Psalm 27:13
I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living!
I have had an incredibly busy year! It hasn’t been easy because I am nursing a broken heart, after losing my father. Apart from just missing him, there are many practical implications that have arisen. It’s not been easy.
I started a coaching and training consultancy, called Progressive Pathways Consulting. Essentially, I run coaching and training work, as well as consult with organisations that are seeking to improve the workplace. I do this on the backing of about 18 years of experience in building capacity across different sectors of industry and for different levels of employee- from the C-suite levels to tea ladies, cleaners, and drivers. It’s interesting work.
I’m in the middle of writing a book about kindness in the workplace under a publishing contract from Penguin Random House. This is both exciting and positive as events go!
I have also launched my own podcast called Pathways to Thriving, which aims to listen to diverse voices from all over. I am hoping to grow my subscribers so that I can really get these voices heard.
All these have been positive things and some of the other wonderful things this year have been a visit to Istanbul in January, which really made me fall in love with the city. Another brilliant event was the launch party for my consultancy. I chose to do it on 8 March- International Women’s Day. It was so precious having so many wonderful folk join me.
In the middle of the year, I hosted a birthday drop in for myself. I was missing the two great loves in my life – my mum and dad. It felt hard to celebrate my birthday and when a friend told me that she hoped I would do something to honour their memory, I felt it was only right. It was a lovely day!
In August, I had little celebrations too – for submitting the full book in by the end of July deadline. Three and a half months to write a book, without AI, but totally reliant on God’s grace, is something I absolutely had to give thanks for!
There were some wobbles after August, in that I was very busy in September up to the first week of December. I learnt a lot about how I need to pace myself work wise, but the joy I had of being in such close proximity to the Kuala Lumpur Twin Towers is something else!
I did get a wonderful opportunity to take a break in October, which worked as a wonderful reset button. The friend I travelled with, the weather – yes, even the rain, our gorgeous sea view room, plus reading a book I’d bought in Istanbul in January, all contributed to a real sense of rest. So beautiful!
I find myself in December and to alleviate the stress of not doing a big Christmas, I hosted a little Santa Paws and Birthday Pawty to celebrate little Gamora’s birthday and kickstart Christmas cheer. Family came for lunch and we had a lovely time! My little nephew and niece, alongside Gamora, took noise levels to a new high. Brilliant! The two older nieces who are turning out to be fine young ladies, always warm my heart when the arrive. The family was beautiful!
The evening saw friends arriving with new gusto. I think little Gamora was a bit tired by then, but it was lovely sitting around, chatting, eating, and playing games that my brilliant friend had put together! My heart is full.
At the base of it all, my heart is still broken by the absence of my father and mother. God knows how much this hurts. But I thank Him for His goodness and mercies to me- for there have been so many wonderful blessings that have propelled me forward. I’m truly in awe of Him. Perhaps this is the most positive of all events – every time there is a movement in my heart that recognises grace, I am blessed beyond belief. Thank You, Lord Jesus, for the grace you have bestowed upon me!
Grace for the soul 