2016 done and dusted

I see many people talking about being happy to see the back of 2016. It seems to have been a tough year for many personally and we know that globally there have been some interesting challenges and disappointments that have far reaching ramifications.

As I left South Africa for my special holiday with my family I too was feeling the pressure. It has been an interesting year. The first back on my own in business. Watching a friend loose her husband too soon and having another close friend diagnosed with cancer. The stressful scenarios tend to blur the good things we have experienced. We need to lift our head and rest to be able to see clearly. The storm clouds can block the sunshine and the clarity of the horizon.

The challenge and joy of being back in my own business has been a gift. Time to create, innovate, have conversations, build and co-create solutions. It is never too late to work on your passion and ignite a new season.  To see the dim light in someone’s eyes change to shining eyes is part of the intangible payment in my day to day life.  It seems that my timing back to market is ideal. The economic crisis may be all around us but it is in this kind of season that opportunity also exists. Many people are needing to find a way to stretch their investments and work longer. The joy is helping them understand what that means in this season of life and that it is on their terms, not the 8-5 world that was part of their first career.

I spent three wonderful weeks in Thailand with my daughter Bronwyn and her family. Travel takes you away from your current surroundings and we get to see the world through a different lens. Grandchildren bring joy and silliness into your world. They are also brutally honest. It has been wonderful to see how well Bronwyn is doing after her diagnosis last year. Life will never be the same but I notice she celebrates the small things in life, is kinder to herself and manages her stress better. Why does it need to be a near death experience before us humans take a deep breath and change the things we know are good for us . There are lessons for all of us in the pace of life currently.

I landed in the UK in late December for time with Justin, Sarah and the girls. They blessed me with a 6 day trip to France and Germany for Christmas and my birthday. We stayed in an apartment in France in a small village. Taking time to slow down, celebrate family, good food and little girls excited about Christmas was a joy. Time to chat, share and just be together was a gift that cannot be bought with money. We need more of that in our lives. Time to slow down, unwind and be with those we love.

My sister, Carol and her husband Brendan have surprised me with a ticket to the USA this coming week where I will go and spend time with my American family. I was last there ten years ago when I turned fifty. The opportunity to see all my close family while I travel has been a real blessing. An opportunity of a lifetime.

When I booked this trip earlier this year it was due to an extra policy that showed up belonging to my mom. The miracle of the money in April made me make the decision that my mom would have loved nothing more than for me to spend my 60^th birthday celebrating with those I love the most. I felt like she had sent the money for me as a gift from her. This has made the trip extra special. My mom taught me the gift of family and time together. Value what you have and make sure you take the time to spend quality time with those you love. Do not allow technology and work to get in the way of this most important part of your life.

My life in South Africa is filled with family and friends who I try to see and spend time with on a regular basis. I value each of you and grateful for the journey we walk together. I live in beautiful surroundings and love that I can enjoy walking and time in nature. That has been one of the benefits this year. More time at home to rest, reflect and be still.

I am grateful daily for my walk with God.  I want to be able to grow spiritually, use my gifts and talents to help others and make a difference wherever I go.  This journey has valleys and mountain tops and I am grateful for the lessons learnt along the way.

We all have tangible and intangible assets in our lives. More than ever this year I am valuing my intangible assets and working and building a balance for my life.

Thank you for being part of my journey and making a difference in my life. I love and appreciate you.

May 2017 be a year of growth for you and me and all those who cross our paths.