12x12 Things that every woman Should know

k is exclusively written for you. It is indeed a gift for you, because I know that the road you travel is not always easy. I hope that the information in this book will add value and make life slightly easier for you. I want you to think about, plan for and where possible implement some of the issues discussed. A writer will never start writing a book from back to front – the last chapter will never be the first chapter. Imagine however, that the he**in knew what was going to happen after the last chapter and in some instances the in-between chapters, do you think that she might make different choices? If you knew in advance, what the last few years of your life will entail, would you make different and better decisions? Is it possible to help each other with knowledge and life experiences for purposes of enrichment? I know that each and every woman has a unique life experience and that we don’t share the same life pattern. Some woman are simply more privilege than others. The sequence of the chapters in the book does not follow the normal timeframe of each woman. In fact, I hope that you do not experience any of the pain and consequences that very often shapes our lives. I pray that in the event that you, do loose your balance (because your carpet is pulled), that the information in this book will help you to keep your balance and serve even as an anchor. If we are fortunate, we are nurtured in a family with a mother and father that loves us and even brother and sisters that support us. What is written in the last chapter of your life, what is captured in the last few pages? The Word teaches us, that we do not need to worry about tomorrow. Yes, do not worry about tomorrow because each day has enough of its own sorrows. One of the most valued lessons I have learned, is that, yes indeed if I plan for tomorrow, I do not need to worry about tomorrow. In the life of every woman, there comes a time when you simply feel so alone. A time in your life, even a day or two, when you are forced by external forces, to make very important decisions from limited information. It might even happen that decisions are taken for you. Events and things that you do not and cannot control. Yes indeed, very often things happen that we do not have any control over. It is however possible to plan and even prepare for certain things. Start to control and plan for certain events and casualties that is unavoidably part of life by obtaining information and making treasured decisions now. Treasured decisions that only you can make to determine the direction of your road ahead. Goodness, what a mouthful. Let me explain it by way of a simple comparison. A while ago, my mother reminded me again to properly prepare for any road trip. As usual, I was impulsively getting the children into the car and “ready” to travel to, I can’t even remember where exactly. Her instructions: “Don’t ever travel far with children in a car without having enough to eat and drink in the car. They don’t need to eat and drink in the car, but have enough onboard to eat and drink for all of you …” Because? She spoke wisdom from real life experience. You never know when your car might breakdown and when you might get stuck next to road for an indefinite period. If you planned properly and is well prepared, you can relax and wait for the necessary assistance. Yes, my mother was indeed spot-on because I remember a few years back when my sister and I decided to have a splendid holiday at the coast. Our babies were respectively 8 and 9 months old. We decided to travel on a Sunday because roads are normally quieter and “safer” on Sundays. Between Ermelo and Volksrust things started going horribly wrong when a number of dangerous potholes ensured unexpected damages to the wheels of my little car. We were forced to slowdown and drive sluggishly towards Volksrust. Fortunately there was a filling station with a restaurant from where we could arrange for proper road assistance. At the time, I was already a single mom and my brother in law was doing contract work in Africa. With the help of professional roadside assistance were where quickly sorted and back on track within a few hours. We all get kicked out of the nest at some stage and have to stretch our wings to fly and face all the elements. You might have been kicked out a long time ago and do not expect or foresee any road hazards in the near future. The chapters of your life might be well structured but what do you do when your well-shaped world starts to tumble? What if? I know there is hundreds of unanswered “what if” silly questions on the internet for example; what if there was an actual money tree? What if bee's produced butter? What if the walls could talk? And I also know that 80% of what you fear will in fact never happen to you. But, this book is not really about “what if” questions and fear, it is centered on proper planning. Start to plan for important unexpected and even expected events in your life and all the related consequences. I know I sound like someone selling short term insurance. Yes, but that is most definitely not all that is included in this book. In 1967, two psychiatrists Holmes en Rahe examined the medical records of over 5 000 medical patience to determine if there was a link between stressful events and the cause of illnesses. A positive correlation was indeed found and also later confirmed by other researchers. 43 life events are listed and regarded as stressful events in measuring the stress of an individual’s life. Each event is also linked to a relative score and it is possible for any person to determine his/her personal score and stress level through a basic calculation. The significance of the study is summarized with reference to the fact that certain life events causes stress and huge volumes of stress is likely to lead to ill health. The top 10 life events are quite remarkable and it is likely that you will experience quite a number of them, during your life time. Life change units
1. Death of spouse 100
2. Divorce 73
3. Marital Separation 65
4. Imprisonment 63
5. Death of a close family member 63
6. Personal injury or illness 53
7. Marriage 50
8. Dismissal from work 47
9. Marital reconciliation 45
10. Retirement 45

Feel free to read more about this topic on the internet. What do you do if your husband suddenly passes away and you are not even sure if there is sufficient funeral cover? What if you lose your job or you are unable to continue to work and the household was 50% dependent on your income? Can you and your husband really afford to get a divorce? With whom or where are you going to stay when you are 94 years old and forget to switch off your own stove? Don’t you think it would be quite awesome if we could plan for and manage these stressful events much better? The stressful life events will still happen but the related stress levels will be substantially reduced. You will be able to remain standing in the eye of the storm! Fortunately, not everything in our life is black. There are wonderful things and prospects in each chapter of your life. Exciting opportunities and occasions that can be an even better experience, if properly prepared for, planned for and managed! You are invited for an interview at your dream job, an excellent and exciting career opportunity – should you wear navy to the interview? You inherit a small fortune from your grandmother – should you buy a new car? You spoil yourself with a new motor – what is a minor service and what is a major service, is it really necessary to service your car? I trust that this book will help you with important assessments and decisions. It should simply empower you for life and all the associated challenges. You should be able to enjoy life to the fullest and also reach your full potential with enthusiasm and zest! You must realize that precaution in the form of timeous decision can be life changing and will also enhance various life experiences; butter on your slice of bread, a soft blanket for cold winter nights and a teaspoon of sugar in your well-deserved tea. Or even a nice piece of cake around your hips. Get all your ducks in a row whilst you have time because you never know all the bending’s in your life road and what is around the next corner. Remember: “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” ― Benjamin Franklin
During the time, that I was a single mom, I learned that there are various positive things that you can do to make life easier for you and that you can indeed operate independently with little help and interference. I also discovered that the way we sometimes think that we are helping other people is not help at all. If you truly want to help and assist a friend, you need to help them to remain standing only for a while (after picking them up). Assist them to stand on their own. I trust that this book will help you to grow as a woman and friend! Talk to other people, experts and friends about the topics in this book – but better still implement it and make it part of your everyday life!. Be independent and live life to the fullest be everything you can be – be the best you with energy and eagerness! Love life! Your best friend!