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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.
Your life audit
Are you feeding connection and starving loneliness? Let's check.
Phil McAuliffe
Apr 1, 20235 min read
On managing overwhelm
Let's explore why you and I feel so frequently overwhelmed. Our lives may depend on it.
Phil McAuliffe
Mar 4, 20236 min read
Connection and the modern diplomat
Connection is a big deal
You need connection to survive
Why aren’t you prioritising it?
Phil McAuliffe
Dec 3, 20228 min read
Why hit rock bottom?
Hitting rock bottom is messy. Why do you wait to hit it to make change?
Phil McAuliffe
Nov 5, 20228 min read
Checking our privilege
Words can mean different things in different contexts. Privilege is one of those words.
Phil McAuliffe
Aug 14, 20216 min read
On belonging
We humans - even diplomats - can hustle to feel like we belong and to feel worthy. Let's talk about that.
Phil McAuliffe
Aug 7, 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 31, 202110 min read
Being awed
Hey, office-dweller, how often are you left awestruck by nature?
Phil McAuliffe
Nov 14, 20204 min read
Becoming a happy diplomat
Here’s how to be a happy diplomat.
Phil McAuliffe
Oct 17, 20206 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
Oct 3, 20209 min read
Why you're not getting the connection you need
What frequently passes for connection in this diplomatic life is weird and is not enough to feel connected.
Phil McAuliffe
Sep 17, 20206 min read
The Lonely Diplomat: on our soulgasms
Who, or what, in your life sparks joy? Who, or what, in your life gives you a soulgasm?
Phil McAuliffe
Aug 22, 20205 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
Aug 1, 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
Jul 11, 20207 min read
The Lonely Diplomat: lessons from my social media detox
It was time to take my own advice and use social media for good. Is it time for you to do the same?
Phil McAuliffe
Jun 20, 202011 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 30, 20207 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
May 9, 202011 min read
The Lonely Diplomat: on bullying, harassment and discrimination in diplomacy
Is bullying, harassment and discrimination rife in diplomacy?
Phil McAuliffe
Apr 18, 202011 min read
The Lonely Diplomat: supporting you through COVID-19
Advice to help those living their diplomatic life through these crazy times.
Phil McAuliffe
Mar 28, 202010 min read
The Lonely Diplomat: on minimalism
This diplomatic life is complicated enough without being worn down by things, beliefs and people that do not serve us. Let's declutter.
Phil McAuliffe
Mar 7, 20206 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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Feb 15, 20207 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 25, 20209 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.
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Jan 11, 20208 min read
The Lonely Diplomat: on competition
Our diplomatic lives can be dominated by competition. What can this do to us?
Phil McAuliffe
Nov 30, 20199 min read
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