Work anniversary, collaboration and mental health (a drive-by visit from the Black Dog)
The Good
This week marks my 12-month anniversary as a freelance marketing consultant after 18 years of working in-house. And it's also precisely 12 months of Hereditary Brain Aneurysm Support. Working directly with the inspirational Rebecca Middleton, I've learnt so much, and we've accomplished a helluva lot. I'll post a proper blog and reflections on the past year tomorrow. Looking forward to the next 12 months!
During the week, I was also able to spend time with Vikki Lewis, who I've been able to bring in to support a couple of my clients. We'll now be collaborating with these clients, so it'll be a really fun way of working and not as isolating as it can be when you're just a team of one.
On Thursday, I took part in a handy writing workshop facilitated by Joe Roberson from Catalyst. This weeknote was written as part of an exercise during the workshop!
And following the latest lesson, more progress with the bass! I can now sort of play a very slow, almost doom-metal/Sabbath style version of Sir Duke, as it's so damn tricky. Lots of technique and uses the full fretboard. But still, progress.
The Bad
It's been stressful with uncertainty over confirming works/pipeline not secured for the summer, plus trying to tidy up another project piece.
And, confession time, I haven't been cycling into the co-work space in Worcester, which was one of my commitments post-Carbon Literacy training. This has been due to mental health issues and related low energy levels/too much time in bed in the morning, but it has been fuelling the self-critic.
The Bleurgh
Poor mental health during Mental Health Awareness Week. Lol. It hasn't affected my productivity or client work, but the Black Dog has been hanging around in my downtime.
This post from Nick Pomeroy helped put some perspective and helpful reminders in place. A recommended read. https://www.leedsmind.org.uk/mindful-employer-caring-for-your-mental-health-while-running-a-business
These low energy levels and feeling very down have led to lots of internal self-criticism and low moods. I suspect it's down to overdoing it with too many commitments/feeling overly committed and thus failing across multiple things, I'm also aware this is not true, but internal monologue is not always logical! A major trigger has been some adulting stuff regarding the re-mortgaging and a past relationship. So that's the bleurgh.
Oh, also, 10k run is this Sunday. I can nearly do 5k so thoughts and prayers please!
Fair play Dave, you slap a decent bass 👏🏻. Keep that chin up son!