A week of life lessons from youth to maturity

 Savoring Simple Daily Pleasures

Emotions and feelings have been a little unpredictable this week- much like the weather! 

But through the little dips and bumps- be it struggling to get quality sleep or it raining on my laundry- again, its actually been a productive, and very positive week- one which I feel taught me a great deal. Friday night capped off the week with a beautiful evening and candle lit dinner in the city with my beloved.

Last Sunday, I met with my ladies Golf group- which is always great fun- we don't take things too seriously. One of our golfing friends had her daughter with her for the session and over coffee afterwards we were talking about work/ career/jobs. 

This young, recently graduated vibrant lady was discussing potential jobs, and offers and things she'd missed out on. She spoke a phrase that really made me take note- having been offered a position in a company- but not in the area of the organization she was interviews for, she turned down the offer- by saying "Thank you, but no; It's not an area I'm looking to upskill in right now". Wow. Bien dans sa Peaux! 

The confidence to politely turn down and offer and stick to your path and ambition is something I'm sure I'd struggle with even now in my 40's! There was no bad feeling, no regret, and no sense of obligation to take the position that she knew wasn't right for her. 

Within a day or so of this conversation, I was pottering in the kitchen at home listening to a Podcast of an interview with Jane Fonda I'd stumbled upon. From the other end of the age spectrum, as she's now well into her 80's - and she was describing how in her younger years and her career was just starting out- she was too grateful to say no if someone wanted to hire her - presumably for a role- even if it didn't fit and wasn't on the trajectory she was aiming. She felt obliged to accept. With experience and maturity she has learned what she wants, to feel comfortable in her beliefs and to have the power to say NO.  Including, despite several past husbands,  choosing to be happily single now so she can be her authentic true self. Brought up in an age where women in particular were expected to fir the norms, conform - and be grateful for a job/ Husband/ career. 

Very telling how these tow women have handled things so very differently with the years between them. 

Then as if the universe was trying to really get its point across to me, we had another golf session on course later in the week, this time we were guided and coached by a true veteran. A lady with 50 years of experience in the sport behind her, with a zest and gumption for life that is enviable. She was so uplifting and encouraging. When I left home to attend the session I was dog tired. Lack of sleep and a busy and full few days left me wanting a hot shower and an early night. But within minutes of being introduced to this force of nature, I felt vitalized, energized and inspired. She was one of those rare and precious souls who was positive about everything and with such a can do attitude- about the sport but also about life. It was totally refreshing and just what I needed to spur me on. 

The combination of these three remarkable women, Waking up to a new government -post election- this morning, (The All Blacks winning against Ireland in Paris, )and the discovery of some fascinating and heartbreaking family history during the week regarding my late grandfathers immediate family, I was being sent a clear message;

Look at the big picture. Step back if you need to to gain some distance and a fresh outlook, if you feel you need to re look at an area or gain a new perspective. You can choose to over come almost any obstacle in your path. Life is for living so embrace it fully- each and every day.