We all need space to be on our own. Life can be too busy. Often people say that they haven’t time to think. Even relationships will be more positive if the parties within them have time to themselves. Often in marriage or partnerships we end up spending all our hours in the company of spouses, partners and/or children. This coupled with being in the company of fellow employees during the day means that we often do not experience sufficient time in our own company. When in your own company you can see things more clearly – stepping outside the circle for a while. Looking at things from a fresh perspective is often more likely to happen in quiet moments. Artists constantly step back from their canvasses as they paint – to see their creation from a distance. Often it’s from a distance that we appreciate the masterpiece.

I have dedicated the next number of weeks to finishing off my third collection of poems. It’s ten years since my last book was in the shops – ten years since I had a serious chat with myself! For many reasons the last decade challenged me. Poetry is therapeutic because in essence it’s a conversation with the self. The process is complete when the work is shared. Poetry is good for you and closer to the soul than psychology.