I’m writing this note to myself because in the next 6 days, 6 months, 6 years or 60 years for that matter I want to remind myself of the resilience of a child.
The resilience of never being too shy to learn, speaking the truth as they see it, being able to forget the bad as though it has never happened but walking away with the lesson that was to be learnt.
I want myself to remember the feeling of accomplishment that comes with pushing personal boundaries and also the gift of remaining true to myself. The importance of treating the body like the temple that God intended for it to be and knowing the wisdom of “a minute on the lips but a lifetime on the hips.”
“Remember where you came from, what you have accomplished and look forward to the joys of future accomplishments. Take the good with the bad and as with all things in life also remember that it can’t go bad forever. Seasons do change and so far you've done pretty well”
In closing understand that in life: “Sometimes you’re the pigeon, other days the statue” author unknown.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
The last lecture
After a year’s worth of work pressure, pushing new boundaries, remaining dedicated and maybe a silent tear here and there the wish to sit in “that” last lecture has been colossal.
I dreamt of it, prayed for it and told myself rhetorical anecdotes of “this year has and will pass.”
Now on the precipice of my studies ending, I find myself more than a little nostalgic. I ask “will I still be pushing my learning boundaries?” and “what must I do to fill in the time productively?”
In hindsight, the things that forces one to learn the most and present the most difficult challenge strangely help you to progress the most. During this learning curve the effort is very much unappreciated but the memory of pushing personal boundaries and the growth that comes with it are remembered for a life time.
I dreamt of it, prayed for it and told myself rhetorical anecdotes of “this year has and will pass.”
Now on the precipice of my studies ending, I find myself more than a little nostalgic. I ask “will I still be pushing my learning boundaries?” and “what must I do to fill in the time productively?”
In hindsight, the things that forces one to learn the most and present the most difficult challenge strangely help you to progress the most. During this learning curve the effort is very much unappreciated but the memory of pushing personal boundaries and the growth that comes with it are remembered for a life time.
Siblings
My Psychology lecturer would be over the moon at my reflection on the study of habits being pre ordained by DNA “nature” or by the “nurture” of the environment and parents.
What makes one sibling the “black sheep” of the family starting night clubs at the age of 12, smoking, drinking and making it a mission to disobey parents? This VS the one motivated to carve out a life with finances and position etc.
It’s a question that’s baffled me for a very long time and I don’t see an answer to it in-sight in the near future.
If anyone can enlighten me, I’m open to suggestions.
What makes one sibling the “black sheep” of the family starting night clubs at the age of 12, smoking, drinking and making it a mission to disobey parents? This VS the one motivated to carve out a life with finances and position etc.
It’s a question that’s baffled me for a very long time and I don’t see an answer to it in-sight in the near future.
If anyone can enlighten me, I’m open to suggestions.
Watch this space.
Watch this space for the graduation of Tasmin Tania Kriel. A mantra of “I’m going to get my degree before.....” will now be turned into a reality.
Watch this space for everything that comes with it. A better understanding, new skills, a new social and working circle and of course don’t forget that deserved salary.
Watch this space for... I guess that you will have to keep on watching. I’m not prepared to give away the whole picture at this point.
Watch this space for everything that comes with it. A better understanding, new skills, a new social and working circle and of course don’t forget that deserved salary.
Watch this space for... I guess that you will have to keep on watching. I’m not prepared to give away the whole picture at this point.
My favourite Cat in the Hat book is...
“Some of my best friends are white” because it had me laughing from cover to cover. The writer, Fred Khumalo, wrote this self depreciating book in such a way that I either laughed or silently shook my head while reading words that echoed so many truths.
It took my thoughts of “but I thoughts I was the only one” to “ok, so I’m not the only one who noticed.”
What I really loved the most about this book was that it translated my subconscious thoughts and feelings into actual phrases.
It took my thoughts of “but I thoughts I was the only one” to “ok, so I’m not the only one who noticed.”
What I really loved the most about this book was that it translated my subconscious thoughts and feelings into actual phrases.
Acceptance
Life is really a very strange thing. You can hate someone with all you body in mind at one point in time and then time, with all its healing properties, could make your adversary your study mate, shopping friend or even your life saver.
I have come to realise that in order to survive in life. I found three quotes that convey my thoughts in this blog.
“Acceptance and tolerance and forgiveness, those are life-altering lessons.”
Jessica Lange
"Acceptance is not love. You love a person because he or she has lovable traits, but you accept everybody just because they're alive and human."
Albert Ellis
"Acceptance of one's life has nothing to do with resignation; it does not mean running away from the struggle. On the contrary, it means accepting it as it comes, with all the handicaps of heredity, of suffering, of psychological complexes and injustices."
Paul Tournier
It’s all about getting use to the fact that life will inevitably change.
I have come to realise that in order to survive in life. I found three quotes that convey my thoughts in this blog.
“Acceptance and tolerance and forgiveness, those are life-altering lessons.”
Jessica Lange
"Acceptance is not love. You love a person because he or she has lovable traits, but you accept everybody just because they're alive and human."
Albert Ellis
"Acceptance of one's life has nothing to do with resignation; it does not mean running away from the struggle. On the contrary, it means accepting it as it comes, with all the handicaps of heredity, of suffering, of psychological complexes and injustices."
Paul Tournier
It’s all about getting use to the fact that life will inevitably change.
Why I have conversations?
The reasons behind why I have conversations is so broad. They range from my basic need as a human being to feel part of a the world. They are also to gain food for thought when I have my quiet moments.
In a more roundabout way, I have conversations in the hope of either confirming something, to learn more , promote something or / and to gain understanding.
The conversations that I enjoy the most are the ones I that I have with my best friend as it is, most of the time, based on shared interest.
In a more roundabout way, I have conversations in the hope of either confirming something, to learn more , promote something or / and to gain understanding.
The conversations that I enjoy the most are the ones I that I have with my best friend as it is, most of the time, based on shared interest.
Surprise!
Oh how I love surprises. The more wrapping on it and the bigger the bow makes opening it even better. I’m not sure if I have to grow out of this excitement but for now I love the feeling of being a kid when receiving a gift.
Something that still gives me this feeling of excited anticipation is when I see a made up Christmas tree. I can’t even buy Christmas presents too far in advance as I’ll make an excuse to give them to the intended person, just to see their reaction.
Shopping is a horror during the Christmas silly season but it’s worth the sacrifice of seeing a smile on someone’s face and the sheer light of pleasure lighting up their eyes.
I really do love surprises. While writing this blog I became excite so now is definitely not the to grow up in this regard.
Something that still gives me this feeling of excited anticipation is when I see a made up Christmas tree. I can’t even buy Christmas presents too far in advance as I’ll make an excuse to give them to the intended person, just to see their reaction.
Shopping is a horror during the Christmas silly season but it’s worth the sacrifice of seeing a smile on someone’s face and the sheer light of pleasure lighting up their eyes.
I really do love surprises. While writing this blog I became excite so now is definitely not the to grow up in this regard.
Bucket list of 100 things to do before I die
I dream of leaving a legacy behind for my family so in order to do this, I figure that I need to place focus on the following to do list, which is in no specific order:
1. Building an empire
2. Gaining financial freedom
3. Gain financial security
4. Spending more time in nature
5. Take up a cooking class in food cuisine and chocolate
6. Doing flower arrangements
7. Take up a pottery class
8. A course in making jewellery
9. Building a garden that will serve as my sanctuary
10. Learn to speak French and Spanish...
My list goes on and on but the most important thing to do is to instil emotional intelligence, confidence, a sense of “laughing at yourself” and a so much more in my children before I die.
1. Building an empire
2. Gaining financial freedom
3. Gain financial security
4. Spending more time in nature
5. Take up a cooking class in food cuisine and chocolate
6. Doing flower arrangements
7. Take up a pottery class
8. A course in making jewellery
9. Building a garden that will serve as my sanctuary
10. Learn to speak French and Spanish...
My list goes on and on but the most important thing to do is to instil emotional intelligence, confidence, a sense of “laughing at yourself” and a so much more in my children before I die.
God’s creation
I recently started investing in beautifying my home with plants. I bought some small ones that flower for the entire year, others that flower for a season and some that provide a bit of a greenery.
It started out as a simple exercise but I discovered something that I never gave much thought to. I always thought that looking after plants was for older people like my mother and grandparents. Now I see the benefits of, not only, beauty but an air of peace and anticipation that comes with it.
I realised that I actually feared looking after plants in case they died. Now watching them grow it actually brings a feeling of accomplishment.
I’m quite impressed with the fact that they have survived this long. I even look forward to watching them grow measuring their growth as if they were children.
A plant is seemingly such a simple thing but the elders bought into the benefits of growing them big time.
I think these benefits that are a bit lost on my generation.
It started out as a simple exercise but I discovered something that I never gave much thought to. I always thought that looking after plants was for older people like my mother and grandparents. Now I see the benefits of, not only, beauty but an air of peace and anticipation that comes with it.
I realised that I actually feared looking after plants in case they died. Now watching them grow it actually brings a feeling of accomplishment.
I’m quite impressed with the fact that they have survived this long. I even look forward to watching them grow measuring their growth as if they were children.
A plant is seemingly such a simple thing but the elders bought into the benefits of growing them big time.
I think these benefits that are a bit lost on my generation.
My big fat BIG dream
My big fat BIG dream is to have the following elements in my life
Health
Happiness
Wisdom
To be prosperous in my spirituality
Added to the above I also dream of having
Wealth
My big fat BIG dream is to have all of the above in place.
Health
Happiness
Wisdom
To be prosperous in my spirituality
Added to the above I also dream of having
Wealth
My big fat BIG dream is to have all of the above in place.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
The genius of a big business
Why is that when we see a good brand at a cheap rate then we think SCAM. When we see a cheap product with a ridiculous price tag on it, then we part with our money.
Even worse, we see a huge company and believe that we will receive a trustworthy reliable service etc, etc, etc. Then in hindsight the service turns out to be awful and the experience leaves behind sense of hopelessness in your empty pocket.
I have recently been witness to a situation where I have gained respect for smaller businesses. The ones who try super hard to make it in this world but spend half their time trying to allay customer fears of being SCAMMED.
Maybe they deserve a hearing?
Even worse, we see a huge company and believe that we will receive a trustworthy reliable service etc, etc, etc. Then in hindsight the service turns out to be awful and the experience leaves behind sense of hopelessness in your empty pocket.
I have recently been witness to a situation where I have gained respect for smaller businesses. The ones who try super hard to make it in this world but spend half their time trying to allay customer fears of being SCAMMED.
Maybe they deserve a hearing?
Conventional is a good fall back, isn't it?
I came across a few thoughts about being conventional. Some say that because change is inevitable, learn to appreciate it. Others see convention as a good thing as it offers a bit of structure to everyday life and helps people to meet goals.
The most interesting of all, was a blogger who referred to convention as a way of keeping people from climbing the corporate ladder. To illustrate he uses the following analogy. If you were good at administration and didn't get the new promotion, the company is not at a loss and neither are you. Just because you didn't get the marketing manager's post doesn't mean that you can't continue doing administrative things? This usually means that you won't be getting that increase either.
This example made me realise that a balance has to be stuck between creative thinking and being able to do tasks / administration. If your focus is only on being creative, then you won't get the work done. If you stick to being conventional in an administrative sort of way, then your talents could be overlooked and you could stay in an administrative role till infinity.
It's a matter of working at your personal brand and to keep projecting a 360 degree approach to life and work. This will help keep you in mind for that next project or position.
The most interesting of all, was a blogger who referred to convention as a way of keeping people from climbing the corporate ladder. To illustrate he uses the following analogy. If you were good at administration and didn't get the new promotion, the company is not at a loss and neither are you. Just because you didn't get the marketing manager's post doesn't mean that you can't continue doing administrative things? This usually means that you won't be getting that increase either.
This example made me realise that a balance has to be stuck between creative thinking and being able to do tasks / administration. If your focus is only on being creative, then you won't get the work done. If you stick to being conventional in an administrative sort of way, then your talents could be overlooked and you could stay in an administrative role till infinity.
It's a matter of working at your personal brand and to keep projecting a 360 degree approach to life and work. This will help keep you in mind for that next project or position.
Friday, October 15, 2010
And now ...the time is here
What can I say...it's been real... so glad that it's over...wishing it will never end?
I'm at a speech loss. Writing my last required blog for 2010 is much harder than I thought. I will, inevitably be jumping off my seat at some point in time but for now tears are wanting to jump out of my tear ducts.
I might or might not be visiting this space again. Looking back I can't believe that I wrote so well. It's given me a feeling of freedom in many other ways. I am now able to voice my thoughts and like with blogs, it doesn't matter what the next person says or thinks about it.
What matters is the fact that I have an opinion and I can voice it because....it matters.
Here's to 2010 and everything that it encompassed. I might just visit this space in the future after all.
I'm at a speech loss. Writing my last required blog for 2010 is much harder than I thought. I will, inevitably be jumping off my seat at some point in time but for now tears are wanting to jump out of my tear ducts.
I might or might not be visiting this space again. Looking back I can't believe that I wrote so well. It's given me a feeling of freedom in many other ways. I am now able to voice my thoughts and like with blogs, it doesn't matter what the next person says or thinks about it.
What matters is the fact that I have an opinion and I can voice it because....it matters.
Here's to 2010 and everything that it encompassed. I might just visit this space in the future after all.
You cannot chase two rabbits at the same time
I'm a bit two minded on this statement. Chasing to many dreams at one point in time might or might not ever get to that pot of gold in the end.
When following many disciplines in life you can look at it in the following ways:
a) I will gain experience in various fields at the same time
b) By focusing all my energy on one career, discipline etc I will get to my goal of being a doctor, professor, specialist sooner.
The question I need to ask is: Do I want to be a Jack of all trades and master of none. I could also be happy to focus on various things and take longer to become a specialist
Alternatively, I might want to become a specialist sooner rather than later?
When following many disciplines in life you can look at it in the following ways:
a) I will gain experience in various fields at the same time
b) By focusing all my energy on one career, discipline etc I will get to my goal of being a doctor, professor, specialist sooner.
The question I need to ask is: Do I want to be a Jack of all trades and master of none. I could also be happy to focus on various things and take longer to become a specialist
Alternatively, I might want to become a specialist sooner rather than later?
The looming "free" time
Now that my studies are on the verge of being completed, I'm anxious about what I will do with the "free" time next year.
The year was a constant state of moaning about the workload, trying to cope and most of the time feeling sorry for myself etc etc etc
Now I'm worried that I won't be utilising my time wisely. I find that the busier things are the more productive I am.
My thoughts wonder to pottery, flower arrangement, jewelry making, chocolate making......
My new motto...Just keep busy and use time.
The year was a constant state of moaning about the workload, trying to cope and most of the time feeling sorry for myself etc etc etc
Now I'm worried that I won't be utilising my time wisely. I find that the busier things are the more productive I am.
My thoughts wonder to pottery, flower arrangement, jewelry making, chocolate making......
My new motto...Just keep busy and use time.
“Nothing is more dangerous than an idea, when you only have one idea”
I think it all boils down to one statement:
"Two heads are better than one."
Take your idea and flesh it out with trusted friends and colleagues. You never know, it might become even better.
"Two heads are better than one."
Take your idea and flesh it out with trusted friends and colleagues. You never know, it might become even better.
The perfect shoe....nightmare
This is it! Thanks for the quote MJ.
I am tired of seeing that perfect shoe in the shop. The one that you mentally fit into your teenie weenie budget. The one that fills your dreams and takes up every spare moment with "I can wear it with that or this." The one that fits so perfectly in the shop and the comfort factor is out of this world.
The one that when you wear to that special occasion... hurts like a pincer.
Is there ever a happy medium between between beauty and comfort?
If anyone has experienced this, please feel free to share the advise with me.
I am tired of seeing that perfect shoe in the shop. The one that you mentally fit into your teenie weenie budget. The one that fills your dreams and takes up every spare moment with "I can wear it with that or this." The one that fits so perfectly in the shop and the comfort factor is out of this world.
The one that when you wear to that special occasion... hurts like a pincer.
Is there ever a happy medium between between beauty and comfort?
If anyone has experienced this, please feel free to share the advise with me.
Have you figured out your second head fake yet?
My first reaction to this topic was a frown on my forehead and a few expletives followed.
I finally discovered that the saying simply (translated into English) had something to do with positive thought reinforcement. An example would be if you had a wee and really had to go to the loo but as luck would have it there is never a loo around at that pressing moment.
It might work to say "I don't have a wee, I don't have a wee, I don't have a wee" or maybe not.
My second head fake is all about getting healthy and losing the weight. Mind you I'm still trying to figure out how the kilos got there in the first place...seriously. So here's to my head fake "I'm going to be a size 12 again, I'm going to be a size 12 again" etc Let me give the mind over matter a chance.
I finally discovered that the saying simply (translated into English) had something to do with positive thought reinforcement. An example would be if you had a wee and really had to go to the loo but as luck would have it there is never a loo around at that pressing moment.
It might work to say "I don't have a wee, I don't have a wee, I don't have a wee" or maybe not.
My second head fake is all about getting healthy and losing the weight. Mind you I'm still trying to figure out how the kilos got there in the first place...seriously. So here's to my head fake "I'm going to be a size 12 again, I'm going to be a size 12 again" etc Let me give the mind over matter a chance.
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