Nifty Fifty

It’s been just over a year since I started this blog. At the time I was inspired and encouraged by the opportunity to write a guest piece for Alison Chisnell. She was running her (now annual) advent blog event. I’ll be forever grateful to her for getting me started, even if I haven’t written much recently. Do please pop over to her HR Juggler blog and check out the festive goings on – though I haven’t written for her this year.

However, what about this blog? This is the 5oth post (hence the title) and I’ve been wondering what to do with it. The writing muse has rather deserted me. I spoke to several people about blogging and they all had pretty fixed ideas of what a blog is (or at least should be) and my collection of random posts didn’t seem to fit any of their declared views. I’ve mixed it up with films and guest posts, even taking requests and challenges but I’m still left thinking “what next” and “what else can I do?”.

This thinking crystallised for me earlier this week at an workshop on Narrative Coaching. We had spent the day talking about the stories that clients tell and how to work in that space. I reflected on the fact that my first two proper posts on here were about stories that speak to us and stories we tell ourselves. I realised that in fact all my posts are just personal riffs on random subjects. It’s just me attempting to explain myself and start a debate on stuff that has caught my eye. There is no plan or agenda.

So it strikes me that actually, on this special anniversary blog I’ll just direct you to some of my personal favourites amongst the other 49 – so in no particular order

1. The end of the affair is the single most popular post and pretty appropriate at this time of year when we all reflect.
2. Know your enemy was my take on the fabulous summer of sport and what it takes to achieve at the highest level.
3. The voodoo that I do was inspired by a great friend and confidante who challenged me to really work out what made me tick. We even made a film!
4. Through a child’s eyes was a guest post from a client’s daughter. Honestly, just read it, inspirational.
5. The debt is the most personal post I’ve ever written. The passing of a dear friend and supporter. Much loved, much missed.

So that’s it from me for 2012 I think. Thanks for all your support and comments. I’ve really enjoyed the interaction, which is why (after much to-ing and fro-ing) I have decided the blog will continue.

Want a taster? Well, I’ll be starting 2013 with a series of posts exploring some questions inspired by that workshop I mentioned. Take a look at what’s in store……

See you here soon.