The funniest thing about my annoying newsletter title is that I haven’t even read Katherine May’s acclaimed book, “Wintering” and yet I’ve referenced it three times this week. Honestly, so irritating. But, I did just dig it out - obviously I bought it, what am I some kind of idiot?! - to get reading tonight once I’ve finished Herminia Ibarra’s Working Identity which is amazing - because I think I need it.
[May] describes “wintering” as “a fallow period in life when you’re cut off from the world, feeling rejected, sidelined, blocked from progress or cast into the role of an outsider. - The New York Times
While I don’t feel rejected so much, I am feeling outsidery as I continue to navigate this new life outside of CEO-dom. And I am definitely feeling fallow - in fact I wrote about that not long ago, here. The thing that has most surprised me though, is how long my Winter is lasting, or how frequent.. I’m still going through the seasonal cycles, but Spring, Summer and Autumn all feel very short, and are punctuations rather than periods. But that’s OK, that’s just where we are, friends.
And just as an aside, because I just feel like it’s an elephant in the Substack, I know I haven’t a) written anything personal on here for some time and b) haven’t shared anything on social media about the Israel and Gaza conflict, even though it might be what you’ve come to expect from me. (Or maybe it’s not and you’re like what who cares about your opinion - and you’d be correct - we do not all need to speak all the time) But honestly, it’s been very hard to write (and think, work, thrive) for the past few months, due in no small part, to what is happening over there and the numerous, insidious and heartbreaking ways the conflict is leaking onto many Jews and Muslims over here. I can only speak for myself at the gasping existential fear I’ve been experiencing, and the unrelenting grief over the thousands and thousands of lost lives. The most sensible thing I have ever done in my 37 years of existence was delete Instagram at the beginning of October. I know I’ve spoken out numerous times about the conflict but that is not something I can offer this time. All of that to say is, I know the conflict is affecting so many of us, so I hope you’re all doing OK. I also hope you’re sharing news and thoughts with care and consideration.
But yes, I’m Wintering. I’m trying to do less and I’m eating lots of grains and also because I’ve changed, 70% dark chocolate. I am just getting through it.
However, I did want to share a few updates, not least because there are SO. MANY. NEW. READERS. Hi! You alright? Honestly, I have no idea what happened but I have had an influx of new people over here in the last 24 hours so if you are indeed new to this chaos, please do comment at the bottom and let me know how you found me.
I also really hope you enjoyed my last post, an interview with the photographer, Sarah Tulej. I’ve got another Creative Career interview coming up, and really, I’m just trying stuff out out loud at the moment and see what works.
But, on we go with the updates. There are only two and there are no gluten free recommendations, but I think they stand up on their own without any rice flour.
Sainsburys!
I shared a post today that has gone minorly viral (by which I mean it had about 200 likes) because I went to Sainsbury’s today and had a little cry. Why? Because they’ve changed their “feminine hygiene” aisle to “period care”. You can see in the photo that it’s been replaced and honestly it’s just wonderful. It’s been an ongoing, collaborative piece of work to change the language to a more inclusive vibe, and even though I’ve been away from BGP for a year and a half now, it still means so much.
Behaviour change, amiright!??! Oh and plug, if you’re reading this and you’d like to do some similar communications work in your organisation then just reply on here. You wouldn’t be the first to organise some consulting work from replying to my newsletter (in fact you’d be the third).
Trustee!
I am a first time trustee! A couple of months ago, I joined the board of Clore Social Leadership and goodness me it’s a steep learning curve but I am really enjoying it so far. If you have any tips for new trusteeship life then please feel free to share them.
And so with those acorns strategically placed (wintery hibernation theme innit), I’ll bid you farewell and see you soon.
Lots of love,
Gabby x