Create some Creativity

One, last, (I think) goal for this year is to focus a bit on my creative side.  I don't think of myself as very creative - I know we all probably have some artistic part of ourselves, but mine is not very strong.


I am the queen of practicality (perhaps more on this in a later post).  I get stuff done, I am the voice of reason and real life solutions. Even my writing has a pretty practical bent.  Now I'm not dissing those qualities - Everyone can appreciate a good reasonable point of view and I'm great in a crisis. I also know that my sensible side can cause me to be a little one dimensional sometimes.  So this seems like the right year explore my creative side.


I have two quasi-creative outlets.  I can cook and I can sing.  I really enjoy cooking, but like most of us, the majority of my cooking is done for the weeknight get the dinner on the table kind of meals.  I need to branch out and experiment a little so, I'd like to practice soups this winter. I'm going to try to make one new soup or stew a week - so please send me your great soup recipes.


Last night, I re-joined the St. Joan of Arc choir.  This is the perfect outlet for me.  I love to sing, but I'm not crazy about singing by myself, except in the shower.  The SJA choir sings wonderful music, and we get to sing with some really accomplished artists throughout the year, so that is even more fun.


So - that's the creative vibe today.  Please feel free to let me know how you have discovered your creative side.

In Her Service

As I mentioned a couple of weeks ago, I'd like to pursue a few goals as I go through this journey.  I've read here and there that if we write down our goals, we are more likely to achieve them. I think I'm adding to that, by writing them down for all to see.  I'll keep tabs on how I'm doing in this blog as I work toward the goals and I'll update my progress periodically, as well as ask for advice along the way.


This goal is about service.  I want to find and actively participate in a great volunteer activity - I'd actually like find or create an opportunity I feel passionate about and commit my time, talent and treasure.


I have always had a passion for issues around homelessness and affordable housing.  Simply put; I think every person deserves a warm, dry, safe place to call home. Many too many people in our own back yards don't have that luxury.  I have volunteered in many shelters, food kitchens etc.. , but I can't honestly say that I have put in the time or energy I know I'm capable of to try to make even a small difference.


So, this is the year.  I will spend time actively looking for that opportunity. It may be more than one; I'd like to do some hands on work as well as either some legislative or strategic work in the area of homelessness and/or affordable housing.  Ideally, I'll be well into the project by the time this blog ends.


I think it is always easy to have good intentions, but they have not consistently turned into action for me.  I believe it's time to make the time.


I'd love any thoughts or suggestions along the way - I know some people who work in this arena in the Twin Cities, but I'm always open to more.

The Maiden of Multiple Hats

I have a couple more goals that I'll share over the coming weeks. I don't want to get crazy, but I do want to be able to track a few goals over the course of the year.

This goal is business related. I am an HR Consultant, a teacher, a coach and now a writer. In my consulting practice (KilKenney Consulting,LLC), I work primarily with small organizations, many of which are nonprofit. I act as an HR Generalist for these clients and provide a variety of services from hiring & firing, to writing HR policies, to designing HR programs such as performance management, orientation and employee development. I also work with directors and managers as a coach throughout the process. I love this work, and want to continue to build my client base particularly in the nonprofit sector.

I sometimes teach HR in the Master's of Nonprofit Management Program at Hamline University, and although I don't have a class this semester, I love teaching. My goal is to teach more - I find it fun and challenging and a great way to stay current.

I have realized this month, that I'm also a writer. I enjoy writing this blog everyday and I am learning how to get my thoughts and feelings into words. I hope to expand my writing to other areas of my work/life as I go forward.

So, you can see, I am the maiden of multiple hats. I'd like to focus and/or combine these hats a little more effectively over the next year. I want to create a more streamlined message for my practice that somehow combines these interests and experiences.

I think many of us on this journey live a version of the multiple hats. We love the work we do, we love the variety, but sometimes pursuing that variety leads to distraction. I'm comfortable wearing the hats, I just need them to fit together a little better.

Any other Maidens want to share their successes?