2018 reflections...

I just got off a call with the exceptionally talented Sam Bradd; we were having a conversation about graphic facilitation and change management when we got around to the topic of finding your tribe! I was talking about the need that we all have to find somewhere that you are accepted, needed, and feel like part of a team and Sam was talking about how that looks a bit different for an independent consultant, but still got the same result through building networks with peers in the industry.

This conversation actually matched up with another comment from yesterday after meeting up with two friends who I haven't seen in ages at a lunch spot in Leamington Spa. After our lunch, I turned to my husband and said that I felt like my spirit was refilled. It was almost a therapeutic hour of reconnecting and everything just felt right - there was a sense of balance and understanding.

My call today has kicked me into a bit of a reflection space and I have found that writing some thoughts down really clarify and center things for me. Here are my reflections for 2018:

1. Always re-connect with your tribe. Every one of us comes from their own 'frame' that is made up of our unique experiences and norms. Included in that is the innate nature of connecting with people who understand us and really make us feel that we are special and necessary. When you are feeling like things aren't in balance or just that the world is a bit off-kilter.... it is an essential time to re-connect and remind yourself what is important!
2. Engagement is key. One thing that I always find really difficult to do is engage when either I am not included in the ideation stage of something or there is something that I don't agree with. Working in-line with people and being present are essential to doing your best - and sometimes this means creating the space / finding the time to connect, understand what is happening in the system and figuring out the right steps forward. When there is significant noise from other spaces, this just can't happen.
3. Space matters. Ever since I finished my PhD, I have felt a bit of a lack of drive for exploring what the next questions / personal projects are. It is a really interesting space to be in because I have always had something on the go and this lack of interest is just not like me. BUT, I think that sometimes we just need a break (from professional life) to just enjoy life and reconnect with the basic things that make up life, like riding my bike!
4. Keep going. No matter what happens, take the next step forward (no matter how small). A very wise client of mine always finished his emails with this saying. It is actually a really great reminder as sometimes I think it is better to be prepared for whatever the universe has to throw at you instead of being on the back foot.

and finally....

1. Give it away. What I mean about this is... be open to knowledge sharing and help others as much as possible. Although I haven't always succeeded, I have tried to meet with people or given time to helping others out in whatever way I can. At the end of the day we are all in this together and I think that upskilling others and spreading knowledge creates a better world than keeping things to ourselves. Remember: knowledge is not property! :)

What do you think? What are your top reflections - please feel free to share them in the comments and keep the conversation going!!

Wherever you are in the world and however you are celebrating the end of the year, I wish the best for you and your families and a fresh perspective in 2019!