We live in a confusing and highly uncertain world, not just the big world of terrorism, global warming and financial debt but the personal world of relationships, work and play. And yet, everyday, we plan with certainty and act with assurance.

We know rationally that we might be wrong about our hopes and expectations but we continue to behave as though we are right. It's as though we can't cope with uncertainty and confusion and cling to our certainties for comfort. There's nothing bad about this, it's just the condition of being human.

But there's an upside of this condition. We get surprised. Something else happens. Planned futures take different turns. Friends, partners and colleagues do things better than we expect, better than we can do. And, just for a moment, the world looks different. And we come alive.

Enjoy these moments. Look forward to them. It's what makes life worth living.

It's the time of year we all want to lose weight and get fit. The beach beckons and the goal is to avoid embarrassment..

All the books say that exercise is part of the solution. Magazines advertise quick and simple ways of acquiring a 'six pack' involving 'stomach crunches' or the use of exercise balls. All you have to do is stick to the routine.

The only problem is, when should you stop torturing yourself in the gym? Does a moment arise when the muscles materialise by magic, or do you just keep going until you keel over. Unfortunately for me it tends to be the latter.

So I was delighted to read an interesting tip over the weekend. Don't overdo it, more pain makes no difference! The author of this stunning bit of advice gave the example of boiling water. When it's boiled it doesn't get any hotter, it just goes up in smoke.

So the message is, I've already reached peak perfection and more sessions in the gym are unnecessary. If only!