Category: Blog posts

“Not How Long, But How Well You Lived is the Main Thing” – Seneca

Daily writing prompt
What are your thoughts on the concept of living a very long life?
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Yesterday I turned 51. My cousin and I were laughing about how turning 50 is this huge milestone that we make a big deal about and then you turn 51. No fanfare. Just another birthday. But I guess it’s what you make of it. One thing I did say on my birthday last year was that I felt like I was just starting the second half of my life and I still feel that way. Who knows, a physically long life may very well be in the cards for me. What matters more, though, is what I do with my here and now as tomorrow is not promised to me.

I am learning to focus on the things that are in my control for example:

  • How long I live is not really in my control, so I am not too concerned about it. What’s in my control is what I can do to remain healthy so that I have a good quality of life if I live a long life.
  • It is also in my control to keep learning so that I keep earning if I live a long life.
  • It’s also in my control to enjoy new experiences as often as I can
  • Showing kindness every day, teaching someone something new and sharing a smile with everyone I see, whether I know them or not, is definitely in my control. Why not make someone’s day?
  • It is also in my control to let go and let God every day, as ironic as that sounds.

I would love to live a long life, to have all the experiences I would like, and, more importantly, to watch my son grow into the amazing man I can see he is becoming and to meet and help raise my grandchildren at some point. However, none of that is 100% in my control, and I am ok with that. I am grateful for the here and now that I do have.

What are your thoughts on the concept?

Thanks for popping by. Be blessed.

“One who takes the road less traveled earns the rewards most missed.”― Matshona Dhliwayo

Daily writing prompt
What could you do differently?
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Phew! Where does one start…lol! There is so much I could do differently and should, but for this post, I will focus on one. 

Image: Canva

I could make better use of the loyalty programmes I belong to!

It probably seems odd, but the reality is that those loyalty benefits can extend your salary if you use them as intended. There are two loyalty programmes that I could be making the best use of.

My Banking Loyalty Programme

I love my bank. It is digitally savvy. I earn loyalty points every time I swipe my card. I will shop anyway, so why not earn points just for shopping? I earn extra points for filling up at the specified Petrol (Gas) station brand, shopping at specified stores, and, of course, having certain banking products. So earning them is relatively easy, although every year they make it a little more difficult :(. How does this stretch my salary? Well, I can

  • Pay for petrol
  • Shop at a popular Health and Beauty Store that is in every mall
  • Pay for my online shopping at the most popular online stores
  • Pay my monthly banking fees.
  • Pay for flights and car hire
  • Pay a fraction of the cost for certain courses on Udemy

The list of benefits is pretty long, and I usually allow the points to accumulate so that I have a backup for those months when I need to make an unexpected trip that knocks my petrol budget off. If I need to free up extra cash, I pay for my banking fees using points that month. I also use it for emergency pharmacy purchases.

My Medical Aid Loyalty Programme

The thing i like about the this loyalty programme is that is designed to encourage you to live a healthy lifestyle. 

  • Exercising and meeting your fitness goals earns points
  • Buying healthy food earns points, although I disagree with a few items on their list. The vast majority are fruits, veggies, complex carbs, proteins, and healthy fats.
  • having Health numbers checked and staying with health guidelines
  • getting your preventative check-ups done like mammograms and pap smears etc

And, of course, I get to use them for most of the same things as my banking loyalty programme.  I can convert the points to cash to pay my linked credit card. I also get excellent discounts on sportswear and equipment. 

I guess that’s what I will be doing tomorrow. I will be going through the programmes and playing how I will be maximising my points this year.

Do you belong to loyalty programmes? Do you make good use of them?

Thanks for popping by. Be blessed!

Signs of Life…

Daily writing prompt
If you had a freeway billboard, what would it say?
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hmmm…I have two options that I would like to use:

Image: Canva

1. Everything You Need is Within You Now

The first time I heard this affirmation, I felt so empowered. I use it daily to boost my confidence, especially when faced with a challenge. This doesn’t mean I have all the answers. Sometimes, it means I have the courage to do what needs to be done. Other times it could mean that someone else has the answers and I have the right questions to ask to get to the answers through them. Ultimately, it means I am equipped with what it takes to get the job done or reach my goal. 

2. You are Powerful Beyond Measure

Image: Canva

This is taken from Marianne Williamson’s poem about our deepest fear. The first two lines read, “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. …’ It can be found in her book “A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of A Course in Miracles” which I am currently re-reading or here. The poem resonated with me when I heard it the movie “Coach Carter”. Imagine what you can accomplish in your life if you understand and accept how powerful you really are. We all have gifts that God has bestowed on us, and if we focus on them, they will make room for us and allow us to make a positive impact in our corner of the world or further afield. As I understand it, the concept is taken from a verse in Proverbs. 

A lot of people don’t believe in the power of affirmations and that’s ok. I do believe that constant repetition of a phrase eventually entrenches itself in your subconscious brain and forms part of your belief systems. It has worked for me on countless occasions. Both these affirmations can help you overcome self-doubt.. Of course we do all have free will and can use this new found self-belief for good or not-so-good outcomes. I pray your intentions will also be for the benefit of yours and the greater good.

What affirmations do you find helpful or have found helpful to overcome challenges or develop new habits?

Thanks for popping by. Be blessed.