I am a avid reader of author Alexander McCall Smith’s, he was a Bio-Ethicist and Professor of Legal Medicine. I have found his books not only light and easy to read but invaluable because they are laden with pearls of wisdom which are helpful in everyday life.

There are central themes that his characters grapple with and one issue is forgiveness. If we are able to forgive another we can move forward in our life and not become stuck in fear, anger and blame. Psychologist Bill O’Hanlan tells a lovely story of not staying in our fear focusing on walking through it, rather than allowing us to be overwhelmed. It is this process of walking through and looking at the bigger picture knowing that change is possible at any moment which becomes our choice to how we live our life.

Other areas that I have enjoyed in Alexander McCall Smith’s books is the importance of friendship because it is something to be valued and is an interracial part of how we can give to ourself and others. His characters take time to stop and listen and I really like this because I know in my experience taking time to listen to others stories has been invaluable.

Often we can forget how rejection and ostracism are so detrimental, this is because humans are pack animals and are wired to belong. Unfortunately when we are ortracised it can lead to depression and anxiety  so as we move closer to the end of the year and the festive season, it is nice to get together with family, friends and colleagues and celebrate. As the year draws to a close it is important to forgive others the hurt they may have caused us and if appropriate to forgive ourself.

 

admin