I'm writing this quite late at night, so my apologies if it's a little scatty...
There is something strangely empowering about turning 30. I have found that in the months since my birthday, I have become more content with my life, in fact, it is as if I have finally come to terms with many of the issues which faced me in my 20's.
I started this new decade single, but extremely happy. I am in the process of taking control of my health and fitness and have stopped blaming the world for things that make me unhappy. I have been blessed not only with a phenomenal family, who I love very dearly, but lately with some awesome friends who have shown me that I have not been wrong all these years in what I believe friendship should be.
There is something liberating in accepting all my flaws and realising that - after all the stress of the past decade or so - that in a strange way, I'm finally comfortable in my own skin. I've realised that I don't owe anyone anything and that if it's important to me, I don't care what other people think.
It helps to have 2 new "older brothers" pushing me out of my comfort zone, but at the end of the day, the biggest change is in me. In accepting myself - flaws and all - and in taking ownership of my own life and happiness. If only I'd known all of this 10 years ago!!
Until next time...
Monday, September 29, 2008
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Friends in High Places...
We all have them. They're the friends with the "cool" jobs, the best contacts, the greatest perks. They are the friends that people wish they had. But why?
In my circle of friends I have published authors, illustrators, security system manufacturers, alcohol reps, strip club owners, helicopter pilots, weapons training instructors, stationery manufacturers, airline employees and many more. Each of these people has power to some degree, some have the power to provide glory by association, while others have the power to provide products that seem to please.
In my time, I have also BEEN the friend in high places. When I worked for an entertainment magazine, it was my access to free products from reps and VIP tickets to concerts which made me a group favourite and later, when I worked for a publisher, it was my 40% discount and free books which did the trick.
In those situations it is really hard to know who is your friend because of you or because of what "added value" you bring to the group. I have always taken it on faith that those people who were good friends when I worked at a craft market, probably weren't after my money :-)
Having been the "friend in high places", I understand just how important it is that the people in my circle of friends are in no doubt that I love THEM and not their jobs. I'm supportive, understanding, interested, but I never take advantage of them, nor allow them to feel at an time that they are expected to provide a product or service.
So, if you are the friend in high places, take the time to get to know the people in your life carefully. When new friends come into your life, DO NOT fall into the trap of sharing your perks with them straight off. Wait and see if they are more interested in that or you. If you are joining a group like mine, be upfront and honest with yourself and everyone else about your motives for wanting to be included.
I'm very protective of my group - in fact, we're protective of each other - and nothing ticks us off faster than a false friend.
Anyway, I guess that today's message is to take a good look at your friends and ensure that you're all in it for the same reasons and to value the PEOPLE in your life above all else.
Until next time...
In my circle of friends I have published authors, illustrators, security system manufacturers, alcohol reps, strip club owners, helicopter pilots, weapons training instructors, stationery manufacturers, airline employees and many more. Each of these people has power to some degree, some have the power to provide glory by association, while others have the power to provide products that seem to please.
In my time, I have also BEEN the friend in high places. When I worked for an entertainment magazine, it was my access to free products from reps and VIP tickets to concerts which made me a group favourite and later, when I worked for a publisher, it was my 40% discount and free books which did the trick.
In those situations it is really hard to know who is your friend because of you or because of what "added value" you bring to the group. I have always taken it on faith that those people who were good friends when I worked at a craft market, probably weren't after my money :-)
Having been the "friend in high places", I understand just how important it is that the people in my circle of friends are in no doubt that I love THEM and not their jobs. I'm supportive, understanding, interested, but I never take advantage of them, nor allow them to feel at an time that they are expected to provide a product or service.
So, if you are the friend in high places, take the time to get to know the people in your life carefully. When new friends come into your life, DO NOT fall into the trap of sharing your perks with them straight off. Wait and see if they are more interested in that or you. If you are joining a group like mine, be upfront and honest with yourself and everyone else about your motives for wanting to be included.
I'm very protective of my group - in fact, we're protective of each other - and nothing ticks us off faster than a false friend.
Anyway, I guess that today's message is to take a good look at your friends and ensure that you're all in it for the same reasons and to value the PEOPLE in your life above all else.
Until next time...
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Lions and Tigers and Bears...
... Oh My!!
I have the profound privilege of living in Cape Town, South Africa. It is a truly beautiful place to live and - having recently travelled around SA to Durban and Johannesburg - I can honestly say that it is the most spectacular city to live in!!
Of course, we're not immune to the problems which plague the majority of South Africans. The biggest of these problems is crime! Crime doesn't distinguish between black and white. It doesn't care if you're rich or poor. It pays no attention to your Religious beliefs. It pays scant attention to your age. It has a voracious appetite and moves through a community with all the subtlety of a bulldozer.
I myself have played unwilling host to Crime on 3 memorable and not so happy occassions. The first of these visits was in November last year when I awoke at 6 am to the fabulous news that my brother had trapped an intruder in our outside Granny Flat. Lovely!! This first visit was the most traumatic so far, firstly because this specimen of humanity, acting on behalf of Crime, was the only burglar that we have so far had the pleasure of meeting in person. Secondly, it was personally traumatic because he was going through MY stuff!
My reactions ran the full spectrum (especially over the antique jewellery which is gone for good) and I have to confess to feeling both terrified and strangely secure in my own home. However, life moves on and you soon discover that you need to find a way to move with it. And over a period of time, your sense of terror starts to diminish, you stop carrying your pepper spray all around the house with you and you start to find the positive in everything again. You also find that you are able to step back and realise that this wasn't personal... after all, Crime doesn't care who you are.
Then, just when you've finally decided to "get over it", you discover that Crime has a fantastic sense of humour!! Having made the statement to my father on a Sunday in March that I couldn't live in a constant state of fear, Crime popped round again on the Wednesday... just for a friendly visit. This time, it brazenly came in through the front window, breaking in through the burglar bars and - after doing some damage, trashing my room, stealing my clothes, the TV, DVD player, HiFi and kicking in my brothers door for R30 000 worth of computer - it broke out through the front security gate and sauntered off in broad daylight. Naturally, no-one saw or heard a thing.
This time, I was upset because for the second time my brother had been exposed to Crime and although he denies it, I know that it causes trauma. I was also worried about my pets as they were loose in the driveway. And then of course, I was upset about the loss of the property... I'll be honest, Crime had hit a bit harder this time because it had come into my home, into my space, into my very room! I'm not ashamed to admit that I slept fully clothed for a few days, with the lights on and the pepper spray in my hand. But you know what, it was just "stuff". My room was soon packed right and the fingerprint dust was easily washed off of everything. Again... the world turned and life returned to normal.
Of course, it would have been great if Crime and I had ended our association on this note. It was not to be. Crime may not care who you are, but when it likes you, it likes you. The world turned and soon it was September... You guessed it. My brother got home from work to discover that Crime had taken a second look at that front window. Crime gets a kind of perverse pleasure from trashing my room (and stealing my clothes... I suspect that Crime is a cross-dresser), but apart from that, it was only the new DVD player that went. We suspect that Crime was interupted as some stuff was packed but not taken. This time though, I wasn't even upset... I didn't shed a tear. I didn't rush straight home, in fact, I carried on tutoring and then went to Builders Warehouse to get a board to cover the broken window. I was incredibly angry though that it was my brother and not me that found it. I was angry that Crime got vindictive and broke some stuff. I was angry that I had to clean up again and deal with the police again. This time though, Crime had pushed too far and I raided my savings for new security fencing (amongst other things).
I also realised that Crime no longer had any power over me. The first break-in had left my hysterical and traumatised, a virtual prisoner of my own fear. Yes, I got over it, but that initial shock was huge. The second break-in was scary and upsetting, but it was then that I realised that it is just stuff. I know that will sound trite, but it's true. Of all the terrible things that could have happened, losing a few belongings (even pricesless or expensive ones) was really not that bad. By the third break-in, I was no longer scared, just mad.
I realised that Crime doesn't only steal our stuff from us. It likes to steal our lives from us too. If you allow yourself to stay scared, to live wrapped up in your fear, then Crime wins. Cancelling parties, not going out at night, never travelling alone, hiding behind your bars, all allow Crime to steal something from us that is far more precious than any "stuff" will ever be. Crime steals our lives from us if we allow it.
Mourn, be mad, be hurt, be scared, but then get over it. Take back your life. The only person who can make things feel "normal" again, is you. And if you don't care enough to do it, then you may as well lay down and die. Crime is a problem and it affects us all, but it doesn't have any more power than we allow it to have. Always remember that.
Until next time...
I have the profound privilege of living in Cape Town, South Africa. It is a truly beautiful place to live and - having recently travelled around SA to Durban and Johannesburg - I can honestly say that it is the most spectacular city to live in!!
Of course, we're not immune to the problems which plague the majority of South Africans. The biggest of these problems is crime! Crime doesn't distinguish between black and white. It doesn't care if you're rich or poor. It pays no attention to your Religious beliefs. It pays scant attention to your age. It has a voracious appetite and moves through a community with all the subtlety of a bulldozer.
I myself have played unwilling host to Crime on 3 memorable and not so happy occassions. The first of these visits was in November last year when I awoke at 6 am to the fabulous news that my brother had trapped an intruder in our outside Granny Flat. Lovely!! This first visit was the most traumatic so far, firstly because this specimen of humanity, acting on behalf of Crime, was the only burglar that we have so far had the pleasure of meeting in person. Secondly, it was personally traumatic because he was going through MY stuff!
My reactions ran the full spectrum (especially over the antique jewellery which is gone for good) and I have to confess to feeling both terrified and strangely secure in my own home. However, life moves on and you soon discover that you need to find a way to move with it. And over a period of time, your sense of terror starts to diminish, you stop carrying your pepper spray all around the house with you and you start to find the positive in everything again. You also find that you are able to step back and realise that this wasn't personal... after all, Crime doesn't care who you are.
Then, just when you've finally decided to "get over it", you discover that Crime has a fantastic sense of humour!! Having made the statement to my father on a Sunday in March that I couldn't live in a constant state of fear, Crime popped round again on the Wednesday... just for a friendly visit. This time, it brazenly came in through the front window, breaking in through the burglar bars and - after doing some damage, trashing my room, stealing my clothes, the TV, DVD player, HiFi and kicking in my brothers door for R30 000 worth of computer - it broke out through the front security gate and sauntered off in broad daylight. Naturally, no-one saw or heard a thing.
This time, I was upset because for the second time my brother had been exposed to Crime and although he denies it, I know that it causes trauma. I was also worried about my pets as they were loose in the driveway. And then of course, I was upset about the loss of the property... I'll be honest, Crime had hit a bit harder this time because it had come into my home, into my space, into my very room! I'm not ashamed to admit that I slept fully clothed for a few days, with the lights on and the pepper spray in my hand. But you know what, it was just "stuff". My room was soon packed right and the fingerprint dust was easily washed off of everything. Again... the world turned and life returned to normal.
Of course, it would have been great if Crime and I had ended our association on this note. It was not to be. Crime may not care who you are, but when it likes you, it likes you. The world turned and soon it was September... You guessed it. My brother got home from work to discover that Crime had taken a second look at that front window. Crime gets a kind of perverse pleasure from trashing my room (and stealing my clothes... I suspect that Crime is a cross-dresser), but apart from that, it was only the new DVD player that went. We suspect that Crime was interupted as some stuff was packed but not taken. This time though, I wasn't even upset... I didn't shed a tear. I didn't rush straight home, in fact, I carried on tutoring and then went to Builders Warehouse to get a board to cover the broken window. I was incredibly angry though that it was my brother and not me that found it. I was angry that Crime got vindictive and broke some stuff. I was angry that I had to clean up again and deal with the police again. This time though, Crime had pushed too far and I raided my savings for new security fencing (amongst other things).
I also realised that Crime no longer had any power over me. The first break-in had left my hysterical and traumatised, a virtual prisoner of my own fear. Yes, I got over it, but that initial shock was huge. The second break-in was scary and upsetting, but it was then that I realised that it is just stuff. I know that will sound trite, but it's true. Of all the terrible things that could have happened, losing a few belongings (even pricesless or expensive ones) was really not that bad. By the third break-in, I was no longer scared, just mad.
I realised that Crime doesn't only steal our stuff from us. It likes to steal our lives from us too. If you allow yourself to stay scared, to live wrapped up in your fear, then Crime wins. Cancelling parties, not going out at night, never travelling alone, hiding behind your bars, all allow Crime to steal something from us that is far more precious than any "stuff" will ever be. Crime steals our lives from us if we allow it.
Mourn, be mad, be hurt, be scared, but then get over it. Take back your life. The only person who can make things feel "normal" again, is you. And if you don't care enough to do it, then you may as well lay down and die. Crime is a problem and it affects us all, but it doesn't have any more power than we allow it to have. Always remember that.
Until next time...
Sunday, September 21, 2008
Welcome Back
It's been more than a year since I last blogged. To be honest, I think I lost interest in a lot of things and blogging fell by the roadside. Lately though, I've been re-discovering things that I thought were gone and also discovering some things that I never knew existed. I've also been overtaken by a desire to express myself again... and voila, back to blogging.
I recently had an eye-opening evening, which brought the rest of my life into a kind of focus. I started to evaluate my own priorities and to really examine my relationships. I have always believed that relationships, friendships or otherwise, are a seesaw. Smart people know that they're never 50/50, but rather give and take. The problem comes in though when you realise that the seesaw has become stuck - especially if it is skewed away from you.
I also realised that there are many people in our lives who are "users" rather than "givers". Which doesn't help if you happen to be a "giver". You find yourself pouring energy into those people - helping them, nurturing them, being there for them. It's rewarding in its own way, but does nothing for you if you don't get anything back.
It's important to realise that you need to put the majority of your energy into yourself. If your batteries are run down, you're no good to anyone. Apart from that, it's also important to make sure that you are investing your energy wisely, in relationships that are meaningful and in people who take the time to invest energy in you in return.
In life, there are no "do overs". You usually only get one shot and it's important to make it a good one. Even if you end up getting hurt, if you can look back and be content with how you have handled a situation or the kind of friend you have been, then the battle is half won. Surround yourself with people that you love, but who also nurture you in return. Be there for the people who need you, even if they can't always return the favour. And finally, listen to the advice, the criticism and the praise - no matter how surprising the source. You may find that it contains a valuable lesson. At the very least, it deserves to be heard.
Until next time...
I recently had an eye-opening evening, which brought the rest of my life into a kind of focus. I started to evaluate my own priorities and to really examine my relationships. I have always believed that relationships, friendships or otherwise, are a seesaw. Smart people know that they're never 50/50, but rather give and take. The problem comes in though when you realise that the seesaw has become stuck - especially if it is skewed away from you.
I also realised that there are many people in our lives who are "users" rather than "givers". Which doesn't help if you happen to be a "giver". You find yourself pouring energy into those people - helping them, nurturing them, being there for them. It's rewarding in its own way, but does nothing for you if you don't get anything back.
It's important to realise that you need to put the majority of your energy into yourself. If your batteries are run down, you're no good to anyone. Apart from that, it's also important to make sure that you are investing your energy wisely, in relationships that are meaningful and in people who take the time to invest energy in you in return.
In life, there are no "do overs". You usually only get one shot and it's important to make it a good one. Even if you end up getting hurt, if you can look back and be content with how you have handled a situation or the kind of friend you have been, then the battle is half won. Surround yourself with people that you love, but who also nurture you in return. Be there for the people who need you, even if they can't always return the favour. And finally, listen to the advice, the criticism and the praise - no matter how surprising the source. You may find that it contains a valuable lesson. At the very least, it deserves to be heard.
Until next time...
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