Life's Coincidences or Are They?

Life's Co-incidences

Have you ever thought to yourself, if I wouldn't have done that I wouldn't be here today or doing what I'm doing?

Four years ago, when Queen Elizabeth II was visiting Singapore, I was invited to join the Welsh Society's table because I was a Past President of the Society. For some reason, there wasn't room for me at the Welsh Society's table (most probably because I was 'past'), so my husband and I ended up sitting at the British school teachers' table, which also happened to be where our daughters attended school. I looked at the list of teachers who would be sitting at the same table as us and remember saying to my husband 'Oh no, I hope I don't end up sitting next to the Headmaster, I won't have anything to say to him.' The only observations I had of the Headmaster was that he was a quiet, reserved and private person, so very different to me! I didn't think we would have anything in common to talk about. Although, I did admire him for his hard work, drive and passion for education.

Who should sit next to me?  It was the Headmaster, Ronald Stones, OBE. I had my husband sitting next to me on the other side, so I had no choice but to strike up a conversation with the Headmaster. We had an amazing conversation, so much so that we ignored everybody else at the table. We suddenly discovered that we had a lot in common. After 12 years dedication and commitment to building an incredible British school in Singapore, the Headmaster was moving on.  He wanted to re-invent his career after having spent all of his professional life building British schools in Asia. I too was re-inventing my career, by setting up my own personal and professional development company in Asia. We also discovered that we both had a passion for Bali. We were both inspired by Bali's unique culture, its beauty and creative, artistic abilities. We talked so much, the Headmaster only managed to have the first course, a bowl of soup, for his lunch! Finally, the Headmaster had to excuse himself, as he had a personal appointment to meet the Queen. Understanding that he was obliged to meet the Queen, rather than continue talking with me, we exchanged business cards and kept in touch via email.

Two and a half years later, Ronald Stones made it possible for us to experience living in Bali.  He became the Director of the Green School. I was lucky enough to be invited to Ron's Symposium on Leadership at his own villa in the beautiful, green countryside of Ubud (an incredible villa that he has personally designed and built over the years). As I was visiting Ron in Bali, I asked him if I could see the school. Ron arranged for me to have my personal tour of the school. I was immediately hooked on the idea of sending our three daughters to this 'once in a lifetime' school.

Our three daughters have now completed their first year at the Green School and it's the first time I've heard them complain that the school weeks have gone too fast! They were enjoying school so much, they didn't want their first year to end!

Was it a coincidence that we ended up living in Bali or was the seed already sown?  As a family we had been going on holiday to Bali for ten years, since we first moved to Hong Kong. As the saying goes 'As you sow, so shall you reap.' Just make sure that what you sow is in line with what you want.

What thoughts or intentions can you sow that work to your advantage? Once you know what you want, you will find that good 'coincidences' happen, which will bring you closer to your goals, dreams and wants.

"There is no such thing as chance, and what seems to us mere accident springs from the deepest source of destiny."

Friedrich Schiller, German poet, philosopher, historian and playwright

Enjoy life's coincidences and let them work to your advantage.

Janet