It’s now time to farewell 2019 and take the opportunity to stop, smile, and reflect on what stood out and what those moments now represent. What went to plan? What was unexpected? What would we do differently? What will we never forget?

The successes of a year are a reflection of what we see, what we do and what we create. Yes, success can often involve other people... but people don’t just connect with anyone. Yes, success can often involve luck... but where did we position ourselves to create that moment?

For me a real highlight was climbing the 19,000 feet of Mt. Kilimanjaro. I remember the evening of the final assent when we left from base camp at 10.30pm. It was dark, cold, horrible, but no more horrible than I’d prepared myself for and with that I was able to focus on the beauty... the moon was so bright and close that it was casting shadows in the darkness.

For reasons I can’t explain within the text permissions of this column I’d been given a 30 minute head-start on the rest of my group. My guide looked at me and said, “You’re not going to let go of this lead you’ve been given are you?” I responded with... "I went through my biggest challenge (altitude sickness) on day three of this climb, now on day five I know some of my friends will experience their biggest challenge but if they know I’m up here, they’ll keep going."

Standing on the pinnacle and seeing every single member of our team summit still brings a tear to my eye... as did continuing to celebrate our accomplishment that morning.

Among our friends, families, colleagues and communities we all experience challenges and victories, which we’re not always there to witness. How reassuring it is to know we’re not alone with these and that using the festive season to speak of them with people is what creates togetherness and more genuine relationships.

Togetherness is the reason for the season, it’s the reason for bonding and genuine relationships; when we take the time to share and to care there is no limit. It’s through the togetherness I experienced one year ago that I decided to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro... What will it bring for you?

Best wishes for 2020.