Years ago a yoga instructor shared an insight which rings true repeatedly for me. She observed that almost all yoga injuries occur when people are exiting a pose. We naturally put a lot of attention on how we begin things, how we start a new job, commence a relationship and how we enter and even hold our positions, but when it’s time to leave we tend to just bolt, spending little time thinking about exiting gently, consciously and without causing harm.

As 2017 draws to a close I am aware of my own forward focus. It is traditional to set intentions and New Year’s resolutions, but it is also just as important to pause, reflect and conclude the year well.

Sarah Cornally puts forward some interesting questions in her pithy and thought-provoking post: the importance of good beginnings and good endings. I encourage you to read her work and invite you to join me in a similar contemplation for this year-end:

• What contributions did I make in 2017?
• What new knowledge, skills and memories will I take with me into 2018?
• Who contributed positively to my year, and how will I express my gratitude?
• What would it serve me to leave behind or let go of?
• At the end of 2018, what impact do I hope to have made?

Thank you for your support throughout the year, whether it be through participating in a Talkpoint initiative, joining me for a walk and talk or sharing these emails, it is very much appreciated. And yes, it is easy to forget what took place in the middle! Here are a few of Talkpoint’s 2017 highlights:

• We declared our aspiration to #humanisework and Humanising Work: What’s the point? was our most popular blog post of the year
• Over 50 diverse professionals played our Speed Mentoring Games
• We supported Branson’s B Team to launch 100% Human at Work in Australia
• The F-OFF: Fear of Failure Forum was introduced to our community at The Talent Exodus
• Increasing numbers of curious leaders joined us for big-picture conversations about the future of work, leadership and our humanity
• Corporate clients partnered with us to establish internal communities of practice and develop their social capital
• Two external Talkpoint Roundtable cohorts were initiated and we are currently gathering a third to commence next year

After all that, Maria and I are taking a break until mid-Jan. When we look forward to continuing conversations with you about your personal and collective development journeys. Let’s make a time to talk in 2018.

Wishing you all the very best for a safe, contemplative and joyful time of celebration with those you love.

Most warmly
Robyn