Discoveries uncovered when the routine changes
Cycles of life, embracing community and books worth mentioning
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In this update I explore the cycles of life and parenting, the discoveries when my routine changed, embracing community and books worth mentioning.
Are you wondering what an ambivert is? Read more here.
A new routine
A new routine is emerging for me in the cycle of life and parenting. I’ve worked hard for many years to craft my career so that most of my major obligations fall during the school term. This has enabled me to switch off from work and spend time with my sons during their school term break. This has served us well for 14+ years, but now that my young men are getting older, and one of them has his driver’s license and car, the feeling of being split in two, with the roles of business owner and parent, is fading.
The recent school holidays here in Melbourne felt different to previous ones. We enjoyed a family movie night to see Inside Out 2 at the local cinema and shared precious time together at two milestone family events that bookended the two weeks; my niece’s wedding and my aunt’s 80th birthday. For the rest of the time it was business as usual for my husband; Master 19 was on a break from university and working; and Master 16 spent his days sleeping, going to the gym, studying and relaxing.
Having blocked out my calendar for some of the break, I had the freedom to spend time volunteering with a charity I support in the Upper Yarra Valley, LinC Yarra Valley (LinC). LinC’s mission is to help relieve and alleviate poverty and distress for people suffering due to isolation, homelessness, disability, age, financial and family crises.
Discoveries uncovered when the routine changes
I also spent some of this time reviewing my business goals from a number of different perspectives. This analysis and the subsequent insights have informed my business’s service offerings and my focus for the next 12 months.
It also uncovered a number of important discoveries.
My philanthropic goals needed a reality check
Donating my online course, LinkedIn Profile Essentials, to charitable organisations and social enterprises who support women in crisis had not been as effective as I had hoped. Many of these women do not live in safe environments where they can complete an online course, or may not have access to laptops or computers.
My content marketing needed a refresh
My business content marketing had become over reliant on my monthly newsletter. I needed to take a fresh look at how Think Bespoke showed up on LinkedIn, on our company page and showcase page. I’ve updated the communication plan and revised how I approach the content marketing calendar, reminding myself of the importance of being disciplined and strategic.
I was feeling socially isolated
While my weekends and some weeknights are filled with family or friend catch ups, my work days are mostly spent with Rocky in my office, and with clients on Zoom. I have been delivering training on-site more, but many clients prefer online training, especially since the pandemic.
I felt a strong desire to spend more time in the community. Having recently completed a video content creation course for LinC, I arranged to spend time with their volunteers to capture their stories and showcase their programs. I met up with one of the volunteers who runs their fresh food program across five sites each Friday. He agreed to be interviewed as he visited the local Buddhist monastery in Warburton to pick up non perishable food items. As he drove I asked questions about what makes LinC unique and who they help. On our return to his home, we sorted the food donations in his garage and prepared food parcels for delivery. The following day I visited the LinC office in Yarra Junction and interviewed the General Manager (who happens to be my sister) and the coordinator of the Fresh Start program (crisis support) and LinC Play (their new playgroup).
Embracing community
Getting to know the LinC Yarra Valley community by learning more about their work, understanding why they volunteer, observing how they interact with others and help their clients had a profound effect on me. I was away from my desk and spending time with a wide variety of people who were focused on helping others.
Kind and generous people who chose to fill some of their days in the service of others.
Spending time with these beautiful humans made me feel excited and inspired. Excited for the opportunity to share their story and help LinC secure more grants, and inspired by their hard work and commitment to helping those in need.
You may hear more from me about the work of LinC, because I’ve agreed to a trial period on their Board, with a focus on helping them build capacity and develop a more sustainable donor model. If their mission interests you, please make a tax deductible donation via their website (the process is clunky - we are working on it) or explore how you can donate your time on an ongoing or project basis.
LinC needs a website designer for a one off project to improve their website. Know anyone?
Books worth mentioning
In my last update I was five books behind my 2024 goal to read 40 books. I’m now one book behind, having changed my evening routine so I’m reading or listening to an audiobook, rather than just watching the latest series on Netflix or ABC iView.
I’ve read a wide variety of author’s insights including:
The Way We Are, by Hugh Mackay
The Comfort Book, by Matt Haig
Not Now, Not Ever, by Julia Gillard
Women and Leadership: Real Lives, Real Lessons, by Julia Gillard & Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Want, by Adam Grant
All Fours, by Miranda July
The non linear path
My two written pitches to publishers was unsuccessful and this has slowed my momentum. When I shared how I was feeling with a friend, she reminded me of how outcome focused I can be. Her wise words have helped me appreciate that the writing path is non linear. And perhaps the only way I could learn that lesson was by pitching my manuscript to publishers.
For now, I am focusing my energy on enjoying the launch of the Healing through Books podcast in Sydney next week and our adventure to Booktown in the Southern Highlands of NSW.
With love & gratitude,
KPH
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I acknowledge the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands on which I live and pay my respects to Indigenous Elders past, present and emerging. Sovereignty has never been ceded. It always was and always will be, Aboriginal land.