Phil McAuliffe
On managing overwhelm
Let's explore why you and I feel so frequently overwhelmed. Our lives may depend on it.
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Be a connected diplomat
Photo: Michael White Photography
the lonely diplomat
blog
No one else writes about the highs and lows of this diplomatic life from both the perspective of the posted diplomat AND the accompanying significant other like the lonely diplomat.
Read one, two - or binge them all - of the articles to be supported, challenged and inspired through Phil's lived experience, wisdom and insight.
They're all here for you as you live your diplomatic life and want to reconnect with yourself and the world around you.
You're not alone.
Tanya Crossman
Feb 4, 20238 min read
How diplo life can affect our kids
For all the wonders and joys, this diplomatic life can really harm our kids. Let's talk about that.
Phil McAuliffe
Nov 5, 20228 min read
Why hit rock bottom?
Hitting rock bottom is messy. Why do you wait to hit it to make change?
Phil McAuliffe
Jul 31, 202110 min read
My resilience reset
A whole lot of life has happened for us in 2020 and 2021. We need to process it in our way.
Phil McAuliffe
Jul 24, 20214 min read
Diplomats and Olympians
What do diplomats and Olympic athletes have in common? Let’s find out.
Phil McAuliffe
Jul 17, 20215 min read
On returning home
It's good to be home, right? Right??
Phil McAuliffe
Oct 31, 20205 min read
Change, diplomacy and you
You are the key to the change you want to see in diplomacy.
Phil McAuliffe
Oct 17, 20206 min read
Becoming a happy diplomat
Here’s how to be a happy diplomat.
Phil McAuliffe
Oct 3, 20209 min read
7 tips for first postees
If you're getting ready to go on your first posting, I crowdsourced some wisdom for you.
Phil McAuliffe
Aug 1, 20207 min read
The Lonely Diplomat: on our soulaches
I have an important question to ask you. Please, only read this if you’re prepared to be honest with your self.
Phil McAuliffe
Jul 11, 20207 min read
The Lonely Diplomat: Who gets lonelier: diplomat or spouse?
Who gets lonelier: the diplomat or the accompanying spouse? Let’s have a look at both cases.
Phil McAuliffe
May 30, 20207 min read
The Lonely Diplomat: a letter to myself about change
Change is scary for me too. I can doubt my own bravery.
Phil McAuliffe
May 9, 202011 min read
The Lonely Diplomat: on breaking up
This diplomatic life is tough on relationships. It's a fact that some don't survive.
Phil McAuliffe
Apr 18, 202011 min read
The Lonely Diplomat: on bullying, harassment and discrimination in diplomacy
Is bullying, harassment and discrimination rife in diplomacy?
Phil McAuliffe
Mar 28, 202010 min read
The Lonely Diplomat: supporting you through COVID-19
Advice to help those living their diplomatic life through these crazy times.
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Feb 15, 20207 min read
Mindfulness and you
Let's explore how mindfulness can help the stressed and busy diplomat with these words from my friend, Jase Te Patu.
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Jan 25, 20209 min read
On anxiety and being a diplomat
Let's have a kind and honest conversation about mental illness and mental health and well-being in diplomacy that moves beyond platitudes.
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Jan 11, 20208 min read
Setting up a portable business as a diplomatic spouse
Amel Derragui shares her reasons why setting up a globally portable business can help diplomatic spouses.
Phil McAuliffe
Nov 30, 20199 min read
The Lonely Diplomat: on competition
Our diplomatic lives can be dominated by competition. What can this do to us?
Phil McAuliffe
Nov 2, 201911 min read
On being gay and living a diplomatic life
Let's explore what can it mean to be a same-sex couple who is living their diplomatic life.
Phil McAuliffe
Oct 5, 20198 min read
Loneliness and the absence of real connection
Loneliness often gets confused with being alone, but they're very different. Read Vaughan Carder's reflections on loneliness he shar
Phil McAuliffe
Aug 10, 201912 min read
Find balance to avoid burnout
You must find a balance that works for you if you are to avoid burning out
Phil McAuliffe
Jul 20, 20196 min read
Your life under a microscope
What you know is valuable. People want to know what you know. What you say, do and think is interesting. This is not a normal way to live.
Phil McAuliffe
Jun 23, 20199 min read
Friendship and diplomacy
Making friends and maintaining friendships can be tough when living the diplomatic life.
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