Editors letter – December 2024

Happy New Year!

As we step into January, we find ourselves at the threshold of new beginnings, a time when the world feels ripe with possibility and hope.

The turning of the calendar serves as a gentle reminder that each day is an opportunity to reset, to reflect, and to invest in ourselves.

January is often filled with resolutions—ambitions to lose weight, learn a new skill, or strive for greater success. While these goals can be motivating, I urge you to consider another type of resolution: the commitment to self-care. In our fast-paced lives, it’s all too easy to prioritise productivity over our own well-being.

This year let’s shift the focus inward and embrace the transformative power of self-care. Investing in self-care is not just about pampering ourselves; it’s about nurturing our mental, emotional, and physical health. It’s about recognising that we cannot pour from an empty cup.

This month, we challenge you to carve out time for activities that nourish your soul. Perhaps it’s indulging in a good book, practising mindfulness, or simply taking a walk in nature. Whatever it may be, prioritise those moments that recharge your spirit and bring you joy.

In this issue, we explore various aspects of self-care—from practical tips to cultivate a balanced lifestyle to inspiring stories of individuals who have embraced self-care as a vital part of their journey.

Our feature articles dive into the importance of setting boundaries, the art of saying no, and the joy of creating a personal sanctuary at home. We hope these pieces inspire you to make self-care a non-negotiable part of your routine. I was inspired to see an article about an important event in 2025.

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As the UK continues to grapple with issues of racial inequality and underrepresentation in key sectors, Women in the Shade has announced its second conference, “The Power of Colour – What happens when we are not in the room,” to be held on January 16, 2025, in Birmingham.

These are the kinds of events that truly promote self-investment, and the impact workplace issues are having on our health means that investing in these conversations is an act of self-love.

Sal Naseem’s article about navigating glass cliffs is an important read.

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He references the story of Humza Yousaf’s leadership journey, and others like it, that highlight a phenomenon many of us don’t talk about enough: the glass cliff. ‘In positions of power, women, people of colour, and other marginalised groups are often handed the riskiest, most precarious opportunities.

They take on these challenges—sometimes without realising the dangers—only to face disproportionate scrutiny if things go wrong. This isn’t just about politics; it’s a reality across workplaces everywhere.

Let’s explore how we can navigate these cliffs and support each other in leadership roles.’ Again, we must invest in these conversations because the fallout of not doing so is detrimental to our mental health and wellness.

As we embark on this new year, let’s commit to being kinder to ourselves, to embracing our imperfections, and to recognising that self-care is not a luxury, but a necessity.

When we invest in our well-being, we become more resilient, more compassionate, and ultimately, more capable of contributing to the world around us.

Here’s to new beginnings, to nurturing our spirits, and to a year filled with growth, healing, and self-discovery.

Thank you for being part of our community, and here’s to a wonderful January ahead!