Kindness, forgiveness and other everyday inspiration

Finding out who inspires Jacqui Pauw, Partner in King Price’s Broker Personal Lines Division

Inspiration can come in many different forms says Jacqui Pauw, who has recently been promoted to the position of partner in King Price’s broker personal lines division. And, as a professional female in our rapidly-transforming insurance industry, a wife and mom of three 20-somethings, and a woman of God, Jacqui is inspired by many different people and situations.

Case in point: Her twin sons left SA for France at age 20 to crew on yachts sailing all over the world. Brave. Determined. Proactive. Hopeful. Inspiring to the max! (As gut-wrenching as it was to let them go, she concedes.)

The overarching inspiration and guidance that Jacqui has relied on in her life and career are found in the Word of God and, in particular, the ministries of Joyce Meyer. “Joyce has taught me that the battles we think we fight every day are actually in our minds, and that positive thoughts can overcome all obstacles.”

We can’t just hope we’ll think good thoughts. We have to actively seek them. We have to think purposely, not passively. A passive mind is a dangerous thing; passive people want good things to happen to them, but they just wait around to see what’ll happen. They do nothing to contribute to a positive result in their lives.

Jacqui also finds meaning in Joyce’s focus on the power of words: “I’ve learned to be careful about the words I use,” she says. “You can’t have a negative mouth and a positive life.”

Watching her words is, for Jacqui, a part of being mindful. “If I have to think of one thing that sums up what Joyce’s teaching have brought to my life, it’s a reminder to mindful. To be mindful of my thoughts, my words, and my actions. I was privileged to be chosen by King Price to complete a leadership management qualification last year, and a light came on when a lecturer talked about how thoughts always precede words, which in turn dictate actions. I thought YES that’s how it works!”

Being mindful is a process that enables Jacqui to do reality-checks on her intentions. “Occasionally, I have to ask myself ‘Is my heart pure?’ and ‘Am I being manipulative?’ And that’s OK. We’re all only human. But checking my intentions before I act on them enables me to be a better mom and a better manager.”

Joyce and Jacqui are both big on blessings and gratitude. It’s a well-known and widely-accepted scientific premise that the act or process of being grateful causes all kinds of happy things to happen in our brains. Jacqui has a tangible way of practicing gratitude: Whenever she feels blessed or recognises that a prayer has been answered, she writes a note and puts it into a jar. “Whenever I’m feeling down or having an ‘I don’t want to adult any more’ moment, I open my blessing bottle and read back all the things I’m grateful for… And it never fails to lift my spirits.”

These ‘life hacks’ are all simple to implement and will make a real difference, no matter who you are and what faith you follow, says Jacqui. “Let’s face it, life can be tough, and some days we all need a little inspiration. It made a profound impact on me when I learned that Joyce had been abused by her father for many years when she was young – and that she still believes in the freedom that forgiveness brings, the power that’s inherent in hope, and the joy that comes with kindness.

I can’t relate to her childhood experiences, but I can take heart from the way she’s chosen to deal with them. Pure inspiration.”