Category Archives: stories

Rescue with side benefits

Posted on 21/06/2022 by Dr Bob Rich

“Greg, welcome to the family,” Mum said. “I’m looking forward to becoming a grandmother!” His glance at me said, “You tell her!” “Um… Mum, we decided we won’t have kids.” “What? Marcie, that’s… Why on earth?” “That’s why.” Greg rubbed … Continue reading →

Posted in environment, stories, writing | 4 Comments

COVID Angel

Posted on 20/06/2022 by Dr Bob Rich

“I can’t breathe!” It was the merest gasp. I looked at Jake. His lips were blue. Only three days ago, he’d dismissed it as “Just a flu, mate.” For two years now, his opinion was, “That COVID thing is a … Continue reading →

Posted in compassion, philosophy, stories | 4 Comments

My formidable neighbour

Posted on 09/03/2022 by Dr Bob Rich

My neighbour couple lives under my eaves. She is ten times his size. Both decorate their living space with little balls: memorials to past meals. She acknowledges me with a look each time I say hallo, as she awaits the … Continue reading →

Posted in fun, stories | 4 Comments

The opening scene of Maraglindi

Posted on 05/02/2022 by Dr Bob Rich

This is the opening scene of Maraglindi: Guardian spirit. I am posting it as an illustration of how you can have a prologue without calling it a prologue. You see, research shows that nearly half of otherwise intelligent readers skip … Continue reading →

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The more you give, the more you grow

Posted on 27/01/2022 by Dr Bob Rich

This is a chapter from Lifting the Gloom. I thought I’d share it with you because I find it inspiring. If you don’t, get a life! When I was born, the doctor told my parents, “She is unlikely to live … Continue reading →

Posted in Health, Inspiration, stories | 3 Comments

The power of NOW

Posted on 16/01/2022 by Dr Bob Rich

I am currently running my online positive psychology course, “Coping with Climate and COVID Anxiety,” and my wonderful co-leader Merran has asked for help with mindfulness meditation. So, here is the relevant chapter from one of my writing projects, which … Continue reading →

Posted in Psychology, stories | 2 Comments

Walking, boring?

Posted on 06/12/2021 by Dr Bob Rich

A friend on a writing list is trying to lose weight, but complained that walking is so BORING. I was cheeky enough to respond thus: Walking can be a form of meditation. Look around. There is a sky above. Never … Continue reading →

Posted in fun, philosophy, Psychology, stories | 3 Comments

Two Women, Aged Fifty-five

Posted on 06/11/2021 by Dr Bob Rich

This award-winning story is one of the 29 in Through Other Eyes. I am posting it now as a discussion topic for one of the free online sessions I am planning on positive psychology. The youngsters in front of her … Continue reading →

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My friend Shelly is in an anthology

Posted on 04/11/2021 by Dr Bob Rich

Shelly is 15 years old, with brown skin, and has been the victim of terrible bullying for 10 of those 15 years. She discovered that sugary things were the only antidepressant that worked for her, so she became fat — … Continue reading →

Posted in Bob's Books, compassion, stories | Comments Off on My friend Shelly is in an anthology

Two views of a park

Posted on 03/11/2021 by Dr Bob Rich

One of the most powerful tools you can use to light up your life is the searchlight of attention. Here is how it works: Luigi The price of wisdom is not that comfortable, Luigi thought with an inner grin, leaning … Continue reading →

Posted in Psychology, stories | 3 Comments