What a wonderful day! Well that was my approach to the start of a lovely day I was going to have in London. I had been presented with an unexpected gift of time that you may have noticed is becoming a part of my schedule. The reason for this precious gift was a deferred workshop I was running for a valued client. They had encountered a few extra pressures on the lead up to the festive season, so it was beneficial for everyone concerned to reschedule into the New Year. This will be a great start to their year, and also a great start to mine, as I know I have a few more aspects of learning and development that I wish to explore.
As always, my objective is to maximize the impact of this extra space that has been created in my diary, so I had a couple of meetings popped into the day. Whilst not fee generating, there was the option of discussing some new thoughts, and create an extra ‘edge’ in what I do.
As I surfaced at Charring Cross tube station, like a mole from a subterranean tunnel network that forms the underground train system, I was greeted with a wonderful bright and sunny day. It was fresh and surprisingly quiet in the mid morning air. All the more surprising as it was the run up to Christmas.
The exit I used comes out on the edge of Trafalgar Square. Right in the centre of the Square was a wonderful Christmas tree. A tree that is traditionally gifted by the people of Oslo, Norway, to London. This festive gift has been made since 1947 in memory of the support from Britain during the Second World War. It is always a much-treasured addition to uphold Christmas tradition. It is seen the world over as the celebrations around the Square are often a feature on TV news – especially when New Years Eve is in full swing.
Some things we do because of tradition. This proud tree stretching into the sky is one such fabulous tradition. And whilst there were few people around on this morning, many of those who were there were taking photographs of the tree, some with friends or family posing to record the moment. Many were clearly from other parts of the world, and on vacation too, as a few casual conversations revealed as I acted as photographer.
I stood and enjoyed the tree, simply decorated and all the more effective for that.
It also made me think about the traditions we uphold and love, and the celebration of Christmas is a perfect time for this.
A question surfaced in my mind that really made me think. I love new and exciting change, I love tradition……but what has become a habit?
Now that is an interesting question and one I will ponder over the coming week or two as I prepare for a new year, a new horizon waiting to be created.
So what has become just habit that needs to change? Hmmm.
Perhaps a question to ask of yourself too?
My best wishes,
Peter
