2012 is going to be a fantastic year for me and many around me. My journey has been long and hard - a real roller coaster journey! I have met some pretty unkind people on the way. People who didn't want me to succeed and actively tried to stop me. However, I have met far more people who offered kind and supportive words, people who inspired me and those who believed in me. As I look back, I wonder why some people try and destroy others. Does it really give them a kick. Do they sleep easy in their beds at night? I truly struggle to understand that. I have always worked very hard and have been self employed for most of my working life. I am now at the stage where I technically I could retire but for now retirement is NOT for me. I am having too much fun. Having finally escaped from that long dark tunnel, I am now out in the sunshine having a great time. I even get time to smell the roses.
After a 30 year teaching career (running my own nursery school for 21 years) I ran a home based business promoting children's books. It fitted so well with my background. I put me all into that business only to find that 7 years on my loyalty was rewarded with moving goal posts. That was a difficult time for me. Suddenly the commissions I had built up through my own hard work and that of my team were gone. As if that wasn't bad enough, there were those ready to kick me when I was down. However, I have never given in to bullies and wasn't going to let them win. Being told I was stupid wasn't the nicest feeling. Why would anyone do that? I could give up and sink into oblivion. I chose the opposite route. No one had the right to judge me and tell me I was stupid. Fortunately, although I was somewhat of a crumpled heap at the time, I still had self belief. I managed, with sheer grit and determination, to survive. The stupidity label came about because I added more than one string to my bow. Having been financially devastated, why would I put all my eggs in one basket? Very few people do these days and to be honest, why is it any one else's business? I do what is right for me and have always encouraged my children to do the same. The criticism I received for bantering on facebook was neither kind nor necessary. The proof of the pudding is in the eating. That happy banter has brought me many friends. People tell me I inspire then and cheer them up!! Where is the harm in that. Many of these people are now joining my businesses.
My determination to succeed was recognised when I was awarded the Mumpreneur Best Saleswoman of the year 2010.
What a real boost that gave me :) Public recognition. Can it get any better than that? As a result of that award I have been able to work in the community and help many more people out of that long dark tunnel. I was lucky enough to be shortlisted in the Hampshire Winning Women awards, networking category in 2011.
I have shed the negative people in my life and surrounded myself with inspirational and very positive people. I treat others in the way I would like to be treated. I have mentored many in my teams and outside. I always try to remain positive myself and always look for the good rather than the bad. It is truly paying dividends and life is just getting better and better. I have just been shortlisted in the Party Plan Awards, Shining Star Category. What a great start to the year. The future is looking very rosy. So my advice to anyone on that roller coaster of life - hang on, have self belief and be determined to succeed. You CAN make it happen. Have a great 2012.
