2014 has been a great year for me. I have had to push through certain challenges and obstacles to accomplish my dreams and it’s not been easy but I’m glad I persevered. God has guided me throughout the year and I will be forever grateful for his grace and mercy.
Here are some of the highlights of my year.
1. Time For… Bishop TD Jakes
This meeting certainly set the tone for the rest of the year. It was an absolute pleasure to meet Bishop TD Jakes in Orlando for his Pastor and Leaders Conference. I learnt so much at the event and it was there that God told me to tithe a specific amount of money throughout the year. I was fearful because of the size of the tithe but God certainly delivered on his promise!
2. Time For… First Lady Serita Jakes
Well not only did I get to meet one Jakes but I got to meet the other! Received a phone call from The Potter’s House about interviewing Mrs Jakes on the phone and what a blessing it was. Later in the year I then got the opportunity to meet her personally and what a wonderful lady.
3. Time For… Events
Another highlight for me was travelling to Miami to film at Oprah’s Live Your Best Life weekend. It’s the fourth time I have been to her event and you always leave feeling inspired and empowered. Plus I absolutely loved the wristbands. They looked stunning.
4. Time For… Belle
Carrying on from my Mandela screenings I was given the opportunity by 20th Century Fox to screen their film Belle. A beautiful story directed by the super talented Amma Asante who I was blessed to have attend my private screening. If you haven’t seen the film yet, get the DVD!
5. Time For… Sir Richard Branson
This was the second time I met Richard Branson. The first time was on his island Necker when I told him that I would love to support the great work they do at the Branson Centres in South Africa and Jamaica. Unfortunately I had to postpone my trip to Jamaica but I managed to go to Johannesburg and it was amazing. The people that I met not only at the Branson Centre but during my whole stay were fantastic. I look forward to seeing them all again soon!
6. Time For… 500 mile challenge
This is probably the thing I am most proud of in 2014. My running group set a challenge to run 100 times around Draycote Water (a 5 mile lake close to where we live). I didn’t think there was any way I would be able to do it but with perseverance and hard work I made it. It’s not always about being the fastest or the strongest, it’s about making the decision to take action!
7. Time For… Orlando
A surprise trip to Orlando opened up a number of opportunities for me. I have always believed that I can smell an opportunity a mile away and when I see them I grab them with both hands. Orlando presented me with an opportunity to take my brand to a whole new level in the US and to help those across the pond. Watch this space!
8. Time For… Les Brown
Meeting the fascinating and motivating Mr Les Brown was truly an honour and very enlightening. A man who is widely known as one of the best speakers in the world and who commands the stage with passion and zeal, it has truly been an education to listen to him take your story and turn it into a masterpiece. He certainly has crafted his gift with practice, practice and more practice.
9. Time For… Speaking
I am not the best speaker and I have a fear of public speaking but a good friend of mine decided to create a workshop that she wanted me to lead. I thought she was crazy but I am glad I did it because it really took me out of my comfort zone and pushed me into my destiny. It’s still a work in progress and it’s an area I know I have to improve on in 2015.
10. Time For… Weddings
Attending the wedding of my dear friend Lisa Donnelly was lovely. I am so pleased that she has found true happiness with Adrian. I’ve known Lisa for years and I will never ever forget the kindness she showed me when we met in music college. She barely knew me but with a kind heart she helped me out of a difficult situation. I will be forever grateful for friends like her.
