Pathways for Positivity

07/06/2026

June column South Leeds Life
Ideas, feedback and suggestions for future artists are welcome, just DM me ✨️

Whenever something tragic happens, we often say the same thing: “If you need anything, call me.” It’s said with kindness and good intentions, and most people genuinely mean it. But here’s what I’ve learned, grieving people won’t call. Not because they don’t need support. Not because th...

07/10/2025

This months article

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...

10/09/2025

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 ❤️

23/03/2025

Timing is everything...

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...

04/02/2025

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

Remember to turn some of that good loving inwards 🥰

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 ...

10/12/2024

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 ❤️

05/12/2024

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

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