The Lonely Diplomat

Book excerpt: We diplomats have a strange life, don't we?We move around the world. We work hard.Competition for postings, promotions and opportunities is fierce.Our resilience is tested often.We meet so many people but can lose connection with many of our friends.It's hard for others to truly understand. It's in this weird environment that I started my mid-life crisis. I realised that I was lonely. I did not recognise who I'd become after years of seeking approval from others for the next posting, promotion and big career opportunity. I was surrounded by people, but I was so good at wearing masks that I'd become disconnected with myself. I needed help, but there was no one who I thought really understood what it's like to live far away from home, to always be 'on' and be ruled by the desire for the impossible levels of perfection for which many who work in diplomacy strive. I got that help. I reconnected to myself and to the world around me. In doing this, I saw that there were so many others around me who were also struggling with the same pressures. I decided to do something about it, and The Lonely Diplomat was born. This book tells my story and the stories of other people are - or have been - diplomats or been a diplomatic spouse. Sharing our stories helps us normalise the crazy demands and unrealistic expectations placed on us. This includes the crazy demands we can place on ourselves in our desire to be the best and to make our marks. I'm convinced that we are our best source of encouragement, advice and support.You're no longer alone as you live your diplomatic life. I'm here. Let's go together. Once you've read the book, come and join me at www.thelonelydiplomat.com. Read the blog, listen to the podcast and let me help you through my coaching and speaking services.