The Eye of the Storm


I had several challenges this week and I have to say that I realise I have matured in my approach. I think few family members may disagree, as I was rather snappy during the week. But perhaps some context is necessary.

This week my computer died. Just died, for no apparent reason. I had one child vomit all over the bookstore floor and after getting through his stomach bug, my middle child followed suit yesterday morning at 01H11. Amidst it all, I had to get over 40 authors processed for the upcoming book fair this weekend and considering that only half of them applied to be part of the event through the official channel; I had to play detective to find all their details. My nine-year-old decided this was the week to wage war on us and I got the ceremonial “I hate you, I wish you never existed,” routine. Making sure that I also do some of my own marketing has been quite a challenge. But here I am writing this newsletter and my children are still alive and a very nice lady at Matrix in Kyalami solved the computer problem that someone else told us was impossible.

I took the time to teach my children this week that when someone has exceeded their excess, there are changes in the brain. These changes cause people to react differently. One day when they have a spouse of their own, they need to use these clues to realise that their spouse needs support. In my earlier days, I would have just battled on and caused a few casualties in my relationships along the way. But this time I could recognise what was happening and use it as a teachable moment for my kids. 

Now as I write this, my family is all in bed and I can get on with some important matters without interruption. These are some of the life lessons that I teach in my book series. A staggering number of my fans are older, but I wrote the series for young adults who want an exciting read but have lost the benefit of wisdom passed down through generations. I have taken several life challenges that I have lived through or someone close to me has lived through and woven them through the story. Book 2, The Fire Within the Storm is closest to my heart because I have witnessed the pain that Mary went through in someone close to me. I felt the emotion and cradled a friend through her pain, but for book 2 I also researched other women’s journeys and the process was terrifying and left me feeling shattered.

I hope that whatever you are facing this week, that you will find those teachable moments to transform your thinking.


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