It's okay to take it easy

At the beginning of the year, as soon as we have set our foot in office, we often feel that we should be ready to roll - being extremely positive, 'psyched up' and enthusiastic about a new year that brings about its own bucket of opportunities and challenges.  And although it's not a bad idea in principle (the 'bang' should start at some point and positivity has never done anyone any harm, right?) I think it is okay to ease into the year.  This means that you (read I) don't have to have a ten point 'how to' plan ready for just about everything - how to get your best body / how to be the happiest you / how to create (and maintain) the best relationship (and don't forget to add the 'ever' to all of these prospects ;-)

I had quite a laugh this morning when I've read Blouwillemaandag's column in Beeld:  "Moet niks radikaals doen wat moeg maak".  It seems as if we share the same view on this matter.  So my advice on a Monday morning?  Do what you should today, live life and embrace this moment - lists and ten point plans can wait until next week (or next month...or next year, for that matter).  What I'm trying to say is if lists and plans help you to organise your life and to create structure - great, but if that mere thought is the reason for you having a blue Monday - don't sweat it.  Rather have a cup of coffee and ease into the week.

All the best!

Have a terrific Thursday, for a change ;-)

This made me think this morning - isn't it so true? 

And yet we're so scared to leave (or even adjust) our comfort zones - although that very same comfort zone is so often the reason for our constant moaning and groaning. 

Challenge to self: to rock my boat, to take that first step and, in the words of Mahatma Gandhi, to "be the change that I want to see in the world".  I may just be surprised with the outcome (and a step closer to the person that I could be).

Let me post this before I change my mind ;-)

Let's create our own fun!

It's easy to feel a bit overwhelmed at the beginning of the year - so many 'to do lists', expectations of the year to come.  Combine that with post holiday blues and financial stress due to the 'mismanagement' of funds (let's stick to that description) over the festive season and there you have it - a recipe for disaster.


On the other hand, new and exciting opportunities, relationships and events lie ahead!  I'm sure this year will have its fair share of good, bad and ugly, but we can add another component - FUN - in capital letters, that is!  How is it that we so easily forget how to have fun once we've reached adulthood?  One of my father's favourite sayings is 'welcome to the real world' - that might explain a lot;-)


But, this is luckily not a scenario that is cast in stone.  Why don't we keep a fun journal or compile a 'fun things to do list' this year?  I think that's what I will do, starting with a pajama party in our living room tonight - complete with popcorn and chocolates, a dvd and a board game or two.  I know it's the middle of the week, but that's precisely the point - create your own fun (thanks Nel ;-)!


What is your fun thing(s) to do for this week?

If you're really running out of ideas - find some tips at disover fun!

Thumbs up or down during 2011?

I hope that the first few days of 2011 were good ones, and that you'll embrace every opportunity that presents itself during this year.  All the best!

With the matric results in the news today my thoughts are running towards marks, assessment and evaluation.  For those who have been fortunate enough to study further the latter has been a part of your existence for another few years.  I don't know about you but I always dreaded exams.  But nowadays I understand the importance of being assessed very well - the ability to show that you truly comprehend that which have been learned is something that you'll apply throughout your life, in various settings.  Although most will agree that living is, and should be a life long learning process, exams and assessments are not part of the deal (unless you're a scholar or a student, that is).  I want to say thank heavens on the one hand, but on the other hand is it important to assess your thoughts and actions on a regular basis (with the focus on your own, not those of others necessarily).

I'm not a keen supporter of new years resolutions but it might not be a bad idea to be my own 'internal examiner' as from 2011, assessing the whole package every now and then to make sure that I'm still true to myself and living (or striving towards, at least) my dreams.  And to check that I'm not the most selfish, unkind person that I know ;-)

Is it thumbs up or down for you during January, according to yourself ... something to think about hey?

Happy holidays!

I've decided that there won't be any blogging during the next three weeks - I think it is quite important to really 'wind down' once you are on holiday, not doing the usual stuff and definitely not sticking to your everyday routine.

I'm wishing a wonderfully joyous festive season for you and your loved ones - do stuff that makes you feel good and that you don't ever find the time for during the year. 

My friend shared this story with us during our last book club get-together; I think it's quite special:

Recipe for Christmas all year long

Take a heap of child-like wonder
That opens up your eyes
To the enexpected gifts in life -
Each day a surprise.
Mix in fond appreciation
For the people whom we know;
Like festive Christmas candles,
Each one has a special glow.

Add some giggles and some laughter,
A dash of Christmas food,
(Amazing how a piece of pie improves your attitude ;-)
Stir it all with human kindness;
Wrap it up in love and peace,
Decorate with optimism, and
Our joy will never cease.

If we use this healthy recipe,
We know we will remember
To be in the Christmas spirit
Even when it's not December

Happy holidays everyone - chat again in January!

Wake up and smell the roses...or khaki-bush, but smell!

Why is it that we always count the days until the weekend, or our holiday, or to Christmas (like I did myself a while ago)?  It's good to look forward to special events in one's life, but doesn't that imply that we wish that the clock will just tick a bit faster so that we can experience the event sooner?

I try to live in the moment, to apply 'mindfulness' (at least when I actively think about it every now and then), but most of the time I fail miserably, because I'm already thinking (and wishing) for Friday to come, so that I can go on holiday.

But what if today is my very last day, what if this will be my last post, the last thought that I share with a few people?  If we knew when our last day will be (and I know there are many arguments stating that this is a bad idea, which is not necessarily untrue), will we live our life - today, differently?

This is my motto for the rest of December (at least) - to really experience moments in my life, and not only looking forward to the big events.  My dearest friend lost her dad over the weekend, very abruptly.  It seems as if it takes big events (such as the passing away of a loved one) to serve as a wake-up call, although we know so well that life can change in a split second.

It is just me that struggle with these very simple facts of life?  I'm going to make myself a cup of tea, smell the approaching rain outside and embrace what life brings to me today - the good, the bad and the ugly.

Don't get me wrong, I don't think it is a bad thing to look forward to special occasions, and to 'count the sleeps' until the day finally arrives, but I do think that this should not be what motivates us to get out of bed in the morning. 

Is this a silly resolution (and it's not even New Year yet)?  ;-)

Have a splendid Tuesday!

World AIDS day: what does it mean to you?

We are commemorating World AIDS Day today, as you all will know (the media hype makes it hard to miss).  This hype is certainly a good thing since it is a health and social issue that cannot be ignored.  It's important for us in South Africa and throughout the whole world to take note of the risks and dangers, but also the stories of hope, care and compassion associated with this disease.

I'm thinking about the 'sub-text' underlying the commemoration of World Aids Day - what is it that we really should be thinking about when HIV and AIDS is at stake, apart from the obvious do's and don'ts surrounding AIDS?  

 

Respect is the first word that comes to my mind - no discriminating acts or behaviour towards any individual, HIV positive or negative. And with that respecting the rights of others - whether I think they are deserving of specific rights or not.  Tolerance is another value that correlates to respect - accepting other's ideas and behaviour, even when it differs completely from my own.  But with respect and tolerance comes accountability - really accepting responsibility for, and being accountable for my own actions - the good, the bad and ugly.

For me World AIDS Day is also about getting involved, not just today, but every other day of the year, and not only concerning HIV and AIDS, but getting involved with vulnerable people in my community - identifying (and hopefully addressing some of)the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of those around me.

My plan of action is therefore to Learn, Speak and Give -  maybe starting with the No Violence Against Women and Children campaign and World Aids Day, but not stopping there.

What does World Aids Day mean to you?

Want to read more?

Facts about HIV/AIDS

Stories of  hope from young people living with HIV/AIDS