Can you be your own Valentine?
Hello guys,
Phew! At last spring is stirring - it feels like its been a long time coming... at this time of year I am on the lookout for the first snowdrops to herald the change of seasons...
“Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them humanity cannot survive.”
It was great sharing ideas through my Keynote Speech at the BMA Conference
Are you a Valentines kinda person?
Me - not so much. It feels saccharine and contrived. (apologies if you are a dyed in the wool fan of Feb 14th...!)
But despite eschewing enforced demonstrations of love, I am a massive fan of compassion.
We are, after all (mostly) caring people aren't we?
We care at work and at home, often for families.
There is evidence that caring is good for us. We feel good when we care for our patients, clients & families.
And we know (from the self care mantras plastered over social media, if not from anywhere else) the importance of self care.
But it's tricky isn't it? We sometimes feel guilty if we prioritise ourselves. Setting boundaries can involve tough conversations.
I spend my time sharing ideas on guilt, permission and how to navigate these conversations, so I know how hard it can be.
There is another factor.
How well do we feel cared for by the system itself?
Not just the individuals but the processes, demands, rules and regulations?
In professional life there are often many of these, and it can feel constraining and sometimes upsetting, to be asked to care for others when we feel the system does not care for us. I was reflecting on this when I made a keynote speech at the BMA last week.
The answers to this one are more complex. In fact I think the word 'approaches' is better here than 'answers'.
I certainly don't have all the answers and I think few do, as the solution (such as it is), is going to be different for each of us.
Some helpful approaches include what we are doing as you read this; discussing, reflecting, sharing.
Taking small compassionate actions for ourselves and our colleagues.
Because systems are made up of people, those small actions we take to build trust within teams are important.
Celebrating the (many) achievements of each day which can often get lost in the noise and busy-ness.
Plus the bigger stuff, the advocacy and leadership if this is what feels right.
And also this.
Just knowing what the work is really like. Going into it with our eyes open.
Healthcare is a tough job, as it entails being with patients in various forms of distress. And that is before you consider the responsibilities and stretched resources.
There are many amazing and rewarding aspects to the work. To survive and thrive we need to find a way to make these work for us - and sometimes think outside the box about what a sustainable career in the healthcare field would look like.
Which is why I also work as a career coach - as there is no one size fits all answer.
What act of compassion will you be undertaking this week?
Sometimes we need to make space to pause and reflect. If that's you then join us on Feb 23rd for Your Spring Recharge Retreat. All the deets below.
Spring is here!
Your Spring Recharge Retreat is Booking Now.
Places are filling up so book by Jan 31st to get your Early Bird Discount.
Join a wonderful space with like minded folk to share -
A day to lean in, pause and think purposefully about your needs
A carefully designed mix of
Guided workshops
A fresh look at mindfulness
Creative Writing
Crafting your future
Nature connection
A supportive space with experienced facilitators (I run these with Jo - we are both doctors turned coaches and wellbeing consultants)
23rd Feb - In Oxfordshire
26th June - In Berkshire
9am-5pm
Lunch and refreshments included
Full price £175 - Discounted price for Thrive Well News Readers - £155
Contact me with the word SPRING RECHARGE to claim your discounted price of £155
This is for you if:
You are you a Healthcare professional feeling overwhelmed and stressed.
You find existing “wellbeing” offerings don’t actually serve you, are too generic or superficial, or you just don’t know where to begin.
You are considering a longer retreat but don’t feel ready to commit to more than 1 day.
If you have been on a longer retreat previously and want a “top up”.
Contact me with the word SPRING RECHARGE - You get the entire retreat for £155.
What others are saying…..
“The day gave me some much needed peace and nature/creative writing were especially useful”
“Thank you - really excellent. More one day retreats please”
Interesting Nuggets for You
Is it OK to be angry sometimes? Patrick Lencioni thinks so.
Things are tough right now for many. Here's a handy list of ideas if that's you.
Ever feel guilty about delegating? This one is eye-opening.
What People Are Saying After Training With Me
If you'd like me to run your next Workplace Wellbeing Training - I'd love to help! click here to book a chat!
