My Blogs

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doing a ted lasso!

I’m learning to greet life with open curiosity, releasing the impulse to judge or jump to conclusions, and giving every moment the space to reveal itself – Jan.

I heard people talking about Ted Lasso, and it wasn’t a series that I was instantly drawn to. A couple of work colleagues had mentioned it, and I thought I would give it a go! To my surprise, during the summer, my husband and I took a trip to Richmond, London, to do the Ted Lasso experience. Richmond is a place I love; its regal heritage draws me. We took photos outside the famous pub and ambled along the side alley outside his flat. We walked along the riverbank in glorious sunshine, sat at the pub with drinks in hand, and people-watched. We chatted to people from South Africa and the US who were doing the same as us, experiencing life!

In case you don’t know, Ted Lasso is a heartfelt, hilarious, sports comedy series about an American college football coach, Ted Lasso, who is unexpectedly hired to coach AFC Richmond, a struggling English Premier League soccer team—despite knowing nothing about English soccer.

At first, the team, fans, and British media mock him mercilessly. But Ted has some true personal gifts. Optimism, anchored emotional intelligence, and a belief in people that gradually transform the club. Ted expresses oodles of kindness, his own vulnerability, the power of teamwork, his mental health struggles, and his personal growth.

What I love most about Ted is his folksy charm and his relentlessly positive attitude about his decision to move to England. Remember, Rebecca Welton, the team owner, initially hires him, scheming and plotting to sabotage the team as revenge on her ex-husband. Over time, she comes to respect him, grows fond of him, and they become friends. Under his watch, key players like Roy ‘f-ing’ Kent, Jamie Tartt, and Sam Obisanya go through significant personal and professional transformations.

The show is centred on building relationships, healing, and strong self-belief. It’s about how kindness and empathy can change people—and even a whole soccer club—for the better. I highly recommend the show, and I do find myself referencing Ted from time to time. Like me, he is optimistic, and he believes. I’m committed to meeting every moment with curiosity, not judgment, and letting understanding replace my urge for quick conclusions.

How do you see your life unfolding? How deeply have you come to know your own strength? And what or who lights the path you follow?
If you’re searching for meaning or hoping to grow into the best version of yourself, I’d be honoured to help you explore those questions. Let me know, and have a super day.

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The one and only Maya Angelou


Maya Angelou was interviewed by Oprah on her 70+ birthday. Oprah asked her what she thought of growing older. And, there on television, she said it was ‘exciting…’


Regarding body changes, she said there were many, occurring every day……like her breasts. They seem to be in a race to see which will reach her waist, first.

The audience laughed so hard they cried. She is such a simple and honest woman, with so much wisdom in her words!

Maya Angelou said this:
‘I’ve learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.’

‘I’ve learned that you can tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas tree lights.’

‘I’ve learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you’ll miss them when they’re gone from your life.’

‘I’ve learned that making a ‘living’ is not the same thing as making a life.’

‘I’ve learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.’

‘I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw some things back…’

‘I’ve learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.’

‘I’ve learned that even when I have pains, I don’t have to be one.’

‘I’ve learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back….’

‘I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn..’

‘I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.’

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It’s been a while

It’s been almost twelve months since I put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard, depending on how you roll). And I can’t help but notice how slippery time has become. A week now passes like a day, and a month vanishes like a week. Blink, and another season has already tiptoed past, and I’m still trying to figure out what happened to last Tuesday!

In this whirl of days turning into months, one lesson has returned to me with quiet insistence: change is the one permanent resident in our lives. Like an uninvited houseguest, it shows up, makes itself at home, and whether we like it or not, we’ve got to adapt. And really, unless we evolve in both mind and heart, we risk being left behind—like the person still clinging to their Nokia 3310 while the rest of the world is on foldable smartphones. The Nokia 3310 was the best. I still have one, just saying!! Unless I’m willing to keep my mind and my heart open and stay curious, I risk being left behind, clinging to old certainties while the world pirouettes forward.

And then there’s the other certainty: death. We arrive in this world with nothing but a cry, clinging to our mother’s smell and voice. We leave with empty hands. No riches, no possessions, no accolades come with us. Yet this truth is oddly liberating. Because it reminds me that wealth wears many disguises. Peace of mind is worth more than any balance sheet. Happiness is not outsourced to others, but cultivated within. And completeness? Well, I am already whole—beautifully imperfect, glorious with my cracks and quirks, my “beautiful brokenness” is part of the design. I am reminded, fearfully and wonderfully made.

Around me, the world hums with noise: politics near and far, AI shaping new realities, natural disasters reminding us of our fragility, wars, rising prices, dazzling innovations, and the heartbreak of homelessness. Chaos is everywhere, spinning in circles. And yet, within that spin, a quiet truth remains: some things are still mine to choose.

I get to choose my mindset. I get to decide how I respond. And I get to choose whether I meet the absurdities of life with despair or with a smile. More often than not, humour lightens the weight, optimism steadies the heart, my faith is my anchor, and reflection reminds me that even in turbulent times, there is always beauty to be found. There’s not a lot we get for free these days; however, as a reminder, here are some.

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Keeping the focus no matter what

People, it’s the embers !! It is a beautiful term coined by my youngest daughter in her childhood. Where have the days and months gone? It’s time to change around my wardrobe, or maybe this time, I’ll keep it the same.

It’s been a year of experiencing many new things. The world and my working environment are super busy. There are technological advances and geopolitical issues to contend with or at least think about. I have manoeuvred life events, and with each encounter, I wanted to ensure that I was showing up as authentic as possible—no masks, just me, take it or leave it. (Arizona Jan)!  I’ll explain that term in another blog sometime.

It’s fair to say that some of these things, had I let them, could have distracted me from keeping my eyes and focus on some important and critical goals. I’m glad to report that I am getting so much better. I am a work in progress, as we all are. Robin Sharma’s words reverberate in my head …. To gain mastery means practising with consistently every single day.

As we continue through the embers, November and December, keep the focus and make those goals a reality. If you are stuck and need a breakthrough or a sounding board, do get in touch. My clients are experiencing new revelations as well as personal growth.

We only have one life. Make it count, live it and live it well. And remember, it is NEVER too late to start again or take a new road. It will be worth it. Ask my clients. And, I’ll certainly share with you my own journey.

Have a super blessed day.

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Lessons learnt and lesson reminders from 2023

I was reminded many times during the year to call more strongly on my faith. Not just to just talk about it but to be it. I had asked multiple times for answers to situations, issues and concerns. And I had to learn to believe more earnestly, leave it alone and let it transpire.

Sometimes, things can be very simple; all I had to do was ask

They say that laughter is the best medicine. I laughed often and I laughed hard

I continued to take time out of the world of work to down tools and go see new places, talk to new people and discover something new

There are times in life when simply doing nothing is the best course of action. I had to wait and learn patience.

In July, my role was made redundant. In the midst of trying to find a new role, I was compelled to stop. Stop applying for roles. Stop talking about the topic. I decided not to make any decisions until the end of the month. I would enjoy the month enjoy the summer sun and focus on the present

One thing that is certain for all of us is death. Within the last hour of our last day, what will we say on our deathbed? How will we feel? Happy and content that we have lived a life that was worth it or one full of regret?

My uncle, aged 93, passed in August, and in our last conversation, he shared with us how proud he was of the man he became. A Christian, a black man, a husband, a son, a friend, a pastor, and so much more. And at his funeral, everyone talked about the joy he brought into their lives and the difference he made. The wisdom he shared and the laughs they had. He made time for people. For me, that was a life well lived. He was rich in love; he gave it and received it. May we all take a leaf out of his life book. RIP uncle.

2024 will be another great year for all the right reasons. Thanks for engaging and happy new year.