Long time, no speak
It’s been a while! Hi, hello and how are you?
Firstly, a little life update from me… I’m eight months into a full-time job role working as Head of Digital & Communications at a University Students’ Union. After 146 funerals it was time to take a break from being a funeral pastor, and I was ready to move on (and up) from my previous role in a charity. So, I’ve gone full-time and Pete’s gone part-time and the balance of life looks very different. We’ve also left the church we were at (where he was working) and have yet to settle anywhere else but that’s probably a longer story for another blog post!
My new role has been busy and challenging. I’ve stepped into a new senior leadership role and I am loving the opportunity to lead and drive strategy. I feel like I’m becoming more, me.
So, what have I come here to write about this evening?
I haven’t got a clue. But, whenever I take a break from writing to focus on the busyness of life I find I have to come back here and pause. I recognise where I’m at and I give my writing brain permission to create again. I type and I remember how much writing brings me joy and helps me express my truest thoughts.
Honest conversation is still a huge passion of mine and thankfully I’ve titled my blog in such a way that I won’t ever run out of things within that theme. My boys are now 6 and 4 so I’m still in the thick of parenthood. Faith right now looks different and we’re figuring out what it looks like for us in this phase of life to connect with God and community. And, more than that I find myself also reflecting on leadership, how to manage change, all things digital and communications, friendship, finances, equity and what does true inclusion really look like… there’s a lot going on.
So, whether you’ve just stumbled across my blog now, or whether you’ve been with me for many years. You are so welcome here.
Changing the world. One connection at a time.
When I was at school I was convinced by 33 I’d have life figured out. I’m telling you now that that is absolutely not the case. Partly because I am still figuring myself out, what drives me, what I love, who I truly am. But, also because the world simply does not make sense. Humanity is standing by whilst life falls apart around us. Climate change, abortion, gun crime, racism, ableism, leaders with no integrity, the cost-of-living… the world does not make sense. People do not make sense.
Over a year ago I reflected upon whether I’d ever really be able to change the world. Changing the whole world is not something I can do alone. But, to reference Mother Teresa again like I have done many times before:
“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.”
― Mother Teresa
She was a leader. She changed the world simply through connection. Person to person. Loving the person in front of her.
The world is broken. People do not make sense. Many of our leaders are not leading with integrity.
Let’s not wait for them. Let’s change the world. Person to person.
Connection is such an incredible gift.
It’s easy to feel powerless in a world that seems so hopeless at the moment but connection matters. And each of us is able to bring light to others simply through connection.
Your words are powerful. Your presence is powerful. You make a difference.
“I define connection as the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship.”
― Brené Brown
That’s what this space, my blog, is for. Connection. This is a space where I hope people feel seen, heard and valued, where they can derive sustenance and strength.
So, the topics here might change as life changes but you can still always expect honesty and vulnerability. Sending you all the love whatever this phase of life looks like for you.
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