2021 was a difficult year. 

There were successes but often overshadowed by feelings of sadness, disappointment and failure. The only thing that kept me going at those times was the phrase I would tell myself over and over again; 'put one foot forward', because when you feel desperate it's easy to give up and that tiny little movement, that small target, is just about attainable. 10%braver seemed a huge way away for me at that time. I'd had a relatively good year career wise, I loved my job and it was what kept me going. @WomenEd was also a secure constant. The easy bit of life. 

I'd lost both my parents to covid (within 10 days of each other) last year and it hurt me more than I would first acknowledge. I carried on but lost my usual zest for life. I was walking through treacle, I was functioning but numb, I shut myself off to friends but kept my family closer.

I'm coming out of the fog now and with a clearer picture of what I want and need. Life and careers take various directions and it's not always happy or easy. When you're at your best you can cope no matter how challenging life gets but when that sense of sadness takes hold, the greatest achievement might be putting one foot in front of the other.