Not

This week I have been thinking as I often do about the seasons and the impact it can have on us personally. In the southern hemisphere we are coming through the long dark winter months and emerging in to spring. Winter can be a wonderful time, fresh air, snow, incredible storms. At the same time the long dark evenings can leave us with lots of time to reflect and this does not always have a positive impact on our feelings about ourself.

I know from the many people we have as colleagues around the world just how lucky I am to work with such kind, talented, caring people. I am very much committed to us being a place where we can be our whole selves and where diversity and inclusion happens naturally because of who we are and how we are.  

So, I hope you can bear with me this week as I came across a poem by Erin Hanson which really struck a chord with me. Maybe it will in some way with you too or somebody in your life who may find it helpful. The poem is called Not.

You are not your age, nor the size of clothes you wear,

You are not a weight, or the color of your hair.

You are not your name, or the dimples in your cheeks.

You are all the books you read, and all the words you speak.

You are your croaky morning voice, and the smiles you try to hide.

You’re the sweetness in your laughter, and every tear you’ve cried.

You’re the songs you sing so loudly when you know you’re all alone.

You’re the places that you’ve been to, and the one that you call home.

You’re the things that you believe in, and the people whom you love.

You’re the photos in your bedroom, and the future you dream of.

You’re made of so much beauty, but it seems that you forgot

When you decided that you were defined by all the things you’re not.

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As we head towards the weekend I want to thank you for all that you bring to our businesses around the world.  

Keep safe and well

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Bev

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