Maye Musk - A woman makes a plan: Advice for a Lifetime of Adventure, Beauty, and Success

I grew up in a family that had an airplane and a fascination for exploration. My parents flew across Canada, America, Africa, Europe, Asia, and Australia in a small, canvas-covered propeller plane with no GPS or radio. When we were children, they took us on trips to the Kalahari Desert every winter to search for the lost city. Looking back, I realize it was dangerous to go across the desert with a compass and three weeks supply of water and food with five kids. But my father and mother planned our trips to the last detail. Our family motto was live dangerouslycarefully. My father sought adventure, but he knew to be ready for the unexpected. Because of that, Im always curious and willing to explore. And I know that I can take a risk as long as Im prepared.

There is an Afrikaans saying that I grew up with: n Boer maak n plan. It literally translates to a farmer makes a plan, and its something people said all the time in South Africa. It could be small, or it could be huge, but we used it any time we needed to change direction and fix a problem. Whatever obstacle is in front of you, you have to address it and find another way to sort it out.

At first I wanted this book to be called Struggling and Surviving, but that didnt sound very compelling to anyone. I hope when you read this book that you will struggle less and survive more than I did. In my life, things have gone wrong way too often, and each time I have had to make a plan. You can plan things as a woman, but then you get sideswiped, and you have to make another plan. (By the way, this happens to men, too.)

I have started my life over many times, and as an adult Ive lived in nine cities across three countries. I dont recommend starting over again and again like I did, but if you have to, you must plan ahead. You can live a more exciting and happier life if you take chances. I took a lot of chances and struggled in the beginning, but I persisted until I found success in my personal and business lives. You dont have to plan every detail of the changes in your life; you can sort out your problems as they come along. And there will be different problems, of course. But you just have to plan that first step.

There are surprises around every corner in life. From taking care of yourself and your family and friends, to looking and feeling fantastic, to having a successful career and living an adventurous lifeits a lot to think about all at once. But if you start with your first step, and then the next step after that, you can keep on moving ahead.

When I was in bad situations, I read many romance or self-help books. They gave me hope. Perhaps sharing my experiences with you will give you hope, too.

Being my age is fantastic. I have lived for seven decades, enjoyed two successful careers, and raised three children. Im a grandmother to eleven. And now, Im more in demand than ever as a wellness speaker and model. I was even asked to write this book! Thats why I say that its great to be seventy-one! I wake up excited for each day.

If you have a good attitude and you make a plan and take a chance, even Mars is possible.

PART ONE

Beauty