Just like most people I have had to deal with some very difficult situations in my life. For example I have raised a child with special needs and I have looked after a parent with dementia. I have not had to do these things alone so I certainly do not regard myself as any kind of hero. I am aware also that many people face far greater challenges in their lives. The question is, how we successfully face the inevitable challenges that life brings.

In my upbringing I was taught that being nice to yourself was in some way greedy or selfish. I no longer go along with that theory.

I have come to learn that if you make too many sacrifices, you are just wasting your potential. You are depriving those you love of your talents and skills. It’s simply not possible to be good to anyone if you feel exhausted and depressed much of the time. I now think that it is a generous thing to be kind to yourself. I believe if you feel positive about yourself then it is much easier to feel positive about other people in your life and to be considerate and caring towards them.