Pause for Thought

As we enter the “summer” period I look forward to my annual time to consolidate, to consider what has worked well, what could be better - a time to consider themes and patterns to become more effective. And plan for 2025.  The “housekeeping” that often gets neglected due to other priorities - the feeling is one of relief and offers new focus - so give yourselves some protected time, arrange meetings “with yourself” and plan hour by hour over a series of days to complete your to-do list, visit the things on the list that just seem to get lower down as new tasks arise. Have a wonderful summer - “for every minute spent organising, an hour is earned” (Benjamin Franklin)I often think about whether we can move on, and make changes to our lives in a work or personal setting without giving some respect to the past, to the “before” that has shaped us.  We need to understand the influence, and the power it had and will continue to have over us should we not lay it to rest, accept it, and be at peace with it.

There is always an emotional impact to change, change is inevitable, and the transition and making the change work requires letting go - it’s only then we will be ready to embrace the new. Do this carefully, don't overwhelm yourself with the change process, what it is you will lose, and work through it daily…

Are you aware of your own thresholds? What provokes your own anxiety? We talk about children and foster carers having triggers for their heightened behaviours, but sometimes we need to be self aware and give ourselves a big hug. We need to give ourselves a little space to work out what’s going on, and pause - take a moment to question your thought patterns, challenge those fears, and consider how you can regain control, be a little kinder to yourself and ask “are my thoughts rational?” What would I tell my 13 year old self?

Do you value the importance of learning exchange opportunities? Next time you have a team meeting, someone bring a case study - something that is leaving you unsure of what to do next. All ask one question, but refrain from jumping in and providing the answers - take the most challenging question -  the one you really have no idea how to answer - that’s the one to now explore together and breakdown into a helpful reflective discussion.