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One minute with…

12 Thursday Jul 2018

Posted by Gaynor Kast in Uncategorized

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Care, Career, Chiropractor, Christ, Christian, friend, Heal, Health, help, Holistic. Body, Independent, Laugh, Leader, learn, Live, Medicine, mind, Mother, Natural, Parent, Personal, positive, Professional, Serve, Son, spirit

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Dr Mandy Laing, chiropractor extraordinaire, is an unassuming and gentle soul. Many have benefitted from her holistic approach and I caught up with her recently, to find out more about her profession.

* What gets you out of bed in the morning? Knowing that I’ve been given another day to impact somebody’s life. Whether it be with my job by improving someone’s health, sharing the love of Christ with anyone or possibly even just teaching my son something useful for his life ahead.

* What three words would you use to describe yourself? I am strong-willed, supportive, level-headed.

* How would you describe your day job to a child? I do treatments on peoples’ bodies to help them feel better and be able to live better lives.

* What is your biggest achievement to date – personal or professional? Starting my own practice after finishing my masters as a single parent.

* What does a typical day look like for you? Chaotic morning school rush. Workout. Work. Errands. Quality time with my son. Cook. Scattered with eating time and prayer.

* What three words would you use to describe your role? Health partner, leader, helper.

* What are some of your professional challenges (if any)? There are many challenges in the chiropractic profession. We’re private primary health care providers, so we are in no way affiliated with the public health care system. This means after our gruelling 6-year course, there are no postings once we qualify. We must find our own way. Some join other practices, some start their own, some don’t even practice as chiropractors. The market is difficult to tackle due to strict regulations and a lack of public education about the profession. Advertising is not allowed, and medical aids provide insufficient funds for their members, while some don’t cover us at all. We are also still viewed as alternative health care; therefore, we are not always taken seriously and often misunderstood by the medical fraternity.

* Do you have a mentor? Unfortunately, not. I had reached out to a lady who had relocated soon after. However, there are many resources available for the purposes of gaining knowledge and learning from the mistakes of others. An informative book can do you a world of good. Chiropractors are also good with sharing knowledge and experiences.

* If you could change one thing about your working environment, what would it be and why? I would love to work near the beach in bigger premises. This will happen soon.

* What do you like most about your job? Objectively observing people’s lives improve in terms of their pain levels, their demeanour and general attitude towards life. A small bit of pain relief for some people is as good as a holiday. I’m just glad I can help their bodies improve functionally.

MandyDeets

* What advice would you give to those wanting to get into this field? It’s a great health care system. It’s the healthcare of the future. Chiropractic is growing faster than medicine ever did. There are many out there who’ve never heard of chiropractic. So, the opportunities are limitless. It’s natural and holistic and it improves quality of life. Just make sure you’ve got the drive to succeed.

* When was the last time you laughed so hard you cried? Almost every week. I’ve got some awesome friends and a son with a deep sense of humour. There’s never a shortage of laughs with us!

* Given a chance, who would you like to be for a day? Trevor Noah! But a Christian version. He’s got a great perspective on life. Very positive outlook that I enjoy.

* What’s your favourite line from a film? “The problem is not the problem; the problem is your attitude towards the problem…” Jack Sparrow

* What’s your most memorable facepalm moment? Too many to mention!

* What is your guilty pleasure? Anything with caramel.

For more info, log onto http://www.chirolaing.co.za

 

Feelings and forgiveness…

29 Sunday Apr 2018

Posted by Gaynor Kast in Uncategorized

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Anger, believe, choose, Church, Emotions, family, Feelings, Folk, forgiveness, friend, God, Hearts, Hurt, kindness, love, pain, Scripture, Thoughts, world

We’ve all been in situations (with one or more people) where things went south rather quickly and some sort of disagreement results in a few bruised egos and frazzled feelings.

And normally such situations are not too difficult to handle if it involves strangers – and so forgiveness almost seems effortless. It’s those situations where someone very close – family, friend or folk from church – does something that makes no sense… and forgiveness takes on a whole new meaning.

Such times are designed to either send our emotions into overdrive, and or to rob us of our joy. And it’s usually in these moments, that it’s easy to think the unkindest thoughts about the person(s) who we believe has caused us pain.

Recently, I experienced something that made me feel like my world was tumbling down. And instinctively, I called a friend – because let’s face it – we like to vent before we fall on our knees.
And, it was after I ended that call, that I realised I didn’t have to call because I wasn’t alone… God is always right there with us… even in the height of the storm.

I also thought, as shattered as I was feeling, I’m not God and can’t possibly stand in judgement of any person.
Secondly, what does Luke 6:27, 28 tell us we ought to do when people hurt us:
“But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”

Emotions aside, putting scripture into practice is not a mission impossible. And why do I say this? Because I believe that our default settings are kindness and love and so if we choose them over the anger, bitterness and possibly even a grudge then embracing the concept of forgiveness becomes easier.

Take a moment to think… is there someone who has upset you, someone who you need to forgive and release?

Beloved, love covers a multitude of sins.
This day, let us choose to recommit our lives, our hearts and all that we are to walk in love and kindness…

One random act…

06 Monday Mar 2017

Posted by Gaynor Kast in Uncategorized

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blessed, Blessing, caring, compassion, encourage, fabulous, family, favoured, friend, kids, kindness, love, Moments, Pay it forward, Pensioners, people, sharing, smile, Tender loving care, thank you, time, truth, Ubuntu

…of kindness is all it takes. Whether it’s a simple hug, smile or opening the door.

It could also be paying the parking ticket for the car behind you, tipping the waitress (even if there was no smile), a petrol attendant or packer in the store. If you’d like to do something on a slightly bigger scale, drop off breakfast, lunch or dinner for a friend or family.

A friend shared how she buys gift cards from a local grocery store, attaches an encouraging note and then drops it off on door steps of homes that are in need of some assistance. Someone else shared with me how they visit orphanages and read/play with the kids for an hour or two. Then, someone else visits an old age home and pampers the grannies with a mani/pedi  and hairdo.

All in the name of love.

It’s these little acts of compassion that have a huge impact in the life of the recipient. I truly believe that this world would be a less horrid place if we all reach deep within and pay it forward.

The truth is, you are blessed to be a blessing. Don’t waste another moment to spread a little TLC.

Aaaaand… go.

Thank you for taking the time to read.

Stay fabulous and favoured xxx

Perfect timing…

10 Tuesday Nov 2015

Posted by Gaynor Kast in Uncategorized

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Adventure, courage, friend, grace, heart, life, Live, New beginnings, Promises, Rise, strength, world

A very dear friend sent me this poem earlier today.
The timing couldn’t have been more perfect.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

For a New Beginning
by John O’Donohue

In out-of-the-way places of the heart,
Where your thoughts never think to wander,
This beginning has been quietly forming,
Waiting until you were ready to emerge.

For a long time it has watched your desire,
Feeling the emptiness growing inside you,
Noticing how you willed yourself on,
Still unable to leave what you had outgrown.

It watched you play with the seduction of safety
And the gray promises that sameness whispered,
Heard the waves of turmoil rise and relent,
Wondered would you always live like this.

Then the delight, when your courage kindled,
And out you stepped onto new ground,
Your eyes young again with energy and dream,
A path of plenitude opening before you.

Though your destination is not yet clear
You can trust the promise of this opening;
Unfurl yourself into the grace of beginning
That is at one with your life’s desire.

Awaken your spirit to adventure;
Hold nothing back, learn to find ease in risk;
Soon you will be home in a new rhythm,
For your soul senses the world that awaits you.

Make time for…

01 Sunday Feb 2015

Posted by Gaynor Kast in Uncategorized

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Tags

authenticity, Divine purpose, evolve, fabulous, favoured, friend, grace, gratitude, life, no excuse, passion, perspective, reflect, stop. focus, time, writing

One of my very dear friends sent me a text: “I noticed you haven’t posted a blog for a while now – what’s the deal? No excuses.”

Boom.
Busted.

The truth is I’ve been working round the clock so any “free time” I have is spent either catching a nap or thinking about… Shanghai. Yes, you read right. I might be based in South Africa but my heart is in Shanghai.
Now that’s a topic for another time.

In my last post I mentioned that the last few weeks were somewhat challenging (with amazing revelations) and there were lessons to be shared. In no particular order, allow me to encourage you:

* If your life is centred on God you shall stand the test of time. Why? Because when you are at your weakest His grace sustains you.

* The way someone chooses to react to you or the way you conduct yourself is not about you.

* People will talk, let them… the ones assigned to your inner circle and who know your worth/ value don’t entertain those assertions.

* You don’t have to sell your soul to be part of the popular clique – this is not high school. Your authenticity sets you apart.

* There may be times you feel as though you are standing alone (cue: Celine Dion’s All by Myself…) stand anyhow. Separation is vital as you evolve.

* There are times it feels like the curveballs are coming at you every minute of every day. You will survive.

* Don’t hold into something or someone longer than you should. Once the purpose has been served let it/ them go…

* Stop. Reflect. Refocus.

And while on the point of focus, if you visit this page then you know that I’m a big fan of perspective. I was fortunate to cross paths with a gentleman called Willem; of all the places it was on the streets of Twitter.

Talk about inspiring and offering a different perspective… during our exchange I realised that no matter how busy I am, it should not take me away from the thing I love most… writing.

You can find out more about Willem:
http://willemvzyl.net

And so wonderful person reading this, take this this thing we call LIFE in your stride. Make time for your passion and as you edge closer to your Divine purpose, your heart will swell with a sense of fulfillment and gratitude.

Stay favoured and fabulous x

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Standards are everything…

09 Friday Jan 2015

Posted by Gaynor Kast in Uncategorized

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Tags

action, attitude, choices, deadlines, entitlement, friend, standards, time, work, work ethic, world

I loathe bad attitudes… and especially when it’s linked to an individual who has a sense of entitlement. We all know that person who walks around like the world owes them something.

I loathe lazy people who take no pride in their work… and especially when it’s linked to an individual who has a sense of entitlement. We all know that person who walks around like there’s not enough hours in the day.

As you’ve probably guessed by the tone of this post I’m a tad annoyed. Highly irritated.

Why?

Because it irks me when someone chooses not to take responsibility for their (in)actions.
When they produce shoddy work.
Miss deadlines.
Then cry victim when confronted.

I have no time.
No patience.

I’ve just had a very long chat with a dear friend around a work ethic.

Why does it (work ethic) come naturally for some and for others we have to dig pretty deep… and in some cases we are still digging.

Sigh!

Having a standard is everything.
Having a work ethic is everything.
I’m glad I have both and make no apology for expecting the same from those around me.

Thank you for taking the time to read.

Stay favoured & fabulous x

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In a nutshell…

02 Friday Jan 2015

Posted by Gaynor Kast in Uncategorized

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Tags

authenticity, friend, friendship, light, love, moment

That moment when every single word in the image below resonates with your spirit. That’s the moment you realise that 2015 is going to be nothing short of incredible – personally, professionally.

My dear friend, I pray that this moment and every other one that follows will be sealed with love & light. Choose to live authentically.

Thank you for taking the time to read.

Stay favoured & fabulous x

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Simply the best…

27 Thursday Nov 2014

Posted by Gaynor Kast in Uncategorized

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

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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