This time last year, just as I turned 46, a sequence of calamitous events set into play. My daughter was rushed to hospital with a ruptured appendix, my husband suffered antibiotic poisoning, which left him unable to walk for weeks, we had an armed robbery at our house in Cape Town, I fell and broke two ribs etc. etc… At times I thought our bad luck would never end. But it did. The unfortunate events ceased and life pretty much returned to normal.
Now, having just celebrated my birthday, I am relieved and grateful for how the later part of my year ended – my family is healthy, I have just launched my own perfume and I am about to send the manuscript for my first book off to prospective publishers.
While I am happy to take some of the credit for turning my year around, I certainly did not get through this rough patch on my own – So at the start of my 47th year I want to give credit to the army of people that helped my family and I through the smog.
Firstly, I am eternally grateful to the surgeon who saved my daughter’s life, the doctors and therapists that got my husband back on his feet, and to Gary, our trauma councillor who soothed my battered nerves throughout. However it wasn’t only conventional doctors I have to thank. I was lucky enough to find a brilliant intuitive healer, a Reiki master and a trainer. These wonderful women helped release me from the trauma held deep within my body, helping me to move on, strengthen and heal.
One of the most challenging aspects of recovery was getting back on that ‘horse’ with my writing. The trauma had completely zapped my creative flow – my mind being too busy dealing with the repercussions – the constant fight or flight, the bad dreams and worry. The last thing my brain wanted to do was use its energy to craft well formed sentences. Signing up to Sarah Bullen, Kate Emmerson and Melinda Ferguson’s writing courses gave me the jump start I needed, and I have them to thank for kicking me out of my comfort zone and putting me back on track.
Then there is Terra Flora – What a privilege it has been to work with the talented Maria and Penelope from Wild Olive Artisans creating this beautiful new perfume. Working with people that trust your creative vision feeds and inspires your soul. This is how dreams come to life.
And what about you? – my wonderful friends. I have to thank all you for your care, phone calls, listening ears, love and support. Being in touch with you and hearing about your journeys, struggles, joys and woes keep me going and I am just so grateful for you all.
Looking ahead I don’t know what this year will bring but I know I am lucky enough to be armed to the hilt.
