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It’s been a crazy 7 days of travel for me and I’ve never felt so energised. It’s really early and I can’t sleep. When you are living your passion it’s not work it’s what gives you joy.

So this time last week I was in Abu Dhabi at the ST Regis Hotel (pure niceness), giving a key note speech on living YOUR best life. This experience for me was a de ja vue moment for me because I was reminded, this is where I saw myself at age 25 only to realise then that there were others on the journey with me and I simple couldn’t realise that dream then. My aged mum, an autistic brother, a husband and 2 young toddlers.

Fast forward 30 years and here I am. Me as I am take it or leave it, no qualms no stress just an authentic product. Life gives you experience and you gain wisdom. It’s been an incredible time of learning.

Yesterday was IWD and this time I was hosting 430 people mostly IBMers 120 in the room and the others via live stream.

The theme #Balance for better. The keynote speaker was Kiko Matthews (check her out, she is so comical as she shares her experience). From adversity to a world record holder.

I also celebrated 30 years at IBM last week. 9 different jobs across 4 functions. Client services, Finance and Planning, HR and now Global Mobility. I have colleagues now friends all over the world what richness this adds to ones life.

What have I learnt?? You can have it all but not all at the same time. Have a goal and know you will achieve it but there are others in this journey with you and your dream may have to take a back seat whilst you help others to thrive and grow and then you need to be ready to pick up where you left and cook on gas! Be prepared to reinvent yourself and adapt.

I realise in 30 plus years I have the most unusual and eclectic mix of people in my network. Really it looks crazy on paper.

So what does the next 30 years look like, well my colleagues created a 30 year video for me when kinda made me cry, and they asked the question.

Well by Gods Grace healthy happy and looking after some grand children. Travel, a book, more painting, sharing my resources skills and expertise. Walking on the beech playing netball (yes it’s possible Rose and Sue in my team are over 70 and still rocking it) 👌 enjoying afternoon tea, spa days and other such delights.

Technology is galloping at a super pace so the world as we know it is in for a major shift. Get up to speed or be left behind.

I have a cohort of mentees the longest one over 15 years, you see I was doing the mentor and coaching long before it became fashionable.

I will watch them grow and flourish and they will over time reverse mentor me as I age mostly gracefully but there a bit that will go disgracefully, why not?? I will continue to nurture my friendships because they are golden and I cherish them like fine china in that I don’t want to damage or break them. But know if they become negative or toxic I’m not afraid to let them go. We all owe this honesty to ourselves.

Well Happy Women’s month. Thanks to the gorgeous scrumptious men in my life who hold that space for me to be me, no criticism no judgement just love.

Have a super wicked weekend. I’m out with 2 of the youngers today they are reverse mentoring me. So today I’m Auntie Janet and it’s going to be pure laughs. I won’t be driving all food and drink is on dem. What a fabulous life.

Peace 😘

I’ve loved this term for as long as I can remember. Carpe Diem is latin for Seize The Day! Make the most of the present. I add to that, Make It Count.

This is the day that the lord has made and we really should rejoice and be glad in it. We are alive.

Take responsibility and own your day. Set the intention that no matter what, it’s going to be a great one, and if you can’t go for great go for good it’s a start. That way we have more fulfilled days, winning weeks and thriving months.

Join the movement … Nothing but the best will do. Because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.

Stay blessed.

💃🏾💃🏾💃🏾

As an artist I am fascinated by trees. I spend hours trying to perfect branches. I like the stillness of this picture. A deer standing by itself bold and brave, looking back heading towards the light. The crisp white clean snow. Shadows and patterns on the ground. Blades of grass raising their heads above the white carpet. Branches joining together and creating an arch. So much to see. However …. this picture spoke to me in another way.

In this life once we understand who we are, our purpose and what part we play in this life, things become so much easier. We gain a massive sense of freedom. We’ll have our seasons and moment but we shouldn’t be afraid to keep growing and standing.

Each of these trees stand as individuals looking elegant, tall and strong. Together they look striking and magnificent, joining their branches together and forming an imposing canopy.

I can imagine the silent conversation. … Wow how much have we grown, Look how pretty we all look together. The snow compliments us doesn’t it? And in another season we’ll look different again. I like being a tree. Elegant, striking, tall and strong. And I can provide shelter and shade if required.

Key message: –

Know your worth

Know who you are and stand tall.

Believe in U

No-one can be U

Forever be grateful

Be one with your source whoever / whomever that might be. For me this is God.

Commit to being the best You U can be. Unique! Be the tree that stands committed.

Have a magnificent day and keep smiling just because there is so much to be thankful for.

Peace

I was inspired to write this piece back in 2014.  FB sent me a reminder yesterday and I thought I would share it here today.  In 2014 I had no idea that I would be sharing in this way.  My thoughts were inspired after being introduced to Moorcroft pottery.  These items are exquisite but not everyone’s  cups of tea.

……. When you are a unique individual don’t feel despondent when other people don’t get you, and harshly criticise you. The only validation that you truly need is from God the Father.
One day soon some one is going to come along and recognise all of your richness, your innate beauty and abundance of qualities just as if you were fine china. And every time they look at you they will see your inner beauty that shines so deep and bright. Don’t lower your standards, don’t become any thing other than what your are destined to be. Keep your head in the game and your integrity. The best of your life is yet to come. A unique and original … that’s just who I am.
Stayed blessed people, one love. xx

 

Greetings everyone, it’s January 21st already. The days are zipping by.  Most of us made a new year’s resolution to try something new, give up something which no longer serves,  or to learn something new. Whatever that was for you, may I ask …. how is it going so far?

Is your motivation waning? Is it all beginning to feel too hard? Well may I encourage you to Don’t Give Up. Revise the plan, tweak the goals, re group and start again.  As my mother would say ‘Rome was not built in a day’!!

If you are serious about your plan and your goals,  and need some assistance ask for help. If you don’t ask you don’t get.  Keep it simple, dig deeper and go for it. Do your research and get to know more about the subject goal.  How have others succeeded? What hints and tips can they offer.  Keep pressing and believing, put in the work, take action.  No one can do it for you.  Take full accountability for your actions and keep moving forward.

You’ve got this!  How do I know?  I am living proof. One small step leads to many big steps.

Let me know how you are getting on.

Have a blessed week.

Jan