A Smiling Day Counselling

01/04/2026

Dear Aussie friends, if you need somewhere to turn to in regards to mental concerns beyond the existing system, your network or financial capacity, please do check out this new Free Government Service open to the general public. Evidence based practices. No referrals needed.

There's always hope, we just need to start Somewhere! My prayers and thoughts are with you.

Medicare Mental Health Check In is a new digital service designed to support your mental wellbeing. Get started today with free access to programs that use a safe, evidence-based approach to help you manage early mental health symptoms.

07/03/2026

Anxiety has a seat on my table, for it has every valid reason to be there, intending to protect me by preparing for the worst. I thanked the diligent signals my body gave me, knowing I've got the energy to act when it's needed. Then I ask Anxiety to sit on my table, watching me lead it and all other emotions, with calm, curiosity, compassion, connection and the hope rooted far beyond myself. They followed me, being present, live and act with our best hope. Hope that we are designed to flourish.

26/02/2026

May you connect with people who see the best in you, and bring the best out of you.

29/01/2026

I highly recommend this book to any parents with children of any age. Parenting not only requires love, but also skills.

23/12/2025

Many would say this has become a complicated season with triggers and overwhelm. My heart goes out to you if you feel this way.

Return to the original Christmas. The story is of the most humble beginning, inviting us to rest, trust and have hope.

We don't need to do more. Doing more does not give us peace and purpose.

Where do you find rest for your soul?
Where and who do you turn to that's bigger than yourself?

03/12/2025

If your anxiety and fear are getting louder in the holiday season, precisely the time you want to experience joy and peace, you are not alone.

Festive times we try to quiet down the negative emotions, or lock them away for good.

But they won't give up, because they have a purpose to serve. They need you to spend some non-judgemental quiet time with them, and listen to what they have to say.

Joy and sadness can exist at the same time. In fact, they are the two sides of the same coin in this broken world. If you shut down one, neither are you able to experience the other. But you can hold them both together, and cherish their richness that makes us feel alive.

11/11/2025

Our bodies are one of the greatest gifts we've been given in this life.

It's always telling us something: danger or safety, our emotions, our wellness, our triggers...

Learn and harness the signals. Work with them. They are our guides, pointing us towards a way.

They are one of our richest resources. We just need to learn to listen in.

30/10/2025

30/10/2025

Even when you feel alone, you never are. May you remember again and again, all the love, wisdom and connection you've received from others, from previous generations, through community, arts and stories. Carry them with you wherever you go.

19/01/2025

Sadness came to tea last night
as she’s often done before
but I didn’t let her in this time
I stopped her at the door

“I’m off to meet with friends”, I said
“your timing isn’t right
I can’t allow your atmosphere
it’s not the place tonight”

but sadness wouldn’t take the hint
her manners lack finesse
her pace was slow and heavy
yet she kept up nonetheless

and even when I took my place
amongst my laughing friends
she squeezed herself right in-between
her boldness never ends

and I was sure my friends would see
this spectre at the feast
and somehow think me lesser
for inviting such a beast

but no, their warmth was undeterred
as if nothing was new
I think perhaps they know by now
I sometimes come as two

and even sadness seemed to glow
a lighter shade of grey
to know that she’s accepted
seemed to lighten up her day

so let your sad accompany you
don’t think her hard to bear
no need to face her all alone
just pull an extra chair.

-- Donna Ashworth
"Sadness comes"

04/06/2024

The expressiveness is quite satisfying! It is healthy to be able to experience emotions! Exhaling. 😇