Seems defending ourselves is becoming the default position across most industries.

Where we have the misaligned, aggrieved and just plain biased, coming out of the woodwork.

While I get that there is an opportunity for people to have their say with the upcoming changes in the financial services legislation, some of what is coming out is so left field as to be based back in the ‘70’s when they last interacted with a life insurance adviser. Things have changed.

Ok, I’m riled. Be prepared for a bit of a rant with this one.

So we’ve had Partners Life on FairGo for two weeks in a row. Frankly, a beat up, but then I’m expected to say that...

However, working through the FairGo article, and you can see it here on TVNZ on demand, there are a number of things I have an issue with, and some I agree with.

If you are like me, you have likely grown up with the view that drug use was something both criminal and for others. Especially for those selling and pushing the drugs.

Moreover, for the ones producing and selling controlled substances, yes, throw the book at them. For the users, however, my view is changing.

Don't misunderstand me, I have had my fair share of it being used around me over the years, but it has never been my thing.

We are seeing more and more evidence that medicinal marijuana has a place in the management and treatment of chronic long-term conditions. That I agree with and it is one that needs both a closer look and a faster response.

Wellness is my theme for the first quarter.

So how did you go?

How did your new year's resolution to improve your life this year go?

Here we are, 2018! Happy New Year!

One of the consistent things we have heard over the last few years is 'I cannot wait for this year to end; it has been the worst'.

Which is interesting as some of the people we have heard this from have said this every year for the last few years.

My question to you is; so what are you going to do differently?

Someone close to me recently attempted suicide. Here is the letter I wrote to them following this. And I’d like to write to you, and anyone who may be feeling low right now.

Hey, I know you're feeling crap on so many levels right now.

You're feeling like a failure; a burden on everyone, you're embarrassed, you feel like you've let everyone down, you feel worthless, frustrated, isolated, sad, alone, angry, and deflated, all at once.

Stress. We live with it and many of us can’t live without it. It has that canny ability to follow us wherever we go. Work, home or school, stress builds a kind of tower, adding one more bit on the top until it gets so high it falls over. Then when that happens, we start suffering the effects of poor physical and mental health. That’s often the time when we decide it’s time to de-stress.

Once the initial shock of being made redundant dissipates, the inevitable question of “what’s next” surfaces.  With so many possibilities to consider, this can be a time of confusion, not to mention panic.   Particularly, as you will no doubt also be navigating the emotional roller coaster and loss of identify that so often accompanies job loss. 

Don’t rush

Insurance comes in many colours and not just the colours used by the insurance companies.

Though blues and greens tend to prevail with the providers and red has a smattering with a couple. Funny enough black does not feature too much in the mix for some obvious reasons.

Insurance, particularly life insurance is often a dark subject. Why invite it in by talking about it is often a very natural human response. I do not want black and grey in my life; I want bright colour, light and sunshine.

What does this really mean for you?

For many, it is about getting the kids to school and you to work. There are going to be some goals along the way and Christmas is coming again.