The highs and lows and what it takes to keep going....

I am taking some time today to reflect on 2024 and celebrate the full picture. It hasn’t been smooth sailing but nevertheless, I am coming to the end of the year with a sense of gratitude for the lessons I have learned and the people who have helped me on the journey.?

HIGHS

Growth?

Witnessing increased confidence in our students, especially those who left school early or who felt stuck in a rut. This means the world to me.

The 99 companies we worked with in #SkillsToAdvance. To partner with them on their progress is wonderful.

Of course, working with a great team Donegal ETB

Inspiration?

Trip to Harris Tweed Authority and the generosity of our Scottish neighbours in helping Donegal Tweed Magee 1866 Kieran Molloy,Molloy and Sons Donegal Yarns Ltd

The Wonder Of Weave Event in Edinburgh, hosted by the Consulate Jerry O'Donovan along with Donegal County Council attended by Donnchadh ó Baoill, Brenda Hegarty (LEO) celebrating collaborations with Harris Tweed Authority that all began with a phone call to Lorna Macaulay 7 years ago

Getting to see behind the scenes and the incredible creative genius of the Notre Dame restoration Erasmus Plus.

Learning?

Reading #MarySieghart’s #AuthorityGap and listening to #MelRobbins especially?#LetThem Books that teach me what I most need to learn.

A week in Oideas Gael with Muinteoir Padraig with Gaelige Rann na Fairste. Great teachers that set my heart on fire!

A biodiversity tour with #DonegalBees áine Curran with my nephews bringing the wonder of bees to life.

Life?

Travelling with my husband Stephen to Croatia and seeing his joy with all the beautiful sea swimming locations.??

Moving to a hybrid automatic car thanks to Stephen and good advice from @AlanHerron Kia Europe motors (easier on my ageing hips).

The birth of my long awaited nephew Faolán ( meaning little wolf) on Nov 25th.

New Standing Desk and laptop ( Don’t know myself)

Mother’s 80th- Thanks to Donagh Kelly for organising a night to remember and creating family memories to last.?

LOWS

Family??

Stephen’s long trips to the Cancer Unit in Galway with his terminally ill mother. Can the new Dail look into this dismal reality for Donegal Cancer patients?

The loss of my mother in law Irene Walls (Thanks to Sligo Hospice who offered great care at her end of life stage). We will deeply miss her this Christmas and new year. ?Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.

Health

Landing in A&E with severe chest pain only to realise that it was a bit of burnout- a red flag that I am paying attention to!

Prolonged sitting especially in traffic and the impact of a lack of exercise.?(note to self to move more in 2025!)

?

Resources

Far too many visits to A&E Emergency Visits and Acute Wards. Despite the excellent care by paramedics and medical staff, we saw first hand the intense pressure on our services.

Coping with the reality of dementia and the aging processes while working full time. Trying to strike a balance felt difficult this year.?

?

I am grateful that there are more highs on this list but the lows hit hard. So many of those hard parts are out of my control but as a lifelong learner, I am willing to take the lessons that I am being offered.??

We are all faced with challenges, and everyone’s list will have its fair share of lows. As I look back, I see more clearly than ever, that it takes community, friendship and the courage to be vulnerable to keep going.?

I am looking forward now to recharging the batteries for 2025, spending time with my loved ones and getting plenty of walks on the beach!?

Thank you to all my family, friends and colleagues who supported me during this bumpy year.

#newyear #NewYear2025 #networking #community