When I’m trying to figure something out, the hardest place to do so is in my own head.
My thoughts and feelings go round in circles, trying and failing to find a way through - never the most useful process!
Once I get them out - either onto paper, or into words - it’s so much easier to see and understand what I think and feel.
And it’s not just me.
I’ve had many beautful examples of what’s good in my life over the last few weeks - the flexibility to expand my horizons and have new experiences, thoughtful gifts and messages, connecting with people who I feel most myself with, doing work that lights me up, and so much more.
It’s a wonderful dose of good energy, and a reminder to acknowledge and appreciate what I have - because it can be easy to forget!
And I know I’m not alone.
It’s the week of my birthday.
The end of one annual cycle and the start of a new one. A time to pause and a moment to reflect, to celebrate, and to look ahead.
I’ll be doing just that - tucked away in a corner of the Lake District and at home.
So, in place of a reflection this Monday, here’s a birthday wish - with love from me to you.
It’s hard to focus when we’re constantly being interrupted.
Notifications, messages, calls, meeting invitations, people popping in for a chat and not realising we’re listening to or working on something.
It’s frustrating - we never get a chance to get into what we need to or want to.
If only there was a way that we could get some quiet focus time…
Oh wait. There are lots of ways!
Last week we spent a fascinating morning watching Portrait Artist of the Year being filmed.
It’s one of our favourite shows, and it was a complete pleasure to watch multiple creative processes in action - from the crew to the artists to the sketching around the edges.
One of the sitters (I promise no spoilers), shared their appreciation about the way that other people can see something in you that you haven’t seen in yourself.
Not necessarily anything that’s visible on the outside, more of a quality or an energy that shines out from the inside.
Something that leads them to trust that you’re the right person for the part, or offer you an opportunity, or encourage you to pursue something that truly matters to you.
We did it! 2 years after applying to be on the television show, my adventure buddy Penny and I completed our race across the world.
Or at least a version of it :-)
It may have been in London, and just for the day, without an intrepid camera crew following us, and yet… I arrived home buzzing with a big smile on my face and in my heart.
It was so much fun, and a brilliant taste of what it would have been like to adventure together. I loved it for so many reasons!
This post sparked to life in conversation with a brilliant coaching client. There were so many big changes to celebrate when we looked back!
And just as importantly, smaller ones too, which they had decided to capture in a weekly “Well done” list.
I loved this idea SO much!
I know how much it helps to look back - if we don’t pause for perspective, it’s easy to miss our progress - and this sounded like a fun way to do it.
One of the simplest ways to have a more successful day is to start with something that gives you energy.
A workout before you start work. Some fresh air before you settle at your desk. Doing the thing you’re most looking forward to first, rather than saving it for last.
Fuelling our energy first really works.
When I was away recently I hit a low point.
I hadn’t slept well for a few nights and was fed up of being in unfamiliar territory. I was under the weather, longing for some time and space on my own, and feeling very sorry for myself!
I found myself wishing I was back at home so I could take care of myself.
And then I stopped to think. What would I actually do if I was at home right now? What would help me feel better?
Sometimes, when we’re not feeling quite right but nothing is obviously wrong, it can be hard to pinpoint why we feel the way we feel. Something is niggling, but we can’t figure out what it is.
It can mean we go down all kinds of rabbit holes searching for an answer or trying to find something - or someone - to blame.
And we often don’t find it!
