Maureen Newman-Millette’s Post

I think this is a lovely connective post from Steven Bartlett. We FEEL bad before we start making positive changes that makes us feel better. The role of cortisol (our stress hormone) in this case, makes us feel bad because it’s prompting us to do something differently. A different job that’s maybe more fulfilling? More social connection? A more balanced life of work, rest, play? Our chemicals are messengers so when we pay attention to the messages and then take action rather than ignoring them, one day you’ll look back and realise that feeling low was the pivotal turning point… where it all started. Want some help figuring it all out and getting some clarity? Email kirstie@kirstiesalter.co.uk and set up a free consultation.

On the last day of 2024, I would love to share 3 lessons about change to encourage you to face it with fortitude and courage and to remind anyone resisting change to embrace it. 👉 Change is inevitable. The passage of time in each passing day is change. You can resist it all you want, but change is happening. You can't wallow in the past because you cannot go back in time to fix your mistakes, you can only learn from them. 2024 has been a year of learning, from loss-making project overruns to great and inspiring encounters with the students at STAR Leadership Academy. 👉 Change is constant. You live in a dynamic world with seasons. While the northern hemisphere experiences winter the southern hemisphere experiences summer every year. That alone indicates how constant change is. But to explain this further, your mind is changing as you read this and think about what I'm saying. It may be brimming with inspiration or pondering a daunting reality. Whatever is happening to your mind, demonstrates how change is constant. I have been deeply impacted and inspired as I've worked on the Azania Rises Series. I've watched the project evolve and morph into. something amazing. Kudos to Okai-Farayi Chinyanga the visionary for sticking it out and inspiring and reminding us that change is constant - it is growth. 👉 Change is permanent. The things that happen to you over time can be viewed as transient, a passing of time. But observed from a different angle they reveal the permanence of change. Since certain things have happened, they cannot be undone. You cannot undo the words you spoke, or the tasks you succeeded in or failed. They will remain fixed points in history of the time you spent in 2024 thus becoming a memory. They become lessons and points of reflection of what you did in 2024 woven into the fabric of history.  As I look back on 2024 I'm grateful for the people who have impacted my life David Chifunyise, Angeline Mafemba, Munashe Zvarimwa, MunhamoChisvo Steven Bartlett, the students and staff at STAR Leadership Academy and all the LinkedIn connections who have shared their wisdom. So as you face the year ahead, think about what you're looking forward to and remember that change is inevitable, constant and permanent. Be more forgiving and tolerant of those who don't realise it and are fighting for a past they cannot get back. Be more inspired to embrace each day with new mercies because it is special. Be courageous and pursue significance because everyday matters. Lastly, may God bless you with joy, fortitude and goodness in 2025 no matter what peaks and valleys you encounter and beyond and within each circumstance.

Create A Memorable Moment – A Christmas Moment! Many places and cultures in the world take time to remember this moment; the Savior’s Birth. Will you take time tomorrow to create a memorable moment for those around you? It also needs to start with you. Are you making this day a memorable moment? You don’t have to have a list of things. A heart of gratitude and a simple act of kindness can be sufficient. As a simple reminder; “As we continue to put positive energy into motion, we can begin to create positive emotion that builds traction and momentum.” Be intentional. Be present. Be grateful. Create a positive environment. Keep it simple! Enjoy the moment! The one of the past and the one you are creating! Happy Holidays!

✨ Feeling Grateful! ✨ A big thank you to everyone who took the time to wish me a happy birthday! 🙏 Your kind words truly made my day. I've just returned from a wonderful getaway with my partner to one of my favourite B&Bs. It was a perfect few days filled with long walks outdoors, endless games of Uno, and far too much delicious food. Sometimes, it's the simple things that bring the most joy. As I reflect on life so far, here are a few things I've learned: 1. Time with loved ones is priceless. There's no substitute for making memories with the people who matter most. 2. Balance is everything. It's important to work hard, but equally important to step away and recharge. 3. Life is a journey, not a race. Everyone's timeline looks different—it's OK to move at your own pace. 4. Take joy in the small things. A good walk, a game of cards, or a shared meal can be more fulfilling than grand plans. 5. Gratitude is key. Every day is a gift, and there’s always something to be thankful for. Thanks again to all of you for your kind wishes and support. Here's to more adventures and lessons ahead! 🌟 #Grateful #BirthdayReflections #LessonsLearned #TimeWellSpent

Feeling grateful for another trip around the sun & all of the thoughtful birthday messages…as it is the anniversary weekend of my moms passing, as well as the celebration of my birthday, it has always been a bit bittersweet- but as I grow older, I continue to appreciate some of the things I’ve come to learn over the years, especially from my mom, so thought I’d share (bc sometimes I need the reminder)…ie: get out of your comfort zone & try not to take yourself (or life) too seriously - take the trip / wear the fun outfit, even if it is ‘not you’…always find those moments to lift up others (it can be difficult at times, but will always be worth it)- seek out the opportunities to create memories with family and friends- smile & laugh, often (& even cry when you need to)- enjoy simple pleasures (like a good cup of coffee or tea, long walks or runs, bike rides, a favorite movie, book, or board game, homemade gelato, bubble bath, bowl of Pastina, singing loudly to your car radio), take the scenic route whenever possible (even if it’s a longer path)- learn what you can from yesterday- we are never too busy to do things with others, make the time- reach out- life is too short to hold grudges or sweat the small stuff (let it roll,…ALL of it), find the silver linings, bc there is always a silver lining- be present(…put your phone away), be kind to others (everyone is doing their best), make the most of bad times & learn from them (they will pass), & just try and enjoy every step of your journey (even when it’s difficult, learn to lean on others, & let them lean on you✌️)- never forget to take some time for yourself. …& remember that sometimes, the small things, really are the BIG things. One day at a time. Just keep going👊

Happy New Month Everyone. It is a new day and a new month of this year that will never come again. So surprising how time flies. Reminiscing, we can all remember celebrating New Year not long, like it was yesterday. Now it is June. The first half of year 2024 is coming to an end. I hope and pray that all our prayers and expectations will be met in this new month. Today, I implore you to take a short period of time out of your busy schedule to brood. Think of the past months and be grateful for both the little achievements and bourgeois ones. Remember being grateful is the access to more blessings and opportunities. Also do not forget to gauge yourself. Ask yourself thought provoking questions like; - How well have I developed myself within these past months? - What have I learnt that will sharpen my understanding? - How have I made impact on others etc. Ask yourself these questions. They are yardsticks you will use to measure yourself and know your prowess. Remember, Time Waits For No One. Once again, Happy New Month. Ngozi ✍️✍️.

A Christmas Memory: Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone The early days of my career were marked by the vibrant Christmas parties at Bay Street—a whirlwind of activities that invited me, an introvert, to step outside of my comfort zone. I recall the atmosphere of celebration, with parties unfolding one after another, each offering its own unique charm. Some colleagues formed a team of party enthusiasts, seamlessly moving from one gathering to another, -invited and uninvited-, embracing the magic of the season with lucky draws, magical performances, and spontaneous conversations. For me, those were the classic Christmas gatherings—unpredictable yet full of warmth, laughter, and connection. At the time, I took a risk. Despite my introverted nature, I allowed myself to be part of these lively events, pushing past my natural inclinations to celebrate and connect. It became a memory that remains forever in my heart—a moment of growth, of daring to be part of a bigger story. Now, years later, I’ve returned to a quieter, more peaceful state of being, finding joy in the moments that nourish my soul. But the lessons from those Christmas parties still resonate. They remind me that we are not defined by our personalities; with openness and a willingness to try, we have the power to become whoever we choose. When was the last time you took a risk to grow? What did you discover about yourself? #CareerGrowth #TakeRisks #Reflection #GrowthMindset #ChristmasMemories

Gratitude: A Small Gesture, A Big Impact Last week, my husband and I went on a holiday. It wasn’t our first trip, and honestly, it was much like any other — clicking photos, exploring new places, soaking in the vibe. But this time, we did something different that made it extra special. In all our past trips, we’d often talk about the kind and helpful people we met along the way. Strangers at first, yet their little acts of kindness left a big impression on us. This time, we decided to do more than just talk about them. On the last day of our trip, we thanked the people who made it memorable — the auntie who sold us fresh fruits every morning, the tour planner who helped us explore, the hotel owner who took care of every small detail, and even the server at the Indian restaurant who made us feel at home. Their smiles said it all, and it made us realise how a small thank you can go a long way. Looking back, I do feel I should’ve done this more often in life — like giving cards to my best teachers for their guidance in collage or showing more gratitude to the people who helped me when I was starting my career. But as they say, it’s never too late to start. This trip taught me that small acts of gratitude can create big moments of connection. What’s one act of gratitude you’ve done that made a difference? I’d love to hear your story. 😊 GreyB #GratitudeMatters #SmallActsBigImpact #KindnessCounts #TravelStories #LifeLessons #ThankYou #SpreadPositivity

Just be grateful. This is usually said in a tone similar to “calm down” when you’re having a moment. Maybe it’s in response to a litany of complaints or after you’ve shared you’re feeling down. Whatever the reason, it’s typically not the advice you’re looking for. On the other hand, could there be something to it? We all have moments, especially during the holidays, when we feel sad, less than, in lack of, etc. It’s very human to have a pity party for ourselves. What we don’t want, is for that party to turn into a neverending one. When I’m feeling good, it’s so easy to write a gratitude list – all the wonderful people and things in my life. When I’m feeling blue, it’s not only hard to do it, it feels forced. It’s not free flowing and requires a lot more energy. So here’s what I do instead. I look for 5 small things that I can easily grasp and be thankful for. It could be my computer for giving me the ability to work and communicate with others, my strong heart for automatically pumping blood throughout my body, my car that gets me from place to place safely, my cat who is always happy to see me or my best friend who really gets me. This moves me forward – helps me feel a bit better and a bit more grateful. And feeling a bit better is a big win. May you have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday with your loved ones! 💕 #gratitude #gratitudelist #thanksgiving