Feeling particularly energised during a conversation with a client yesterday, the words Carpe Diem (seize the day) popped into my mind. Simple words. But put them together and they create something bold and confident. They inspire and uplift. Amazing how words can do that.  

Written almost 2000 years ago by the Latin poet, Horace, the Carpe Diem line in its full expression, includes quam minimum credula postero – ‘put little trust in tomorrow'. It's about taking action for the future today because 'the present' is all we can be sure of. Adding my own interpretation, it represents having the presence of mind to act, to 'catch the wave' because the opportunity - these set of circumstances - may never come again. Just thinking about the words evokes feelings of optimism. I literally straighten my back!

Dark Angels and a Highland retreat? What’s that all about? Has she been dabbling in black magic?  

Actually no, Dark Angels is the name of the Creative Writing for Business course I went on last week. Moniack Mhor was the venue - a writing retreat near Beauly, in the Scottish Highlands. As a burgeoning business writer and keen blogger I wanted to bring more energy to my writing.

It's an experience I would recommend for anyone wanting to engage with people through writing. I was astounded at how my language was dominated by bureaucratic words. In my head I was communicating in a human language, but somewhere between my brain and the tips of my fingers my thoughts were converted back into management speak. It was like stretching an elastic band......then letting go!