I grew up with 3 brothers and 2 sisters. We were known as “the Brady Bunch” from the 70’s tv sitcom.  I was surprised to later discover this idyllic tv family was considered to be completely unrealistic.

They seemed so much like my family!

As the eldest girl, I was told to set a good example for my younger siblings. It meant following rules and meeting expectations.

My parents (both retired physicians) instilled hard work, common sense and politeness. Getting things done was highly valued. 

Our needs were met with practical no-nonsense, and issues got worked out with little fuss. There was a clear right and wrong with little discussion, and virtually no drama.

When it came to emotions, these were swept under the rug with “for goodness sake”, and “that’s not something to cry about!”  I learned quickly to “do as I was told”.

My mantra became “just get on with it”!

If things went wrong, I just picked myself up, and worked harder and simply proceed with life.

The Path of Right and Wrong

I was encouraged to pursue a profession that provided financial independence. Although my Spirit wanted to dive into psychology, I graduated with the practical commerce degree.
I met my wonderful hubby (27 years happily married) at Price Waterhouse and we both became Chartered Accountants. I learned the stress and financial deadlines of corporate life.

We got married, and our son and twin girls were born within 2 years of each other.

As an exhausted stay-at-home mom handling all our finances, taking care of our home, meals and the kids while my husband worked long hours and traveled extensively, I wondered “is this it”?