Looking into the New Year

I am not one for New Year's resolution or predictions, although I've been known to jump on a soap box every now and then or vlog for the first time, but I know that 2010 is going to be a year of change. I will make it so.

The economy tanked, the HR profession is struggling with an identity crisis and the world is in conflict but I can still say that 2009 was a good year - for me.  I saw that opportunities to contribute and connect with others are endless. I met so many amazing people. I've been inspired, had my thoughts challenged, was pushed out of my comfort zone and was picked up when I was down. I wanted to do everything and I wanted to be everywhere. I've been overwhelmed by options, energized by opportunity, sought out safety and  fretted about not doing, being or giving enough. 

What's that song line,"you've got to stand for something or you'll fall for anything?" What it comes down to, for me, is that I don't want to be everywhere and do everything. My focus is actually rather selfish these days - it's about me, it's about my days, and it's about my family. I measure everything against time with my daughter and err on the side of being with her. I say err but how can that ever be wrong? It means I make conscious choices and while I pass up some opportunities it doesn't mean I have any less of a drive to succeed, to make a difference or to contribute.

HR is not my passion. I know HR, enjoy HR, love the idea of a total shakeup/shakedown of the profession, so my future includes HR . . . pretty sure. It includes flexibility, developing potential in others, and connecting until it becomes so ingrained in what I do that I don't even think about it. I love to write more than I had ever known, I feel so fortunate to have a place where I can do that and with people I can do that with and my future includes much more of this.

You see, I am in this blogging/social media/make-a-difference thing for the long haul and ultimately, it means landing in a place where I follow my dream and stop feeling like I am chasing after someone else's.

If you need me and I am not here, you can find me on Twitter, LinkedIn, email, or with the kid on Raising Tarah, where her posting rate, by the way, is putting me to shame.

Here's to 2010!

Quietly, The Firewall Comes Down

Without word, warning or mention, the firewall came down and internet sites once blocked are now accessible in the workplace.

To what degree, to what extent or for how long I don't know but this is a good thing. We are one part of a much larger organization and while I don't impact the big picture day to day, I do within the my organization.

It's time for me to initiate the conversation, provide the leadership and above all, be the voice of reason. Keep your hands and feet inside the car, the ride is about to begin.