I came upon this sign on one of my regular dog walks recently. It really struck a chord!

Sometimes in life we are clearly moving and growing. Things are happening, there’s a plan and regular progress, we’re on track.

We’re in motion.

Sometimes we’re regrouping. Taking some time to reflect on, and integrate, what’s been. Pausing to let what we have sown grow. Taking stock and working out what’s next.

We’re still.

Have you ever been told you need more confidence?

Or to believe in yourself more?

Or berated yourself for not being confident enough?

Was it useful?

So often it’s not.

The power of a change of scene.

I wrote this in Brighton, where I spent a couple of days working by the sea recently. It was a wonderful experience.

Not just because it’s a beautiful place, but because it was a retreat, a rest and a re-energise all in one.

So how did I end up there?

When I was little I used to love to move my room around.

I had all the same stuff, but in a different place.

It gave me a real sense of satisfaction, and made everything feel better.

So it’s been a complete joy to realise that I can do the same thing with time!

What’s your relationship with praise?

Do you delight in it, or dodge it?

Do you take it to heart, or skip right past it?

Do you rely on it, but worry that it might not last?

I have done all of these, and often still do.

So, it’s been useful to remind myself to take a closer look at it, in a productive way.