Tag: writing

Honouring the Story That Shaped Me – Day 7 2025

Reflection

Today would have been my parents’ 53rd wedding anniversary. I am so grateful that they came together at a point in their lives. I wouldn’t be here if they didn’t, and I definitely wouldn’t be the person I am today. I am grateful that I was able to experience a loving home when I was younger. I am grateful that in the moments that counted, they always tried to ensure that we experienced it as a family. Sometimes life got in the way but our family was most important to them. I cannot remember a Christmas or Easter when they were not at home.

From this I learnt that family was important to both of them. No matter what, they were always inclusive of each other’s extended families as well. When I was a kid, my dad would happily drive us to various towns and cities to visit family. I loved those trips.

What I learned from each of them

From my mum I learned independence and resilience. My mother got her driver’s license when I was in high school or earlier. She was one of the few mum’s in the neighbourhood who drove. She worked as a bookkeeper when I was in primary school and then as the church’s secretary and bookkeeper until the day she died. She was not afraid of technology and took the necessary courses to upgrade her skills. She was an amazing baker and this became her side hustle. In all honesty, I did not appreciate how fantastic my mum was while she was here. A lot of what she did, she did with such grace that it looked it was perfectly normal for women to do what she did. I am grateful that I at least get to appreciate her now.

As far as I am aware, my dad never felt threatened by my mum’s independence. Perhaps it’s because his mum was also a strong independent woman. He encouraged me to be independent and to never let a man make me feel inferior. He was also an independent soul that tried his hand at entrepreneurship more than once. He was not successful with his ventures but, it hasn’t stopped him from trying. He is in his 70’s and still trying out new business ideas. My dad is also very curious and one of our family historians. I guess I get my curiosity from him.

A Question for You  

No two parents are perfect. What is one good thing in your life today that you feel grateful for that was shaped by your parents?

Quote of the Day  

“Being grateful for family doesn’t mean they’re perfect, it means you see their worth.”

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Image: Canva

Getting back to me – Day 4 2025

A few months ago, I think I was listening to a podcast. One of the topics was about getting back to being yourself to de-stress. At the time I was feeling a bit overwhelmed with my job and new team. I took a moment to remember those times in my life when I was most relaxed. What did I do every day or most often?

I used to journal often. I have never really being a daily journal writer but I have used to write in my journal a few times a week. I also used to read a lot. So started to journal more often. I had become so lackadaisical about it that my entries were months apart. (Much like my blogging 🤪) I am back to journaling a few times a week. It really helps to clear my head.

Photo by Jess Bailey Designs on Pexels.com

I have always read but I had gotten into the habit of only reading non-fiction. I still enjoy them, but I didn’t realise how much I missed fiction until I decided to tackle the many unread books on my bookshelf. I have gotten back to enjoying Michael Connelly and Jonathan Kellerman. I have finally started reading Stephen Leather novels. I do find them a little slower than Connelly and Kellerman. It also drives me insane that his books do not have chapters. There are just paragraph breaks. Dan Shepard has grown on me though so I will continue to read Stephen Leather’s books. I also like the fact that his stories are set in the UK. I love just about everything British. The slowest books though are Robert Galbraith’s (aka J.K. Rowling). They seem to follow a similar story arc as the Harry Potter books. The bit in the middle can be quite convoluted but it always comes together pretty well. I do like Robyn and Comoran Strike so i will continue to persevere through all the convoluted middles.😁. I am really enjoying reading again and am grateful that I can read.

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I am always on the lookout for new authors, so do share any murder mystery or spy authors you enjoy.

I have to say that both reading and journaling have helped me get back to feeling like my old self again and this has helped lower my stress levels, and helped me gain perspective and clarity on certain things.

What have you done differently to relive stress this year? Let me know in the comments.

Thanks for popping by.

Don’t forget to be amazing!

A Month of Gratitude 2024: Day 5

Well. It’s 23:30 as I write this so I am definitely cutting it close today. I just didn’t want to break the chain.

I have to admit that I am super tired as I have only just finished the urgent and important stuff on my plate. The good news is that tomorrow is a team get together day so it will be a bit of downtime for a change.

I guess the thing I am most grateful for today is that I can afford the technology that I have. It is liberating. Yesterday afternoon, I took my son to play soccer with his friends, and I needed to wait at the venue. I also had a meeting that I needed to dial into. So there I was, multitasking to the max, and all I needed was my cellphone and AirPods. I even found myself dashing into Starbucks in the middle of the meeting because I really needed a coffee. None of this was possible 10 – 15 years ago, and in South Africa, this level of convenience is still out of reach for at least a third of the population.

For my son, this is all the norm, but for me, it is utterly mindblowing that my whole world is on that cellphone. I don’t even need a purse anymore! I am really grateful that I am able to afford and use the tech that is now available to us. It’s amazing!

I am going to keep it short and sweet tonight. Thanks for popping by!

Bye for now!