As The Year Comes To A Close…
Oh my! I’ve got a lot of things going on in my head at this moment and I’m typing this post asking myself, where do I start, which of these ponderings do I share with you? Eventually, I’m settling on sharing some incredible insights I got this year- the ones that were profound for me. Although I am somewhat jaded at this time of the year, it’s hard to not reflect on the past 12 months and consider how the new year will be lived. It is a new decade people! It calls for celebration and a bit of introspection, even if it is a forced, superficial attempt for those that are not that contemplative.
I was involved in a car accident on the early morning of the 8th of April this year and although my car had to be written off, I am so grateful to God that I was not physically hurt- this incident reminded me that I cannot take my existence for granted. So, to start with, and as cliched as it sounds, I am grateful that I am alive, sane and physically healthy. I am thankful for my husband who after God, remains my biggest source of strength, support and inspiration, constantly cheering and spurring me on in all my endeavours; my daughter who lightens up my world and never ceases to bring out the fun side of me; my family members who remain loving and caring, as well as my small circle of friends whom I share my never ending highs and lows with. I am thankful that my job helps me to afford a decent lifestyle, allows me to expand and stimulate my mind, increases my scope of influence while also adding value to my colleagues and clients.
I can write an epistle here, but you pretty much get the gist. I will implore you to do the same, and even if you feel there is absolutely nothing worth being thankful for, remember that things could have been worse. You could have been caught up in worse situations, or completely lost your marbles, or be at the receiving end of an unplanned predicament, but you are still here, and reading this. And if with all certainty, you believe there’s really nothing worth being hyped about, about 2019, remember that when there is life, there is hope.
I gained some incredible insights in this year, mostly from books and articles that I read- insights which I’ll take into the new year with me. These are no ground breaking, revolutionary discoveries, but simply the basics- the little things that make the difference. I want to share these with you and I hope you’ll find meaning in these, and that at least one of these insights will impact you positively. Let’s get into it.
- “Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier”- Colin Powell.
As you enter the new year, never ever EVER doubt that the outcomes will be favourable for you, and that the tides will turn in your favour.
2. “Daring to establish limits is about having the courage to love ourselves, even when we run the risk of disappointing others”- Brene Brown
If you keep letting the toxicity in, you will keep on polluting your life. Setting healthy boundaries is one of the best things you can do for yourself- it’s not always easy, but once you start, you’ll get better at it.
3. “If you want to see the true measure of a man (woman), watch how he(she) treats his (her) inferiors, not his (her) equals”- JK Rawlings
Pretty much self-explanatory, showing respect and kindness always goes a long way.
4. “Multum in Parvo- big things come from small things”- Author unknown
I wrote about this in an article here, discussing the impact small habits which are consistently practised, have on our overall wellbeing. I recently read the same post, as I needed a reminder of those small things. Whatever you do in the new year, remember that the small things matter- consistency, honesty, reliability, having a respect for yourself and others, showing compassion, punctuality, hard work etc.
5. “While change can produce uncertainty- even anxiety, it also offers great opportunities for renewal and revitalisation and for progress”- Cyril Ramaphosa
Although I am not a fortune teller, I can bet my top money on the fact that there will be changes in 2020. I am learning to adapt to change and not resist it, and that is a mindset that will be an arsenal in your life’s toolkit in the new year. I encourage you to do the same and if you need help with that, read my article on handling transitions here.
6. “Enjoy life, don’t spoil it by rushing around”- Jia Pingwa
The world is in a rush-and where we are all rushing to, who really knows? It’s a case of going nowhere slowly or going nowhere fast. In the new year, take more breaks to nurture yourself and to revitalise your life.
7. “I will not minimise my boldness because others prefer me softer”- Ashley Rose
This insight resounds deeply with me. I will continue to strive to be my truest and most authentic self, ensuring that my values serve as my life rudder. There is nothing as liberating as being rooted in your core, and I want to be further entrenched in my life’s ideals in the new year. I’ll implore you to strive to be genuine, to be real and to be in harmony with yourself in 2020, it’ll do you a lot of good.
8. Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.” ~Maya Angelou
Above all else, if you are unable to bring a smile to someone’s face in your daily dealings, then what’s the point? Be the joy that make a difference in someone’s life.
9. “We never know our strength until life tests us. But most of all, we don’t know what strength and power another person has until we follow them for a while on their journey”- Christina Rickardsson
While you will never walk in everyone’s shoes in order to understand what they are going through, be more empathetic towards people in this new year. Show some compassion and allow some leeway, do unto others as you’ll want them to do unto you.
I truly hope that the new year is one in which your dreams come true and you find fulfilment in all areas of your life. May good fortunes come your way, may you experience good health, peace of mind and goodwill on all sides. And as you prepare for 2020, in the words of Rumi, “remember to let the dead leaves drop”.
Catch up soon xoxoxo
