Regular readers will know that I can be erratic with my 'posting frequency'. It's usually because I'm so busy with other peoples' blogs, but sometimes its because I'm in a fug of some kind. It always passes - eventually - and I've learnt over my 3 4+ years providing business blogging help and advice that the best way to get back in the blogging saddle is to 'just do it'.
Having said that, I often feel the need to explain myself. This isn't an entirely self-indulgent or cathartic need, it's also because when I blog, I aim to address each and every reader as an individual or a friend - rather than a group - and so there's a sense of 'owing' you an explanation out of respect. So, here goes...
Since my last post I have been through some major upheavals. I've moved house, ended my relationship of 2 years and given up 'custody' of my gorgeous canine 'son' Tallis. Oh - and launched a new venture Universal Growth - a kind of alternative to Alternatives in Cardiff!
As Denis Campbell of @UKProgressive commented,
"Other than that Mrs. Kennedy how was your trip to Dallas?"
Moving house can be stressful enough - particularly when self-employed, but this move involved the added complication of a forced deadline to vacate my rented flat (due to repossession) whilst the house I bought a year ago thinking we'd move straight in, was still unfinished due to the 'surprise*' total renovation it had actually required. *Read: "not budgeted for".
And the end of any serious relationship brings with it all sorts of emotional upset - even when, as ours did, it ends compassionately and respectfully, but nothing had quite prepared me for the physical pain of letting Tallis go with his 'Daddy'. Ah - look - there I go again - spontaneous weeping at the thought of 'abandoning' my baby boy - not a great look!. (Deep breath.)
Anyway. The extraordinary support and kindness of friends and family has been both humbling and affirming (out damn tears!) and if you share my Universal faith, you'll understand how I've been able to move through this transition relatively quickly. Still a way to go, but growing stronger by the day.
@lucyannp, my dear friend and biz partner in www.DailyBread365.com, gave me a beautiful, empowering analogy which may help you if you're in a similar place (it seems that many are): Think of a catapult. As you pull back the elastic band, the stress increases. But the greater the pressure, when you're ready to release, the greater the energy and the further you fly forwards. She explained it much better than that, but you get the gist. And based on how long I'd been pulling back on that elastic, I'm very excited about what my future holds.
So nothing left to do for now than to say a huge, public THANK YOU to everyone who's helped me through one way or another: Dad, Mum, Neil, Janet, Loobs, Beryl, Shilpa, Jason, Adrian, Donal, Noni, Rach, Denis, Steve R, Steve T, Vikki, Vicky, Lynne, Judith, Gwyneth, Chris O. I'm sure I've missed some names out - apologies if it's yours.
And a huge public I'M SORRY to anyone who I've been out of touch with, which regretfully includes valued clients and colleagues, and you - as a reader of this blog.
I am now officially un-tongue-tied. :) Onwards and upwards!