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Gaynor Kast Blog

Monthly Archives: November 2014

One year later…

30 Sunday Nov 2014

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compassion, forgiveness, grief, human rights, kind, love, Madiba, memories, nation, reconciliation, sacrifice, selfless, South Africa, Tata, Ubuntu

A nation remembers…

It’s such a sad, sad, time for my beloved country, South Africa. This week and more especially on December 5, we will relive and remember how a collective cry of despair took hold of our nation one year ago.
It is the day the father of our nation, Nelson Mandela (or Madiba as he was affectionately known), passed on.

We knew this day would come but I think we silently hoped that he would live forever.
Madiba paid his dues, he fought the good fight, he made many sacrifices.
That day will forever be remembered as one of the most emotional dates in our history…

Nothing could have prepared us for the incredible sadness that swept across our nation and the world.
Nothing could help ease the heartache that felt like a ten ton truck had crashed.

Words seemed empty. People wept openly and shared anecdotes. This was after all a man who led his people free. A man who never once complained about spending 27 years in a prison cell. This was a man who stood firmly and fought gallantly for basic human rights.

Obituaries read like they were churned out from the same machine.
Each writer (including this one) all speaking about the hero and role model whose immeasurable love,
honesty, integrity, humility, compassion, foresight and wisdom touched the lives of people across the world.

Madiba’s presence was something you have had to experience first-hand. I never really understood what people meant until I attended a press conference on Robben Island where
he delivered a speech. Awwww… the memory.

The sharp pain that darted through my heart before I started writing this has been replaced with a smile and a sense of peace.

The truth is we can smile fondly as we remember and give thanks for the gift of Madiba’s life.
Truly an incredible man.
So selfless.
So loving.
So tolerant.
So thoughtful.
So kind.
So sympathetic.

Madiba epitomised every infinite possibility this country has to offer and more.
My earnest prayer is that every single South African will take stock at this time.
That everyone will make a concerted effort to carry out his legacy of reconciliation, unity, forgiveness and Ubuntu.

Rest in peace Tata!

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The magnitude of gratitude…

28 Friday Nov 2014

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choice, fabulous, favoured, gratitude, journal, journey, laughter, magnitude, story, surrender, tears

Earlier today I decided to “spring clean” my personal folders.
Oh. My. Hat.
What an education.

I was reading through my Gratitude Journal from 2008.
All I can say is TGBTG!

Looking back at that time feels surreal.
It felt like I was reading someone else’s notes.
I paused and smiled at the entries that spoke about love, family, friends and milestones.
I sighed heavily, and actually shook my head in complete disbelief, when I spotted the curveball entries.

I am thankful for every single experience.
The laughter and the tears.
The absolute bliss and the gut wrenching heartache.
The rash choices.
The times of surrender and the times of complete disobedience.

If I had the chance to rewind and do things all over again, I wouldn’t change a single thing.

This is my story.
This is my journey.
This is my testimony.
And I own it.

Let me continue to sift through the years of writing. Who knows what I will find?!

Thank you for taking the time to read.

Stay favoured and fabulous!

Simply the best…

27 Thursday Nov 2014

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brother, caring, courageous, family, forthright, friend, laughter, life, sensitive, strength, support, voice of reason, wisdom

Today I’d like to pay tribute to an amazing young man; a one in a million.

He is wise beyond his years and has played an instrumental role in my life. This young man is none other than my dearest brother, Jarryd Anthony Kast.

What I appreciate the most about him is his:
1. Staunch belief in God

2. Unwavering faith

3. Kindness and compassion

4. Selflessness

5. Integrity and reliability

6. Honesty and strength

7. Wisdom – my voice of reason

8. Courage even in the face of challenges

9. Concern about the well-being of family and total strangers

10. Intelligence and hunger to succeed

11. Passion for life

12. Laugh

13. Sense of humour

14. Patience… even when I choose not to understand

15. Perseverance and determination

16. Ability to reach out to complete strangers

17. Warmth and sincerity

18. Never takes life, family for granted

19. Undeniably BIG heart

20. Sensitivity

21. Forthright approach

No words could possibly describe the appreciation and gratitude I have. Jarryd is without a doubt my best friend.

Thanks for taking the time to read.

Stay favoured and fabulous x

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Ready. Steady. Go…

24 Monday Nov 2014

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authentic, authors, bold, brave, choices, day, direction, fabulous, favoured, new, week

New day.
New week.
New ground to break.
New choices to make.
New direction to take.

This week has all the makings of a Watershed moment.

Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock…

As the anticipation grows, my tiny little heart is doing a gratitude jive.

As you prepare to face this last week of November, dare to move beyond your comfort zone.

Be bold.
Be brave.
Be authentic.

And on that note, have a zip-a-dee-doo-dah kinda day!

Thank you for taking the time to read.

Stay favoured and fabulous x

Looking for a book?

23 Sunday Nov 2014

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authors, books, forgiveness, inspiration, literature, love, Malala, Mandela, miracles, Nobel Peace Prize, peace, politics, stories, truth, words

Currently reading these two books. Both are remarkable stories; so many lessons to learn…

Inspiration.
Truth.
Forgiveness.
Love.
Peace.
Hope.

If you are looking for books to add to your list, I’d highly recommend these.

Happy reading x

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You best believe…

23 Sunday Nov 2014

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believe, change, choose, Divine plan, favour, kindness, love, positive

Positive thoughts and action will always trump a negative vibe. You best believe that. Oh yeah!

A little reminder that as a change agent you run the risk of being rejected. That’s fine.

Do you know why?

Because for as long as it’s clear in your heart and mind that your mission is to serve and not win a popularity contest, you will succeed.

Reality check: it’s never about you… there’s a Divine plan at play.

Choose this day to keep walking in love and kindness… and then see mountains move.

Thank you for taking the time to read.

Stay favoured and fabulous x

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Words speak volumes…

22 Saturday Nov 2014

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character, choose, experience, fabulous, favour, God, hard work, integrity, thank you, vindicate, words

Humility and respect coupled with integrity and a work ethic second to none will take you far in life.

Shorts cuts, playing victim and engaging in toxic behavior will set you on a path to disaster.

Don’t be fooled and don’t be tempted to partake in gossip. Earlier this week I shared with a few people that when you choose to speak ill (make ludicrous assertions), it’s a reflection of your character.

One thing experience has taught me and I know for sure: God vindicates His children.

Choose your words carefully. And like my Maths teacher said many moons ago: “Let your conscience be your guide.”

Thank you for taking the time to read.

Stay blessed and favoured x

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One of those days…

21 Friday Nov 2014

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choose, coping, emotional intelligence, moment, praise, work

I have found the perfect coping mechanism to deal with the ever increasing speed of the hamster wheel at work.

Yesterday, probably rates as one of the most exhausting days of my working life. But, I’m still standing. And… even more important is the fact that I choose to take only the positives from that experience.

In the thick of it all, I realised just how crucial emotional intelligence is, especially in the workplace. In fact, I believe that a lack of EQ has far more consequences than some overinflated ego. In a perfect world we wouldn’t have to waste a precious moment on either. Just imagine… total bliss.

Back to my coping mechanism…

A few deep breaths… okay, maybe more than just a few.

Grab the best of Bebe and Cece Winans, Donnie McClurkin, Yolanda Adams on full blast and get your praise on. It worked. In no time I felt a sense of peace again.

If you need a bit of inspiration… I hope this helps: http://youtu.be/odaF0NDlgWI

Thank you for taking the time to read.

Stay favoured and fabulous x

A gentle reminder…

19 Wednesday Nov 2014

Posted by Gaynor Kast in Uncategorized

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good, greatness, hope, love, perfect, possibility, potential, right, wonderful

* YOU are perfect.
* YOU are more than perfect.
* YOU are fearfully and wonderfully made.
* YOU walk in endless possibility.
* YOU have buckets of potential.
* YOU personify grace and wisdom.
* YOU are unique.
* YOU are a beam of hope.
* YOU are a beacon of peace.
* YOU are destined for greatness. Oh yeah, you best believe it.
* YOU are only meant to be surrounded by people who have your best interest at heart.
* YOU should only be surrounded by people who love you unconditionally. * YOU are evolving and will fulfill the Divine plan for your life.
* YOU are worthy and deserving of every good thing.
* YOU are not the gossip and inaccuracies others choose to spread. * YOU are not defined by who likes or dislikes you.
* YOU are everything that is good and right with this world.

YOU, wonderful person reading this, are more than enough… more than enough for every single person who is meant to cross your path.

Don’t for one moment allow circumstances or individuals to extinguish that bold, beautiful, bright light that shines fiercely within… Ps 139:14.

Thank you for taking the time to read.

Stay favoured and fabulous c

For the love of…

18 Tuesday Nov 2014

Posted by Gaynor Kast in Uncategorized

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blessed, bond, boys, heart, kids, nephews, precious, unconditional love

I don’t have any kids of my own – even though mommy Kast is desperately waiting to hear the sound of little feet pottering around the house. But that’s a topic for another day…

I’m incredibly blessed. I have the privilege of calling two delightful little boys, my nephews – Zach (3) and Eli (2).

I remember vividly when they both made their grand entrance into this world. I felt a special connection to Zach and Eli from the get-go. It’s the kind of bond you can’t really explain, it needs to be experienced. It’s that real and it’s that strong.

Zach is from my mom’s side of the family and Eli, yes, you guessed it… from my dad’s side. Yet, one would swear they are cut from the same cloth.

These two incredibly boisterous, intelligent little men blow my mind all the time. I’m sitting here writing this post with the biggest smile planted on my face. The memories come flooding back. The individual quirks, cries, mischievous smiles… and general mannerisms are something else.

I’m not the first and I certainly won’t be the last person to be blessed with such adorable nephews. But, these two are different. They are different because they light up my world and that of complete strangers. You’ve got to experience them to believe me. Unconditional love in action.

Both boys have energy for days and would give any long distance athlete a run for their money. Not sure if it’s one of the traits of new millennium kids… they never seem to get tired. And they are so strong willed and determined once their little minds are made up… I’m glad I don’t have to be the parent that says no. Or, instills discipline.

These fast learners pick up new tricks daily. The range of their vocab is like music to my ears and they memorise their flashcards faster than the speed of light.

I don’t see them as often as I’d like and depend on both sets of parents for updates, pictures. Zach’s latest is that when he spots a car that’s similar to mine he calls out my name. AaaahJ… and Eli is just as cute because he wakes up and with hands thrown in the air says “where’s Gaynor?”… my heart just melts a little more.

There are some moments I wish we could freeze and bottle for the longest time. At the rate they are growing, soon they will be starting school, then it’s the teenage phase and then…

But, to me… they will always be precious Zach and precious Eli.

Thank you for taking the time to read.

Stay favoured and fabulous x

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