Spring forward!

Spring has sprung, and I have been enjoying some gardening these past few days! Having cleared the path, I’m now starting to look ahead to the autumn with deliberate intent. Essentially the sap is rising and with it the energy and anticipation that gets you out of bed! Always a little more difficult throughout the winter, it’s time to make plans. Like the tiny plants I liberated from the weeds this weekend, the small ideas I'm nursing moment are the small steps to the bigger goals. I hope that come October / November the fruits to be savoured will be juicy!

I am so excited about plans for the next Unconference in Kurri Kurri, Australia [http://www.theunconference.net.au/]. It has been hard to keep in touch with all the wonderful people I got to know last year. Every Skype conversation has been a delight!! A reason to get things done and complete the daily tasks that will make the next event a success. I'm looking forward to putting down a few words over the next few months in preparation - seeding the soil. 

A few blogs on a different themes, to get our minds 

So to begin, a chance to tell you what I've learned this past year:

You are never too old to change. I've read more this year than I ever have, and have to admit I had no idea what I was missing.  I haven't changed essentially, but the more I learn the more I'm able to articulate what I used to feel with greater ease. I now have a new vocabulary to express ideas more clearly, and this extra knowledge allows me to support my feelings with conviction. It's one thing believing in the meaning of your own experience, quite another to understand how evidence may strengthen (or discredit) that belief! I recently read a few pages I had written 4 or 5 years ago, and cringed at some of the phrases I used. Thankfully, with age and effort comes a little wisdom, and new ways of understanding the things that matter to you. 

I can be bold. I have always been a little impetuous and hugely passionate. However, more recently I have noticed an assurance in my work. I used to get stuck in, but with a high degree of fear. Recently I’ve become more confident about my abilities, and more aware of my limits. The experience trustee work I’ve engaged with has given me insights I hadn't expected - particularly with regard to ethical practice.

You survive! There have been very difficult moments this year. Pain, anguish, disappointment, and hopelessness... They pass! You don't believe it at the time, and I'm not advocating or recommending tough times, they hit us all no matter what, but keep plodding and they pass. Like trees that bend to winds, stunt in droughts, reaching out in odd directions to make the most of opportunity - we all grow uniquely beautiful despite the conditions! (Thanks Alan Sloan)

I wish I had time for more, but there’s lots to do, so whatever the weather, enjoy your garden!