The trick is to keep breathing (2022 in review)

2022 has been another big year, personally and professionally. I’m continuing to progress through a few things and am definitely in better shape this time around than I was at this time last year. All good in that sense.

I should probably start off by noting that this year was a big celebration for my employer…Talis Consultants. We celebrated our 10th birthday mid-year and celebrated long into the night/morning at Optus and Crown. It’s been a privilege to have worked for Talis for almost 9 years (at the time of writing) and what’s even better is that I’m still enjoying what I do.

I’m a bit old school and tend to spend a long time in each of the roles I’ve had over the years (essentially 4 – Government, Cardno, Syrinx and now Talis) and my current role is now the longest tenure I’ve held anywhere in my career.

I think it goes without saying that the enjoyment I get from work is the mixture of colleagues, clients and collaborators (even the lawyers) as well as the variety of projects I get to work on. I’m still learning every day and grateful (and sometimes surprised) that I get entrusted to assist people and proponents with their projects.

I’m also immensely proud of playing a part in Talis’ approach to mental health management for our staff and in our approach to Diversity and Inclusion. One of the strongest parts of our culture at Talis is our diversity and we aim to ensure that this is maintained, even as we grow as an organisation. Our Diversity and Inclusion Committee was set up this year and is already delivering a range of outcomes for our staff and the broader business. Pride in more ways than one!

This year has also seen the expansion of our services with new friends joining us over east and a new office being opened in Newcastle (58 Cleary Street in Hamilton for those who are keen on a visit). This office will form a core part of our service delivery on the east-coast and will mirror the services we already provide here in WA. I’ve spent some time over there and am excited about the future in that part of the world, but missed the opening of the office/Christmas Party due to a family commitment (another celebration – my parents’ 50th wedding anniversary). I’ll be back there in early 2023 no doubt!

Aside from this, I’ve also probably travelled less in the last year than previously…a trip here and there around WA and a couple of other places around the country, but nothing spectacular.

In terms of what we’re doing in Perth, there’s again a rich tapestry of new/old clients and the same with our projects. We’ve continued to deliver a range of different outcomes for our clients and have brought on board an array of new staff to support the team we already have on deck. Doing great work with great people is another reason why I still enjoy my job.

I think I’ve probably spent less time with colleagues/friends out there in the world of industry and consulting this year. I feel a little guilty about that.

There are so many people I value who have come into my life that it’s hard to keep up with them all. It’s hard to stay in contact with them, but they’ve all added something to my life, personally or professionally. Thank you in any event – I’m sure we’ll catch up in 2023, either professionally or out there in the real world.

At home, we’ve had a good year. Rachael is still continuing her yoga journey and if anyone needs a report translated into Sanskrit, she’s the person to get in touch with. She’s one of the most qualified Yin Yoga instructors in Perth (I’m obviously biased) and has been training teachers pretty much around the clock this year. When she’s not doing this, she’s probably looking after me or our 15yo who has just finished Y9 at Guildford. He’s had another good year (if slightly more stressful as he navigates through puberty) and I’m proud of who he is and what he’s been able to achieve in 2022 despite his parents annoying/embarrassing him.

The dog is running the household more than ever…and is probably going through his version of puberty as well. He’s either forgotten or is choosing to ignore all of the training we put in with him last year. I think we all do that from time to time though.

Getting Covid earlier in the year wasn’t much fun…I’m vaxed up and it hit me pretty hard but only for a short period of time thank goodness. There have been a lot of people worse off and that’s a scary concept given how bad I felt.

I also tore a calf earlier in the year (pretty badly as it happens – that’s what happens when you get convinced to make a comeback on the volleyball court) and am in the process of rehabilitation and strengthening what I have left. That’s really put a curb on my martial arts training which has been disappointing. Having said that, it’s allowed me to rest up and focus on a few other things (reading/writing/music). Like a few other people around the place, I decided to start making my own sourdough with some pretty decent results!

I’ve been out and about a bit more in the last few months and am ever grateful for my friends and family who put up with me at various gigs and events that we inevitably seem to go to. I always wondered about the older people wandering around the Big Day Out when I was much, much younger…what on earth were they doing there?? Now I know and it’s not likely to change any time soon. Music is good for the soul!

I managed to travel to Sydney with a good friend to see Sigur Ros earlier in the year and was fortunate to be able to catch up with one of my best friends from school/uni who I haven’t seen in years whilst I was there (some friendships stand the test of time and distance).

Among other things, I’ve rocked out to the Hard-Ons, was blown away by Billie Eilish (taking my son along for his first 'proper' gig), grooved in Kings Park to Groove Armada, reminisced to the Psychedelic Furs at the Astor and worshipped at the church of Nick Cave.

I'll also be heading along to see the Clouds and the Pixies before the year is done! It’s nice to be able to do these things with both family and friends.

Looking back, it’s been another busy year on all fronts really and it’s really hit home to me that managing my mental health is far more important that I previously realised. It’s curious that I’m a qualified Mental Health First Aider, but it turns out that I was really pretty poor at managing my own.

I’m now more aware of all of that side of me (and others) than I ever have been and would encourage anyone to ask their friends/family/colleagues, R U OK? More importantly perhaps, ask yourself the same question…and don’t be afraid to ask for help if the answer isn’t a resounding ‘Yes’.

So – Christmas again and all that it entails…good, bad and ugly. Enjoy and celebrate however you choose to. Relax and unwind. Eat and drink well (whatever that means to you). It’s a tough time of the year for many…so please look after yourselves!

Thank you to Talis, my colleagues, our clients and our family and friends who have continued to provide the support that we all need. It’s been a good year…a better one in many ways and I'm looking forward to 2023 and a new array of challenges.

Have a great festive break and to mangle a line from the Bard of Barking (who I’ll also be seeing next year), I’m celebrating 2022 with a pint of beer and a new tattoo.