Christmas is upon us and as 2016 ends, I am reflecting on a year that’s been a rollercoaster of emotions for so many people around the world as world events have taken twists and turns that so few of us could have predicted.
[spacer height=”20px”]
I feel like the world is going backwards as societies become less tolerant of diversity and the fear of the foreigner, migrants and anyone who’s different from us rises.
 [spacer height=”20px”]
Events such as Brexit in the UK, Donald Trump’s nomination to the US presidency and the rise of the Far Right movements in Europe make me fearful (scared) of the future.
 [spacer height=”20px”]
The recent terrorist attacks in Europe have further made the fear of migrants and refugees even worse. And the suffering in Aleppo, Syria is unbearable.
 [spacer height=”20px”]
Against this bleak backdrop of world events, our life continues as best it can.
 [spacer height=”20px”]

2016 has been an exciting, emotional and busy year for me both personally and professionally.

[spacer height=”20px”]

Personally, I joined the 50-year old club and to celebrate this important milestone I had a tattoo done! I told myself that everyone needs to rebel at least once in their life and I decided that my tattoo would be my sign of rebellion.

[spacer height=”20px”]
On a professional note, I niched my business down much more to focus on Business English. Some readers were sad to see the change on focus but on the whole the reaction has been positive.
 [spacer height=”20px”]
There were many firsts for me this year:
 [spacer height=”20px”]
  • My first e-book published on Amazon
  • My series of videos focusing on business English idioms
  • My first online course (Masterclass Course on Presentations)
  • My regular Facebook live lessons (Wednesdays with EWAT)
  • My first conference talk in Munich, Germany
  • My first Mastermind Group of inspirational colleagues

[spacer height=”20px”]

I’ve met and taught some fabulous people some of whom have become cherished friends. I’ve learned so much from my clients who’ve helped me develop more as a teacher.

[spacer height=”20px”]

I’ve learned more and more online tools to help me develop my  business online. That learning experience has been at times energising and at times incredibly frustrating. But never dull (boring).

[spacer height=”20px”]

As the year comes to a close, I have an exciting new project I’m working on which I am looking forward to introducing to you in January 2017. That is, of course, my Perfectly Stimulating Small Talk Book of Recipes.

[spacer height=”20px”]

2016 ends in Malaysia where I’m spending Christmas with my Malaysian family. It’s a special time for me as I don’t often see my father or brother.

[spacer height=”20px”]

And while I have been trying to do some work, especially for the upcoming book, I’ve decided that I will give myself a complete week off and dedicate it solely to my family and return to work when I return to London.

[spacer height=”20px”]

So, it is time for me to sign off.

 [spacer height=”20px”]

Thank you so much for allowing me to enter your life and to help you become a better communicator in business with English.

I hope 2016 has been a fulfilling year for you and look forward to sharing 2017 with you.

[spacer height=”20px”]

I wish you a Merry Christmas and a peaceful and prosperous 2017. I will be back here in the new year.

Take care

Shanthi

 [spacer height=”20px”]
Before you go….

And receive sneak previews of the delicious morsels of my upcoming recipe book on small talk (out in January 2017), be sure to join my Perfectly Stimulating Small Talk Club today.