Today Facebook reminded me of a 10 year old post. I was celebrating having enrolled for my BA in psychology and anthropology. Everyone thought I was mad. Today I am counting down the weeks to graduation day for my BA Honours in psychology.
It was a reminder that the time will fly by anyway. Time’s passing is out of my control but what is in my control is how I use it. Sometimes our dreams and goals seem so far away and we give up because we think it will take too long to achieve. The reality is that the time is going to pass anyway so go out and do that you have always wanted to do. One day you will look back and realise who much you maximised your time on this earth instead of wasting it in fear of “how long a dream or goal will take to achieve”.
Haven you ever chosen to do something even though it would take you what seemed like forever?
Where shall I start??? I love animals. Especially the warm-blooded kind. Cold-blooded animals…I am impartial, too. So what’s my favourite animal. I think our feral cat family would scratch me if I didn’t say cats.
Let me introduce you to them :
Russell
Russell
Meet Russell. He is from the first litter of 5 that his mum brought to my door. He is two years old. He is a very vocal somebody who is unsure if he is a big baby or a big gib. He tends to arrive 30 minutes before dinner time and makes a racket for at least 10 mins in the hope of being fed early. It never happens but he tries his luck every day without fail. He drives me insane but I love him anyway.
Meow Meow
Meow Meow
This gorgeous young gib is called Meow Meow because he was a very vocal kitten. He is from the second litter that his mum brought to my door. He will be two years old next month. He has grown up to be a quiet, independent soul. Russell torments him sometimes, so I think that is why he prefers to keep to himself, yet if Russell comes to call him, he dutifully rouses himself from his sleep and goes off with him. They have a weird relationship. I could always count on Meow Meow to let me know if a kitten had messed up in the house. It disturbed him when they did. He is super smart; if I ask him to tell me when a cat is at the door, he will do so. He hates being touched, which breaks my heart because he has the most beautiful, thick, soft fur coat.
Socks and Shoes
Socks and Shoes
These are from the last batch of kittens that were brought to my door. Socks is the only female that their mum gave birth to. (Well, that I noticed anyway.) She is the cutie pie on the left. She is a very, very independent soul and prefers to be outside. Shoes, on the other hand, prefers to be inside and I sometimes have to chase him around the house when it is time for him to go. He is absolutely adorable. These two will be a year old next month.
Bob
Bob and Socks
Bob is from the 3rd litter. Here is with Socks. These two are almost inseparable. Strangely enough, when their mother kicked Socks and Shoes “out of the nest”, big brother Bob took them under his wing and let them “suckle” on him for comfort. It was sweet of him at the time but it is just weird now because he still lets Socks do it. Poor Shoes tries his luck every time but Bob will have none of it. Meow Meow is also quite attached to the kittens and still plays with them when they need a playmate.
I have managed to sterilise the whole lot, including their mum, so thankfully, Socks and Shoes are the last kittens. Before the arrival of this lot, I was a dog person. I still am, but these guys (and doll) have taught me that cats are adorable too. They have taken over my home (at meal times) and my heart (at all times)
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?
Grounded African 