This quote comes from Lord Chesterfield (1694 – 1773) who was, apparently, a British Statesman. It is relevant to our lives right now because at the end of last week my husband announced his resignation in his current position. He resigned a good job he has been in for almost 12 years with no knowledge of where he will go or what he will do next, i.e. no other job to go to. Scary stuff. He resigned because it was time – time to go and time to start a new challenge. And the best way to be ready to take on new challenges is to be free of current commitments.

Staying tied to the jetty feels a whole lot safer than letting go, and sailing beyond sight of the shore takes a whole other level of courage.  I am proud of my husband’s courage. I am proud of his motivation to embark on the journey in these ‘interesting times.’

We all need a little magic in our lives. I was one of those children who would get selected by the on-stage magician looking for volunteers to help out – maybe I looked as though I would sweetly follow instructions, or perhaps I had a gullible face. No matter.  I loved it.  And I have been a sucker for magic ever since. I still marvel at how a plane can stay up in the sky (usually), the colours in a rainbow, and reflections on the water… the way a bud is suddenly a flower, a thing of beauty built from the ingredients of earth, water and sunshine

The real trick is to recognise magic when we see it and take note enough to hold on to it. And to see we can make it happen for ourselves and others. Especially I marvel at how a person living a limited life can blossom when the nutrients are added, nutrients of kind words, having someone believe in you, a champion. Even better when the kind words and belief is from the person themselves, and yet it often takes another person to kick-start the process.  How fabulous it is when we see someone suddenly bloom, reach towards their potential.

My most favourite days are when I can say “Today I changed a life” knowing I have initiated the transformation process.  It’s like magic.