• About

Gaynor Kast Blog

~ Life. Love. Laughter. Repeat!

Gaynor Kast Blog

Tag Archives: authentic

When I look back…

28 Friday Dec 2018

Posted by Gaynor Kast in Uncategorized

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

2019, authentic, choices, decisions, Destiny, Expectation, Faithful, family, Friends, Glory, God, grace, gratitude, heart, Honour, journey, joy, love, new year, Path, peace, purpose, Sorrow, tears

… I sigh a breath of relief because it’s only through God’s grace that I remain standing; and able to share this post.

If ever there was a year that showed me flames, it was 2018. I shall spare you the detail but if you remember anything from this post, know that whatever and whoever is sent to put a spoke in the wheels of your destiny, it will not succeed. I say this confidently because boy, oh, boy… did they come fast and furiously. And each attempt was thwarted and came to naught, thanks to the Hand of God over my life.

I cried a lot this year.
It was a combination of tears of joy and tears of sorrow; some I personally experienced and others I witnessed.

There were tears for the disappointment in the way some prospective projects folded.
There were tears for the disappointment in the way some people (including family) behaved.
There were tears for the disappointment in the way some people chose to defeat the ends of justice to save face instead of taking responsibility for their untoward choices/decisions.
There were tears for the disappointment in the way some associations dissolved before they even took off.
There were tears for the disappointment in the way some people used people as pawns in their game of life.
There were tears for the disappointment in the way some people choose to continue along the path of a dysfunctional façade knowing full well that these actions have a domino effect.

Some of the hardest tears were for the ties that I chose to sever in the name of self-preservation and peace of mind. Like my mentor pointed out, ‘Jesus did not resurrect Judas and neither should you’. And also, forgiveness does not equate to re-association.

So in all the tears, pain and disappointment, I’m most grateful for the fact that it brought me to my knees and made me draw closer to God. There was many a night I was face flat on the floor either crying out in prayer or having these heated debates with God trying to figure out the why. Until, one morning, He whispered “be still and trust Me”.

And when that penny dropped, the journey became more enjoyable and the revelations came about sooner and more clearly.

With the start of the New Year just days away, I continue to look ahead with great expectation, an open heart and confident that He that started a good work will make sure it manifests as and when it should.

As you embrace 2019:

May you honour yourself (and your space) and enforce the relevant boundaries.
Let your no be no and your yes, be yes.
May you walk in purpose and never compromise the work you are called to do, all for His glory.
May you never settle for anything less than you deserve.

More importantly, may your heart be filled with perfect peace, undiluted joy and gratitude for all things (big and small).

Love. Love. And more love to you and yours for 2019 and beyond…

2017 – manifest your greatness!

29 Thursday Dec 2016

Posted by Gaynor Kast in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

2017 Purpose, authentic, Dreams, fabulous, family, favoured, Friends, Goals, God, grace, greatness, highs and lows, Jarryd Kast, Learning, lessons, life, Live, Living abroad, love, Manifest, Moments, perspective, Plan, relationships, respect, Survive, thank you, Thrive, time, Timing, walk away

img-20161109-wa0000
img-20161109-wa0001
img-20161221-wa0002

As we begin to take stock and prepare to apply a full stop to this year, I asked my brother Jarryd Kast to share some of his thoughts. I hope you will enjoy his post below as much as I did.

And from me, I hope you will always choose to rise and thrive in 2017. Be fearlessly authentic and embrace every moment life presents to you.

Thank you for taking to the time to read.

Stay fabulous and favoured xxx

 

From the desk of Jarryd Kast:

As I get ready to do a curtain call on what has been one of my most challenging years, I couldn’t help but take a ride down memory lane and reflect on some of the most unforgettable occurrences.

I, like so many others couldn’t be happier to see 2016 come to an end. This year has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride, sadly with more lows than highs.

You know the saying, ‘You will be brought down to your knees’… Well, that happened to me. Literally!

Long story short, I decided to quit my job late last year (2015) and head back to the city where I was born and bred. The decision came about after months of internal deliberation. I had just had enough of the town’s laidback, country-styled living conditions. And not forgetting the residents’ backward mentality. I wasn’t prepared to live in South Africa’s pre 1994 era all over again.

I knew I had more to offer the world, so I manned up and jumped straight into the unknown.

Well, it probably wasn’t one of the wisest decisions I’ve made, because I struggled to find a job, and ended up suffering a spell of unemployment for over a year. I applied for numerous vacancies, got calls to say I was shortlisted, and pitched up for countless interviews. But for some strange reason, I just couldn’t successfully bag these jobs.

And to top it all off, my long-term relationship with my now ex-girlfriend came to an abrupt end.

Although I felt like my world was torn apart and turned upside down, deep down I knew it’s all happening for a reason. Don’t get me wrong. At the time, it felt like I was walking through hell’s corridors, but as they say – time heals.

Thankfully, that is all over, and today I’m working abroad – living, learning, surviving and thriving.

Getting back to my thoughts about the past twelve months…

I’m grateful for all the closed doors (some even slammed), for the failed relationships, and for those people who left me hanging when I needed them the most. I’m grateful for the people who we are supposed to regard as family, but who play no role whatsoever in our lives, for the folks who betrayed my trust, and for all the people who I’ve chosen to walk away from – because dang! Their toxic energy can really kill a person’s vibe.

Why am I grateful?

Because these are the people who were put into my life to teach me some of the biggest life lessons. Without their input, I wouldn’t have gained the strength, courage, boldness and wisdom I now have today.

Believe me, it isn’t easy to accept what’s happening at the time, but I’ve learnt that it is in these very moments when we let go of what’s not meant for us, that we then start to position ourselves in alignment with the blessings that God has waiting to pour down.

This year, I’ve had to say goodbye to many people in my life.

No, they didn’t physically die, but mentally they are dead to me.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve also learnt this year is cultivating your space and letting go of the toxicity which other people bring to the table. You have to surround yourself with people who share your values and ambitions. Not doing this will distract you from your goals and dreams, and lead you into thinking less of yourself. Don’t allow that to happen.

2016 also opened my eyes into seeing that the road to life can have many twisted curves. But I’ll always remain calm, because I’m continuously reassured of who’s controlling the wheel – God.

My own piece of advice I’m taking with me into the New Year:

Be wary of who you allow in your circle.

  • Protect your space. When you let the wrong people in, you may be setting yourself up for failure, and hence, you won’t be able reach the peak of your purpose.
  • Don’t attend people’s pity parties. Once you attend one, they’ll make sure your name is always on the guest list.
  • Don’t sit under people’s shade. Even if it seems like their trees have low-hanging fruit, trust me, there will be thorns on those branches.
  • Don’t become a slave to people’s mental abuse.
  • Respect yourself enough to walk away from anything or anyone that doesn’t influence you into becoming the best version of yourself.
  • Don’t sell yourself short, and don’t dim your light in order to make others shine.

I could go on and on, but duty calls.

2017 – Manifest your greatness!

 

 

Just for today…

04 Sunday Dec 2016

Posted by Gaynor Kast in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

authentic, blessed, Blessing, chocolate, Determination, fabulous, favoured, grace, gratitude, journey, laughter, life, lifetime, moment, purpose, reason, relationships, season, thank you, unconditional love

In this moment, I’m thankful for:

* the grace to see another day

* laughter

*unconditional love

* authentic relationships

* chocolate on demand

* the space I get to call “me time”

* people/ situations who help me realise what I don’t want

* the fact that I choose not to settle

* the fact that I choose who to invite into my personal space

* the realisation that some bridges are meant to be burnt and never walked again

* letting go of someone once their part in your story is over – it’s all about reason, season, lifetime…

* every single lesson (no matter how bitter-sweet) that has gotten me to this point

* being blessed to be a blessing

As I continue to move forth with purpose and determination, let me never for one minute take the gift of each moment or freedom to choose for granted.

Thank you for taking the time to read.

Stay fabulous and favoured xxx

 

blueskies

Reach out & rise up!

01 Tuesday Dec 2015

Posted by Gaynor Kast in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

authentic, believe, choices, choose, December, fabulous, faith, favoured, gratitude, hope, kindness, life, love, Motivated, peace, perspective, purpose, Reach out, Read, Rise up, smile, time

On this first day of December, my hope is that you will:

Choose to be kind

Choose to reach out

Choose to make someone smile

Choose to be motivated

Choose to live on purpose

Choose to make a choice

Choose to be thankful

Choose to be authentic

Choose to be at peace

Choose to believe

Choose to have faith

Choose to love and be loved!

Thank you for taking the time to read.

Stay fabulous and favoured x

faith hope love

Purpose trumps pain!

30 Monday Nov 2015

Posted by Gaynor Kast in Uncategorized

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

Abuse, authentic, Beauty For Ashes, books, Children, Deliver, Empower, encourage, fabulous, favoured, God, Heal, help, Honest, Lawanda Peters Ministry, life, marriage, Opportunity, purpose, Read, Real, relationships, story, time, truth

Happy Monday lovelies!

I’m super excited about sharing today’s post.
First, I’m going to start by saying to God be the glory, always.
When we truly surrender and allow the great I AM to take the lead, the results are completely humbling.

I had the honour of chatting to Author Lawanda Peters about her book Beauty for Ashes and couldn’t wait to upload it. This is what she had to say:

* When did you realise that you were going to write this book?
I realised I was going to write a book in 2000, when I was at my lowest. I’d lost *everything* I had – mentally (pretty much), financially, physically. I knew that someone else needed to hear my story; the abuse, failed marriages, rejection, self-esteem issues, etc. I wanted to be transparent and real with people, having seen so much in the church, the world, and family.

* How did the title come about?
The title of my book was given by the Holy Spirit. God spoke clearly to me as I cried out to Him one day; ‘why me’ and ‘how long will I go through this suffering’. And it was in that moment that He responded, “I’m giving you Beauty For Ashes. When you come out, you will not look like what you’ve gone through.”

* Tell us a bit more about this book…
Beauty For Ashes is part autobiography, and part encouragement and empowerment. I share my life in a very sensitive, but real way. As a girl from the South, I grew up on a 200 acre farm and we were a very close knit family. I witnessed abuse and alcoholism from an early age; processing what I know today as rejection or “black sheep” syndrome. All these experiences made me want to share so others could be delivered. In the book, I talk about how I endured physical as well as mental abuse and there’s also a part that explains how I almost lost my son at five months, due to abuse, I also talk about being homeless and going from having everything to losing it all. More importantly, you will see that it was through forgiveness and pure determination to press on and not lose hope that I am still able to stand. This book is more than just my life’s experiences – I share the Word that will help others break free and walk in their destiny.

* Is there a specific message that you would like readers to walk away with?
I would like for every reader to feel enlightened, empowered, and encouraged; knowing that it does not matter what comes your way, you are victorious, and you are an overcomer in Christ.

* Were there any surprising things or let’s say revelations while writing this book?
The revelations in writing this book were evident and very real. Everything I went through was first hand experiences. God has shown me many times that this book would reach millions and many would be delivered from abuse and so much more. He also showed me that it would be not only a book, but a play and a movie. I’m still standing on His word.

* What do you think makes this book different from others?
I would have to say it’s the authenticity! Many times we are taught not to be transparent (not to tell everything), but I was compelled to share in the rawest form ever. I had to let people know that just because you are where you are today, doesn’t mean you didn’t go through things or that you were perfect. He can take our mess and turn it into a message to bring healing to others. So the realness and transparency makes it different and captivating.

* Why should someone read it?
Because it’s not just me telling a story, it’s me sharing my life experiences. There’s no sugar coating, just truth… and this is what brings true healing and deliverance. So, if someone is dealing with, mental/physical abuse, rejection, low self-esteem, broken relationships, a failed marriage, homelessness, being on top and suddenly you’re at the bottom with nothing, asking what’s wrong with me?… after reading this both men and women will have a new outlook on things.

* Have you received feedback from readers?
I’ve received tons of messages from readers. I must say it has been overwhelming and humbling (thankful to God) to receive such powerful, motivating feedback. Many individuals were moved from the very first chapter. I was told by several readers, “Once I started reading your book, I couldn’t put it down.” And, I’ve cried with some, laughed with others, and celebrated with many. All glory belongs to our Father!

* Can we expect more books from you?
Yes, you can expect more books from me. I’m working on my Daily Inspirations book, which will have quotes to encourage and uplift you, daily. I’m also working on another book, Learning To Love You. I’m very excited about where God is taking me. I give him ALL glory, honor and praises.

* Any last thoughts you’d like to add…
I thank God, who truly directs and orders my steps, for all of the opportunities and doors that He has opened and is still opening. I thank you Woman of God for the opportunity, you are an angel sent from God to encourage, uplift and push others into their destiny.

Also, thank you to those who have purchased and supported Beauty For Ashes and LaWanda Peters Ministry. If you have not gotten a copy, please do, you will not be disappointed. It can be purchased at http://www.LaWandaPeters.com. Remember, your best is yet to come!

Thank you for taking the time to read.

Stay fabulous and favoured x

photo

Time to thrive…

21 Saturday Nov 2015

Posted by Gaynor Kast in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

authentic, Author & Finisher, bold, courage, day, Dreams, fabulous, favoured, learn, lessons, life, Live, Night, perspective, Rise, Standing, sunrise, Thrive, truth

My favourite times of the day is just before sunrise and just before I head off into dream land (like now).

The house is absolutely still and the calm of the night has a reassuring message.
A message that says you are alive, you survived the brutality of life’s curveballs…
You’ve got what it takes to be victorious – thanks to the Cross and all that it represents.

The past few weeks have been surreal. I have had so many “oh-my-hat” kinda moments coupled with immeasurable gratitude.

We live and learn daily – some experiences are more pleasant than others but ultimately everything we endure points back to Romans 8:28.

Whatever position you currently find yourself in, know that it’s time for the tables to turn.
No more delays.
No more frustrations.
No more tactics to throw you off course.

You’ve stood firmly on the Rock and you’ve persevered so now is YOUR time to rise and thrive!

Embrace it and celebrate. There were moments you felt like throwing in the towel, but the Author & Finisher of ALL things made it clear that He’s not done. In fact, He’s just getting started in pouring out His best for you.

Stay centred.
Stay in His presence.
Stay true to your core being.

Let them talk, let them fabricate all sorts of assertions, let them email, let them conference call, for as long as you stay authentic, the truth will come out. Eventually.

Besides, as someone dear to me said, “eagles have no time to concern themselves with the pettiness of chickens.” So, from this moment on, I hope you choose to renew your strength and rise on up where you belong.

Thank you for taking the time to read.

Stay fabulous & favoured xxx

image

When the penny drops!

09 Monday Nov 2015

Posted by Gaynor Kast in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

authentic, Colleague, day, deadlines, Editing, fabulous, favoured, Flame, Job, laughter, life, passion, Passionate, Read, Realisation, Shine, talk, time, time out, work, writing

I had one of those I love my job kinda days.
It was super duper… even though it started at 4am, it just got better and better with each passing hour.

Deadlines.
Writing.
Editing.
Random bursts of laughter.

I think the one most important aspect of today was the realisation that the passion I have is like a flame that keeps burning stronger instead of diminishing with time. While speaking to a colleague, suddenly the penny dropped… no matter what happens in life, nothing and no one can extinguish the fire that resides within you. They might try but boy oh boy, someone’s going to get the short end of the stick and it’s certainly not going to be the authentic, passionate person 🙂

If you find yourself in a funk with doubts or questions, take time out or speak to someone… soon you will realise that you never really lost that flame. It was still burning, just not as intensely as when you started out.
Now go out there and shine, brighter than before.

Thank you for taking the time to read.

Stay favoured and fabulous xxx

photo

Live on purpose…

12 Friday Jun 2015

Posted by Gaynor Kast in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

authentic, Compassionate, Difference, kind, Loved, Loving, purpose

YOU are fearfully and wonderfully made.

YOU are authentic.

YOU are kind.

YOU are compassionate.

YOU are loving.

YOU are loved.

YOU are the difference!

IMG-20150611-WA0000

I love it…

14 Wednesday Jan 2015

Posted by Gaynor Kast in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

authentic, evolve, experiences, fun, help, interact, learn, lessons, play, sharing, strangers, talk, talking, words, world, writing

There’s an advert where a child asks her grandmother: “What did you do for fun?” And the grandmother responds: “We cooked and baked.”

I always imagine what my response would be if I was ever asked that question…

I’d probably offer two words: I write.

It’s true. I write when I’m happy. I write when I’m sad. I write when I think I’ve got the best story to share. A large chunk of my work involves writing or playing with words as I like to say. Yes, I call it playing with words because it’s such fun.

I was actually thinking about how I ended up in the writing world… I mean I once wanted to be a nun. I kid you not. When I realised that I’m not convent material, I then thought about being a social worker… I thought I could save the world. Sigh.

Only heaven knows how I ended up writing for a living. Not that I’m complaining. I quite enjoy what I do; except for the times when writer’s block kicks in.

So what is it about writing that I love so much?

Mmmm….
Stop.
Pause.
And go….

When I write, it allows me to:

· Talk – if there was an award for someone who talks up a storm, I’d get it.
· Be authentic
· Share experiences
· Share thoughts
· Share lessons – the good and the not so good.
· Help others – directly or indirectly
· Learn more about myself
· Learn about what makes others tick
· Experience a sense of fulfillment that words cannot explain
· Experience a sense of freedom that comes with allowing your thoughts to rain down
· Experience the excitement that comes with seeing a simple sentence grow
· Find different ways of saying something
· Interact with others
· Learn from these interactions
· Feel like I can connect with complete strangers
· Take a trip down memory lane
· Smile at the recollection of a moment
· Cry and let go of situations/people
· Evolve… move closer to my purpose

Thank you for taking the time to read.

Stay favoured & fabulous x

image

Turn the pages…

20 Saturday Dec 2014

Posted by Gaynor Kast in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

authentic, books, chocolate, fabulous, family, favoured, Friends, leadership, me time, South Africa, time

After chocolate (yes I’m a chocoholic) I love, love, love reading.

I’d gladly hand over my smartphone in exchange for a book. Apart from the bonding with family and friends over the next few days, I’ve made a conscious decision to have “book/me time”.

I think we underestimate the importance of switching off and taking time out for ourselves. It’s all well and good being on hand for everyone but YOU are just as important.

Treat yourself. Go on…

My next two reads were chosen because these are two people who make me feel so proud to be South African; they are also my idea of what makes an authentic leader.

I’ve taken a peak at the first chapter of each book and I know I’m going to give them both the thumbs up.

So, let me log off and turn a few pages…

Thank you for taking the time to read.

Stay favoured and fabulous x

image

← Older posts

Subscribe

  • Entries (RSS)
  • Comments (RSS)

Archives

  • August 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • July 2019
  • March 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • June 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • December 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014

Categories

  • Uncategorized

Meta

  • Register
  • Log in

Blog at WordPress.com.

  • Follow Following
    • Gaynor Kast Blog
    • Join 98 other followers
    • Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
    • Gaynor Kast Blog
    • Customize
    • Follow Following
    • Sign up
    • Log in
    • Report this content
    • View site in Reader
    • Manage subscriptions
    • Collapse this bar
 

Loading Comments...