We need to know we have enough personal resilience to draw upon when needed. And I questioned whether sharing this sad personal story was the right thing to do. Then I figured, stuff happens to all of us from time to time – often when we least expect it. Good or bad, we need to know how to bounce back.

You know what they say about best laid plans. Mine were severely disrupted this summer by the loss of my two year old nephew. The fact that it was so sudden and unexpected meant that as a family we were not simply knocked off our feet, but experienced something of a crash landing.

When personal resilience and inspiration overlap

Losing a child is beyond cruel, and I can’t make it better for my sister. However, I can handle my own grief appropriately, tap into my resilience and be a rock for my family. I also have a business to run. And given its current position on the growth cycle this will only succeed largely on my efforts.

When it happened, it didn’t seem appropriate to tell people. After all, you look to me for inspiration and I imagined it would make people uncomfortable. Nevertheless, much of my focus and energy over recent months, has been directed towards finding the inspiration to continue participating fully in my life; when those closest to me have been questioning the point of it all. It has made me realise how well I’ve mastered the art of being inspired. And that I can find meaning and purpose in my nephews passing has been my salvation.

Personal resilience as a catalyst for growth

This tragic event has been a catalyst for several things; one of which is the realisation that the focus of all my work is to be a source of inspiration for people. I have found a way to define inspiration and make it tangible so that you can apply it in business and in life. To have inspirational resources that you can tap into when needed – to keep you focused and on track – is one way I can help. This is my commitment to you going forward.

Every Monday morning I’ll send you something I have taken inspiration from – a tip, a quote, an article – something intended to get you thinking differently or that will spark your creative juices and spur you into action. It’ll evolve over time, so let’s see where the journey takes us.

There you have it – my commitment to you in writing. What is it they say about best laid plans?