Choice, Change and Gratitude for 2015

Every year I like to reflect on my year and record my journey. I find this to be therapeutic and also it keeps a record of my life journey. In the work I do within Refirement Network, I share often about the number of life stage changes that happen when we are around 50+. There are always changes happening, choices to be made and things to be grateful for. 

I started working with a not for profit company, BrainBoosters in November 2010. The invitation from the Founders was to help them to set up the company and pioneer the journey of change in the early childhood sector. At the time I committed to at least a 5 year journey. I have loved every moment of this road and so proud of the team that we have built and the difference we have made to date in the parenting and early education sector. We were given a large project this year, working with 27 primary schools in the Free State and impacted more than 12500 children and 250 educators. There were many other projects around the country and I know that we have made a difference. It is wonderful to work in a sector, where one knows that the work you are doing is moving the country forward. Without education this country cannot move in the right direction. As the year was coming to an end, I knew it was time to walk back over the bridge to my own company- Refirement Network. That is where I want to add value for at least the next 10 years. Not an easy decision to move from a secure pay cheque to writing your own. However this again is a decision that many of us need to make that have to work till we are older- due to longevity and not having enough savings.

My mom died last year- another change many of us need to deal with. Our parents are living longer , but at some point they leave us to continue doing life without them. It has taken me a long time to come to terms with her death. We made a decision to all get together as a family around her birthday in April and to bury her ashes in Rustenburg where she grew up. What a wonderful celebration we had. My siblings and children live on 4 continents and not always easy to get together. We managed to get all the siblings, 6 out of the 9 grandchildren and all the great grandchildren together for three days. Family matters and we need to continue to connect and support one another.

Trips to my children are a highlight of my year. One family lives in London and the other in Thailand. The challenge of visit the children or save for retirement is a constant battle. This challenge again is one that many of us wrestle with. I know there is no easy answer on this one. The dropping of our currency and financial status globally is a real nightmare for international travel. I spent 2 wonderful, restful weeks in London in August. My twin granddaughters, Emma and Chloe are 3 and it was just a delight to spend time with them in their daily routine and environment. I don't need to do much more than be with them to be happy.

The trip to the UK ended with any parents worst nightmare. My daughter become critically ill in Thailand and I made an emergency trip directly to Bangkok from London. Here is a link to my post around that trip: http://lyndasmith192.blogspot.co.za/2015/09/life-changes-in-instant.html

I am happy to say that she is reacting well to treatment and the thing I am most grateful for is that my daughter is alive and recovering. No gifts can replace this for me this year. It puts life into perspective in a very clear way. The gift of life.

I am happy to say that I had already planned and paid for my annual trip to Thailand earlier in the year and will leave South Africa on the 24th. I arrive on Christmas morning as the gift this year. This time to spend quality, fun time with Bronwyn, Noiy, Daniel and Naomi.

I do not know what 2016 holds. I do know that my promise comes from Psalm 32:8

" The Lord says, I will guide you along the best pathway for your life. I will advise you and watch over you." 

I look forward to meeting many more people around South Africa in 2016 as I grow Refirement in the main cities and suburbs of our beautiful land. We are a demographic group that can add much value, wisdom and skills into our communities.

Have a blessed Christmas and restful, fun time with family and friends.

Lynda

The vision of REFIREMENT in Communities

Refirement Network has a vision to engage a specific demographic group- The 50+ generation called the Baby Boomers. This generation is heading for retirement in the next few years and due to longevity, technology and finance we need to change the way we plan this stage of life.We may have 25-30 healthy years beyond our 50th birthday. Have you planned how you will add value, keep earning and live in this extra season.

In his book, The Abundant Community, John McKnight and Peter Block state the following:
" This kind of abundance becomes possible when we join our neighbours to live and create a community that nurtures our family and makes us useful citizens" Refirement Network would like to co-create this in communities with engaged citizens.

What does this look like?

We will use technology to connect individuals.
We will engage in some community events to learn, share and grow the conversation.
We can share skills and create a platform for money and meaning.
This means that individuals can share what they do and others who may need these skills will be able to find the skills and services needed.
We can also engage with non-profit organisations in the area and find out what skills they need .
Many have time and skills but don't know where to go to engage.
We can have fun and create events
Young entrepreneurs can engage with skilled wise boomers and together create jobs.

Life is about support, purpose and feeling useful. The more we engage with technology, the more we can become isolated. I hope that this platform will bring us out of our homes into our neighbourhood and make a difference to those around us.

No community can survive without some champions. Are you a champion and willing to engage.
Please let me know if you are keen to become a Refirement champion in your community.
Contact me via my website: www.refirementnetwork.com