Begin with the end in mind

I heard these six words from a mother talking about how she had helped her son gain this awesome achievement and I thought it was the most profound six words I had heard in a very long time. It struck me and has rattled around in my mind since then, because you see, I believe I am on this path which I call happiness.... To be happy is the ultimate goal or the end that I have in mind for me...

This is what I am doing...

I am not my job

For the last five years I have had this really great job - the money is the best I have ever made, its doing something that I enjoy, it comes with a car and a blackberry and all the trimmings that a manager at my level would ever want for. However, what it didn't come with was the luxury of time with my children and husband.... so after five years of saying that I was going to put them first - I have and I quit. Granted it took a week to get that organised in my head - I am now the happiest I have ever been for the last..... five years!

I no longer welcome excess

At the beginning of the year I set my goals and as I do every year I make a word chart and on my chart I have added some health and exercise words because at that time I had made the decision to do something about my excessive lifestyle and three months into this year - I feel the best that I have for the last three years -and I am happy! I am exercising at least three times a week for the first time in too long and I am happy.

I am a mother

During the summer holidays, my son stayed at a friend’s place, and he talked about the beautiful meal that he had had - but his comments struck me the deepest when he said - "how come you can't be like the other mothers and be home when I get home from school".... that started the wheels rolling for me and definitely reminded me that I have a role greater than anything I will ever achieve in this world and that is of a mother. So far this year, my babies are coming to me more often to help them with their schoolwork, because I am home more and it is so satisfying. I get to teach and share and it is makes my soul smile.

When a door closes - another opens

Whether you are religious or not - I believe that we have a kind and caring Heavenly Father that knows us and loves us and listens to the words of our heart. In just the short amount of time that I have made some massive changes to my lifestyle - I have had opportunities present themselves to me from the most unexpected directions... It has allowed me the luxury of considering a number of options very carefully.

Love is healing

In the past five years, I have had the chance to work with so many different people and it has been, both, challenging and difficult as well as some of the most rewarding in my lifetime. It has also introduced me to some of the most unattractive souls that I have met to date. However, recently, those events that have marred a lot of my daily work have been washed away by the genuine love of my family, friends and my closest colleagues and I am blessed.

Begin with the end in mind

I can literally see my word chart unfolding before me and I am happy. Don't get me wrong, there have been tears of frustration and joy along the way. I am nervous, and alittle scared and definitely unsure of what is coming up - but it is going to be okay because I have already started with the end in mind…. now I just need to keep working my way towards it ;-)

You don't have to make the big changes - but be brave and make some that will help you have a better life - especially quality of life.

I look forward to seeing you on your journey....

Yours in friendship,

Mxox