• About

Gaynor Kast Blog

~ Life. Love. Laughter. Repeat!

Gaynor Kast Blog

Tag Archives: lessons

Rebound and recover…

30 Saturday Mar 2019

Posted by Gaynor Kast in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

direction, faith, family, forgiveness, Friends, God, grace, Heal, heart, introspection, lessons, life, love, mercy, Prayer, purpose, Refection, time

I’m writing this post from the place I visited exactly two years ago. The view remains spectacular with a few extra “nice to see” things and my life has done a complete 360 in every possible way.

For those who read this blog, you would recall the plan was to take a one year sabbatical and then allow life to unfold. Well, the one year sabbatical did happen, just not the way I had envisaged. And the year that followed was anything but a stroll in the park.

As I reflect on the last two years, I don’t believe I can adequately describe the intensity of the challenges that knocked on my door. But, what I do know with every fibre of confidence is that God remains faithful.

When I tell you that I had no idea life could two feet you (it’s a Sydenham saying) and bring you to your knees… it can. It’s not pretty and it’s certainly painful at the “best” of times. I was tried and tested from every possible position but had the grace to press on because I knew that God remains faithful.

I am also extremely blessed to have a solid group of faith-filled women and men to support me unconditionally. They know who they are and to respect their privacy I will not mention their names. But, there is one woman who I believe is a complete angel on earth and who took me under her wing and wiped my tears and prayed me through the most dire times – Aunty Karen Wallace. She is more than amazing. She certainly epitomises God’s love and compassion. And has without doubt secured a special place in my heart.

I’m all about being fearlessly authentic, and when I say there were times I felt like I could not go on, that every ounce of my strength was depleted and the will to live was running on empty, but between God and aunty Karen, I’m alive and energised to continue walking on purpose.

And so, if at any point you find yourself at a place where you feel hopeless.

A place where you feel completely lost.

A place you where feel like a drifting yacht on a rough sea.

A place where you feel like nothing makes sense anymore.

A place where you feel like your heart has been ripped apart.

A place where you feel like you don’t want to open your eyes to face another day.

Know this… God has a plan. God is in complete control. God has your back. He created YOU with a specific purpose and all He expects is unwavering faith and complete obedience (no matter what the circumstances). He does not need you and I to help Him unfold the plan He designed perfectly and with the right time-frames. Just place your hope and trust in Him.

There were many lessons I’ve jotted down over the last 24months, one of the more crucial ones was to pay attention to the people who are willing to stand in the ring and take the punches with you; those real people (not the fair-weather types) who hold your head up and keep you standing and smiling.

Most importantly, don’t fight the separation process. We know that some people are only meant to be in our lives for a reason, season and lifetime. Holding onto someone whose expiration date has come and gone will cause more chaos and distraction. Again, just trust God’s lead.

And finally, it’s perfectly fine to release (forgive) and love some people (family included) from a distance. Anything or anyone that threatens or obstructs your peace and Divine purpose has no place in your life.

If you are reading this post and find yourself in need of encouragement, allow me to suggest that you pour your heart out to God… be still enough to listen to His voice (yes, He still speaks) and hold onto your faith like never before.

And once you’ve allowed yourself to heal, stand up boldly and go out there and rise and thrive… because God can and will always be the anchor, compass and all-round Navigator you need at any given moment.

Love. Love. And more love coupled with equal portions of boundless faith, grace and mercy be yours this day and always!

Stop. Pause. Press on…

28 Thursday Jun 2018

Posted by Gaynor Kast in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

fabulous, faith, favoured, Fearlessly authentic, Intentional, learn, lessons, life, Live, love, perspective, Press on, purpose, Romans 8:28, South Africa, time

There are moments when it feels like life is coming at you, fast and hard.
And it’s at these times that you need your faith to be rock solid; and more importantly, you need to be surrounded by fearlessly authentic people.

What you don’t want is a fence-sitter or someone who suffers from delusions of grandeur, on your side.
Be around people whose motives are clean and clear, whose reputations are impeccable and not afraid to stand for the truth. Not their “truth” but the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

To paraphrase Tera Carissa-Hodges, when the lies, slander, backstabbing, plotting and planning happens, don’t lose focus because those intentional acts are all part of the purpose.

Painful as the lessons may be, the “tables have turned”.
Trust the process and trust that God alone still has the final say.

So, if you find yourself at a crossroads, we have a saying here in South Africa – vasbyt.
It simply means, press on… and hold onto Romans 8:28.

Thank you for taking the time to read.

Stay fabulous and favoured xxx

A heart of gold…

03 Saturday Feb 2018

Posted by Gaynor Kast in Uncategorized

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

Age, authenticity, Divine Connections, Gold, grace, gratitude, heart, honesty, kindness, lessons, life, love, purpose, Real people, relationships, wisdom

It’s been like forever since I’ve posted. And not for a lack of trying, I must add. My sabbatical (January-December 2017) was nothing that I had envisaged. It was one of the busiest and most fulfilling times. Ever.

I learnt. I cried. I smiled. I sighed. I loved. I lost… but through it all, I experienced and am most thankful for His immeasurable grace upon my life.

I met some of the most amazing people and some not-so-pleasant “characters”. There are lessons I hope to never repeat. Some opened my eyes and left me gasping in utter horror (because there are some things you just don’t expect from human beings…), while others showed me what unconditional love is all about.

In all of the living and learning, there was one person who crept into my heart… almost instantly. It was one of those connections that you know, that you know, it has to be a Divine connection.

In an age where superficiality is the order of the day, it’s so refreshing to find someone who is super real. No mask. No highlight real. Just the core of what an honest, good old fashion, genuine person is all about.

Yes, these precious treasures still exist.

A caring, kind, delightful, witty person. No airs and graces, just a beautiful soul… inside and out. A heart of gold.

It’s the kind of relationship that you want to freeze just so that time can stand still as you savour the moments. Those moments that are filled with frank comments and quirks that leave you holding your sides because you can’t stop laughing. Those moments that you don’t want to end because in that time… you appreciate and cherish the authenticity of an individual like aunty Erica; a 60-something lady whose life experiences are as fascinating as the anecdotes she enjoys sharing.

A few months ago, this was a complete stranger and today, she’s someone I can’t imagine not having in my life. I always look forward to spending time with her and most of all her “Erica-isms” … given the chance she could easily give some of the best stand ups a run for their money. Her chirps are really out of this world, and she’s quick off the mark. And then there’s her vault of wisdom.

I hope you too will get to meet amazing gems like aunty Erica, and when you do, don’t let them go…

heartofgold2.png

 

When to let go…

28 Tuesday Feb 2017

Posted by Gaynor Kast in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

2017, Australia, Book, Chapter, courage, fabulous, faith, favoured, Flight, heart, introspection, lessons, life, people, perspective, Proverbs 3:5, purpose, Situations, thank you, Travel

This year started off in a way I could never have imagined. A trip to Brisbane (I left a piece of my heart there) for two weeks, gave me such great clarity and insight on a both a personal and professional level.

Brisbane was everything and more – see the pictures below. The people were warm, kind, supportive and oh so friendly. And the sight-seeing made me feel like Alice in Wonderland.

 I must confess that I reluctantly boarded my flight back… there’s an undeniable vibe about Brisbane that’s so hard to ignore or describe. You have to experience it.

Maybe one day, my suitcase will find itself on that side of the world, but, for now…

 Back to the point of this post.

I’m the kind of person who always overthinks every single thing and has a plan. Even a plan B or C (just in case). Well, 2017 has shown me that all the best paid plans in the world mean absolutely nothing, when something or someone has run its course in your life, let it go…

Holding on longer than we ought to will cause you unnecessary pain and frustration.

  • Know when to reflect.
  • Know when to take the lessons.
  • Know when to close the chapter.
  • Know when to close the book.
  • Know when to let go.

And just step away.

  • Step away from that place.
  • Step away from that situation.
  • Step away from that person(s).

If these last few weeks have taught me anything, taking a step of faith can be daunting but oh so liberating… Proverbs 3:5. You owe it to yourself to put YOU first; and never ever settle.

Thank you for taking the time read.

Stay fabulous and favoured xxx

 

brisbane4

brisbane1
brisbane2
brisbane3

 

 

 

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!

 

 

Things always work out…

12 Monday Dec 2016

Posted by Gaynor Kast in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

fabulous, favoured, gratitude, learn, lessons, life, Live, Maybe, moment, No, perspective, purpose, thank you, time, Yes

When every single fibre of your being is oozing with gratitude…

 

Yes

 

That

 

Feeling…

 

In this moment, I am so thankful for:

 

* every single step of my journey over the last 12 months

* every “no” that came my way

* every “yes” when I least expected it

* every “not yet” when I didn’t understand or felt frustrated

 

Things always work out for your good when you know that greater is He that is in you…

 

What I know for sure, this year is going to end on such a high note; beyond your wildest expectations.

Just wait and see.

 

Thank you for taking the time to read.

Stay fabulous and favoured xxx

 

2016-12-12 08-30-53 AM.png

It is what it is…

03 Saturday Dec 2016

Posted by Gaynor Kast in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Cry, evolve, fabulous, faith, favoured, lessons, moment, Persevere, perspective, pray, purpose, Sing, smile, thank you, time, Worship

It’s been a while since I’ve posted…

So much has happened.

So many eye-opening experiences.

So many moments to hold onto and cherish.

So many times I wished I was at the wrong place at the wrong time.

So many times I wished I could’ve seen what was coming to stop the nightmare of epic proportions.

 

But, that wasn’t to be…

 

And so there I was in the thick of things.

Feeling like a ton of bricks had been thrown in my face at lightning speed.

Feeling like for just one minute things could be different.

Feeling like time could stand still and someone could wake me up from what felt like a bad dream with each passing second.

 

But, that wasn’t to be…

And so there I was in true “me-mode”.

Doing what I do best and holding onto what I know is right and true… my faith.

 

I prayed. I cried. I fasted. I worshipped. I gave thanks. Repeat.

 

And so I’d like to encourage someone who finds him/herself in a precarious situation, this too shall pass. You shrug, but it’s true.

Certain situations and experiences are best avoided (if we were not living a purpose filled life) but if they are part of your Divine journey then it’s best to embrace it, learn what you need and evolve…

 

Thank you for taking the time to read.

Stay fabulous and favoured xxx

photo.JPG

No masks here…

11 Friday Mar 2016

Posted by Gaynor Kast in Uncategorized

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Appreciation, authenticity, Care, choices, Cry, fabulous, family, favoured, Fears, Friends, friendship, gratitude, Honest, Hopes, I'm worth it, kindness, Laugh, lessons, life, love, Loyal, Nelson Mandela, No regrets, pain, perspective, purpose, Que sera sera, Read, Reflections, relationships, Romantic, Sunshine, thank you, time, wisdom, words

This post is courtesy of a conversation I had with a dear friend yesterday. For purposes of this (and future posts) I shall refer to him as Positive Paul. We all need that one friend who can lift the band aid off in one go and after it’s done you still feel like you are walking on sunshine; for me, that person is Positive Paul.

This chat came about because I shared with him a comment I made to someone who I believed could’ve been a good friend. Sadly, that didn’t pan out as I had hoped and like I said to Positive Paul, the brief exchange, spurts of banter/laughter was appreciated while it lasted and certainly gave me a different perspective.

No regrets.

Only gratitude.

So through this experience I realised that I’m actually in a good space; a space where it’s tickets for anyone who doesn’t appreciate my time or worth. Life is way too short for one sided relationships (family, friends) or to pretend to be anything than your authentic self.

You see, quirks and all, Positive Paul reminded me that the people who are meant to be in my life will appreciate:

• my off-key singing
• random comments / messages
• “complicated” laugh (only he knows what that means)
• midnight ramblings
• over-thinking and analysis of a situation

I guess he has a point because when all is said and done:

• I give wholeheartedly
• I give freely
• I give without expectation
• I am fiercely loyal
• I am brutally honest
• I like to talk
• I care – too much
• I cry when someone is sad or in pain
• I am a hopeless romantic
• Yes, I am an all or nothing person… and make no apologies for it. Because, I’m worth it!

Let me leave you with words of wisdom from former president, Nelson Mandela: “May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears.”

Thank you for taking the time to read.

Stay fabulous and favoured xxx

photo

No regrets, only lessons…

30 Wednesday Dec 2015

Posted by Gaynor Kast in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

2016, authenticity, choose, Destiny, Empathy, fabulous, favoured, Freedom, God, heart, honesty, kindness, lessons, life, love, new year, peace, perspective, purpose, Resilience, strength, thank you, time

Lessons I learnt in 2015…

Life happens and all you can do is be authentically YOU.

The truth, no matter how harsh or painful does indeed set one free.

Things like honesty, integrity and courage are rare traits but still alive (especially in the corporate world).

Circumstances, people’s opinions, and mistakes do not define YOU.

Clichéd as it sounds YOU are stronger and more resilient than any curveball that comes your way.

Having standards and refusing to settle is perfectly fine; YOU are the son or daughter of a King and deserve only the best.

Nothing is more liberating than breaking free from toxic, small-minded, negative Nancy/Neil types.

YOU have a direct line to God and YOU know what He says about your life, future. DON’T you dare (not for one minute) allow anyone to talk you out of changing direction or second guess what you know to be the Divine truth for your purpose driven life… keep your eyes and ears fixed to your Father’s voice, guidance.

The biggest lesson for me was accepting that I am more than enough; that the people who are meant to be and want to be in my life will stick like glue and others will disappear into the ether.

As you get ready to latch on to all that 2016 has in store, my prayer is that you will always choose: authenticity, love, kindness, empathy, peace. That your faith plus His grace and increased discernment will propel you to heights never imagined; and that your hearts desires will be fulfilled.

Thank you for taking the time to read.

Stay fabulous and favoured xxx

the-four-agreements-3-728

Destined to succeed 🙌

12 Saturday Dec 2015

Posted by Gaynor Kast in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

courage, Destiny, fabulous, Faithful, favoured, God, grace, hope, lessons, life, Minister, music, perspective, praise, purpose, Songs, Succeed, time, Victory, week, Word

This week I learnt the true meaning of “be still and know that I am God”. How many times have you heard that line?

At face value it seems pretty self explanatory and simple. But, its not until you find yourself in the thick of a curveball that those simple words offer you a renewed sense of hope and confidence.

I continue to stand through His grace, that simple line and a praise marathon. I don’t know about you but nothing can soothe and lift your spirit like getting your praise on.

And so as I sit and type this post all I can say is though shots may be fired, if you choose to stand on His Word and let the music flow, you will come out victorious (no matter who tries their tricks).

These are the songs that kept me moving and I hope they will minister to you too:

Thank you for taking the time to read.

Stay fabulous and favoured xxx

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...