Time for Change

This is my third attempt at writing this blog! So with each attempt, I'm hopefully getting more succinct! What I wanted to say was I can't believe it is 2012 already! My last blog was in 2010 when I was still in the ‘new parent' mode, doting after our son Cody. Now he is more than 2 years old and I've become accustomed to lack of sleep or quality ‘me' time. Don't get me wrong I'm not a martyr or superwoman. I still crave my own space and my life pre-Cody, but this rollercoaster ride we are on, so far, has been priceless. Since my last blog Maori rugby had its 100th year celebrations and the Black Ferns won their fourth women's Rugby World Cup title. The following year, the All Blacks won their World Cup tournament (phew) and we bought a new house! I'm still working part-time at Massey and at the Manawatu Rugby Union (MRU) as a Professional Development Manager (PDM). The two career paths complement each other and give me the critical analysis and practical application mix I desire. I have changed my focus away from sport sociology toward leadership and governance and the change has brought a skip to my step around the Massey campus. It is challenging, motivating and inspiring teaching and researching how to be an effective ‘leader' while analysing the phenomena we know as leadership and governance from a philosophical and critical perspective. The role at the MRU as a PDM (excuse the Acronyms!) is also refreshing and gives me that no-nonsense, solution-focused team element I crave. I also enjoy the creative aspect of trying to write a weekly column for the Otago Daily Times and although I'm no longer in the sporting spotlight (ie., I'm a has been), I still have a lot to offer in terms of practical and theoretical knowledge in leadership, team-building and governance. So if you are wondering, yes I still do speaking engagements! Wesley and I are embracing the opportunity to work together one day a week at the rugby union and continue to think and dream about how we can embrace change in order to bring about growth. As someone who doesn't necessarily leap at the opportunity to change direction, this can be challenging. Having to pack up and move house makes this tendency of mine to remain in my comfort zone even more obvious. As a self-confessed hoarder I've had to rid myself of clutter as we pack. I've discovered things I've placed inside a small box, lovingly put inside a medium sized box, and logically put into an even bigger box in the second draw down that I had totally forgotten about. Each item brings back memories of a life I once lived, and as I fast approach 40 with a little one to make the time fly even faster, I romanticise the past even more. Time to move on, and to grow, so de-cluttering is my word for 2012. Declutter my draws, my life, and my time. I must focus on the big rocks (priorities) and how I can best utilise what precious time I have left on this planet. To all the busy Mums, Dads, caregivers, hoarders, and change agents out there, all the best for 2012 and here's to change!