the effort.
Posted by: Pete Aldin | August 22, 2007 at 11:05 AM
Gold and Gems!
Heavens! Karen and Pete you can come and visit and say nice things any time you like!
This was a tedious process on a practical level, but one I'm really grateful to have been challenged with.
I found stuff, in my digging down into the archives, that I was really proud of.
Thanks for reading, finding truths that spoke to you, and being so kind as to tell me!
Drop by again soon!
Posted by: Chris Owen | August 22, 2007 at 12:56 PM
You have been tagged for The Personal Development List. (See my site for details), I would love for you to participate.
Posted by: Priscilla Palmer | September 01, 2007 at 04:18 AM
Chris
You’ve been tagged for the “Does Most Leadership Suck Challenge”. Check the link for details.
Take care...
JMW
Posted by: John W. McKenna | September 04, 2007 at 06:23 PM
After Priscilla Palmer's self development list Jenny and I have decided to try to help build the self development community. So we are holding a little contest. I would like to invite you, and anyone else interested, to find out more details at jenny-and-erin.com/2007/09/win-a-25-gift-certificate/
Posted by: Erin | September 06, 2007 at 10:24 AM
I love your blog.I really enjoy the content of your blog.
Love & Gratitude,
Tina
Think Simple. Be Decisive
Posted by: TinaSu | October 26, 2007 at 03:00 AM