Pathways for Positivity

This months article

Pathways For Positivity: There’s magic in the micro - South Leeds Life According to researchers at Cornell University, the average adult makes around 35,000 decisions every day. Most are so small we barely notice them, when and how we brush our teeth, what to eat, or choosing to have yet another “five minutes” scrolling on our phone before bed. On their own, contin...

I went walking today. And I met a chap in his 80s.
5 years ago his wife of over 50 years had died and he was ready to throw the towel in.

End it all.

Luckily he had the presence of mind to ring his daughter to let her know she was needed, right there, right then before he did something that couldn't be undone.

They talked and agreed he needed to find a new purpose for his life, make new memories and meet new people.

And he did.

The dark thoughts lifted, slowly at first. But they got lighter and easier to manage. He found new pleaseures in his life, made new friendships and "found himself"

2.5 years on, he's found love again with a lady who was also widowed.

Thank God he didn't pack it all in.

It's always darkest before the dawn, but if you're open to it, the light will find a way in ❤️

Timing is everything...

Pathways for positivity: Timing is everything - South Leeds Life I can’t believe it’s March already, can you? Sometimes it feels like life is racing past—like everyone else is ticking off milestones while I’m stuck in neutral. But here’s the thing: life isn’t a race. Timing is everything, and your timing? It’s uniquely yours, and that’s what makes...

February- the most romantic month of the year...

Remember to turn some of that good loving inwards 🥰

Pathways for Positivity: Looking for love in all the wrong places - South Leeds Life As Valentine’s Day approaches, many of us naturally turn our thoughts to relationships and love. It’s a season steeped in romance, with expectations shaped by endless streams of books, films, TV shows, and even social media, all portraying love as the ultimate prize. From the intoxicating first ...

You might have heard of the "word of the year"? It’s a tradition where Merriam-Webster, the oldest dictionary publisher in the USA, picks a word that captures the essence of the past year.

For 2024, they've chosen polarisation —a term that reflects the deep divides we often see in society.

Well, I decided to get ahead of the trend and in January I chose my own word for 2024: friendship. And here’s how "friendship" went 👇🏽

This year proved a poignant reminder of how fragile and precious friendships can be.

Sadly, I lost far too many remarkable women in my life—family, friends, and connections. Each leaving an undeniable impact.

Every loss, a ripple that touched everything, a stark reminder of how interconnected we all are.

But 2024 wasn’t all loss, though it has felt that way at times—its also been about growth.

I found myself reconnecting with old friends, building deeper bonds, and creating new memories with people I treasure.

I embraced the theme of friendship not only outwardly but inwardly, too.

I understood the importance of being a good friend to myself. That included the pep talks I'm so great at giving other people, staying consistent through lifes challenges, being nicer to myself and committing to personal growth 🏋🏽‍♀️

2024 has flown though hasn't it?

Maybe you’ve lost touch with people along the way, you mean to text or call, but you put it off for another day...

But here’s the thing I've learned: true friendships are worth the effort. And no matter the time elapsed, they have a way of picking up right where you left off.

A simple message or call can bridge any gap and bring you back together.

It’s never too late to check in on someone and reconnect with them or yourself for that matter.

Signing off for 2024

Thanks as ever for your support of Pathways for Positivity & my colum in South Leeds Life

All the best for a happy, safe, peaceful Christmas.

Your friend
Shannon

Oh and my word for 2025?

Romance ❤️

It's been a funny old year, lots of ups and downs. Happy bits and sadness. Pleasure and frustration.

My last article of the year is about resilience in the face of adversity and things not going quite as planned ❤️

South Leeds Life

2024’s ups and downs: Using resilience to move forward - South Leeds Life As we near the close of 2024, it’s only natural to reflect on the past year—the highs, the lows, and the moments that didn’t quite go as planned. A year ago, like many of you, I was full of optimism, declaring, “This is going to be my year!” I had continue reading

A fresh start ❤️

Today, on International Men’s Day, I find myself reflecting on my dad—the first male role model in my life. He is everything I aspire to see more of in society: supportive, loving, thoughtful, practical, caring, kind, funny and just a throughly good man.

I know not everyone is fortunate enough to have that kind of role model growing up, which is why the men we encounter in society—teachers, mentors, leaders, and even friends—play such an important role. The example they set creates a ripple effect, influencing not just the people around them but generations to come.

In a world where the term “masculine” often carries negative connotations, it’s crucial to uplift the qualities of loving, nurturing, and emotionally intelligent men. These are the men who lead with compassion, protect with care, and inspire those around them to be better.

We need more men like this in our communities. Men who embrace their masculine authenticity and who are unafraid to show strength, and compassion in equal measure.

But to see more of these men thrive, we must address a critical barrier: men’s mental health struggles.

Globally, men face alarming rates of depression and su***de, often suffering in silence due to stigma. The pressure to “man up” or suppress vulnerability has cost too many lives.

Let’s create more safe spaces where men feel comfortable to talk, to express, to seek help, and to heal. A simple conversation can not only save a life, but improve many relationships.

Today, let’s commit to celebrating and supporting men—not just for their achievements, but for who they are at their core.

Let’s encourage the men in our lives to embrace all aspects of their positive masculinity.

To all the incredible men out there including my amazing dad, we see you, we value you, and we need you, everyday not just today ❤️

Today is World Kindness Day!

A reminder that kindness has the power to create positive change.

Throughout the year, we have many "National Awareness Days" to raise awareness about mental health, stress, su***de prevention, burnout, kindness and more.

Honestly? I’m all for it—anything that helps people open up and talk is a good thing.

But real change?
That happens when we use turn these annual reminders into daily action

What if we made a habit out of being just a bit kinder each day? Starting with ourselves, then passing it on to others.

What if we took a more proactive approach to managing our mental health a bit each day.

What if we actually listened when we asked someone, “How are you?” instead of rushing to talk about ourselves.

What would happen if we started today?