Normally I would share my Christmas stories or update you on the year ahead. But my stories are insignificant compared to some of the other team members.
Sincerest condolences to Alan, Michelle struggles through another January which holds some significant bad memories and Michael shares a powerful statement of H.O.P.E.
Please reflect on these stories, take out what you will BUT most of all, remember that life is short, enjoy the time you have with the people you love and do what you need to do to make the most of the time that we are here.
Most people will know I lost my right arm in a conveyor in a workplace accident back in 1999. There are different hells one goes through but that’s another story.
Back in 2007, my better half Kathy told me to get out there and tell my story, so other families could avoid what we went through. It was Kathy who inspired me and the lady who helped me build a company to what we have today with CNB Safe and others.
I lost my beautiful Kathy to cancer on 28th December 2021.
I told her I could not go on with what we built together, it would be too hard. Well Kathy slapped me on the face and said,
‘What is happening is out of our control. Promise me you will continue telling your story and your bad jokes about me, (for
me) as you have for many people to give advice in the hope they don’t go through what we did.’
This is in your control.
I will honour her orders as much as I miss her, to hopefully make Kathy proud.
So January has put in an appearance and I still loathe its presence. I survive with beautiful memories of Alex and with friends and family that accept and support me, as there is severe anxiety in the build up and depression as another anniversary passes.
I am back at work and thankful for the distraction and I have to say that being busy is my saviour. Just prior to Christmas, I started a new job (my 4th in 2021) BUT I think I have found the job to take me through to retirement and it just feels right. The people also feel right and focused. An electrical facilities company prepared to give me the opportunity to be their HSE Officer and PA to the General Manager. I haven’t said this for a long time but it's nice that I can now say “I enjoy going to work”.
I hope everyone keeps safe in all aspects of their lives during 2022 and please don’t forget the CNB Safe speakers are all here for you either in person and virtually whenever you or your business needs us. Reach out at any time.
Well, 2020 threw us a curve ball and 2021 was just as challenging, however, I'm very optimistic that in 2022 we will see that light starting to peek through. Whilst I'm here in Perth, Western Australia, locked out from the rest of
Australia and the World, I really do believe that the small glimpse of light shining through will open right up this year.
Whilst I've had the opportunity to still share my story with audiences face-to-face here in Perth, I definitely have missed speaking face-to-face with businesses in the Eastern States. Given such challenging circumstances in 2021, CNB Safe has provided many opportunities for me in 2021 to share my important experiences and learnings within the Work / Life Balance and Mental Health space via online platforms such as Microsoft Teams, Zoom and WebEx to name a few. The upside to providing my talks online is that my message can continue during these isolating times and connect not only with
businesses and the wider community across Australia but also globally. What's exciting is we will continue to provide this option for everyone in 2022.
Please remember in 2022 that you are not alone and that YOU MATTER.
Wherever you are, whatever you do, whatever your circumstances in 2022, believe that there is H.O.P.E (Hold ON, Pain Ends) and there is light shining through everywhere…you just need to look for it and believe.
I was recently invited to speak with Eric Michrowski, also known as The Safety Guru. Eric and Propulo Consulting are a global business who are working to transform safety culture around the world and our podcast chat took place online between Toronto and Melbourne.
If you have a few minutes have a listen to our chat HERE
