Can you stand up for yourself, or do you give in too easily? Emotional Intelligence specialist Dr Ronél le Roux explains how to set healthy boundaries in your personal and work life through self-reflection and clear, confident communication. Discover easy guidelines for effective self-assertiveness, remaining true to your own interests and values while respecting others.

Are you a highly sensitive individual grappling with ‘mystery’ pain? Movement and energy specialist Tami Folkenflik explains how she combines energy healing modalities with yoga and Pilates to balance clients’ 4 subtle energy bodies. Having learnt to process her own trauma, Tami now lives free from pain and empowers others to understand and manage physical, emotional, mental and spiritual challenges.

Relationship coach Bryan Reeves shares his personal journey from a series of failed relationships to a profound understanding of love and intimacy. Offering insights from his best-selling relationship guide, he discusses the challenges regarding freedom and connection, the sexiest 3 words a man can say to a woman, and the sexiest 3 words a woman can say to a man.

Prof. Elain Vlok offers a behind-the-scenes look at the Clover Mama Afrika Project, South Africa’s oldest corporate social investment initiative. She considers the challenges her “Mamas” face, their substantial accomplishments, how she serves them despite life-threatening situations, and her appreciation for the Lifetime Achievement Award she recently received. Sponsored content.

Can weight loss medicines be regarded as a miracle cure for obesity? Dr Manoj Bagwandeen considers the occurrence, causes, health risks and treatment of obesity, bearing in mind underlying mental health issues. Discussing appetite-suppressing and other weight loss drugs in terms of their advantages and risks, Manoj points out why they need to be used under proper medical supervision. Sponsored content.

Do you trust your emotions? Social worker Annette de la Porte explains how Emotional Logic provides a visual map for understanding our emotions. By reframing unpleasant emotions as indicators of a violation of our values, we are able to process our pain. Emotional Logic is a coaching process taking individuals and groups from confusion to clarity. Sponsored content.

Angel medium Belinda Bras-Nel explains how a life-long autoimmune condition, only recently diagnosed, has impacted her physically and psychologically and affected her work and relationships. Viewing these challenges in a spiritual light, she sees herself as being “pregnant with the earth, ” contributing to a general shift in consciousness.

Have you given the circumstances of your death – which cannot be avoided - any thought? Doctor of gerontology and death doula Rayne Stroebel offers practical guidance, describing the role of a death doula and how he helped his father transition after a stroke. Creating an advanced directive may give your more control regarding medical intervention at the end of your life, and increase your chances of dying a “good death”.

Are you getting enough sleep? Clinical and neuropsychologist Mark Eaton considers possible causes of sleep deprivation, including anxiety, traumas associated with sleeping, and disorders such as sleep apnoea. He explains how sleep challenges may affect us physically, psychologically, socially and cognitively and suggests interventions - notably the fast-working BrainWorking Recursive Therapy which can address challenges on 3 levels. Sponsored content.

Do share in my joy - in February 2024 I celebrated my platform’s third birthday! I’m deeply grateful for your presence and for my website’s growth, worldwide reach and every heart-to-heart connection. Here’s the story of how it started - with a sizeable challenge (apart from the spider …)

Do you love your job – or not? Master life coach Judy Klipin discusses her new book on making work work for you. It targets 8 areas from the world of work and offers practical tools for either changing unsatisfactory circumstances or improving the way you view and manage them. Learn how to get and receive feedback, or ask for a promotion or a raise.

Is your natural inclination visual, auditory, or kinaesthetic? How can you apply this knowledge to deepen your connection with others – and, most importantly, with yourself? Human development specialist Dr Melodie de Jager explores our sensory systems and preferences, offering practical tips on increasing our awareness, enhancing self-care, and even choosing spot-on gifts.   

Navigating the metaphorical path of life with its challenges requires a growth mindset, grit, the necessary support, and hope. Regaling us with captivating stories, counselling psychologist Karin Steyn offers practical tools & tips and encourages us to “fail forward.”

Do you push yourself too hard in order to survive? Now’s the time to replace “harsh masculine energies” with a more balanced approach. Angel medium Belinda Bras-Nel explains how the feminine aspect - dishonoured through the ages - is rising, and what men and women can do to let go of fear, anger and resentment in favour of trust and self-love.

With heart-wrenching honesty Jawaahier Petersen recalls the murder of her father, the music icon Taliep Petersen. She describes how the trauma started with an earlier attempt on his life, the loss and betrayal she and her siblings experienced, and how she suffered from depression and panic attacks. In her mid-thirties, Jawaahier finds herself back in therapy. She urges all who need help to seek it, since the bravest way to create your life script is by “holding your own pen.”

Carrying excess weight - especially abdominal fat - could point to elevated cortisol levels. Naturopathic doctor Faryal Luhar discusses possible causes and how cortisol surges affect our physical and mental health. She outlines the role of hormones like DHEA, testosterone, leptin, and ghrelin, and offers practical advice on how to regain and maintain healthy cortisol levels. Sponsored content.

How about recreating your life in specific areas, using 5 sensible steps? Master transformation coach Liezl Thom outlines a practical process, offering examples, to help you shape a unique manual for your life. You can identify your foundational and strategic strategies – and have fun!

Apart from weight loss, time-restricted eating offers significant benefits, especially in our current epidemic of metabolic disease. What - however - do you need to know? Functional medicine health coach Anita Hamilton-Williams explains why men and women should approach intermittent fasting differently, take into account autoimmune conditions or cortisol dysregulation, and how to get intermittent fasting under way.

In sunny South Africa the festive season is associated with candles bending in the heat, al fresco dinners, splashing about in pools and spectacular sunsets. Wherever you happen to be, you’re welcome to keep my platform company while I’m taking time off till 9 January!

How can you communicate with someone living with cognitive impairment in a way that benefits both you and them? Dr. Rayne Stroebel clarifies the World Health Organisation’s view that the consciousness of individuals with dementia is never lost. He offers practical pointers for being deeply present and caring in a relational way, suited to family members as well as caregivers.