As we move into Autumn, we enter the season of shorter days, longer nights, and one last burst of determined focus and energy before the quiet of winter sets in and the year comes to an end.
I'm just back from a wonderful holiday in Australia, where Spring was beginning and everyone was looking ahead to warmer days. It was a strange and lovely thing to step into from this side of the year.
September has a particular determination about it: a last chance to meet the goals we set for the year, close out projects, and clear the decks for the year ahead. We tend to think of January as the natural time to begin something new, but January finds us in the depths of winter. For me it's September and March, the equinoxes, that matter most. They let us transition with enough energy, enough light, and enough warmth to carry us forward.
Transition happens regardless: moving into a new season, closing one chapter, navigating a new phase, or simply feeling change in the air.
These past few weeks I've been sitting with aspirations and expectations. I attended the Inception gathering, an annual event tied to a personal and professional development programme I completed in 2022/23. Looking back at the goals I set then, I can see how much I have grown personally, professionally, and as the founder of Living Legacy. What felt right a year or two ago now sits far enough in the past that new horizons have come into view. Recent months gave me the luxury of a transitional period: time to close out unresolved tasks, let go of the shoulds, and think properly about what comes next.
New Chapter for Living Legacy - Getting Started
I have a few exciting projects lining up for the new year, so introductory sessions are taking place over the coming weeks to help participants get into the right mindset and take the steps needed to prepare.
My Wish Being Fulfilled - Introducing The Legacy Show on Near FM
I'm delighted to share that I've been approved to present my own show on my local community radio station, Near FM, focusing on life, death, and the legacy lived in between.
The Legacy Show will be monthly, and you can listen at www.near.ie. The first episode airs on Tuesday 20th October at 3.30pm.
Earlier this year I completed Near FM's Women Behind the Mic training, which gave me the chance to learn the production side of radio from working presenters. (Previously, on Scariff Bay FM, I had all the fun of interviewing without any of the technical responsibility.)
Moving from radio trainee to producer and presenter, I'm excited to bring a long-held wish to life. If there's a topic on advance planning, a legacy to honour, or a guest you'd like me to consider, please email me at [email protected].
In the meantime, I now share a recent music show I produced and presented as part of my training for Near FM's Lunchtime Miscellany, which featured songs requested in memory of loved ones gone.
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Closing Out Community Wetlands Forum First Succession Planning Programme
I'm pleased to have completed delivery of the first cohort of the Community Wetlands Forum succession planning programme for their community groups. A new cohort begins shortly, which is very exciting. One participant's testimonial captures the benefit well:
If your enterprise or community group doesn't yet have a succession plan, I invite you to complete the Succession Planning Readiness Assessment for a clearer picture of where to begin:
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Contributing to Local Community
I also took part this weekend in a local community family fun day, thanks to the Clontarf Business Association, which Living Legacy was proud to sponsor. Nearly 2,000 people from the community came together to enjoy our lovely town, local services, local musicians, and have a nice afternoon on a lovely sunny Sunday.
Many people were interested in Living Legacy and curious about Advance Planning. When I talk to people about advance planning, I often hear the same few things: "This is really important work, but I don't need it yet." "I should get around to putting my advance plans in place, I'm just not ready." "Let me come back to you when everything else is sorted." Yet I am meeting more and more people eager to begin.
It is in the getting started that effective plans get made. We allow so much to hold us back, or we wait for some buffer period to get ourselves into the right frame of mind. What's actually needed is action. Not a big leap, just small steps to begin.
Next Steps
To consider the transition you need, from what's holding you back to the life you truly want, ask yourself:
- How does your wished-for future self differ from the you of today?
- How will putting your advance plans in place help you get there?
- What is needed to protect your legacy and hand over to those who follow?
This is where I can help.
1-1 accountability support: to help you find the answers to your advance planning questions, point you towards the right tools, services and next steps, and keep your momentum going.
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Advance planning programme - Join the waitlist for the November programme:
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Legacy Guides - get a weekly task straight to your inbox, to help guide you through the advance planning process:
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Let's Have a Call - If you're still not sure what you need, then why not reach out to me for a call so we can explore how best to help you start -
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As I close this fortnight's newsletter, I invite you to consider what you are transitioning from and what you are heading towards, and what supports you might need along the way. If your advance plans aren't yet in place, whether for your personal or professional protection, do consider the options above and take that first step. I'm here to help.
Wishing you a good fortnight ahead. I look forward to helping you navigate the journey to peace of mind.
Jen
Living Legacy | www.livinglegacy.ie | [email protected]
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