I’m back!
Above: hanging out on a chair-deprived bus in Egypt earlier this year. What the??
It has been a year since I last blogged. Why? Have I not had time? Have I felt like I had nothing to write about? Whilst I am sure my lack of blogging can be attributed to a number of factors, it is fair to say that at times over the past 12 months, I have often been so crippled with anxiety and uncertainty about the future (my own and that of the world), that I have not had the head space to write or share my thoughts. However, over the past 5 months or so, I have felt a renewed sense of optimism and hope for the future, and some clarity around what my contribution to the world may look like. It’s been quite the ride…and it’s certainly given me perspective on what matters in life!
ENOUGH INTENSITY FOR ONE BLOG POST ALREADY!
Like most years, it has had its highs and lows, challenges, opportunities and frustrations. Most of my challenges and frustrations have been ‘first world’ problems – not being able to save as much money as I would like (but still having savings!), my career/vocation moving in unexpected yet exciting ways, unrequited love interests, along with the return of acne (in my mid 25s?!!) to what was once a fairly clear face. I have continued to do some of the things I love – asking people how they met their partners (I LOVE love stories!), travelling (I went to US, Canada, Egypt, Jordan and Israel mid-year), exploring new areas (I moved into a new house with great housemates a few months ago), making a mess in the kitchen (I love trying new recipes), supporting Australia’s migrant community (I was tutoring a Sudanese-Australian for about 6 months) , understanding more about health and wellbeing (I plan on being a meditation teacher someday!) learning more about the intersection between business human rights, along with issues pertaining to corporate social responsibility and leadership for social impact (I have just started a postgraduate course in Social Impact studies at Melbourne University’s Business School).
One of the most exciting things I have been involved over the past year has been the establishment of Goodsites, a social enterprise providing venue and event management services. As a social enterprise, Goodsites is creating a movement in the events’ industry towards the use of community venues and ethical and socially conscious suppliers. Passionate about delivering and managing events that provide high quality service, foster social inclusion and champion environmental sustainability, Goodsites partners with ‘Good’ community venues and ‘Good’ social enterprise services and suppliers that contribute to the community and facilitate positive social impact. The Third Sector magazine recently profiled Goodsites – check it out here.
Setting up Goodsites has certainly been a steep learning curve and it is fair to say that at times I have struggled with the transition to the business world after working and volunteering in the community and not for profit space for 7 years. This struggle has been part of the fun though, and it has been great to test out my strong belief that business, when used correctly, can be utilised as a platform to address social needs and drive positive change in the community.
Despite the personal and professional challenges of the past year, I feel as if I am exactly where I should be.
Looking forward to the next chapter!
