Why it’s not too soon to start thinking about the new year. Step one is about laying the groundwork to make new choices and commitments.

That begins when we ask ourselves: Who are we in this life stage?- What’s next?- What or who might help? Most importantly - do I have the humility to ask for it?

"But Eve, I'm not an artist."

Many conversations begin that way when I introduce the tools of my practice supporting people in transition.

I share a larger toolbox with many coaches: Life pies, personality type indicators, skills indicators, habit or mood tracking charts, personal inventories, vision boards, mission statements, etc.

I use them, but I lead with the bedrock tools of 'discovering and recovering creativity' introduced by Julia Cameron three decades ago.

That meets with considerable resistance because the book in which she introduced them is called The Artist's Way.

Coffee klatches, consciousness-raising groups and water coolers were among the favoured gathering places in my lifetime. Humans are social animals, we thrive in community and whither in isolation.

And conversations drive change- whether it’s personal, professional or civic.

The gatherings haven’t changed much – but they have reflected changing times.