Festive thoughts: We don't have to be super-heroes all of the time.

A short post to wish all my connections as happy a festive season as possible. I have been awe-inspired by how many of you have progressed this year against the odds.  People have picked themselves up, pulled on their super-hero capes and set-out to conquer the challenges.  Starting new ethical businesses. Setting up groups and forums to share ideas.  Mastering the art of working whilst simultaneously home-schooling. Finding a totally new career path after being made redundant. Setting up charity projects. Learning new languages.  Well done.  This demonstrates truly incredible resilience, innovation, kindness and determination. 

I have branched out and added a new line to the business. I now officially provide CV and interview coaching services. The recruitment projects are coming back, but it is a clunky, challenging, unpredictable market, what with borders closing and the lack of clarity around Brexit (I picked an interesting time to search for a freight procurement manager!)

However more than once this year, almost from nowhere, I have been completely floored by the dreadfulness of it all.  And instead of finding the strength to “keep on keeping on” I have found it hugely difficult to maintain momentum and positivity.  

But I have learned to stop giving myself a hard time for feeling over-whelmed. Stepping back and realizing that it is fine to let others keep the plates spinning, while I take a little time to look after myself. 

So this is my message to all of you who are finding it really difficult. Who are suffering loss and are frightened about what the future holds.  And those who are exhausted by the relentlessness of their work each time a new spike or lockdown changes all plans at the drop of a hat.  Don’t stress about your lack of energy or motivation. It is fine. We don’t all have to be super heroes all of the time - sometimes we need to remove the cape and take a time out.  

So be kind to yourself.  Have a mince pie, sip a glass of fizz (or two!) and just chill for a bit.

Happy holidays and very best wishes for a less frenzied, more fruitful 2021.