A lot has happened this year. Luckily I have lost no relatives or friends and still have my home and health. The changes have all been in my head and in my behaviour. I began the year knowing that I needed to change my life but not really sure how I could achieve this. Around Spring I started to explore and attend various personal development and coaching events. Reading books is all very well but you need to do the work. Gradually and subtly things started to shift. I became more open, less fearful, and braver (for lack of a better word). I still didn't really know what I wanted to do but my job was driving me crazy and I realised that I wasn't going to be able to figure it out while commuting and working a lot of hours.

I read a book around this time called Working Identity by Herminia Ibarra. It really resonated with me. It didn't start, as many career change books do, with the supremely unhelpful advice of first deciding what you want to do and then laying out the steps to help you get there. Her approach is much more forgiving and pragmatic and I can't recommend it highly enough.

I began spending my free time differently. I got rid of the TV, took up singing, started writing, spent time with people outside my immediate circle. I actively sought to step outside my comfort zone. I listened more. At the end of June I turned in my notice at work, started a Psychology course in October and became general manager of a performing arts company in November. I don't know where this will lead but I am so much happier exploring these other sides of myself. Of course I have had moments of doubt, and have had to keep my nerve. The wonderful thing is that I have been met, on the whole, with encouragement and support. Friends and ex colleagues have been great. I have rediscovered an energy and lust for life that I had almost forgotten.

2010 has been the year that I started to reclaim my life. Roll on 2011.

Wishing you all a happy, fulfilling and healthy new year.

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