So I guess I should provide a bit of explanation about the new name of this blog. For anyone just tuning in, I started the blog one year ago, to be my blog for my year as Chair of IABC. My term ended on Tuesday, so it’s time for a change. Not just in the blog, but in my whole life. Thus the new blog title, which is a kind of placeholder while I figure out what what my “next big thing,” my next big challenge, will be.
I’ve always been a challenge addict, and I was noticing earlier this week that the word keeps popping up, but that when other people use it, it’s a euphemism for a bad thing. Like “financial challenge” instead of “bankrupt.” The dictionary definition doesn’t quite get to what I feel about challenge either, though the fifth entry came closest:
To arouse or stimulate, especially by presenting with difficulties.
I think the first part of that is right for me, but I’m not sure the word “difficulty” fully captures it. It’s more about taking on something new, that I’ve never done, that maybe no one has done, that will stretch me, grow me, make me think in new ways, fire up new parts of my brain, find a talent I didn’t know I had.
The past year has done all that for me. It has truly been the best year of my life, and that’s saying a lot because I’ve had quite a few really good years. So the next year has big shoes to fill. Now that I have time to catch my breath, I want to take a bit of time to think, research, prioritise my short-term and long-term goals and passions. Of course, IABC will continue to be a huge part of it, and I’m excited about continuing to serve as Past Chair (by the way, the new IABC international executive board, led by Mark Schumann, ABC, is spectacular).
First, though, I’m spending a little time with my best friends, followed by a lot more time with my dear sweet hubby and pups (who have put up with a lot of me being away for the past year).
Fair warning that the emails may go unanswered for a bit, and the tweets may be less frequent, but only for a little while.
Hi Barb,
Thanks for your wonderful leadership of IABC. You have made a huge positive impact on the organization and our profession. Among the many valuable contributions you’ve made, you’ve moved us all further along the continuum in adopting social media and in tackling new ideas, tools and technologies in general.
I can relate to the dilemma of the word “challenge.” I like to think of change as presenting “opportunity.”
Best wishes on your new ventures and adventures! Hope you’ll stop by SF IABC on your next trip out to San Francisco.
Best,
Michaela
I find that the challenges inspire me to seek more than I might if life were too easy. At least that’s what I say to myself when I’m wondering what the heck is happening around and inside me!
Barb, you were a fantastic IABC chair, and perhaps the best proof of that is in the number of people who continue to engage you, because of who you are, and the solid standing of IABC and its new leadership, in large part because of what you did.
So Barb, I kind of like “The Next Big Thing” as your blog title. You’re the person who inspired me to try Twitter and one of the first IABCers I knew who had a blog.
So you see Barb, you always are talking about, writing about, and going after The Next Big Thing.
Best of all, the title sticks.
Humbly,
Kamna
Has it been a year already? Well done for a good year at the helm and best of luck for your new ventures.