Bobbi L. Newman2025 Reflections and New Beginnings
Welcome new subscribers! I know the 7 types of rest post brought a lot of new readers. This blog is a mix of longer, more formal writing like that post and shorter, more conversational posts like this one.
Normally, as we move towards the shortest day, longest night of the year, I like to slow down. To take time to craft handmade solstice cards, start on the fruit cakes I make every year, and just disconnect. I started writing that post this weekend, but right now I don’t feel the need to disconnect in the way I usually do.
I’m feeling energized and focused. So, I am going to honor that feeling and not hit pause this year. Or at least not yet. I will be off contract for about three weeks after Christmas, and I have a lot planned during that time; I may step back then.
Earlier this year, I officially announced a separate website for my consulting work. I have been consulting since 2008 with my Librarian by Day blog as a landing point for that work. During 2024 and 2025, many things were happening behind the scenes at my full-time work, some related to national issues around funding and requirements around that funding, others more locally and personally focused. Part of my response to that was to launch the Thrive consulting website and prepare for consulting to become my full-time work. Instead, I accepted a position in the SLIS program, and I’ll continue consulting on the side.
To me, this is the best of both worlds. I love connecting with students, and I love my work around well-being. It also means we’ll be hosting the ThriveLib conference again this year! We’re recruiting new board members as we ramp up to take proposals this year.
Now that some dust has settled, I have done some slight rebranding around my consulting work, changing the name to Thrive, Culture Shift Consulting. I have also removed coaching as a service from the website. While I won’t be accepting new coaching clients in the future, I am always happy to make recommendations, and I have been asking on social media for people to share if they’ve worked with someone and would recommend them.
I also finally acquired an official email address; it was getting overwhelming having emails from the bank, purchases, and all that, along with speaking requests, etc, in one account. You can email me at [email protected].
2026 will bring a host of new things – a new book, ThriveLib’s second annual conference, and a new class to teach at work. I will also join the Board of the Iowa Library Association, a three-year term. Right now, I’m looking ahead with a full heart.
Even when I’m not blogging here, you can find me on Instagram (I’m really into creating miniatures right now) and TikTok (I’m not good at it, but I like it. I’m considering starting to record wellbeing content.) for more personal content.
Connected with me on Bluesky for text-based content, and LinkedIn and the Facebook page for purely professional things.
Scott Clark