Feature - page 35

Gibraltarian Novelist

It’s not often that you hold a Zoom chat with someone for an Insight Magazine article when they are sitting in their car somewhere in North Yorkshire, their dog sleeping peacefully on the back seat, but that is exactly how this interview with Jo Ward took place!

M. G. Sanchez is a prolific author with fourteen books to his name that include novels as well as numerous stories, essays, articles and works of non-fiction, mostly focusing on interrogating what it means to be Gibraltarian. “There are some short stories that I have not set in Gibraltar, but almost everything that I have written has a Gibraltar connection in one way or the other,” Mark explains. 

As a student at Bayside Comprehensive, Mark noticed that there was a deficit in terms of Gibraltar as a subject of writing. “I was in the library looking for books written about Gibraltar, and although there were some, for instance on history and geography, there was nothing in terms of fiction and I realised that there was a gap there,” he says. “That idea percolated through over the years into my subconscious until at a certain point when I thought I might as well start writing with Gibraltar as my main theme.”

Growing up in Gibraltar during the closed border years, Mark reminisces that there wasn’t much to amuse him, especially on weekends. “All you could do was drive round and round the Rock, it was almost like normality for us and in fact, looking back on it now it wasn’t normal but it is what we were used to and it was quite challenging.” 

Mark mostly lived on the Rock until the age of twenty-seven, albeit after a brief stint when he went to the UK at the age of nineteen, but he couldn’t settle then. “I wanted to study and the opportunity rearose when I got a second chance and went to Leeds University at the age of twenty-seven when I moved to the UK to study English Literature and subsequently took BA, MA and PhD degrees at the University of Leeds.”

“My flatmates used to refer to me as a grandad because at that age I was a bit older than them, but I really enjoyed it and it was one of the best experiences ever.” Since completing his studies, Mark has lived mainly in the UK, but he has also travelled extensively around the world, including New Zealand, India and Japan.

There is no doubt that writing is a passion for Mark, and although he is an academic and has had several other jobs, writing is what he feels most strongly about. “When it comes to Gibraltar there are so many different things you can write about – the place has all sorts of aspects that you can focus on – and it is an endless source of interesting stories.”

The Fetishist, Mark’s latest novel published in November 2021, is the story of a young Gibraltarian man, Nathan Holgado, who travels to Yorkshire to research one of his British ancestors with the intention of reconnecting with his British heritage. Commenting on a review that I saw that said the novel was ‘brilliantly terrifying’, I asked Mark how he would categorise it. “Most of what I write is what I like to classify as dark comedy and The Fetishist is quite funny, but it also has a bite to it and I think this story is possibly darker than the others.”

Asked if the book is in any way autobiographical, Mark laughs. “Not at all.”  It explores the themes of post-Brexit racism and xenophobia, taking in the colonial/post-colonial discourses of ‘otherness’. Is this something that Mark has encountered himself since moving to the UK? “Definitely, it is almost like a micro diaspora in the sense that I don’t know any other Gibraltarians in my neck of the woods.”

With an accent that is distinctly different to the Yorkshire dialects that surround him, Mark comments that people don’t really know where he is from. “You don’t find the Gibraltarian accent often in the UK and it throws people when I open my mouth and they ask me where I’m from,” he says, continuing, “I have had all sorts of reactions – people have asked me if I am Welsh or Geordie.”

Has Mark ever felt marginalised living in the UK? “Not really, although once or twice over the years I have had some negative reactions when I have mentioned that I am from Gibraltar, which has been disappointing,” he comments. “Having said that I have noticed that over the last twenty years things have changed here in the sense that more people now know about Gibraltar.”

“When I was studying at Leeds University I had a part time job working for the Civil Service and my nickname there was Maltese Mark, and when I tried to explain to people that I was not from Malta I was from Gibraltar it didn’t seem to make a difference, they thought that Malta and Gibraltar were the same place,” Mark states. “I don’t think that would happen nowadays and I think there is more of an awareness about Gibraltar and I think that has changed for the better.”

Politics and history can be seen as the main themes in his books, even though Mark says that he is not a particularly political person. “Inevitably coming from Gibraltar, politics creeps into my stories whether I like it or not because everything is so politicised – all you have to do is walk down Main Street and sit outside a cafe and everybody will be talking politics – it is part of our culture.”

The Fetishist also delves into issues surrounding a post-Brexit Britain and Covid-19. “What I envisage is a Brexit where people start looking inward and they don’t really want to engage with the outside world, it is almost like raising up the drawbridge I suppose, and that is what I have seen to a certain extent here in the UK.”

“Theresa May famously said that ‘Brexit means Brexit’, but the truth is that no-one, even now at this late stage, knows what Brexit entails and I think that is particularly true for Gibraltar, and for me Brexit represented one thing above all – which is uncertainty,” Mark comments. Regarding Covid19, a topic that features at the end of The Fetishist, Mark says that he sees a lot of distrust, and negative feelings surrounding the pandemic. 

Considering himself a Gibraltarian, and with most of his family still living here, how often does he manage to get back home? “Normally, two or three times a year, but unfortunately since Covid it has been a bit difficult and I have only been back once.” In 2020 M. G. Sanchez was awarded the Cultural Ambassador Award at the Gibraltar Culture Awards, for his work broaching on Gibraltarian culture and promoting the Rock’s identity traits.

The desire to write is never-ending and Mark is currently in the process of finishing a new book which he hopes to have ready for publication next year. “In Gibraltar in the 1990s there used to be a lot of smuggling and nobody has written or talked about this,” he states. “My philosophy as a writer has always been to write about whatever nobody wants to talk about, and it is important to bring these things out into the open rather than bottling things up which can become problematic in the long term.”

Intrigued as to why he called his latest novel The Fetishist, Mark tells me that there are two elements relating to that title. “The first element is that the protagonist is completely obsessed with military things, so in that sense he is a bit of a military fetishist – but there is another element which is revealed at the end of the novel where there is another fetish component – and unfortunately I can’t reveal that to you.” You will just have to buy The Fetishist by M. G. Sanchez to find out!

Coronavirus has created a surreal world. It is safe to say that the impact of a relentless, stress-inducing news cycle is something that we are all dealing with.

If you are feeling anxious, overworked or experiencing symptoms of burnout, podcasts are a surprisingly helpful resource from which to learn self-care coping strategies. 

These shows revolve around honest conversations about mental health. Others aim to help listeners create a sustainable work-life balance and teach the value of mindfulness and meditation.

Dr Tom MacLaren, Consultant Psychiatrist believes ‘Meeting a therapist might be a daunting experience, especially if you haven’t done this before. You might be concerned about what to expect, things the therapist might say, and what it’s like to open up details of your life to someone you don’t know.

The first thing to say is that therapy is more available now than ever. Thanks to “Improving Access to Psychological Therapies” (IAPT), which is an NHS-funded scheme, most people now have access to therapists in their local area.

For some people, the idea of meeting a therapist is too much. They might not be ready to take that step yet. If this sounds familiar to you, don’t despair as there is still a huge range of supports for your mental health and wellbeing; many of which are free!

One of these options, that people are increasingly turning to, are therapeutic podcasts.

A brief search of the Internet will show up a huge range of options, with a lot of useful educational content. Podcasts cover pretty much the whole range of mental health, from common problems like depression and anxiety, to more complex topics like chronic illnesses and trauma.

Listening to a podcast can be a much quicker, easier and less nerve-wracking experience for many people who might otherwise worry about meeting a stranger and having to explain things to them. You have the option to hit pause at any time and go at your own pace. Interesting topics might help you learn more about your own mental health, give you wellbeing tips and could even provide some insights about further support, if you need it.

Therapeutic podcasts are often produced as regular bite-sized episodes. This makes them easy listening and often less stressful than throwing yourself in the deep in with a 50-minute session in a consulting room.

Many are produced by people with lived experience of the illnesses they describe, such as ADHD reWired, hosted by Eric Tivers, who is a psychotherapist specialising in ADHD and has ADHD himself (check out 11 Therapy Podcasts That Offer Professional-Level Self-Care From The Comfort Of Your Own Home (bustle.com)). These podcasts can give you food for thought, new perspectives on your symptoms and the motivation to do something differently.

These aren’t a replacement for therapy, as you don’t have professional advice to tailor care to your needs. However, they could be a very useful stepping stone in this path.’

Phil Askew and Jamie Robins are certified personal life coaches. They co-host Safe Harbour podcast. Phil explains ‘When the pandemic first hit and we went into the first lock-down, Jamie (my co-host) and I noticed how this unprecedented time was starting to have an intrusive and overwhelming impact on our thoughts and feelings. 

We decided at that time to set up a structure of ‘checking-in’ via WhatsApp each morning. We’d record and send a voice memo to each other, sharing precisely what we were feeling and noticing in that moment, no filter, no fluff.

We are both professional practising life coaches and were noticing very obviously how our clients were also bringing fear, confusion and overwhelm to their sessions too; in fact, it was all that they were showing up with.

That was when we decided to take our personal check-ins and open conversation style public.

We created our podcast Safe Harbour, hoping that anyone who listens in would recognise that it was perfectly normal to feel overwhelmed, lost and confused with what was going on – not just now in this pandemic time actually, but at any stage of life.

The format of our show is one of unscripted conversations between myself and Jamie. We choose a pertinent subject – for example, ‘Why don’t men talk?’ and we dive in, not knowing the direction or where we’ll end up. We bring our own life experiences and reflect on what our clients might have brought to their sessions (anonymously) in the past. We ask curious questions and discover insights along the way, and it’s very organic.

We want our listeners to feel welcomed in, supported, held. We want them to sense that it’s ok to talk about feelings, particularly the make listeners. We want to model how we are when we feel sad, emotional or challenged and to know that it’s not weakness or lack of resolve. It’s incredibly human.

Along with our 1-1 conversations around a theme, some of our shows are instructional, too; we bring our skills as certified life coaches and empower the listeners with tools and techniques. For example, we’ve spoken about how to ask powerful questions, listen well, what to do when you feel overwhelmed, and set up supportive psychological check-in structures with a friend. 

People have told us they love the accessible, authentic and fun energy we bring to Safe Harbour; it was described by one listener as ‘Listening to you guys feels like I am there with you, coffee in hand sitting around the campfire, not judged, seen, included.’

CONTACT DETAILS:

Phil Askew, Certified Personal Life Coach:

www.philaskew.com

Jamie Robins, Certified Personal Life Coach:

www.jamiecoach.com

Safe Harbour Podcast: 

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/safe-harbour/

For consultations with Dr MacLaren (in Clinic or by video conference), please visit: 

www.recognitionhealth.com

As we kick off 2022, two of Hassans’ Associates give us their thoughts on developments for the year ahead in their areas of practice and for Gibraltar as a whole.

First up, James Noguera, an Associate within Hassans’ Corporate & Commercial department.

Q:
What’s the current state of play for your area of work within Gibraltar?

Gibraltar is a jurisdiction which has historically been able to successfully overcome and adapt to unexpected changes to its status quo. This very much continues to be the case today, being a jurisdiction with a consistently firm and progressive offering consonant with the commercial realities of the current global marketplace. Specific to the corporate space, Gibraltar’s activity continues to consistently rise in prominence, recently in light of two principal factors: (i) the ‘global rebounding’ effect of the corporate markets’ return to a more familiar normality and (ii) a surge in expressions of interest, and in many cases, pursuance of positive steps by both corporate players and high-net worth individuals establishing a presence in Gibraltar in anticipation of the resolution of the ongoing negotiations between the UK and the EU over Gibraltar’s prospective bespoke accession to the Schengen acquis, which if in fact comes to fruition, is expected to further enhance Gibraltar’s offering as a post-Brexit gateway to the European markets.

Q:
Are there any new pieces of legislation on the horizon and what benefits may these offer Gibraltar as a jurisdiction?

In recent months, numerous pieces of legislation have been enacted in Gibraltar, including the new Limited Partnerships Act 2021 (the “LPA”), which has been well received by industry professionals across the board. Building on its now repealed predecessor, and in addition to serving as an (increasingly in demand) alternative legal vehicle to limited companies, the LPA seeks to expand the scope and characteristics of traditional limited partnerships. The LPA is an excellent example of effective Gibraltarian innovation intended to meet current market demands, without undergoing wholesale reform – bravo! 

Q:
Are there any specific legal developments which you would like to see be implemented in Gibraltar?

My wish-list for the New Year would include a favourable conclusion to the ongoing negotiations behind the application of the Schengen acquis (or parts thereof) to Gibraltar, together with the subsequent commencement of Gibraltar’s pursuance and establishment of a double-tax treaty network with a host of jurisdictions. I believe this would again, strengthen Gibraltar’s offering specifically in terms of: (i) lessening instances of double-taxation between Gibraltar and other jurisdictions; (ii) increasing legal certainty by facilitating exchanging of information between jurisdictions, as well as introducing specific rules applying to taxes on cross-border income streams; and importantly, (iii) further enhance Gibraltar’s reputation as a tax transparent jurisdiction which collaborates internationally to combat tax evasion. After five years of uncertainty in the wake of Brexit, I do believe we are on the brink of commencing a new chapter in Gibraltar’s storied trajectory, one full of continued stability and prosperous opportunities. 

And next, Hannah Lopez, an Associate within Hassans’ FinTech team

Q:
What does the coming year look like for the FinTech industry in Gibraltar?

The success of the regulated FinTech industry in Gibraltar has been benchmarked by the Financial Services (Distributed Ledger Technology Providers) Regulations (the “DLT Regulations”) 2020, sculpting the regulatory landscape. These well-established regulations continue to attract quality firms wanting to operate using best practices and within a regulated environment.  

The potential of Distributed Ledger Technology (“DLT”) and its ability to enhance the way businesses operate has been showcased by the rapid expansion and exponential growth of the crypto sector. We have seen, over the last few years, the development of new products and services being offered by Gibraltar virtual asset service providers, under the supervision of the GFSC who are always keen to work closely with Gibraltar regulated virtual asset service providers so that they are able to launch new products that are in keeping with market demands in as safe a way as possible. Recently, on the 7th December 2021, the Government of Gibraltar announced that it is exploring the integration of blockchain technology into its electronic systems. 

Q:
Are any new pieces of legislation in your area of practice and what benefits may this offer Gibraltar?

The Proceeds of Crime Act 2015 (Relevant Financial Business) (Registration) Regulations 2021 came into force in March of last year. These regulations impose an obligation on “relevant financial businesses” to register with the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission (“GFSC”) for the purposes of anti-money laundering (“AML”), counter terrorist financing (“CTF”) and counter proliferation financing (“CPF”) supervision. “Relevant financial businesses” will not have to register with the GFSC if it is already subject to supervision by a regulatory authority in Gibraltar. 

These regulations are designed to capture token issuers and other service providers such as OTC desks or liquidity providers who would have previously fallen outside of Gibraltar’s regulatory scope entirely. Companies undertaking such business activity will now be required to register with the GFSC and show that they comply with Gibraltar’s Anti Money Laundering provisions. Applicants will also have to show that the principles behind the operation are fit and proper.

Q:
What opportunities do you believe Gibraltar has to offer for Financial Services?

There are countless opportunities. Gibraltar-authorised financial services firms have an exclusive passporting right into the UK market which is one of the largest financial services markets in the world. Passporting rights will continue for firms operating between the UK and Gibraltar. 

Gibraltar is a reputable finance centre and FinTechs as well as virtual asset service providers can benefit from the legal and regulatory certainty that our Financial Services legislation provides. In Gibraltar, we work closely with key stakeholders to protect the reputation of the jurisdiction. Our professional excellence and probity in the financial services space, and in particular around the legal and regulatory complexities presented by virtual asset service providers is first class and provides businesses with opportunities to flourish in a very exciting emerging market.

Happy New Year!  This time last year, we outlined 3 further steps that you can take to make you, your family, your business, and Gibraltar more secure and #hardtohack.  These simple but effective steps are timeless and so important to your personal cyber resilience that they are worth reinforcing again.  Why not make becoming #hardtohack one of your New Year resolutions?

STEP 4

Change your online banking password.

While banking security continues to become more secure, as we have already discussed changing passwords breaks the chain if your personal data has been breached.  So, as an additional precaution change your online banking password regularly.  Yes it’s a faff.  Yes, it’s easy to find something else to do.  Yes, you are going to have to choose and then remember a new password.  However, ask yourself this.  Are you absolutely, 100% confident that your bank password is not compromised?  Is there a chance that you may have used the same password for another login elsewhere?  Could that service have been breached and the data compromised and made available to cyber-criminals?  How concerned would you be if a criminal could access your bank account and take money from you?  If your answer is, I am not 100% sure that I have not used the password elsewhere, and that they have not been breached, and/or I would be devasted if a criminal could access my bank account, then change your password!!!  It should take you no more than five minutes, and by doing so will mitigate that gut wrenching, vomit inducing risk of discovering your bank account or savings have been cleared out.  Invest time in your security. Be #hardtohack.

STEP 5

Change your Fi-Fi router admin password

Does your Wi-Fi router have a password for you to access your Wi-Fi?  I suspect so; however, what you may not know is that your Wi-Fi router also has an admin password to enable you to manage settings within your router, including the ability to change your Wi-Fi access password.  While not true of all routers, often the admin password to access your router is a standard factory password.  So what?  Well consider it this way.  How many times have you gone to access a Wi-Fi network and you have been given the option to join the network of the house or business next door?  If a device can pick up a Wi-Fi network next door, this also means that a cyber-criminal could access your Wi-Fi network from outside/nearby your home or business.  Most Wi-Fi providers identify themselves by their brand names in order for you to recognise and join them.  This means that a cyber-criminal can identify what internet service provider you are using, Google what web address is required to access the web-based admin portal and also Google the factory standard password.  Ok, but so what…?  Well, if you have not changed the admin password, a cyber-criminal can gain access to your router, change the router password so you cannot access the admin area, identify all the devices on the network for further exploitation and, if they wanted to, change your Wi-Fi access password – just to be annoying.  To prevent this, change your Wi-Fi router password!  And make note of it!  To do this find the instructions for your router and the process to login into the admin area.  Alternatively do as the cyber-criminal would do and google the IP address for your router’s admin portal, and while you are at it the factory standard password.

STEP 6

Activate multi-factor authentication

After ensuring a robust, non-repeated password, Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is the next strongest weapon in your arsenal to make you #HardtoHack.  MFA is the process of using an additional confirmation method to verify that you are the individual requesting an action.  This could be logging into an account or making a payment.  Chances are you are already using MFA.  If you use Amazon, or LinkedIn, you will recognise the process of receiving a number code to your mobile device via text or automated voice call.  If a criminal has access to your email and password combination having purchased your data on the dark web – as we highlighted in our Christmas article – they could gain access to your online account.  If, however, you have MFA activated, an authentication request would be sent to your mobile or other nominated authentication method.  Unless your mobile device has been stolen, chances are the criminal does not have access to this and you will have thwarted the criminal’s ability to access your account.  Usefully, it will also act as an indicator to you that there may be some form of unauthorised activity on your account and that you may wish to change your password to “break” the breached data risk.  Some online accounts will as part of account set up ask whether you want to activate MFA, others will have MFA function, but you will need to navigate into the settings area to activate – annoying but worthwhile.  Be disciplined and where possible check and activate MFA settings to be #HardtoHack.

We are fast approaching that time of the year again when we are listening for the sound of sleigh-bells, the rustle and crinkle of Christmas paper and the joy of a full and well laid table with our families.

This year, I feel, probably more then any previous years, it would behove us to think deeply about the real and true meaning of Christmas. 

Last year, Christmas was effectively cancelled and the reality of a close, caring and sharing Christmas with our loved ones was denied to many.  And at cruelly short notice.  Of course, we survived, jutted our chins out and displayed a good stiff upper lip, but we missed it all very much and many of us felt isolated and very alone. This year there is an underlying shiver of fear that the same thing may happen again.

How can we reconstruct our experience of Christmas so that those heartfelt and intimate feelings can be strengthened and experienced regardless? Is it possible, to let go of the outside influence of Christmas, as we know it, and allow those needs and feelings to permeate our everyday lives, without being dependent on an increasingly materialistic celebration to tap into that which is most dear to us and express to our loved ones just how important they are?

Our emotional attachments cloud our judgement and so often prevent us from seeking the truth or, even worse, rejecting it.  This applies to many areas of life but in relation to Christmas we can clearly recognise that the rituals associated with it become deeply rooted.  Our memories filled with laughter, joy, warmth and comfort, surrounded by our loved ones. And as we are bombarded with images and messages of the perfect family Christmas, so too does our experience become entrenched in that wholesome, happy presentation so much that even it if is not our direct experience the message is so powerfully reinforced that many can come to hope that if they just take part in the rituals then it will magically become reality.  Too often reality sets in again before the tinsel has had time to fade. 

As the mind is not able to readily distinguish the cause of the joy that we associate with Christmas, the ritual can incorrectly be associated with being the source of the happiness, rather than the loving environment which was created simply by being in the presence of family and friends.

As a Christian celebration, Christmas is celebrating the birth of Christ. A time for Christians to remember and celebrate their master, Jesus Christ. Many will agree that this concept and deeper reason for the ritual has become lost in the passage of time and technology. So, for those of us who feel that the true Spirit of Christmas has long become lost in the material whirlwind of our consumer society, this year could well be the ideal time to change a few things!

For many who are attempting to demonstrate their love for the Lord Jesus by walking in his path and respecting his laws (or ten commandments) Christmas is becoming more and more of a quandary.  On the one hand they are motivated by love and the desire to walk in his footsteps thus finding happiness and peace and on the other hand the very act of doing this means casting aside all that is not ‘of him’. Much of which is falsely associated with happiness. Tricky!  

I think it would be fair to say that we all want the blessings of Heaven and The Light while enjoying the pleasures of Babylon and The Dark.  This seems to be more and more evident with each passing day as we navigate our way through these dark times and try to stay safe and sane. It is a common plight of Christianity that while ascribing to desiring the blessings of Heaven one finds oneself immersed in the ways of Babylon. And, I would suggest that there is perhaps no other time that this is more evident than during this fast-approaching season of Christmas and all that goes with it. 

What can we do to engage in the closeness and joy while unsubscribing from the trinket-based frivolities and shallowness which has become part of it all?

We could possibly start by recognising that both Christians and non-Christians have been celebrating this pagan ritual for centuries. The ancient pagan practice of worshipping the Sun God. Now, it can be argued that this no longer has any bearing on Christmas as we know it today but think on it. Worshipping the Son of God is a simple psychological switch from worshipping the Sun God and so to continue the pagan ritual dressed in a Christian costume. We have simply reassociated. Taken that which was unchristian to its very core (some would say evil) and associated it with the name and birth of Jesus Christ.  

Maybe, though, we can keep the true ethos of Christmas and all the bits we hold dear while recognising that love comes from within and that the Christmas tree and the gift giving is simply a way of expressing that love ……  unconditional love.  We don’t need lavish and unnecessary expressions of this love if we remember the real essence all year round.  Regardless of the season, the tree is evergreen just as our love is everlasting (and Christ is everliving). 

I believe that, during these difficult and uncertain times, we can each find our inner light and heed the call to participate in a time of confidently moving forward in that light. Thus, leading our beautiful world back to its true glory and us back to our true selves. 

Happy Christmas!

Kate Mchardy MA(Hons) PGCE MSPH Spiritual coach, teacher and healer. katemch@gmail.com / Tel: +44 7712889534. Facebook: The University of Light Group / Readings at The University of Light (@tarotangelspiritreadings).

ARIES (Mar 21 – Apr 20)

This is an excellent time to think of a move to a new home or new job, Aries. The choice will be yours and it will usher in positive energy for you and your loved ones. 

TAURUS Apr 21 – May 21) 

You are in the midst of making an important decision, Taurus, but conditions are not right at the moment so look into other options and ask for assistance from your angels. They love to help.  

GEMINI (May 22 – Jun 22) 

Clear your mind of negativity, Gemini, as it is blocking your progress. Focus on what you are looking to achieve. Think positively and allow yourself to deserve the best. 

CANCER (Jun 23 – Jul 22)

You are being called upon to show compassion, Cancer. You can really help to heal a situation by stepping back and seeing someone else’s point of view.  It’s not about backing down so much as about coming from a different angle. 

LEO (Jul 23 – Aug 23) 

Keep on keeping on Leo and don’t take no for an answer. Avoid distractions and expect miraculous solutions to appear. Believe in yourself and be strong and all will be well. 

VIRGO (Aug 24 – Sep 23)

This is a good time to give birth to new ideas, Virgo, and to create new situations in your life. Dig deep and you will certainly find the courage to break out of your comfort zone and make the changes you need to make. 

LIBRA (Sep 24 – Oct 23) 

If you’ve been feeling down and dejected recently, Libra, then recharge yourself with faith and hope. Something positive is just around the corner. You can’t see it yet but you will. 

SCORPIO (Oct 24 – Nov 22) 

Pay attention to your intuition and your dreams, Scorpio. There are clear messages in them and you need to follow the steps to find the answer to your prayers. It is there but you must be still and listen.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 23 – Dec 21) 

Your sense of your own inner light is strong this month, Sagittarius. You’ll find yourself actually feeling lighter in every way and responding to people with a clarity and compassion that you didn’t know you had! 

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 20) 

Animals look set to play a role in your life at this time, Capricorn. Whether your own pets or someone else’s, or even animals long gone from this life. A bond will be strengthened bringing a sense of peace. 

 AQUARIUS (Jan 21 – Feb 19) 

Are you a little worried about a child, Aquarius? Your angels are reminding you that your children are well cared for but it is always a good idea to tell them how loved they are and to send up a little prayer to keep them surrounded in angelic light.

PISCES (Feb 20 – Mar 20) 

You can relax now Pisces and allow yourself to feel safe. The worst is behind you and you can leave it there, where it belongs. Look forward knowing that you have come a long way and that you are a better and stronger person for it.

The excitement of opening our Christmas gifts never diminishes. 

Interestingly, what we feel constitutes a gift can vary enormously. A beautiful piece of jewellery? Wonderful. However, an emotional reunion can be experienced with equal pleasure and create a treasured memory.

Clean water might not seem an obvious gift but globally, the charity Wateraid confirms 1 in 10 people have no clean water at home. For the communities that Wateraid helps, it is not only a gift – but a life saver.

The lack of water has a particularly devastating impact on women and girls, who are largely responsible for collecting water. It keeps them from their education or earning a living. 

WaterAid has worked with a community in south-east Nepal, helping bring clean water and toilets to their school. 

Kabita, 14, who is part of the community said: ‘Before, the school premises were very dirty and the toilet was not clean. When menstruating, either girls did not come to school, or, if menstruation happened during school time, they used to go back home. But now the situation has completely changed. It is very good these days, as we don’t have to leave the school during menstruation. Students can attend without any stress and can concentrate on our studies.’

WaterAid also worked in Laxmi’s community in southern Nepal. Before, Laxmi, 12, often missed school to collect water. She said: 

‘Early in the morning as soon as I woke up, I had to go to the stream to collect water and wash clothes. I would miss school one or two times a week. Now there is water all of us are happy. Without education you can’t do anything.’

This Christmas, you can help communities get the ultimate gift of clean water and toilets by supporting WaterAid’s Thirst for Knowledge appeal. Wateraid will provide vital facilities to communities around the world, helping prevent the spread of deadly diseases, improve education, and transform lives.

Amazing Christmas gifts can be about helping to sustain lives or giving life.

Nicola Wagstaff, 41, from North Wales, is single and co-parents her daughter Ayla, 4. Nicola is the founder of Inspire – Rewire Wellbeing Club.

Nicola explains ‘Ayla was due on the 4th December, 2017, I told everyone it was the 14th as I experienced anxiety and depression during pregnancy. I didn’t want the relentless questions about her not arriving yet. Ayla eventually arrived on the 15th. I was huge. I am 5 foot 3 and she was 10lb. 

Needless to say it wasn’t an easy birth. 3 days later and a home-birth-water-birth plan scrapped, I ended up in a 3 day labour.  

I experienced infections and a catheter for 10 days. At one point I came home from the hospital. It was strange being in that same room for days on end, hooked up to a million wires while trying to change a new born. High on drugs and all by myself in the wee hours of the morning. Eventually they let my partner stay over.

Thankfully, during the whole time I was not at all stressed. As a hypnotherapist, I put this down to the hypno-birthing. The misconception of hypno-birthing is that its about having a water birth at home. Whilst this is the dream for those of us who follow this, its actually more about going with the flow, no matter what happens. 

However, this wasn’t the end of it. I managed to get discharged but we almost forced it and it was a mistake. I became incredibly ill and was trying to breastfeed with daily tummy injections and the rest.

I had in fact contracted a bad infection. I was admitted again, but finally I received my best Christmas gift ever and was released with my gorgeous big little girl on Christmas eve at 8pm. Never have we all had such a thankful, wonderful Christmas.’

Mandy Mee is a Professional Matchmaker, she says ‘Christmas is one of the most anticipated and emotional holidays.

It’s important to be mindful that not everyone has good relationships with relatives. Some people may be estranged from family or loved ones, others may not even have shelter for warmth or food to eat. Let’s not be swayed by the colourful pictures of Christmas the media tends to portray, understanding that the festivities do come with an emotional imbalance – both highs and lows. During this period, staying in touch with people can make a difference to someone on Christmas day. 

Gifting is all part of celebrations, and although Christmas isn’t about materialism, gifting during Christmas has become tradition. Put some effort into planning what to give your loved ones for Christmas with awareness of the art of giving and the impact it has on your being. Gift giving activates a number of chemical hormones in your body such as oxytocin and dopamine, especially when received with immense gratitude. 

My best Christmas Gift ever is quality time with the love of my life and something that’s so significant to our Love. It could be an album or video that tells a story of our relationship, or something unique that serves as a memory of an experience we shared together like a Souvenir.  

As the Festive period tends to breeze through like the wind, remember to be present in the moment and savour every experience, food and drink’.

Christmas gifts are joyous to receive, no matter the price or size. The important aspect is the love and care it is wrapped up in.

Nicola Wagstaff website is www.inspire-rewire.com 

Mandy Mee, Professional Matchmaker & Coach at The MME Agency: www.themmeagency.com

Wateraid Website:  

www.wateraid.org

As we move between seasons when the days get shorter and the night becomes longer, you may notice that less daylight hours can affect our sleeping patterns and have an influence on our sleep quality. Anything that upsets our 24-hour cycle, such as the clocks moving forwards or backwards, jet lag, shift work, or even just a very late night, can have a detrimental effect on our sleep patterns, leading to problems like insomnia.

The key to winter wellness lies in supporting your immune system. Protect your immune system and it will be able to protect you.

The winter months are upon us and that means we are more prone to seasonal coughs, colds and sniffles, so the more we can do to build and support our immunity now, the better. There are several things that you can do to support your immune system. These include not smoking and trying to avoid passive smoke inhalation. Why? Because this helps to protect your nasal passages, mucus membranes, mouth, throat, and lungs as well as your skin.

It goes without saying that you should try and eat a healthy diet, but that is always difficult at a time of year when there are so many treats around! Try and incorporate more fruit, vegetables and whole grains in your daily meals and stay away from food that is high in saturated fats. Eat foods high in fibre and also remember to drink lots of water, both of which will help your gut. 

One of the best ways to support your natural immunity is to nourish your body with the essential vitamins and minerals it needs to thrive (the ones your body can’t make by itself), and Holland & Barrett are offering 20% off a selection of immunity products to boost your winter wellness.   

There are three vitamins that are best for boosting your immunity:

Vitamin C is one of the biggest immune system boosters of all and a lack of vitamin C can even make you more prone to getting sick. Foods rich in vitamin C include oranges, grapefruits, tangerines, strawberries, bell peppers, spinach, kale and broccoli. Daily intake of vitamin C is essential for good health because your body doesn’t produce or store it. Take one to four tablets daily of Holland & Barrett Gentle Non-Acidic Vitamin C tablets to help to improve your overall health while working on making your immune system stronger.

Vitamin B6 is vital to supporting biochemical reactions in the immune system. Vitamin B6-rich foods include chicken and cold-water fish such as salmon and tuna. Vitamin B6 is also found in green vegetables and in chickpeas, which is the main ingredient in hummus. Did you know that Vitamin B refers to not one, but eight different vitamins? All B vitamins play a role in converting food into energy in the body. Take two caplets daily, preferably with meals, of Holland & Barrett Complete B Vitamin B Complex. 

Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that helps the body fight off infection. Foods rich in vitamin E include nuts, seeds and spinach. Holland & Barrett Vitamin E Softgel Capsules are premium quality and one of the only natural forms of vitamin E supplements that are available on the health market.

Alcohol consumption can often increase during the winter months, but try to keep to drinking in moderation and avoid binge drinking because it can suppress some parts of your immune system, leaving you open to illness and making recovery more difficult.

Exercise is key to supporting your immune system. Daily activity in the form of walking is one of the best ways to build up your immunity and immune response and will also go some way to helping you to maintain a healthy weight. 

Sleep is directly linked to good health and making sure you get enough good quality sleep every night is important, about seven to eight hours is ideal. Consumption of Zinc can help you to have less sleepless nights. Zinc is a key micronutrient that our body needs for a number of roles, from supporting growth and development to helping neurological functions. It is also essential for our immune system, as it affects how our cells respond to infections, and can help keep inflammation under control. Zinc can also contribute to the maintenance of normal skin, hair and nails. Try Holland & Barrett Zinc Tablets, containing chelated zinc which is easily absorbed in the body because it has been attached to an organic molecule.

Once you are feeling your best you will want to look your best, especially during the festive season. Holland & Barrett have a fantastic 3 for 2 Mix and Match offer on all their beauty products, including toiletries, shampoos, conditioners, face creams and lotions as well as aromatherapy and essential oils. Remember, it’s what you put on your body that is as important as what you put in it, whether that is skin and face care or hair products, so if you prefer to buy organic and natural skincare and haircare, you will be sure to find some treasures in Holland & Barrett from old favourites such as Dr Organics to newer brands such as Vitaskin and Faith in Nature. Don’t forget to grab a festive beauty gift for someone you love in the 3 for 2 Mix and Match offer and if you are stuck for Christmas presents for someone who is a clean beauty fan, Holland & Barrett have the solution with a range of products that are clean of synthetic ingredients. 

Advisory Information:

Food supplements must not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking any medications or are under medical supervision, please consult a doctor or healthcare professional and always read the label before use.

If you are confused, overwhelmed, or don’t know where to start, it might help to write down how you are feeling. 

Describing how you’re feeling and thinking might also help you to find information that’s more useful to your situation right now.

You can email your answers to yourself once you have finished. It might be helpful to reflect on what you have written down later, or use it to help you find information that is most useful to you right now. 

This is completely anonymous, you don’t need to share it with anyone, and everything you write down will be erased as soon as you close the window.

The pandemic allowed many of us to uptake new hobbies and pursue existing interests – but there seems to be one activity which the nation is taking increasing interest in. 

Research from leading biographer StoryTerrace reveals that nearly 5 million Brits want to write their own book in 2021, and it seems the incentive for doing so is creating traction outside of the literary world, now widely appealing to the everyday consumer. 

Rutger Bruining who is the CEO of Story Terrace, sheds light on why writing and journaling have become so popular.

Nostalgia increases our happiness

Looking back at past memories and life moments has become commonplace over the course of the past year, offering us a form of escapism from the pandemic. And while reflecting on the past can be an intellectual activity, nostalgia is also an emotional one. Memory is about recalling the facts of a past event; nostalgia is about recalling how it felt to be there. A 2013 study published in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that engaging in nostalgia led people to feel more optimistic about the future. Nostalgia is also related to higher self-esteem, happiness, and feelings of closeness to loved ones – engaging in past memories evoke these feelings for us, boosting our overall mood.

The impact of journaling on our mental health

The act of writing in a journal to record your innermost thoughts yields a whole host of benefits when it comes to our mental health. It can better our mood, increase our sense of wellbeing, and even lead to better working memory. In some cases, journaling is “prescribed” as a way to reduce PTSD symptoms or to help people suffering from depression and anxiety. However, you don’t have to be suffering to benefit from journaling – any time spent writing your thoughts helps your brain to get better at regulating your emotions. And a biography is like a journal on steroids!

Self-reflection is key to personal growth

If there’s one overarching condition of modern life – and one we can all relate to – it’s busyness. We move from email to email or meeting to meeting with little time to pause and think about our lives and their meaning — a situation that’s only been made worse by the distractions of smartphones. Yet Harvard researchers have found that making time for self-reflection is a crucial component of learning. Writing a biography is the ultimate exercise of self-reflection, as you aren’t just thinking about a day’s work, but your life as a whole. 

Alison Hitchcock is the co-founder of From Me to You, a charity that encourages writing letters for patients undergoing cancer treatment. Here, Alison explains the power of writing down our feelings:

How can writing down emotions help our mental and physical health?

Writing, especially by hand,  gives us the opportunity to slow down and reflect, and this is especially so with writing a letter as we try to put our thoughts and feelings in order,  to convey them to someone else. Research tells us that writing letters can increase levels of contentedness and lower instances of depression. A letter is an opportunity to share with another, to have a conversation, and that conversation is as much between the writer and the paper as it is between the writer and reader.

Is writing down our feelings a positive way of expressing ourselves for everyone?  

For some people drawing will be a positive way of expressing themselves, for others singing, for others talking, but writing is so accessible for so many people. At the letter writing charity From Me to You we encourage people to connect with loved ones living with cancer via a letter, often giving them the opportunity to say in writing the things they struggle to say face to face.

Is it helpful to write every day or should we journal as and when we feel the need to?

Writing should never feel pressurised so doing it when you feel like it will always have the best impact. The physicality of writing, holding the pen, connects with our neural pathways, heightens creativity and stimulates emotions buried away.

One question is should the writer ever share their thoughts with others or is it more impactful if we write solely for ourselves? Writing is a wonderfully intimate way to connect with others without imposing or requiring of them an immediate response. During the pandemic so many people have come to understand the meaning of being isolated but for many cancer patients isolation is a way of life. Being disconnected from the world, especially during treatments,  is difficult, but someone reaching out by writing a letter can create a much needed connection. And for the writer, sharing their own thoughts and musings allows them to take a slice of their world into that of another, and given the feel good factor of doing something good for someone else. 

The beauty of hypnotherapy is that really, the power is in your hands. It’s about heading to your sessions with an open mind and a want to tune in to what your therapist is saying. Think of this as your time – just for you.

Charity website: 

Anyone looking to donate or receive a letter can sign up at frommetoyouletters.co.uk.

Rutger Bruining is the CEO and Founder of national biographer StoryTerrace. 

www.storyterrace.com

Cruising is one of the most popular modes of travel and can be a cost effective way of visiting multiple destinations in one trip.

2019 saw a record high of nearly 30 million ocean cruise passengers worldwide but then the coronavirus pandemic hit and the global cruise industry suffered as emergency measures were employed to limit the spread of the virus and that year the figure dropped to 5.8 million passengers.  

Hopefully, cruising will come back and be safer than ever in the future. There is already strong demand and a surge in bookings for 2022 and 2023 from people who have had ocean cruise trips cancelled or delayed, but more and more people are now considering going on a river cruise.

River cruising was already gaining in popularity since before the pandemic, and has recently become the in-vogue travel trend. Although it doesn’t offer the same experience as a deluxe ocean going cruise ship, over one-third of all river ships have been built within the past 10 years so guests can now choose from contemporary and luxurious vessels from which they can explore some of the world’s most historic towns and cities as they journey along waterways in style and comfort. 

Europe

The best time of year to take a river cruise in Europe is between March and December, although September is perhaps a good option with cooler weather and fewer crowds than during the summer high-season. Don’t forget Europe’s fabled festive Christmas Markets, with river cruises typically taking place from the end of November up until Christmas Day. 

The Danube and the Rhine are amongst the most popular river cruises. The 870-mile stretch of the Rhine is very diverse in its scenery and a Rhine river cruise typically runs from Amsterdam to Basel via Cologne, Koblenz, the Rhine Gorge, Rudesheim, Mannheim and Strasbourg. If cathedrals and castles are on your list of places to visit, a Rhine cruise will offer those in abundance as you stop off at historic cities and medieval towns.

The Danube is the second-longest river in Europe, flowing for a staggering 2,860km through ten countries, from the Black Forest of Germany to the Black Sea of Romania. Most Danube river cruises travel along one section of the river on a round-trip itinerary, often including the spectacular cities of Vienna, Budapest, Munich and Prague, and mooring at various points of interest en route.

Looking to southern Europe, the river Douro is one of the major rivers of the Iberian Peninsula flowing from its source in north-central Spain through Portugal running about 560 miles to its outlet at Porto on the Atlantic Ocean. Wind your way past verdant hillsides and ripe vineyards and maybe you will get the change to go ashore for some wine or port tasting.  Opt for one of the companies that takes you to historic Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit the oldest university in Spain.

Asia

The three most popular river cruise regions in Asia are the Yangtze in China, the Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia, and the Irrawaddy in Myanmar. The Mekong River covers a distance of nearly 5,000 km from its source on the Tibetan Plateau in China to the Mekong Delta, flowing through six countries: China, Myanmar, Thailand, Lao PDR, Cambodia and Vietnam. If you’ve always wanted to visit the ruined temples of Angkor Wat, taking a river cruise is an easy way to immerse yourself in the ancient history and culture of Cambodia.  

Africa

Which river comes foremost to mind when thinking about Africa? The same one that obviously conjures up images of a famous Belgian detective investigating murders amongst a group of travellers as they cruise along the Nile. Most cruises travel between Luxor and Aswan and include stops with guided tours of temples and museums.

Russia

Russia has become more accessible than ever and you can explore the country by taking a journey along the Volga River from the Imperial capital and cultural city of St Petersburg to Moscow, the heart of which lies in Red Square which contains St. Basil’s Cathedral. River cruises start in early May and finish by the end of October, with high season being June (known as White Nights because of the near-endless daylight), July and August.

India

Discover the colour and diversity of India’s fascinating historical heritage with a river cruise along the sacred Ganges, the thirty-fourth longest river in the world at 2, 620km, flowing down through the Himalayas to form the Gangetic Plain of North India eventually discharging into the Bay of Bengal through Bangladesh.

River cruises offer an alternative to ocean cruising with one of the benefits being that the smaller vessels are allowed to navigate through small waterways and dock in the heart of cities and towns, very near or right at the destination of the day, with no sea days like on a big ocean cruise ship. A smaller ship lends itself to an overall quieter and more relaxed atmosphere and you will have more of a chance to get to know your fellow passengers. If you are lucky you will be travelling on a hand-crafted, luxury, vessel with bespoke details beyond your wildest dreams. Lastly, there will always be something interesting to see on either side of the river.

Maybe you will find that river cruising floats your boat!