Hi Barb, 

The holidays are behind us, and we are looking ahead and re-engaging with our work and lives.

Ideally, we are ready to transition into the new year and really climb!

But transitions take energy, and not everyone feels ready to face the new year head-on. You might feel tired, stuck, or fuzzy-headed. Or, you might have your hands full, caring for others while also working.

Even good changes can feel heavy when we’re depleted or trying to think our way through everything on our own.

Instead of pushing harder, I’m inviting you to pause and notice what you need most right now. 

Do you need...

• Rest? 
• Help? 
• Empathy?
• Connection?

This month, I’m offering a set of gentle, practical, and human-centered events designed to support you in your transition into 2026.

Take a moment to notice what you need most right now — and register for an event that can support you. 

I'll be glad to see you!

Warmly,

Barb Bickford

Empathy Circle
-- Saturday, January 17 | 9 am PT / 10 am AZ / 11 am CT / noon ET | Online (Zoom)

Join Barb Bickford and Cassandra O'Neill for a deep dive into empathic listening in an Empathy Circle. Each participant will have a chance to be both a speaker (say what is on their heart and mind) and an active listener (reflect back a summary of what someone says). You’ll be invited to speak on the theme of transitions or whatever is most alive with you.

The only requirement for joining our circle is a willingness to receive and give empathy.

Register on zoom. 

Science Networking Online #4  
-- Wednesday, January 21, 2026 | 2 pm PT / 4 pm CT / 5 pm ET | Online (Zoom)

If you are a scientist, you may know that networking is crucial for finding jobs and people to collaborate with. But you might not have time to go to in-person networking events. This is an easy way to grow your network! 

Sign up here. 

From Intention to Action:
Plan events with Purpose to Practice
-- Wednesday, January 28 | 9 am PT / 11 am CT / noon ET | Online (Zoom)

In this 1 hour interactive webinar, you will experience a simple planning tool, the Liberating Structure Purpose to Practice. We’ll use it to plan a meaningful going-away celebration for a colleague. You will leave with a practical planning tool you can apply to meetings, events, and transitions.

Register on Event Brite.

How to get just a little more rest
-- Friday, January 30 | 10 am PT / noon CT / 1 pm ET | Online (Zoom)

Rest is essential to life. When we get enough rest, we are able to contribute and thrive. But many of us don't get enough rest and, as a result, we feel weary, fuzzy headed and everything takes longer to do.

Register here.  If you have any trouble registering (e.g., you don't know your user name), just reply to this email.  You may not even have a username, even if you are in my system.  So another thing you can try is to sign in as a new client. 

Transitions and New Beginnings
-- February 4–8, 2026 — Sun City West, Arizona (in-residence or commuter)
-- April 10–12, 2026 — Marathon, Wisconsin (in residence)

Are you going through a life transition, such as a job change, retirement, new relationship or just an inner change of direction? Join us for a restful weekend to make sense of what has led you to this point and to explore where you will go from here.

Learn more and register

Related blog posts
-- Embracing life transitions   
-- On grief and engagement

Our upcoming events, workshops and courses

Small Choices Invite Participation

When people are tired, busy, or going through change, having choices helps. Small options—like how to respond, whether to join a breakout room, or which question to answer—make it easier for people to participate.

Giving choices doesn’t mean losing control; it means trusting people to know what they need. When you design with choice, meetings feel kinder and more welcoming.

Looking for a past newsletter?  Find it in the Newsletter Archive. 

Want even more tips? Access Ten Tips to Foster Online Engagement.

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Photo Credit: Rose Gear