The best of times, the worst of times.

I'm not a massive Dickens fan, but I love the opening paragraph of The Tale of Two Cities.

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way--in short, the period was so far like the present period that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only."

This year, it feel it has more resonance than ever. Both for the state of the world and for me personally.

2022 started for me with a lot of hope and some big plans. It ends with some sadness and not a little uncertainty. But with everything, big or small, good or bad, comes both learning and important reminders. So here are the three lessons I've either learned or remembered this year.

Just be you - but be the kindest version of you. I read a lot about the importance of 'being you' and it's something I absolutely subscribe to. I also find it really hard at times. Being 'you' is simple when things are going well, far more challenging when you have something to lose. But those are the times it matters most, so dig in and back yourself to be you. I promise you'll feel better, even if the immediate outcome isn't always what you want.

My addition for 2022 is to be the kindest version of you. 'Just be You' is frequently used (particularly on this and other social media platforms) as an excuse NOT to be kind - a way of legitimising sticking two fingers up to others. It’s lazy (as it avoids the need to confront our own behaviours) and it leads to a diminishing of happiness, both in others and ourselves. In a world where you can be anything - be kind.

Purpose and kindness - both, not one or the other. I've always been a purpose driven kind of person, in fact it has been the only thing that has driven me up until now. But this year I'm adding in another 'non-negotiable' - Kindness. Yes I know I'm repeating it, but it feels important enough to say twice don't you think? There remains in many purpose-driven organisations a belief that what we're doing matters so much, everything else should come a distant second. But it's (to use a technical phrase) bollocks. Not only is kindness the right thing to do, it's also the effective thing to do. When people feel safe, valued, enjoy being at work AND have a purpose that drives them, amazing things happen.

Remember the things that make you happy (and the stuff that makes you proud). This is here very much as a reminder to myself. In tumultuous times (and let's be honest, we've had a few of them in recent years), it's so easy to focus in on the negatives - the things that appal us, upset us, make us feel powerless - allowing them to dominate our thinking and with our mood and decisions. I've long been a fan of gratitude journaling (or in my case, simply thinking of things I'm grateful for as I fall asleep each night), however I confess to finding it a bit limiting at times, so this year I've added to it - the things that make me happy and the stuff that make me proud. I find both of these have a more positive impact on my wellbeing and therefore allow me to put other challenges that may be going on into greater perspective.

For interest (and because I can't help but think of them as I write this) - two of?the things that gave me both great joy and pride this year were both trips to see partner communities of Atlas. The first, were the girls of Saraswatipur, India, who with a little help from the amazing Jungle Crows Foundation are not only transforming their own lives, but those of their whole community. The second, was a brilliant few days in the company of Maro Itoje and Victoria Rush , spending time with several communities across Kenya - I was particularly blown away by one coach, Mercy - who gives so much of herself everyday to support children growing up in absolute poverty in Nairobi. Whenever I think of either these, I immediately feel a combination of gratitude, pride and joy that equips me to face the day, whatever the challenge.

And that's it. 12 months. 3 lessons/reminders. And hope that next year will bring joy, purpose and more opportunities to see the very best of humanity.

I'm going to use this time of family, friends and reflection to step away from social for a few weeks. Have the most wonderful Christmas and fantastic New Year. I'll meet you all back here in 2023.

Bx?