Fifteen Years of Conflict Remedy
This month, November 2024, I have been writing and publishing my blog for fifteen years. I’m amazed I have kept it up all these years, but time truly does go quickly when you’re having fun! I’ve been reflecting on this achievement, and I decided, as a whimsical celebration, to interview myself about it all.
Conflict Remedy: So, you’ve been writing your blog for fifteen years now. What does that milestone mean to you?
Lorraine Segal: Gosh, it really means a lot. Fifteen years ago in June, I escaped from my horrifically toxic workplace and started my own workplace conflict transformation business. To still be here, doing work I love and writing about it is part of my personal definition of success!. I am deeply grateful. I am also in awe of my own persistence. I never imagined I’d be keeping this going for so long nor that I would have written over 180 articles.
CR: That is impressive! What inspired you to start the blog?
LS: When I started the business, many people told me the best way to be visible, and find potential clients was to have a blog. It was THE way to be successful at that time. So rather coldly and calculatedly, I decided to start a blog, hoping it would jump start my business.
CR: In other words, it was practicality rather than inspiration.
LS: Exactly. But over time, it became its own reward and I began to love writing on these topics, regardless of whether it helped my business.
CR: What have been your biggest challenges with the blog?
LS: Well, fear first. When I started, I still had quite a big writers block. I was afraid to write, I wanted to avoid and procrastinate, I was sure whatever I wrote would be awful and people would laugh at me. But people in my field and out of it liked my writing from the very first article. I also had a hard time with consistency. I thought I “should” write one a week, but I couldn’t keep it up. I would do it for a few weeks and then let several months go by. Finally, a wise coach asked me what frequency I could commit to. I was willing to do one per month, even though I didn’t think it was enough, and I have been doing that for many years now.
CR: Do you ever have trouble finding a topic to write on?
LS: Fortunately, I never seem to run out of ideas! Sometimes It takes some effort for me to pick a topic that resonates with me in the moment and that I can expand on. I have long lists of possibles always. The basic foundations of conflict transformation, clear, communication, bullying, forgiveness repeat over and over, but the context, details, and examples are wonderfully varied.
CR: What have been the most rewarding aspects of writing the blog?
LS: Having a platform to explore and express my own ideas and perspectives on conflict. Writing helps me figure things out for myself, figure out how to say important concepts more clearly and succinctly so they are clear to my readers, students, clients. For example, my conflict coaching is quite intuitive. My approach has been very helpful to my clients, but it took me a while to figure out what I was actually doing. Then, I was able to explain it in writing, which was immensely satisfying. And once I’ve explained something clearly, I can give the article to clients and students to supplement what I tell them. My articles have become a v useful tool for learning. And I have so much fun making some of this heavy material a bit light hearted. I also find it satisfying to choose just the right graphic to enhance the writing.
CR: Yes, I’ve noticed all the humor you tuck into the articles. What have you learned from writing the blog all these years?
LS: I didn’t realize how much I love the whole process of writing. I’m much more confident about my writing now and trust that what I write will, with editing, turn out ok. And I’m immensely gratified that people learn from and resonate with my blog.
CR: What’s next for you?
LS: I’m definitely going to continue writing the blog articles. I’m also starting to write a book based on the blog.
CS: That sounds great. And you’ve already done most of the writing for that particular book. Keep me posted, as it were.
LS: Thank you so much.
Lorraine Segal has helped over 2000 leaders and others in organizations and corporations communicate more clearly, transform conflicts, and let go of resentments. The goal: to create a more harmonious and productive workplace. Through her business, Conflict Remedy, Lorraine creates customized training and coaching programs for non-profit organizations, corporations, and government agencies and Sonoma State University. She was recently named one of the top 15 coaches in Santa Rosa by Influence Digest. She is a contributing author to the book, Stand Up, Speak Out Against Workplace Bullying. Her latest project, a memoir called: Angels and Earthworms, an unexpected journey to love, joy, and miracles, is about her transformation from miserable self-doubt to self-acceptance, true love, spiritual awareness, and right livelihood. Find out more about the memoir here. Contact Lorraine through ConflictRemedy to request a free consultation for you and your organization or to sign up for her conflict remedy newsletter and blog.
Related blog posts:
The very first blog post I wrote: Conflict and Hope for the Workplace and the World
Blog post I wrote 6 years after escaping from a toxic workplace and starting Conflict Remedy: On Being Bullied—reflections, lessons, and gratitude 8 years later
© Lorraine Segal Conflict Remedy 2024
