My Blog

I cannot believe this is my first blog since November!  I remember when I used to write twice a day sometimes.  I have had messages asking me where have I been and what have I learnt that may inspire others. So here you go ..

Personally I am very happy.  The first week in December my partner and I decided to take a break from business and everyday life and had an idyllic week in a converted stable in the Peak District. It only was an hour’s drive from home – who needs to go far to relax?

The day we left the Peak District I moved house!  Yes, on 8^th December. I had loved my small cottage when I moved back to Cheshire after Clive’s death. The time had come for a bigger place so that Dominic could have a bigger room than a cupboard and there was more room to entertain, especially my family. In the cottage, the tiny dining area meant that my Dad (or other willing volunteer) had to eat under the central heating boiler!

Once I had made my mind up to move there was no stopping me. The letting agents knew of my requests and when a suitable property came up, I was one of three to view it. As soon as I walked in I knew I wanted it. So I asked the question ‘How do I ensure it is mine’? Within half an hour my application was on the estate agents desk and by the end of the day, the deal was done.

What do you really want? Have you asked the relevant people ‘how’ to make it happen?

Are you determined enough to go after what you want to make it a reality?

I was so pleased I did. On moving day I had a great team of willing hands to lift, load and unpack. My new home is literally a few minutes’ walk away from the cottage.  Dom and his friend carried my television through the streets and luckily didn’t get arrested!  It was actually a fun day and I was so pleased for all the help I got.  Within a couple of days the place looked like I had been here for weeks. Instead of having to park on the street I now have a front drive and an integral garage! The thrill of a warm car and always somewhere to park it is great!  I did not apply my own rule of ‘it doesn’t all need doing at once’! As a result I wore myself out.  In doing so I got ratty and frustrated by some of the glitches that happen when you move house, e.g. no internet for a while! Of course the run up to Christmas was on me too. My usual meticulous planning for cards and presents simply did not happen.  I decided that for once it would not have to matter. I did my shopping on 23^rd and 24^th December and got many bargains! Even the turkey was half price!

I had a busy Christmas morning preparing food – lunch and buffet tea for all the family. The ‘new’ dining room catered well for us all. It was a really good day – only spoiled by the ending of Downton Abbey!

 So what are you doing too much of and causing yourself and others unnecessary stress?

 After a very enjoyable Christmas and Boxing Day I was then poorly for the first time I can remember.  Just a bug – though it wiped me out for a few days. I spent New Year’s Eve with my parents and brother. We had a tasty meal and played cards.  Nothing too wild! I confess that I was knitting too – my nephew Brendan was 18 in January. He had commented that he loved the cardigan I had made for Dom and he would love one.  I was on a deadline and made it.

Professionally I am very happy.  January saw me back at my newly organised desk picking up the pieces after several weeks off.  My e-mails and calls have paid dividends and I am thrilled that my bookings for my talks on postnatal depression have never been busier!  Basically it has been down to renewing contact with people who heard me speak in the past and telling them I have something new to share.

Who can you contact TODAY and ask them the same question?

Also my determination to keep on doing what I believe is important has added to my increasingly busy diary. Yes, I recovered from postnatal depression, yet in retrospect I now recognise what could have been done by myself and others to lessen the pain. That is why I shall continue to share my experiences to ease the suffering and improve the quality of life for others.

My role as executive PA coach for Stratagem+ group continues too. Exciting developments are the global expansion into Oslo and South Africa. I am looking forward to being part of their Power Presenter workshop – the next one is on 21^st and 22^nd February. Let me know if you would like to take your presentational skills to a completely new level.

My regular readers and friends may be aware of how much I love the musical ‘Les Miserables’.  I first saw it about 20 years ago in London and have adored it ever since.  I have been waiting for the film with great anticipation. My man and I were in the second showing to watch it at the cinema. I wasn’t disappointed.  Mum and I have been since and we plan to go again with my sister.  My love for the musical resulted in me using one of the names of a character for my son – Marius, as his middle name.  He will be 17 in April and is enjoying 6^th form life.

He recently has said that he wishes to be known as Marius, as opposed to Dom/Dominic. He prefers it.  Of course I respect his wishes and even niece Sophie (almost 3) corrects us all if we call him Dominic!

My son continues to be a huge pleasure in my life. I think the new song in ‘Les Mis’ is wonderful in showing that ‘parental’ connection.

What song inspires you or captures a special feeling?

Who can you share it with to make them smile?

Wishing you all a very healthy and happy 2013,

Elaine