Fantastic achievements, new opportunities and fresh challenges – that’s what Springtime means to me.  Bring it on, I say, anything’s possible now.  Let’s cheer on all those people who’ve survived this past year in the best way that they know how.  And spend a moment remembering all those we loved who didn’t make it through in the way we’d hoped.  Yes, the past year hasn’t been without its challenges and disappointments for so many.  I like to think that it’s the disappointments which I learn from the most, but it hasn’t always felt like that.  There have been some exceedingly difficult times, but they’re not for airing today … it’s Spring and the garden is inviting.

Yes, my optimism has got me through this past twelve months, although sometimes I’ve needed someone to give me a shove (thank you Mr. Watt).  I’ve taken as many people as I can on a positive journey with me.  I’m so proud to have played a small part in supporting others to rebuild confidence and stay upbeat.  Sometimes I’ve helped to uncover hidden strengths and aspirations, other times I’ve been applauded for helping clients to discover what they really want to do when they grow up.  Yet most of all, I’m thrilled that some of my friends and ex-colleagues are now enjoying new roles after redundancy and doing even better than they were in their original jobs – bravo!

It seems that many of last year’s Graduates and college leavers are holding their own and accepting that a zigzag career is a great way to gain valuable operational experience.  Let’s face it, not everyone is destined to go straight to the boardroom anyway.  I’ll be writing some more about zigzagging (don’t you love that word?) over the next few weeks.  Last Summer I was promoting portfolio careers (splitting time between several part-time roles) as an alternative to unemployment.  I’ve been encouraged by my friends who like me, have extended their hobbies and interests into more meaningful pastimes, as work opportunities have waned.  There are some fabulous new ventures taking shape.  Congratulations to all the entrepreneurs, and their facilitators and coaches out there.

Now be honest, how many of you are pleased to have teaching skills among your other talents?  How was home schooling for you?  I’m sure that you won’t forget the experience, but did it spark a new ambition?  I loved baking with Granddaughter Molly (almost seven years old) over Zoom each week, although she wanted to learn, and I didn’t need to do the washing up!  It’s all very well that the CIPD have just published a guide to hybrid working (flexible, home, office, etc.) although I didn’t hear about any guides to home schooling while working and running a home.  Any offers anyone?

The garden is beginning to wake up and I am reminded of the miniature allotment we created on the terrace last year.  The homegrown chillies and the small tomatoes (Moneymaker) were a big success.  Carol Klein was encouraging us all to sow some beetroot seeds this week or perhaps some broad beans and potatoes.  No, I’m not ashamed that I was watching Good Morning on the television.  My viewing habits have changed significantly in twelve months.  Remember my search for Sid the slug from August last year?  He’s back already and with his mates, trying his best to make a lace collar from the ambitious delphinium shoots.  It’s time for the coffee grounds.  You may be pleased to hear that our baby goldfish survived the Winter – we’re delighted, but who knows why three of the four are still black?

And now here are some celebratory activities and ideas to welcome Spring, but if you just fancy a chat instead, then Let’s Talk:

• Dance around the living room to your favourite “feel good” music, Pharrell Williams’s “Happy” is my go to option

• Learn a silly or uplifting poem “off by heart” e.g., Spike Milligan’s, “On the Ning Nang Nong”

• Sow some beetroot or broad bean seeds outside – they’ll be fine in large pots

• Leave some wild bird food outside (it’s not too late) – watch the comings and goings of the tits or the blackbirds, they’re very excitable at this time of year

• Consider your favourite food and then find a recipe that you’ve never prepared before

• Stay in touch with your networks, even if you’ve got a new job, they may need you

• Plan to do something that you’ve never done before this Summer – time to get thinking

• Clear out a cupboard, or your wardrobe or the shed – it’s cathartic