Category: Personal Development
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Nicknames: Love Them or Hate Them?
Nicknames are a universal part of growing up—sometimes affectionate, sometimes embarrassing, but always memorable. From playful childhood labels to the more creative (and questionable) names of school and university life, this reflective piece explores how nicknames shape our identities, friendships, and memories. Love them or hate them, they often stay with us far longer than…
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The Meaning of the Rainbow: From Biblical Symbol to Modern Icon of Hope and Diversity
A symbol of hope, diversity, and renewal—the rainbow’s meaning has transformed across cultures and generations.
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Improving Self-Portraits with Digital Sketching: My March Experience
Follow my March digital sketching journey as I explore self-portrait drawing, improve techniques, and overcome challenges. From texture experiments to mastering layers, this month was all about artistic progress.
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Visionary — The Word That Describes Me Best
A personal reflection on what it means to be a visionary—exploring imagination, future-focused thinking, sustainable cities, and a passion for social justice.
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February Digital Sketching Experiments: Process-Led Art, Animation & Creative Growth
February marks a creative shift in Alison’s daily digital sketching practice, moving from finished illustrations to process-led, recorded sketch videos that reveal mark-making, mistakes and creative decision-making through green heart, literary and fruit-based digital artworks.
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The Eternal I
Discover the ultimate running playlist to help you run faster, stay motivated and enjoy every mile. From upbeat warm-up tracks to powerful mid-run anthems and a calming cool-down, this guide shares the best songs and headphone tips to transform your next run. running playlist
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Spinster: Love It or Hate It? Reclaiming a Loaded Word in 2026
Is the word spinster still an insult in 2026—or can it finally be reclaimed? This article explores how the term evolved from a simple job description into a powerful cultural stereotype, and asks whether modern, independent and self-partnered women are redefining what spinsterhood means today. From Jane Austen and Bridget Jones to Sylvia Pankhurst and…
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Tea-ology
A flash-fiction meditation in which a robin balances a tea bag on its head like a graduation cap, echoing the rise of Leisure and Tourism degrees in the 1990s. Once dismissed as pointless, these subjects—like Tea-ology itself—reveal deeper questions about employability, terrorism, empire, and the fragile systems that shape global tourism. What appears whimsical becomes…
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How to Stay Sober at Christmas: Real Stories of Alcohol Addiction Recovery
Christmas can be one of the hardest times of year for people in alcohol recovery. This article shares real-life stories, faith-based reflections, and practical coping strategies for staying sober during the festive season.
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Fearless Miles: Women Running After Dark
Running after dark can be peaceful and empowering—but safety always comes first. Discover how women can stay visible, confident, and secure on every nighttime run. From reflective running gear and eco-friendly deodorant to self-defence tips and smart tech, learn how to make your evening workouts safe, sustainable, and strong.