A New Year – A New Adventure?
I had hoped leaving 2020 behind would have felt more of a joy, however the current restrictions still mean I’m not able to see the family and friends I most like to hug, spend time in other people’s company and schedule visits to the places I love to visit. My usual way of avoiding the January blues is to book the ‘family holiday’ so I have something to look forward to 🙂 – however, so far this year I’ve been remembering all the wonderful times I’ve had, dreaming about what could be and embarking on a new adventure that will enable me to share the Protective Behaviours process with a wider group of people.
What is this new adventure? Well, for those of you who don’t already know, in 2016 I had a few early warning signs about where I lived so decided to get more involved in my local community. I was co-opted on to our Parish Council and what ensued was a journey that didn’t always feel as safe as I had imagined it would be. It certainly wasn’t boring! In 2018 I was re-elected and I am currently the longest serving member of the Council!
Then, in December 2020, 2 people I’ve worked alongside in my role as a Parish Councillor, invited me to consider putting my name forward to be selected in a forthcoming by-election with a view to being elected to the District Council. I took some time to reflect and ask questions, before thinking “Why Not?”, as I realised it could be an opportunity to hopefully make even more of a difference.
Fast forward to January 2021 and I’ve now been selected as the candidate 🙂
I’m really looking forward to seeing how far this adventure takes me and how I can use the PB process, especially the Language of Safety, to empower others, enhance relationships and model communication free from violent metaphors, labels and blame. Here’s hoping this latest ‘risk on purpose’ leads to the start of a less adversarial political landscape at least at a ‘local’ level.
PS If you want to keep updated on this new adventure, feel free to visit https://www.riskingonpurpose.com/
