Tag Archive for: change

From Rome, with Hope

 

Yesterday, I had the privilege of attending the Shape the World Summit in the shadows of the Vatican, at the Pontifical Urbaniana University in Rome, a place fondly referred to – as Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle reminded us – as “the missionary university.”
And it was HOT!! 35C!
It was a gathering rooted in the Jubilee of Hope, where more than just ideas were exchanged. We heard of leaders shaped not by power or platform, but by kindness, goodness, and humility.
Cardinal Tagle drew a moving contrast between Christian hope – anchored in divine purpose – and the kind of wishful thinking that so often falls short.
The theme of faith over fear became a recurring call throughout the day.
The summit didn’t shy away from the complex realities of our world: deepening conflict, climate disruption, the acceleration of AI, and demographic shifts across ageing western societies.
One sobering statistic lingered long in my mind: over 800 million people go to bed hungry each night.
Amid such weighty truths, a quote from Baden Powell, founder of the Scouts, brought clarity and resolve, especially meaningful to me as a former Boy Scout myself…
“Try and leave this world a little better than you found it.”

Too small?

And just when the scale of the challenges felt overwhelming, Oliver Pawle shared an African proverb that really resonated with me:
“If you think you’re too small to make a difference, you haven’t spent a night with a mosquito.”
A wise and timely reminder to us all.
For me, one of the most stirring contributions came from James Moore, whose talk “A Broken World Needs Creative Leadership” struck a powerful chord. He spoke of the USA at a geopolitical crossroads, but also of a broader truth – that we are all, in his words, “temporary shepherds of our global world.”
A powerful reminder of our shared stewardship of the earth and each other.
Much was also said about the appointment of the new Pope, significant not only in the choice of leader, but in the values that come with his Augustinian roots: humility, unity, contemplation, and deep interior commitment.
These are virtues our fractured world urgently needs.

The Common Growth Fund

As a Trustee of the Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) Foundation, I was honoured to stand alongside my fellow trustee Matthew Jones for the launch of the Common Growth Fund, in partnership with Lawrence Chong of Consulus. This initiative seeks to reimagine our economic systems, supporting faith-based enterprises and creating space for values-led, socially impactful transformation.
Again and again, familiar themes emerged:
• Respect and dialogue as essential tools for peace
• Compassion and empathy as the birthplace of change
• A growing hunger for creative, values-based servant leadership across all sectors of society.
But perhaps what moved me most wasn’t any single keynote or statistic. It was the spirit of the gathering.
People from diverse backgrounds and many faith traditions, all united in a shared desire to build something better, to shape the world with courage and conscience.
And yes, I came away with a few new friends, too.
So, what kind of world are you trying to shape, and who are you shaping it for?

The Real Way

For months now, sixteen of us have been preparing for our great West Highland Way adventure beginning this week.
Among our most enthusiastic walkers?
Always full of energy, laughter never far behind, and the kind of person who makes even rainy training hikes feel like a party.
But last weekend, a message from Emily landed like a thud.
She’d been out hiking, went over on her ankle, and managed to break her little toe.
That tiny bone had big consequences.
No walking the West Highland Way.
Not even a few stages.
Her dream of trekking through the Highlands, gone in one misstep.
So then came the question: should she even come?
Now, if you know Emily, you’ll guess her answer wasn’t made lightly.
It came after prayer, reflection, and a few conversations with family and friends.
And in true Emily fashion, she showed up.
Not with boots, but with crutches and a wheelchair rented after landing in London.
That kind of determination is something that typifies Emily!
Yesterday, we wandered (and wheeled) through Edinburgh, up and down the Royal Mile.

Together

Friends took turns pushing, guiding, and laughing along the way.
No complaints.
Just togetherness.
And it hit me; this is what walking the Way really looks like.
“For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow; but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up.” – Ecclesiastes 4:10
Emily won’t be hiking the trail, instead she’ll be in the support van, encouraging us all on, and reminding us that the journey isn’t just about who finishes the miles on foot, but about how we can carry one another through it.
Because that’s the real Way, isn’t it?
Supporting one another even when the road ahead looks different than you hoped.
Who may need a lift from you this week, a push up the hill or a word of encouragement?
Happy Sunday from Scotland ❤️

26D and Me

Yesterday was a long one.
I left home at 5:00 a.m. and returned at 12:30 a.m.
A full on 19.5-hour day.
In between was a drive to and from the airport, two flights, the London underground, two train rides, a few Zoom calls squeezed in at stations and cafés, some meetings, and plenty of walking across a hot and bustling London.
Through all that travel, one small detail stood out: 𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝟐𝟔𝐃.
I didn’t book it, I didn’t choose it, but it chose me twice.
The day began with a British Airways flight from Edinburgh to London City Airport.
After an early morning delay of over an hour, due to a faulty megaphone, we boarded, and I found my place in seat 26D.
My mind was on the day ahead, with travel, meetings to navigate, decisions to make, and several planned conversations that really mattered.
The flight was short, but in that little space I rehearsed, prepared, prayed and planned.
The morning version of me was purposeful and hopeful.
The flight down was a chilly one, but London greeted me with warm air and fast footsteps.
It was hot down there!
From Docklands to Liverpool Street, I criss-crossed the city on the DLR and tube.
Through the day were some great face-to-face meetings and Zoom calls too.
It was one of those days where there was a lot going on and I just kept moving forward.
By late afternoon, I was done in.
I made my way to Stansted, weary but grateful.
Boarding the delayed EasyJet flight home, I glanced at my boarding pass, seat 26D again.
Two different airlines. Two different airports. Same seat.
That’s a 1 in 23,040 chance of being randomly assigned seat 26D on both flights!
I may have been in the same numbered space, but I wasn’t the same person.
The morning me, 26D carried a version brimming with intent.
The evening me, 26D carried a quieter, sleepier version.
Tired, yes, but thoughtful, happy and reflective.
The same seat, but a different state of mind.
26D was the same number, but I had changed.
I’m sure we all have days like that full-on, demanding, stretching.
What in your life looks the same on the outside, but feels completely different on the inside?

More than Miles

These last few months I’ve done a lot of walking.
I walk everywhere.
This week, I also discovered that May is National Walking Month 🥾🥾
For many, it’s a chance to stretch their legs and get outside.
But for me, my daily walks are helping me train for my adventure starting 28th May, along the West Highland Way with 15 dear friends in support of Mary’s Meals.
Years of scripture study have taught me lots about the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.
Many things stand out in His teachings, but I’d like to focus on just one thing today.
He walked everywhere.
As I walk, I’ve been thinking about how much of the Gospel is rooted in the act of walking.
He was often seen walking by the Sea of Galilee, on the road to Emmaus, through crowds of people, with sinners, publicans, to Nazareth, Capernaum and Jerusalem, but mostly He walked with His disciples, and He even walked on water.
The disciples walked everywhere too.
Often not knowing exactly where they were going, but they trusted deeply and followed Him.
That’s what faith often feels like.
Some days I’ll put my boots on, uncertain what path I’ll take, but I hope and believe it always leads somewhere worth going.
We don’t need to walk by the shores of Galilee or among the Judean hills to walk where Jesus walked.
As Thomas S. Monson said, “Walking where Jesus walked 𝒊𝒔 less important than walking 𝒂𝒔 Jesus walked”.
It’s not about the path under your feet, rather it’s all about what’s in your heart, by choosing to follow Him in your own journey through life.
The scriptures teach us not just about what to do, but how to walk; “To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)
That’s the kind of walk I want to train for.
Not just the miles ahead, but a life filled with service that moves toward justice, mercy, and humility.
I so look forward to walking together with my friends in a few weeks’ time.
Walking is simple.
But walking with purpose, that’s really where the Gospel meets the ground.
Where is your walk leading you, and who are you walking it for?

Lighter Hearts, Clearer Minds.

Real change doesn’t usually come all at once.
It comes like water, sometimes in a 𝒔𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒏𝒌𝒍𝒆..
A passing moment.
A small insight.
A gentle nudge of encouragement or an unexpected kindness.
Other times through full 𝒊𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏.
Those deeper moments that may require repeated attempts but yet call us to change at a more profound level.
A courageous conversation.
A personal crisis.
A significant realisation.
Both matter.
A sprinkle might be a kind word, a thoughtful question, a moment of silence that invites reflection.
These are small, sacred touches, gentle reminders that growth is possible.
Immersion goes deeper.
It’s the honest heart to heart discussion, the shift in thinking, the willingness to step fully into discomfort and come out changed.
It’s not always easy, but it transforms.
In my coaching work and life, I’ve come to see my purpose this way:
To sprinkle hope.
To immerse in presence.
𝑻𝒐 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒕𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒎𝒊𝒏𝒅𝒔 𝒄𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒓, 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝑰 𝒈𝒐.
Whether coaching, mentoring, counselling, teaching, listening, or simply being there for someone, I offer what I can: a drop of trust, a wave of clarity, or even a simple whisper of encouragement.
A small adjustment in the way we think about something can bring great change in our thoughts and behaviours.
Change comes drop by drop and other times, it’s a plunge into something much deeper.
But it comes.
“By small and simple things are great things brought to pass.” – Alma 37:6
What are the sprinkles you offer to others?

Let Go and Grow

Some experiences in life are so deep, emotional and meaningful, that it can be difficult to let go and move on.
 
We find security and comfort in clinging to possessions, roles, titles, and identities.
 
Yet we all go through this process many times in our lives.
 
These things provide us with a sense of self worth, continuity and stability in a very unpredictable world.
 
Loosening our grip on them, or sometimes being forced to do so, can bring with it, uncertainty and fear.
 
I have learned that we are naturally wired to seek stability and familiarity.
 
Letting go can feel like losing a part of who we are.
 
And yet for many of us the unknown is frightening!
 
Life changes, people move on, titles shift.
 
As we’ve discovered recently, even the physical possessions we carefully store away (in our big loft – those things we forgot we even had) often lose their meaning over time.
 
And yet, we resist letting go because it forces us to confront the unknown.
 
One of life’s greatest lessons and one of my biggest challenges is learning to accept that relationships evolve.

Acceptance

 
Acceptance means acknowledging and valuing the significance of what you’re releasing, while also understanding and embracing the need to move ahead.
 
While we often imagine the people, we cherish will stay with us forever, the reality is that connections naturally shift, change and move on.
 
Embracing this truth, allows me to appreciate others much more deeply in the present moment, honour those seasons of our relationships, and gracefully welcome new connections when the time arrives to move on.
 
Letting go, isn’t about forgetting or dismissing the past, it’s about making space for what’s next.
 
When we loosen our grip, we open ourselves to growth, fresh opportunities, and deeper meaning in our lives.
 
Why not start small and let go of one thing, an old habit, a long-held expectation, or even a physical object you no longer need.
 
Notice how it feels.
 
Sometimes, releasing something minor can build the confidence to embrace bigger changes with greater ease.
 
In the end, letting go isn’t about loss, it’s about making room for something new.
 
What fears surface when you consider letting go?

The Depth of Feeling

Life is full of transitions.
Some are joyous, others heart-wrenching.
Returning home from Belgium and the Netherlands nearly 9 months ago now, frequently, I’ve reflected on the deep emotions that often accompany such changes.
Many missionaries experience this upon returning home, facing an unexpected void where purpose once thrived.
Having coached and counselled literally hundreds of these missionaries, and many others professionally too, through difficult challenges and change, I have seen firsthand the power of deep, genuine emotion.
The depth of those feelings intensifies further in moments of crisis, an injury to a loved one, the loss of someone dear, or personal struggles that weigh deeply upon our soul.
I have seen that these emotions are often raw and very real, born from love and deep within our hearts.
They remind us of our humanity, our connection to others, and our need for belonging.
In these moments, listening with empathy and understanding truly helps.
As a coach, I find that empathy creates a safe space for growth, allowing others to feel truly heard, understood, and supported as they navigate change and discover their own path forward.
“When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” – Viktor E. Frankl
It has been my experience, that we may not always be able to control our circumstances, but we can choose how we respond.
In my own struggles with transition, I’ve found that reaching out to serve others brings clarity, grounding, and renewed purpose.
For me, love in action helps transform difficulties and sorrows into purpose and meaning.
In times of deep emotion, how do you find your way forward?

Adjusting our Sails

Every day, something happens to me.
I see, feel or understand things, simple moments, objects or experiences that remind me of gospel truths, making them more real and applicable.
It’s the ability to see spiritual parallels in everyday life.
Drawing connections between the ordinary and the eternal truths of the gospel of Jesus Christ, for me just happen naturally.
I feel this is a gift, that I’ve been given.
Each of us has gifts, some seen, some unseen, given in order to uplift, guide, and bless those around us.
What’s yours?
For instance, this week, I changed several things about my daily and weekly routines.
I chose different exercises, some new walking routes, lunch in unfamiliar places, and a visit to the Wee Chippy in Anstruther with Monic yesterday for dinner.

The Parallel

Standing in the harbour, after we’d just enjoyed some delicious fish and chips, we watched the sailboats gently rocking in the water, sitting still, waiting.
Their sails weren’t raised, yet the wind was there (it was a wee bit chilly), ready to carry them forward when the time was right.
I’m not a sailor at all, but in that moment I understood something.
It struck me, that our spiritual lives are much the same.
If we’re too rigid, unwilling to adjust, we stall and frequently get stuck.
But when we open our sails to the Lord’s guidance, He carries us forward.
Change isn’t just about breaking routines; it’s about aligning ourselves with His direction.
Sometimes, we need a new course, perhaps a fresh scripture study approach, a change in how we pray, or even a willingness to serve in new ways.
The Lord will always provide the wind, but sometimes we simply must adjust our sails to move forward.
If you feel stuck, shift your course.
The journey is always better when we let Him lead.
“The Spirit listeth where it will…” (John 3:8).
What is one way you can adjust your sails this week to move closer to the Lord’s direction?

Step by Step

An old proverb states that a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
To achieve something, you need to start with a small step.
In preparation for the walk with Mary’s Meals in May, for some months now I have been putting in many daily steps.
Recently, I purchased a new pair of walking boots and whilst breaking them in, one boot caused some discomfort around my right ankle.
Starting a new adventure often comes with initial discomfort or challenges.
In life, we progress on our journey by taking each day one step at a time, repeating the process consistently until we arrive at our destination.
I love this verse found in the holy scriptures – “It is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize.” Mosiah 4:27
In other words, we don’t need to rush; we just need to keep a steady pace and head in the right direction.
Likewise in life, our focus should be on doing our best, taking one step at a time.
Each step, no matter how small, moves me forward.
Some days, the journey feels effortless, and it is no problem at all.
Other days however, progress is slow, and the weight of the steps press down on me.
But what matters most in those moments, is that I keep going.
What felt like a long distance some weeks ago, now seems much easier indeed.
Training for the walk with Mary’s Meals has reinforced this lesson for me.
The cumulative effect of daily effort builds resilience, strength, and an inner confidence that I can succeed.
Small, consistent actions, whether in physical endurance, spiritual growth, or personal development, lead to meaningful results over time.
This principle applies to all aspects of life.
Whether we’re striving for a personal goal, strengthening relationships, or deepening our faith, steady, deliberate effort brings lasting change.
So, as I prepare for the miles ahead, I remind myself that success is not found in speed, but in perseverance.
Every step taken with purpose can bring each of us closer to where we want to be.
Take that small step towards your success.
What small steps can you take today that will lead you closer to your goal?

Making Metamorphosis Stick

Graduating from university many years ago, literally changed the direction of my life.
I recall attending one of a myriad of careers fairs, where numerous companies visited the university and talked about job opportunities.
One company in particular “Metamorphose” sourced and developed graduates for sales positions and after enduring an intensive selection process, I was offered my first graduate sales role with a major company.
Over the course of the next year Metamorphose were set to fine tune my sales skills through a series of training seminars and inspirational leadership events.
During each session and the subsequent year-long follow up, the big idea was to transfer some of the greatest sales skills and ideas into our daily conduct and routines.
To make it “sticky” enough to make a real difference in our sales abilities, our effectiveness and ultimately the results that we achieved.
In essence it was important for Metamorphose that their training manifested itself in the personality, conduct and performance of each graduate student.
The training certainly was first class and to this day, I still use their materials and powerful techniques.
Sadly however, along the way, there were many who failed.

Adaptation

In life, I’ve discovered that there are many who can hear a great message and not be deeply stirred – we are all different after all.
Yet others, have the ability to take ideas successfully through the early stages of their metamorphosis to where they become ingrained habits that drive long-term success.
The difference often lies in commitment, mindset, and the willingness to apply what is learned consistently.
I saw first-hand how some graduates thrived, seizing every opportunity to refine their skills, while others struggled to implement the lessons.
The most successful individuals were those who embraced continuous learning, adapted to challenges, and stayed persistent even when results were slow to appear.
An effective way to make learning “sticky” is through constant practice, by applying new skills in real-world scenarios until they become second nature.
Another is by repetition, revisiting key concepts over and over to reinforce retention.
For me, coaching and mentoring others has proven to be the best “sticky” method of all.
Looking back, I realise how much of that early training has shaped my approach to business and personal growth today.
What’s one lesson from your early career that has stayed with you?