it’s been a sad week watching the destruction and devastation going on in the Ukraine. I cannot imagine what the people in that country are feeling and experiencing right now. My prayers are with them.
1 Self-reflection
Image: Canva
I need to ask more, and different, questions. I have been in the same field for a long time. As a result, my experience can sometimes bog me down and also give me tunnel vision. Asking different questions will help me look at people, situations and experiences with new eyes and help me generate new insights.
1 thing I read
My book of the week is “Little Bets” by Peter Sims
“Anybody can do this. You just need to ask the right questions.” This was Chet Pipkins’ realisation that eventually led to the creation of Belkin, a computer accessories company. Questions lead to experiments and experiments lead to breakthroughs. Mistakes along the way is a given and it is only a failure if you give up.
1 thing I am grateful for
I heard Janet Jackson’s song Control yesterday. I think it was from her first solo album. I couldn’t help but smile (and dance) because I am so fortunate to have grown up being influenced by the likes of Janet Jackson, Mary J. Blige, Salt n’ Pepa, TLC, Sybil, Missy E Elliot and all the other strong black female artists of the time. They stood tall and owned their uniqueness. I am grateful for their influence. I would not be who I am today if it wasn’t for the example they set. Of course there have been many strong women who have influenced me and you can read my previous post on this topic here.
I will leave you with a blessing. Have an awesome week!
Reflection is a tool that is recommeneded by the business community as well as the self help community. I am sure we all do it but I have to say that most of my reflections have largely being about beating myself up about what I did or didn’t do that day or week. There’s no real benefit in that. This year, since “action” is my word for the year, I have decided to do it in, what I hope is, a more productive way.
Image: Canva
1 self-reflection
If the previous paragraph didn’t give you a hint, it’s that I am waaaay too hard on myself. Whenever something goes wrong, I tend to beat myself up about it. This week I witnessed more people having similar issues to those that I have had and it dawned on me that these things can and do happen to anyone. Even the most experienced in a field or some of the brightest minds that I have the privilege to work with/know. Sh*t happens. It is not about me but there are always lessons I can take from it. I don’t have all the answers and I never will. I just need to identify the right people who do have the answers I need.
1 thing I read
My book of the week is “The Psychology of Money” by Morgan Housel.
“I have no sunk costs” This was Daniel Kahneman’s response to Jason Zweig when he asked him how he could start again on a chapter even though they had already completed a draft. Morgan Housel defines “Sunk Costs” as anchoring decisions to past efforts that can’t be refunded. He also says that they make our future selves prisoners to our past, different, selves. How much do you hold on to because of the time or money you have already sunk into it even though it no longer serves you? This was a reminder for me to continue the physical and mental decluttering journey I have been on over the past few months. There is so much more I still need to let go of.
1 thing I heard
“The reason why a lot people won’t become who they want is because they’re too attached to who they have been” Lisa Nicols on Instagram. This relates to sunk costs again. I feel like the universe is trying to tell me something here ☺️. Guess I need to speed up the decluttering and letting go process. It sounds like the Universe has something good in store for me 😉
1 thing I saw
George and Georgina’s mum had more kittens and once again she brought them over to my courtyard. She must feel safe with us. It’s being awesome watching how much they have developed over this week. They started the week getting up on very shaky legs and playing with each other in slow motion and have ended it on stronger legs and a little faster and more agile. I am blown away at how they already know to groom themselves too. They are so gorgeous. And yes, I have asked our body corporate to have her spayed but until they do, my door is always open to her and her kittens.
Play time with big sister (she stole the box I put for them to huddle in🙈)
Sadly George ran off about 3 weeks ago. We miss him terribly but we can only pray that he is happy and safe wherever he is. Georgina missed him the most and has been terribly lonely but I see that she is now taking on and enjoying the role of big sister.
The last pic I took of George the day before he ran off. 😔
1 thing I am grateful for
I am blessed to have a home which is filled with love. I am blessed that my son and I can feel safe within it’s boundaries and that even a stray cat finds our yard a safe space for her and her little family. Thank you God for enabling this for us.
There was way more I learnt, saw and experienced this week but I will stop here.
I will leave you with a blessing a learnt this week:
Grounded African 