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