Meet Louis Christopher Hainsworth Harper.
‘The most intellectually, emotionally and physically advanced child of the 21st century’ (said every parent, ever). ?
312 days, 1,872+ nappies and 4,672,193 lost hours of sleep later, and I can categorically say that all the clichés are true, and that parenthood really is the most inexplicable paradox.
But 2021 hasn’t been all breastfeeding, bouncers and baby-talk.
From my (heavily preggo) international speaking debut at the Wales Farming Conference, to the World Fisheries Congress, the BASF Global Safety Month Lunch n’ Learn and the Syngenta Global Safety Pause – speaking gigs remain a-plenty – and I can’t wait to spend more time stage left in 2022.
I’ve also updated my website, pulled beers at the launch of the brand-spanking new #PlantASeedForSafety pilot, and was super-DOOPER chuffed (and rather embarrassed… see my reaction here) to be named a national winner in the 2020 Syngenta Growth Awards.
I had a stack load of fun on Twitter during Farm Safety Week, and had SafeWork SA’s uber-progressive Martyn Campbell and Glenn Farrell endorse the #PlantASeedForSafety message.
I chewed the fat with (or was it the ears off?) the delightful hosts of the Humans of Agriculture, S&W Seed Co. Emerge and Generation Ag podcasts, contributed to the National RD&E Seafood Industry Safety Initiative Stakeholder Workshop and was a panellist for the SafeWork SA Augusta Zadow Awards.
Yep, it’s been a big’un.
Make no mistake however, this year hasn’t been without its challenges, and I certainly don’t want to glorify or understate the magnitude of the transition into motherhood + running two businesses, our dear old Daddio’s declining health, the usual COVID-19 chaos…
…but the most important lessons of all?
To (completely and utterly) reset my expectations, to ask for help and for crying out loud, to stop and smell the roses from time to time.
Have a wonnnnnderful break, drive safely and look after yourself and those around you.
SEE YOU IN 2022!!!
Cheers,
Alex.
