As we move through the festive season, I find myself reflecting on something paradoxical: we've never been more "connected," yet many of us are starving for real connection.

Just as a clinician identifies physical malnourishment by what's missing from someone's diet, I've come to recognize connection malnourishment in myself and others. We send emojis, comment on photos, and discuss trivial matters—but when was the last time you felt truly seen?

This festive season, I'm asking myself: Am I truly nourished by my connections, or am I filling up on empty calories?

This is a deeply personal post about my late mother and my relationship with her.

You might ask, “Why are you sharing this?”
The main reason is to put my thoughts and emotions into words, to honour my beautiful mother.

And maybe, just maybe, my story will inspire someone out there to reach out to their own mother while they still can.

The compassion fatigue you can't see!
We talk about burnout in healthcare and first responders, but what about the invisible compassion fatigue that lives quietly in our daily lives?
It's the friend who's always available to help, the caregiver who's forgotten what it feels like to laugh, the empath who absorbs everyone's pain until they can't sleep at night. It's become an alter ego, so integrated into who we are that when we try to set a boundary, people say "That's not like you!"
My father once carried 50 men from a burning psychiatric ward to safety. Heroic? Absolutely. But it also shaped how I learned to give, always going above and beyond, often at my own expense.

MAFS Reality Check: What Are We Actually Watching?

This show reflects some deeply troubling truths about modern relationships. Consider these gems:

• The guy who thinks “communication” means aggressively listing everything his partner does wrong.

• The woman who dismisses her husband as “too emotional” because he dares to express a feeling beyond hunger.

• The endless arguments that would be concerning in real life but are pure entertainment when wrapped in dramatic music.

• The fact that some contestants leave with more Instagram followers than self-awareness.

Imagine if we treated real-life relationships like MAFS. You show up to a blind date, and instead of a handshake, someone hands you a legally binding contract. Or picture your mate showing up to brunch announcing, “So, my partner and I decided to renew our vows… and by ‘decided,’ I mean a group of producers heavily encouraged us for ratings.”

In a world where friendships often take a backseat to busy schedules, Men’s Minute Monday offers a simple yet powerful way to stay connected. Inspired by the viral “Wednesday Waffle” trend, this ritual involves sharing a one-minute video update with our WhatsApp community every Monday.

It’s not just about catching up—it’s about building trust, fostering vulnerability, and creating a consistent habit of meaningful connection. Whether you’re sharing life’s wins, navigating challenges, or simply checking in, this weekly ritual strengthens bonds and reminds us of the importance of intentional effort in relationships.

Join us in redefining what it means to stay connected. One minute. One update. One life-changing habit.

Attachment theory, developed by British psychologist John Bowlby in the mid-20th century, is a powerful framework for understanding how our early relationships with caregivers shape our emotional patterns and behaviours in adulthood. This theory, refined over the years by researchers like Mary Ainsworth, offers valuable insights into the ways men form and maintain relationships, and how these patterns impact their overall well-being and healing journeys.