Starting A New Phase In Life

It's hard to believe that in just a few weeks my daughter is heading off to her first year of university.  I'm so excited for her, I know she's going to be successful in anything she puts her mind to.  

As for me, I will officially be an empty nester and entering a completely new phase of my life. While I'm going to miss my daughter, I am really looking forward to this time.  I'm single so for me, it's an opportunity to explore new things just for myself ... and this really excites me!

I've been toying with the idea of taking a motorcycle course.  It's something I've always wanted to do and I have friends who said taking the course will help me decide whether to invest in one for myself ... or not.  I've also thought about taking the adult learn to sail program, although I'll have to wait until next summer to do this. Heading back to the gym is something at the top of the list for me.

One thing is for certain, I am going to return to Toastmasters as this is something I really enjoy doing and I would very much like to compete.

Here's to the next phase of life for both myself and my daughter.  Exciting times for both of us.

Planning for the Next Phase of Life

I'm starting a new project in Internet Safety & Digital Leadership this month.  Through a local NGO, we've received funding for a two year research project which includes building an online community network for partner collaboration and community outreach. I'm looking forward to working on this project with a number organizations in Prince Edward Island. 

Meanwhile, it's hard to believe that in five months I will be an empty-nester. Where has the time gone! My daughter will study Bachelor of Music with a University in the Maritimes.  She has had a few offers and we're down to her top two choices.  We will have a decision made hopefully this week.

This has been a very interesting experience, scouting, researching and applying for university. Some institutions are overly aggressive where others barely communicate ... for us ...  it's the university that has expressed an interest, has communicated at a level that's nurturing yet not over bearing, and has demonstrated sincere appreciation .... plus encourages family participation, decision making and support.

To my friends with children in junior high - it is really important to pay attention to the courses your child selects in high school as their course selection can impact their eligibility to post secondary.   I also encourage early scouting and research.  We started when my daughter was in grade 10.  I'm lucky because my daughter knew exactly what she wanted to study in post secondary - most don't.  Meanwhile, take the time when they are in grade 11 to visit local universities, explore their programs and scholarships.  Start planning early.

For me, this next phase of life will be full of new opportunity.  I am ready to embrace what is coming.  I have started planning ahead, looking into activities I would like to participate in. I'm looking at doing more business on a national level, plus joining an adult learn to sail program, take up cycling, do some travelling, and kick it up a notch with our children's worship team ... plus become more active in our local Toastmasters Club.  You learn by doing, and there is always room for improvement!

There is one motto I have lived by since being exposed to it through Ladies who Launch and that is "Be a Yes person ... when you say YES to life .... life will say YES to you".

I'm thankful for my maker and all he has blessed me with.  I'm thankful for my family, friends, clients and business partners.  I have learned it's very important to align yourself with those who share the same core values as you.