Biggest Regrets in Life

I tend to scan through most of the inspirational emails that I receive and then delete them, however every now and again I find one that I read from beginning to end and consider it worth sharing. Recently an email found it's way into my inbox that I think is worth commenting on. 

It was written by a woman who worked in palliative care. Her patients were those who had gone home to die. Some incredibly special times were shared. As each patient grappled with their mortality, a few common threads emerged.

The following regrets were mentioned over and over and they are worth contemplating while we still have life:

• I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me  When our lives are almost over and we can look back, we see how many dreams have gone unfulfilled. Most people have not lived their dreams and it was due to choices that they had or had not made.                                                                                                                                                   Try to achieve at least some of your dreams. When you lose your health, it is too late. Use the freedom of health to go for it.

• I wish I hadn't worked so hard                                                                                                     This resonates with many men patients. Due to being a workaholic it is too easy to miss the joys in your children's successes and the love and contentment of your partner's companionship.                                                                                                        Simply simplifying your lifestyle and making intentional choices makes it possible live on another level of income. Creating space in your life opens doors to new opportunities.

•  I wish I'd had the courage to express my feelings                                                                      So many people suppress their feelings in to avoid conflict, which often results in settling for mediocrity and never becoming authentic.                                                                                      Although we cannot control the reactions of others, when we speak honestly, it elevates relationships to new and healthier levels. Either that or it releases the unhealthy relationship from your life. Either way, you will be living authentically.

• I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends                                                                            We tend to get so caught up in our lives that we let friendships slip away with time. There have been many deep regrets about not giving friendships the time and effort that they deserved. When you are faced with approaching death, the physical details of life are no longer as important. It is all comes down to love and relationships in the end.  

• I wish that I had let myself be happier                                                                                      Many found at the end that happiness is a choice. They had remained in old patterns and habits allowing comfort of familiarity to rule. Fear of change caused them to pretend to others and to themselves that they were content. However, they yearned to laugh loudly and behave outrageously at times.                                                                                                                

Life is a choice. Choose consciously, choose wisely, choose honestly. Choose happiness.

A Guide to Healthy, Balanced Living

I received an interesting list of different things to do in order to live a healthy, balanced lifestyle recently and was rather inspired. So, I decided to post a few items on the list to motivate me to live them out as well as to share them generally.

The first lot relate to health matters:

• drink lots of water
• eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar
• eat more that grows on plants and less that are manufactured in plants 
• live with energy, enthusiasm and empathy
• play more
• read more
• give yourselves 10 minutes of silence per day
• sleep for 7 hours a night
• take a half hour daily walk with a smile on your face

The next batch of wise words deal with personality issues:

• don't compare your life with others as you have no idea what each other's journeys are about
• throw out the negative thoughts about the things you cannot control 
• know your limits and don't overdo it
• don't take yourself so seriously
• don't waste time and energy on gossip
• dream while you are awake
• life is too short to waste time hating anyone
• make peace with the past so that it won't spoil the present
• you alone are in charge of your happiness
• life is a school, so realize that you are here to learn and that problems are a part of the curriculum that appear and will fade away, while the lessons will last forever
• smile and laugh more
• agree to disagree when necessary - you don't have to win every argument

On issues of society:

• call your family regularly
• give something good to others every day
• forgive frequently
• spend time with those under the age of 7 and over the age of 70
• try and make 3 people smile each day
• what others think of you is not your business
• your job won't take care of you when you are ill, however your friends will, so keep in touch 

The last few reminders of reality deal with life:

• do the right thing
• eliminate what isn't useful, beautiful or joyful from your life
• no matter how good or bad a situation, it always changes
• no matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up
• the best is still to come
• be happy
• be thankful for life

Enjoy and live them out!

Here We Go Again

pic by smemon87

Well, another year has passed by and yet another year looms ahead of us. Believe it or not, I have already heard someone utter the words, "this year is going so fast." Even more frightening, I agree as it is time for me to return to the office tomorrow!

This is usually the time when we all smugly sit down and make lists of new year's resolutions with great intent. Of course, by the end of January, most of us have already given up on the vast majority of them. My usual trick is to attempt to learn something new each year and I have done pretty well in the past too.

pic by Tostie 14

However, this year I feel a little different. I do still have a few goals in mind, but somehow they are not in the forefront of my mind, like before. I think that this year will be more about being, than doing. I want to come to the end of 2011 knowing that I lived life fully; that I cried hard, laughed hard, danced a lot, helped out, accepted aid and made others smile. I want to be more spontaneous and find joy, or at least contentment, in everyday little wonders. I want to walk in the rain, giggle in quiet places like libraries and wink at cute children. I want to experiment with wacky hairstyles, even at my age, drink different flavoured coffees and skip along merrily in the shopping mall. I want to sit up all night watching a series I enjoy on TV, drive to some unknown place just for the fun of it and dance madly in the front at a rock concert. I want this year to be full of little serendipities where I contentedly follow the moment. And in the times of difficulty, grief and hardship, may I feel enough to savour the good times, but be able to move on when the time has passed.

Roll on 2011, I don't want to say, "Here we go again," but rather, "Here is a moment to embrace."

Happy New Year 2011

May 2011 be filled with promising ventures and exciting adventures!

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is Nearly Over

                                          pic by kira_westland

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month in many different countries. It has been encouraging to see the growth of support by the general public. 

My support this month took the part of a 5 kilometer walk in aid of breast cancer at Mark's Park. I was amazed at the amount of people who took part in the event. There must have been somewhere around 20 000 people or more. There were so many walkers that during the entire walk, we had to stroll as the roads were so crammed with people. The atmosphere was electric and full of hope and it was great to be a part of it.

I know that there have been loads of other initiatives from all sectors of society in aid of breast cancer this month and as a woman I have to say a huge thank you to the organizers of every one of them. I would also like to applaud the survivors of breast cancer and wish them all of the best for their wonderful futures.

The big challenge is for November, December and next year. Now that Breast Cancer Month is nearly over, will we continue to give the fight the exposure and support that it still needs?

The Best Brilliant Ideas for Humanity

Di Smith, from KwaZulu Natal, is one of the entrants of The Best Brilliant Ideas for Humanity contest. This is an interesting competition where the emphasis is on a win-win situation for all. Di came up with the brilliant idea to write an inspiring book about South Africa which is like a journey. The book is called "You're Awesome" and includes daily lessons of life and takes examples from wise South Africans such as Madiba and Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu.
There is a simple message for each week in the year.


Vote for Di, after watching the video clip, as I am sure that you will be inspired. She also has a brilliant website that is worth a visit.

Live Life Fully

Someone sent me this pic on an email recently and I loved it so much that I had to share it. It encapsulates living life fully. The expression on the guy's face is one of sheer childish delight. There is something about the innocent joy of children that is contagious. Kids don't over analyse life, they simply live and explore and experience all that is in their path. They are not afraid to ask awkward questions and they have a genuine honesty about everything that they do.
I want to live like that. I want to enjoy all that is around me in pure simplicity without hidden agendas. I choose to delight in the little things that occur every day. I want to live life fully.

International Rhino Day

Sometimes I feel ashamed to be a human. All of the cruelty and harshness that we inflict, not only on each other, but on vulnerable animals too. I am not one of those people who value animals lives above humanity, but surely we should value every living creature. I acknowledge that there are times when culling, and even hunting, is necessary, but the senseless slaughtering of beasts for fun or for illogical unproven so-called medicinal purposes - come on! Particularly when the creature is already an endangered species. Soon there wont be any more of the fake medicine anyway.


Rhino horn is made up of keratin, the word you often see somewhere on your shampoo bottle. Keratin is basically very compacted hair. Animal hooves and your fingernails are the same thing. So, for goodness sake, or for the rhinos sake, if you are that desperate for the medicine, bite your bloody nails! And as for the game rangers and veterinarians who are in on the scam, shame on you! And that is being exceptionally polite. Money is not worth the price of extinction. 


Africa has most of the few rhinos that are still alive and the rise in poaching has escalated in the last year to frightening degrees. The poaching has also become highly sophisticated. What can we do to help save the rhino? Money always helps so donate to the WWF Rhino Campaign. Make people aware of the plight of the rhinos and spread the cause. Educate your children regarding conservation. I'm sure that you can come up with more ideas.


Let's be humane and do something!

Lighten Up

                                                     picture by doug_wertman


Lead SA has come up with another interesting initiative for South Africa. We have been challenged to drive our vehicles during the day with our headlights on. Apparently, research shows that when we drive with our lights on during daylight hours as well as night, accident statistics decrease. The lights make us more noticeable and we are seen more clearly by other drivers and pedestrians. The lights also make our vision clearer, particularly our peripheral vision.


In a country with such high traffic accident stats, we should surely do anything in our power to make the roads safer. I put my lights on today, and although I saw many other drivers with their headlights burning, there were still many more who had no lights shining. It is something to remember. During my second trip of the day I only remembered halfway to my destination that my lights were off. I am fortunate enough to have a car that beeps at me when I leave my headlights on, as there could be a problem if I wasn't reminded to turn my lights off at the end of the drive.


So, how about it? Wake up tomorrow morning, leap into your faithful carrier and turn on those lights. You will find yourself smiling at every other driver who has their lights on, as if you all belong to some secret superhero club.

Spring in Jozi

As I was driving to work yesterday I drove past West Park Cemetery and saw a row of gorgeous trees in full bloom. Beautiful blossoms in white, pink and cerise seemed to have popped out overnight.
My first reaction was to smile, then after clicking away with my iPhone, I realised that we are now truly experiencing the wonders of spring. Amazing weather, flowers everywhere and no more winter wear. I love this time of the year.
My second thought was that there was so much beauty in a place of death. As tragic as death may be, life continues and beauty still finds a place.
So look around as you live your day and find the beauty in unexpected places.

Rabies Warning

As I drove past this sign today I had to wonder if it would be found in many other countries of the world, and if so, would it be in a First World country. Oh, I love the surprises and serendipities of South Africa.

Positive Outlook

Despite country-wide strikes, there is always place for a positive outlook in South Africa. With the country supporting the Springboks against the All Blacks in today's rugby match at Soccer City in Soweto, it would be easy to be negative due to the Springboks last few matches. 


However, instead we have turned the occasion into the opportunity to break a world record. Every South African spectator has been challenged to take a South African flag to the match as they are trying to break the world record for the most flags being waved in a stadium at the same time. Apparently there is also an initiative where they are trying to break the record for the most Elvis personators at a sports match. 


Another positive for South Africa is that despite the crippling strikes to our state hospitals, Lead SA challenged the country to volunteer their services at hospitals during the strike and there has been an overwhelming response with volunteers coming forth from all sectors of society, including our health minister.


Stay upbeat South Africa and have a positive outlook! 

South African "Gees"

I know that this is a reallly bad quality photo, but I was driving in the rush-hour traffic trying to snap him with my iPhone while he was cycling furiously along the side of Main Road, Bryanston. I still could not resist posting the pic because this wonderful man is the epitome of South African "Gees".
Talk about still flying the flag, this guy should win the award for it. Everyone who drove past him landed up smiling. I think he is the coolest South African I have seen since the World Cup.

Stand Up

Lead SA is a new initiative encouraging every South African to make a difference by making small changes to their lives to make South Africa a better, crime-free nation. Similar to Nelson Mandela Day, where South Africans gave 67 minutes of their time to serve those less fortunate than ourselves in some way, Lead SA is motivating us to live daily for a better SA.
Small things like volunteering for an NGO regularly, driving at the speed limit, treating people with dignity and not talking on your cellphone while driving will all make a difference.
I have decided to search for the strengths in everyone I come across rather than judging their weaknesses. What are you going to do to stand up and make a difference?

Fly the Flag Fridays

So many people have made comments when they have seen that I still have my South African mirror socks and the SA flag on my car. It seems that because the 2010 FIFA World Cup is over, we apparently should remove all of our WC regalia. The thing is I loved the patriotism which sprung up all over the country and I am not quite ready for it to end yet.
So, you can see why I now totally endorse and support the Fly the Flag Fridays campaign. Instead of wearing Bafana Bafana shirts like we did on Football Fridays, we are now encouraged to wear the colours of our flag or display the flag somewhere, somehow on Fridays. Let's do it, Friday is a few days away. I dare you!

Shoprite Checkers Women of the Year Award

A huge CONGRATULATIONS goes to Jackie Gallagher, founder and General Manager of Sparrow Schools Educational Trust, who won the Shoprite Checkers Woman of the Year Award in the Education category  on Saturday night.


Initiatives like Sparrow Schools are part of the success story of this wonderful nation of South Africa, where ordinary people rise up and make a difference. Winners in the other categories included Lucilla Booyzen, Sister Jane Dzebu, Ms Lesley Ann van Selm and Ms Khanyisile Motsa.

Jozi

I love the vibe in Jozi. We may not have the beaches or the mountains, but we have incredibly inspiring and energetic people full of ideas and vision to span every aspect of life. It is wonderful to be surrounded by such a pool of inspiration. We also have the advantage of going to the beaches and the mountains for our holidays.
Jozi, may you grow from strength to strength and discard any form of xenophobia before it gets a grip on the nation. All those opposed to this scar on our land, speak out against it loudly and proudly.

Nelson Mandela Day

On Sunday 18 July '10 we have the most amazing opportunity to participate in the Nelson Mandela Day initiative. Nelson Mandela spent 67 years serving humanity and the challenge is that we all pledge to give a mere 67 minutes to doing good. It doesn't have to be a huge effort, but if everyone finds something small to do to help humanity, what a difference it will make. I would love to hear what people are planning to do.

Finale'

What a month, what a stadium, what a game and what a final! I was sent this beautiful photo of Soccer City by James Nachtwey of National Geographic by a friend last week  and thought that it was an apt way to end the blog pics celebrating the 2010 FIFA World Cup. It's all over now. Well done Spain and Holland.
I have decided not to get caught up in the post World Cup blues, but to find the positive things about living in South Africa and to post pics which celebrate our beautiful and diverse nation. So keep checking and if you have any celebrate living in South Africa pics to share, please feel free to join in. 

Finally 2010 FIFA World Cup Finals

Well, it is finally down to the 2010 FIFA World Cup Finals. What a sad thought, but what a marvelous time we have had over the last month. Once we all recover from the let down and post World Cup blues, the challenge is to keep the momentum of mzansi. I, for one, am looking for the next thing to promote in this wonderful and diverse nation in South Africa and to keep reconciliation well and truly alive.