Tag Archives: wisdom

A heart of gold…

03 Saturday Feb 2018

Posted by in Uncategorized

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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

 

Musings and meandering…

05 Sunday Mar 2017

Posted by in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Earlier today I stumbled upon a business card I picked up while in Perth earlier this year. This was no ordinary card. It belongs to a cab driver turned tour guide for the duration of my stay.

For purposes of this post, let’s call him *Pedro. A soft spoken, unassuming gentleman in his mid-50s.

Anyone who knows me will tell you that I love talking so it didn’t take me long to start “interviewing” Pedro about his life. I was intrigued by his journey and how he landed up in this part of the world.

I was even more impressed by his knowledge of the city and general global topics. I kid you not, you could bring up any subject and Pedro would be able to offer an opinion, facts, figures and some sort of history. I called him a walking-talking encyclopedia.

I think the thing that struck me the most was the way he spoke about his family – wife and daughter. His face lit up when he told me about the day they met for the first time. The hopeless romantic that I am, Pedro’s story sounded like something out of a fairytale.

The pictures just screamed happiness; and when he shared anecdotes about his daughter or how he still gets to have date night with his wife, it made me realise that some people still appreciate and respect the sanctity of marriage. Hallelujah 🙂

Perth is so pretty. The hot, dry sweltering temperatures aside, it was an unforgettable experience. I would have to say the highlight was the stop at The Margaret River Chocolate Co. Every chocoholic needs to add this to their bucket list. As I stepped in, I felt like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. You are spoilt for choice. I wanted something from every shelf but the thought of traipsing half way around the world with a chocolate stash kept me in check.

I also now realise how “Packing for Perth” or “The Australian capital of South Africans in exile” came about. I bumped into quite a few South Africans who couldn’t wait to share about life Down Under.

Not only do I have some fond memories from my time in Perth, I also have a few nuggets from *Pedro. It’s stuff I’ve heard before but somehow… he was on point and because of his PHD in Life, I found myself meditating on these comments during the 17-hour flight back home. And still today.

 For instance, he stated matter-of-factly:

  • “Don’t force anything –  anyone or anything that’s meant for you will appear when the time is right.”
  • “Your authentic self will attract real people and you will never have to second guess their motives.”
  • “Keep your heart open to give and receive love, and never stop being kind.”

As I sit and type this I find myself gazing at my screen for the longest time. The realization that it’s quite liberating when you choose to let things evolve organically.

Thank you for taking the time to read.

 Stay fabulous and favoured xxx

No ordinary month…

01 Wednesday Mar 2017

Posted by in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

New month.

New season.

New song to sing.

May you choose to step out in faith and walk on water.

May your heart and mind be filled with perfect peace, wisdom and understanding.

Stay fabulous and favoured xxx

march1

No masks here…

11 Friday Mar 2016

Posted by in Uncategorized

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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

Closer than you know…

10 Friday Jul 2015

Posted by in Uncategorized

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , ,

This is just a little reminder that as you continue to walk into your season of overflow (there’s no looking back – roger that!)… that patience is key.

When life happens, you may well be tempted to do things differently… and your mind might give you 1000 000 reasons to justify something that’s not part of the Divine plan.

Stop.

Resist the urge to deviate from this path or, act impulsively.

Find refuge in worship/ quiet time with the Father. Some of my favourites include: Don Moen (Be Magnified), Israel Houghton (Overflow), Vashawn Mitchell (Nobody Greater), Tamela Mann (Take it to the King)…

If you stumbled upoon this page then I’d like to encourage you:

You are on the final home stretch… can you see the finish line and the chorus of angels cheering?!

Your breakthrough is closer than you think.

Stand firm.

Oh wonderful person reading this, please know that the complete and utter joy that will fill your days once you’ve learnt, accepted and are willing to live through the lessons from your wilderness, is beyond anything that you could possibly imagine.

No matter how daunting the trials may appear it’s not over till God has the last word.

Keep your eyes on the Cross… expect only great things and as you continue to mature in the Lord, know that not only are you guaranteed of victory… but He will also give you the wisdom and strategy to take the next step.

Stay fabulous and favoured x 

A letter to a younger me…

19 Sunday Apr 2015

Posted by in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Hey there!

The past few weeks have been wonderful. A roller-coaster ride of note.

The good kind though. You know the butterflies in your tummy kind of good. I wish I could explain it.

Let’s just say that it’s even better than the excitement you experience at Christmas or when you hear good news.

This feeling comes with an expectancy that only blind faith produces. You know *that* feeling?!

Anyhow, yesterday I got lost in my thoughts… wondering what I would tell my younger self. And this is what I jotted down:

Dear Younger Self,

You are enough. In fact, you are more than enough and will receive every good thing as and when it should happen.

Trust the process – let the Divine plan unfold as it should.

Don’t you dare for one minute compare your life or circumstances to anyone else. Do you hear me?

Life is not difficult and people are not complicated. It’s the way you choose to approach situations and people that matters and determines whether we view it as “good” or “bad”.

Looking for and holding onto the good in a situation and people does not mean that you are weak. Being passionate or crying at the drop of a hat is all okay. What some perceive to be naïveté in your approach to life is fine. That’s who you are.

You see, when the Lord created you and defined your purpose, the specs were designed for you and you alone. Not everyone will understand your journey and not everyone will be rooting for you (family included) and do you know what, that’s perfectly fine. You may feel let down and a tinge of disappointment but choose not to dwell on it for longer than a minute 😉

The gems (specific people) that have been strategically placed along your path are more than those set out to frustrate you. Besides, like my mentor says, your haters are your interns that work for free. Think about that for a minute…

You see younger self, the only person you need to please is God. He alone is the Author and Finisher of ALL things in this world; and He is the only One who can honestly stand in judgment of you. His love and grace is sufficient, cling to that!

So, wonderful person, as you navigate the course of life there will be defining moments, laughter, tears (lots of them), disappointments, celebrations and mourning. Embrace it all.

When all is said and done this is your story, this is your testimony and with God in the driving seat, you are guaranteed victory.

Stay true to yourself and strengthen your relationship with your Creator daily; it’s the one relationship you should guard fiercely. And for as long as this relationship is the foundation of all others you can’t go wrong; even your marriage should have God at the centre.

Be kind, be loving, be YOU.

From,
Your older (and through grace) wiser self!

Thank you for taking the time to read.

Stay favoured and fabulous x

image

My voice of reason…

08 Monday Dec 2014

Posted by in Uncategorized

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Today, I write with a very heavy heart.
My mentor is leaving the pristine shores of the Indian Ocean and evergreen lush bushes of Richards Bay to take up a brilliant opportunity on the opposite side of the globe.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m absolutely thrilled for him but shattered because he’s been such a fantastic voice of reason.
On so many occasions. And yes, I know in this age of technology communication won’t be a problem.
I’m old school… nothing beats face to face interaction.

Indulge me for a moment…

Dear Mentor,

Where do I start? What do I say?

Once again congratulations on this fantastic opportunity. Your new organisation has absolutely no idea of what a gem they have in you; as an individual and member of the greater team.

I hope that this little note will express my utmost gratitude. Thank you for agreeing to be my mentor, for the meaningful contribution and enormous impact you’ve had. Yes, you’ve helped shaped my journey for the better… you best believe it!

The wisdom you imparted has without a doubt been a tremendous help and the support was priceless. And it is at this point that the tears are beginning to sting and I’m trying very hard to choke back what could potentially turn into the Niagara Falls.

I think the one thing that I will forever treasure is the renewed sense of purpose that you helped me regain. You showed me how to take a step back, put things into perspective…

Just knowing that you were in my corner infused a degree of boldness that ordinarily would not come to the fore – thank you.

You believed in me. Thank you.
You’ve inspired me. Thank you.
You’ve helped me put my career into perspective. Thank you.
You’ve shown me the value of authentic leadership. Thank you.
You’ve shown me the value of honesty. Thank you.
You’ve shown me the value of sincerity. Thank you.
You’ve shown me the value of trust in the workplace. Thank you.
You’ve shown me that I have what it takes to lead. Thank you.

Thank you, a million times over, for your time, support and more importantly, patience.

And so my prayer for you is:

May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Till the next time we meet!

Thank you for taking the time to read.

Stay fabulous and favoured x

image

Simply the best…

27 Thursday Nov 2014

Posted by in Uncategorized

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , , , , , , ,

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

image