Faye McDonough

October caught me by surprise in the best way. Some wins were obvious, whilst others were quieter moments that I might have missed if I wasn’t paying attention. I jotted my wins down outside a favourite coffee shop in my favourite Irish town at half-term.

As November arrives and the darker evenings settle in, I’ve enjoyed building those notes out and capturing what made October matter.

Progress in Unexpected Places

Small Things That Made Solo Parenting Easier

My ‘wishlist’ tactic continues to be a lifesaver. I’ve written about this before but in summary, when daunted by a long period of parenting ahead, I ask the kids to write a list of what they would like to do. I’m always surprised by how straightforward the requests are and it removes an amazing amount of (often self generated) pressure to entertain.

A weekend of solo parenting led to requests for Monopoly, watching a film together, and drawing. Nothing fancy, nothing expensive.

This approach worked brilliantly during half term too, when the list shifted to reading, watching The Chase (which seems to be on constantly in Ireland), and our regular ice cream runs (even in the rain). Murphy’s of Dingle remains our favourite ice cream spot all year round, if you’re wondering.

There’s comfort in realising that connection doesn’t require elaborate plans or perfect execution. Sometimes it’s just about being present with a board game or an ice cream cone. I love being reminded of this and I’ve found that it works with everyone, not just the kids.

Your reflection: What simple, no-frills activities bring you joy with the people you care about?

Seeing Progress Through Someone Else’s Eyes

I managed to fit in a class with my favourite yoga teacher this month. A schedule change means I can’t get to her classes regularly anymore, so this felt particularly special.

The class itself was wonderful, not least because she always plays my favourite tunes. But what stayed with me was her feedback afterwards. She shared the progress she could see in me and noted how ‘open’ I was, particularly in postures she knows don’t come easy to me.

I hadn’t fully recognised these shifts in myself, feeling instead the physical or mental strain to hold a challenging posture. Sometimes it takes someone else to show you how much you’ve progressed – and what a choice of adjective! I needed that boost, especially when my own progress feels slow and incremental. It reminded me to keep showing up, even when I can’t see the full picture myself and also to RELAX!

Your reflection: When was the last time someone else noticed progress in you that you hadn’t recognised yourself?

Ten Years in the Making 

Kat and I have talked about doing something together for ages. This month, we finally did it when we put pen to paper and shared our collective thoughts on a leadership topic. Ten minutes of idea generation on a call and two articles on delegation were born.

I loved how easy it felt – we know each other really well. But I’m also aware that ease came from 10 years of getting to know each other. Real collaboration takes time to build. The flow we experienced didn’t come from nowhere; we share a long history taking us from work colleagues, via a coaching relationship to friendship. That flow came from a decade of conversations, shared experiences, and trust.

It’s a good reminder that the best professional relationships often grow slowly, rooted in genuine connection rather than forced networking.

Your reflection: Which of your professional relationships has been built slowly over time, and what might be possible now because of that foundation?

Work That Matters

Business Planning Conversations

I published an article this month about what I really look for when reviewing a business plan. It brought together a lot of my current work and sparked good conversation on LinkedIn.

Writing that piece helped me clarify my own thinking, but the real win was the discussion it created. People shared their own experiences, questions and bookmarked it for the future, which is always what I hope for when I publish something.

You can read the full article here

Being Reminded Why Board Work Matters

The Abbey People Annual General Meeting takes place in October every year and this year’s was my first since joining as a Board Trustee at 2024’s AGM.

It was surprisingly emotional. Seeing the stories behind the work, hearing team members share their results and activities with such energy and confidence landed differently this time.

For every area of work, there was a personal story about the impact on an individual in the Abbey Ward of Cambridge. Behind all the board papers, policies, and financial reviews I spend my time on, there are real people whose lives are changing.

It was a reminder of why I do this work and the small part that I play in it all, why it’s always worth attending the AGM and why it’s never regretted, even at the end of a very busy day as it was this year.

Home, Season, and Culture

Preparing to Reflect on a Big Year

I’m starting to prepare for my year-end coaching sessions and personal reflection. This year has been significant. New job, new website, consistent writing practice, some big personal moments – all while striving to take a slower, more intentional pace (even if I don’t always manage it… )There’s a lot to process.

October felt like the right time to start thinking about all of this, rather than rushing it in December. I’m giving myself space to really consider what this year has meant and what I want to carry forward.

Embracing the Darkness

I know lots of people struggle with the early darkness now that the clocks have gone back but I love this time of year.

As someone who is never happier than when pottering about at home, the slow transition from autumn to winter gives me a guilt-free reason to snuggle up and hunker down. The dark evenings feel like permission to dig into my cultural favourites, to prioritise comfort and stillness.

Your reflection: How do you feel about the seasonal shift into winter? What helps you thrive during the darker months?

I’m trying something slightly different this month and sharing what’s been keeping me going culturally. Dark evenings call for good books, music, and getting out of the house occasionally.

Cultural Highlights

I’ve almost finished reading My Name is Barbra by Barbra Streisand. It’s an epic 1000 page read which has been part of my reading pile since my yoga retreat in May. It’s brought up strong connections to my childhood and all those years watching her movies, but more than that, what a woman! The book is unique, totally in her voice, with a sense that she’s applied her creative process (which she shares so openly throughout) to writing her life story. 

Like many people, I’ve been listening to West End Girl by Lily Allen on repeat. I initially felt uncomfortable listening to such seemingly personal stories, but it’s that brave, fearless sharing that makes it what it is. Hearing Lily express her thoughts and feelings so openly, regardless of what may be fact or fiction, is what stays with me. Yes, there are 14 earworms on that album (I’m constantly humming one of them), but that openness is empowering in itself and feels like a perfect extension of the message on her 2018 album No Shame.

I also got to see Antony Szmierek perform. Cambridge crowds are notoriously quiet but not that night. You don’t usually experience that much joy at a Cambridge gig, but Antony brought it. For me, it was also a reminder of home at a time when I can feel particularly homesick for Manchester. Absolutely worth leaving the house for.

My husband and I introduced a weekly Film Night in October. We take turns to pick – one person owning the decision stops the endless scroll to ‘find something’ and challenges us to surprise each other. It’s become something I look forward to each week, another way to build small rituals that matter. It’s my turn next and I’ve got no idea where to take it. Let’s see!

Questions for Your Own Reflection

As you think about your own October (or prepare for November), consider:

• What small, simple things brought you unexpected joy this month?
• When did someone else’s perspective help you see your own progress more clearly?
• Which professional relationships have deepened over time, and what made that possible?
• How do you want to feel during the darker months ahead?
• What cultural experiences (books, music, films, events) are helping you thrive right now?

Looking Ahead

November will bring those year-end coaching sessions I’ve been preparing for, and I’m ready to really dig into what this year has meant. The clocks going back has given me permission to slow down further, and I’m planning to lean into that rather than resist it.

I’m also curious to see how the cultural experiment lands with you. If it resonates, I might make it a regular feature. Let me know what you think.

Over to You

What made October meaningful for you? And how are you preparing for the shift into winter? I’d genuinely love to hear what’s working for you as we head into the final months of the year.

Picture note: One of my favourite views in Ireland, taken during our half-term break. Even in the rain, this place restores me.