This blog has moved .. see you at the new place!

I have moved this blog to www.clairesewell.com with more of an emphasis on a business blog rather than a personal blog. See you there :)

Inching closer to a degree

I am now studying for the two last degree exams. Over the weekend I was delighted to receive 78% for my assignment - that gives me 30% towards the 51% I need to pass the paper. I'm getting there slowly. I can't wait to no longer need to devote time to study and work on my new Cherish book instead. All in its own time.

Reinvent yourself

I have to confess - I love tweaking my life, so when I saw that DailyOm.com were offering a 4 week course titled "Reinvent Yourself' - I was in!

This week's exercise was:

If you could look your best, what would you look like? What would your hair look like? What kinds of clothes would you wear? How about your makeup (if you're someone who wears makeup)? Your posture? Your vibration, your vitality? Let's just say it's a new you. What does this new you look like? Is there a person in the media or someone you admire that you'd like to look like? Why?


If you could be at your best vibration, what would that vibe be? What would people say about you? Would you be energetic, imaginative, funny, fun, vibrant? Or quiet, wise, noble, gracious?If you could be living your best life, what would your days be like? What would the people in your life be like? Would you keep your old friends? If so, who? Would you make new friends? What would they be like? Would you associate with your family, or try to distance yourself a bit? Would you move away? If so, where would you move to?


What are the qualities of your new life? How do you FEEL most days?

My response to these questions largely centered around being drawn to, inspired and influenced by all things natural: wearing natural fibers, organic shampoo and household products, and eating more vegetarian based meals. So already I have cleared my bathroom of non-natural products and have replaced them. Next is converting my wardrobe to natural fibers and colours. I've been meaning to cull my clothes so this is the perfect opportunity to be spring-like and out with the old - in with the new.

From book concept to cover - in one week

I need to focus on studying for my last two Psychology exams, but I'm sure I'll find a few minutes each day to add to the new book, even if it's just notes and ideas. By mid November I'll be free to really get stuck into writing.

Cover image and title of book #3

These both feel like a perfect fit. I love the process of pulling a book together. Usually the title and the cover come last but hey, I'm open to new ways of being creative:

How to Cherish Yourself as a Grown-up

New book in the making

I have begun a third book, tentatively titled: Self-Parenting: Creating a safe and nurturing life. Here is a snippet ...

Why You Should Read This Book

In my 20’s I remember asking my mother why, when I visited my parents’ home, their house was full of happy, safe, familiar feelings. It was as if the very molecules within the atmosphere of their home were full of nurturing and support. In comparison, the molecules in my flat seemed cold, empty, and uncaring. I wanted to change this. I wanted to learn what it was that made such a difference in the two abodes.

I went back to my flat and added a few pot plants. It made no difference. I wanted to infuse my flat with emotional warmth. I wanted it to look homely. I added ornaments. I added books. I added music. Nothing seemed to make a difference.

I’m 44 this year. Now I get it. It’s not the material things per se that make a difference. Sure, to have your prized and treasured possessions around you is a wonderful mirror to remind you what you love and value. But the molecules within the atmosphere are made of love. Love for others and love for self.

We can’t control other people - they may leave us through relationship breakdown or death. Sometimes other people are less available to us, due to time pressures and their own emotional needs.

We can fill our lives with molecules of self-love. We can care for ourselves and create a degree of safety so that we flourish instead of wilt and stagnate. We can do this by becoming our own nurturing parent.

This book explores how you can do that.

The new