Articles | Delece Ford | Author, Speaker, Social Worker, Storyteller

I write a variety of articles because I am interested in many topics. This can be fascinating or off-putting to readers. People come to my site to read self-help material, then see an article on writing and vice versa. This can make it difficult when thinking about my brand. What are people expecting from me? To be a social worker/ counsellor or a writer, especially when I write about subjects not related to social work.

When I was younger, I sat in a meeting with social workers who said they were going to see a movie on social work on the weekend. I said I intended to see a martial arts movie. The older social workers were horrified I was interested in ‘fighting’ given my profession. I saw martial arts as discipline and exercise, they saw it as fighting and violence. They told me to re-think my career as a social worker. I told them to live life to the max. Yep! That did not go down well.

I am telling you this story for a reason, and that is; I love life, I am interested in a multitude of things, and this will reflect in my writing. Take, for example; I might write an article called ‘Step it up or give up.’ As a writer, I could refer to your writing, and tell you to change your format, change the characters, etc. As a social worker/counsellor, I would encourage you never to give up, but instead I’d tell you how to step it up and show you considerable amounts of empathy to what is happening to you. But, in both situations I would endeavour to empower you, because at the end of the day, I mostly think like a social worker.

News – May 2025 – Pushed to Downsize?

There’s a push happening in society, a subtle, and sometimes not-so-subtle, pressure for older people to downsize their homes. You hear it in the media, from friends and well-meaning family members often encourage it. Can you hear the words? “You don’t need all that space anymore. Think of the money. Think of the maintenance.”

But here’s the thing, those homes aren’t just buildings. They are deeply personal spaces, filled with memories, meaning, and identity. For many older Australians, the push to downsize can feel more like being pushed out of their homes.

News – March 2025 – Writer’s Block

Writer’s block can be frustrating. When it happens, walk away and do a menial task, whether you are a plotter or a pantser. I know you want to finish your work. You’ve set yourself a deadline, or maybe you just want it over and done with.

But if your brain is saying, “I’ve had enough,” and has shut down, listen to it! Step away for an hour or two, and if there’s no external deadline pressing on you, give it a day or two.

It’s better to have a well-crafted piece of writing than a rushed one. Not only will the quality be better, but you’ll also remember what you truly wanted to say, letting it come naturally instead of forcing it.

Hope, Light and Love

I wonder why the obnoxious ones create war
And leave people homeless and poor…

News: February 2025 – Are You Old or Young?

If you're in your 60s, are you old or young? You are old if all you do is dwell on the past. You are young if you still have dreams to chase and projects to complete. You are old if you constantly complain about aches and pains. You are young if you carry on despite…

Here comes a narcissist. Run, run fast!

Here comes a narcissist. Run, run fast! To discuss Narcissism personally contact email deleceford.author@gmail.com The problem is you cannot physically run because these narcissists are in the workplace, part of your family and clubs you frequent. Detach emotionally from them. I know it is hard because they are good manipulators. Before you tackle the narcissists,…

The Fascination of Storytelling

Storytelling, whether fiction or nonfiction, can consume you or repel you depending on the content. Every day we encounter storytelling; through speeches such as business deals, meetings in the workplace, or speaking to someone at work, speaking over the fence to your neighbour or chatting with your family and friends. Or you can read books,…

Time Savers

Time Savers So much to do, not enough time to do it in. How many times do you hear yourself saying this? People tell you to prioritise your tasks and/or to delete tasks that are least important to you so you can keep up with things. I will not tell you to prioritise your tasks;…

Novel Solutions

Novel Solutions There is a solution to every problem. You just have to work it out, or speak to someone who knows the solution. Albert Einstein’s advice was to, ‘Stay away from negative people. They have a problem with every solution.’ I agree with him, because it’s easy to become negative and lose motivation when…

Pantser vs Plotter

Are you a Plotter or a Pantser? Are you a Plotter or a Pantser? Before you answer that question, let’s look at what a plotter and Pantser are. As they say, a Pantser is someone who flies by the seat of their pants. Pantser’s don’t plan the story, there is no outline, they invent a…

How can we live to our highest potential in a world of COVID-19?

How many times have we heard motivational speakers say if we change our mindset, we can change anything? I have said it myself numerous times, and now I am really checking this statement out to see if it is true. Does it work in every circumstance? I will use myself as an example; I love…