Two Steps

This was me 2008 - Casual Day - Needless to say I've blossomed since then, but watch out 2011.

2010/10/22
OMG (Oh my goodness)
I can’t believe it. I weighed myself this morning and I have lost a total of 4.7kg in the past two weeks. I am out of this world. I found myself walking different this morning, doing my daily tasks differently. I can’t see where the weight has dropped off (I feel as if it is all in my head –), but I feel thinner and more confident. I decided when I started this journey not to focus on the big goal, but rather smaller and more achievable ones. I am not on a diet as in “Do not deviate off the road” If I want to stop and sightsee at something that takes my fancy then so be it. I will however be in control of how much sightseeing I am doing.
I also started walking last night. Due to the fact that my foot has been in so much agony the past few months I battle to walk for long distances and sometimes I battle to walk at all. Especially at night – after a long days slog. I started the treadmill, got my latest “Twilight series” book and started walking. 23 minutes later I packed it in, but felt satisfied. However, my foot decided on some major and intense revenge, when I couldn’t sleep due to the pain.
This morning when I got up (With more of a jumpstart than yesterday –I have to admit) and I weighed myself I felt that it was all worth it. I am not one for major physical jerks, dumbbells and so forth, but the walking will at least get me to a level where my fitness at least improves and that for me is more of a bonus than the whole weight loss saga.
At work we are very safety conscious and our motto is: “THE TWO STEPS TO SAFETY – WHAT CAN HARM ME AND WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT”
Well I’m looking at my health the same way. What can harm me (lots of cakes, chips, pasta etc) and what can I do about it (Don’t eat all those fattening, artery clogging, health risking foods or I can change my mindset and think healthier and thinner) I will never stop eating pasta, but I won’t heap my plate the way I used to, or I will slim down what I put on the pasta. Of course there is no substitute for some foods – cheese for example. Love the good old toasted sami, pasta dripping with melted cheese, just plain cheese on it’s own – MMMMMmmmmmmmmm. So now instead of having a cheese sami I might have some fruit and cheese. I prefer savoury foods to sweet and I think that is why a diet has never really worked for me. All the shakes etc are all sweet. But while I might be compromising on some muchies without compromising on what I feel like eating at the end of the meal I feel more satisfied by the fact that I’ve eaten properly compared to feeling dissatisfied about having stuffed my face because I could.
Furthermore I am not one for log sheets of what I’ve eaten and spreadsheets and diaries to make me feel guilty about what I’ve allowed to pass my lips.
So peoples, hang in there, all good things come to those who wait and for those who persevere in the face of adversity – BONUS.
You gain strength and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face … You must do the thing you think you cannot do – Eleanor Roosevelt

Getting Square

2010/10/19
I was watching the movie “Legion” with Denis Quaid and Paul Bettany the other night and the one character says ”If you don’t wake up tomorrow if it turns out that today is your last day on earth, would you be proud of what you’ve done in this life, because if you ain’t, you better start getting square” that really got to me and I remember the first time I watched the movie that it made an impact on my life. Hold on to your skirts - Now don’t get me wrong – I’m not saying go all religious or over zealous with your faiths or what and whoever you believe in. We all believe differently and the point is that we need to make the most of the life we have. I want to have a good ‘today’ and tomorrow I want to be able to say that “Yesterday was a good day, I am proud of what I achieved”
I am so proud of myself, health wise, because I want my last years on earth to make a difference and the only way I can do that is by being as health as I can be for my “height” Ha, Ha. I know that there is a joke out there that goes: “I’m not over weight, I’m under tall”. As I can’t get away with being under tall and I don’t want to be overweight. I have taken the bull by the horns and got off my lazy ass and slowly but surely I am starting on my new health regime. (Baby steps)
We had a ladies lunch last week and I amazed myself at my constraint. Normally when someone else cooks and the food is to die for I try to eat as much of the good stuff as I can. I had a divine potato soup for a starter instead of a creamy puff pastry fishy starter, Main course was wild pig (I think) stew, rice, various veggies (some laced and dripping with sweet, sugary, creamy saude), salads and gravies. I scaled down to just some meat, a small portion of rice, two small portions of veggies and salad. Deserts of course consisted of a gorgeous looking milk tart, a hot desert, fresh fruit salad and custard. I opted for just the fruit salad. At the end of the day I was content with what I ate and walked away satisfied and not craving for more. What had happened is that I had changed my mindset and convinced myself that I only needed so much and no more.
Now if I am full I stop eating, regardless of what is left on my plate. The food does not get wasted, it gets recycled. (sons, husbands and dogs work well for this purpose).
To date in the last week I have lost nearly 2kg. Now I know a lot of you might think that I might be on a starvation diet, but I’m not - I am merely making a conscious effort to change my habits.
If and when I feel like binging and trust me I do. (I eat when I am stressed, when I’m bored, when I’m moody and emotional, any excuse will do.) I open the fridge door, look at all the cheese and spreads and cherries and fizzy drinks and either take a bottle of water of opt for fruit.
As mentioned before I am not a morning person and with our EARLY work schedule I have bad eating habits. No I take this back I HAD bad eating habits. I am now eating a special K breakfast bar for breakfast with a cup of coffee or a bottle of water. For lunch (which I also normally did not eat) I am having a plate of special K cereal. By the time I get home I normally want to devour the whole fridge – door and all. Now I can easily wait until I have made supper and I find myself now looking for healthier meals.
Mark loves salads and in the heat we live in it is a nice healthy option. Our only drawback is that we don’t have a wide variety of Fresh and healthy looking salad goodies to choose from, but I make do. Charl my son, and I both love pasta and the easiest meal for us would be 2 minute noodles, macaroni and cheese or anything related.
My all time favourite meal is Lasagna or Spaghetti Bolognaise the way my mom taught me. Rich and spicy. I hate having to think of everyday evening meals, I find it such a bore. I love catering and baking and inevitably end up cooking up something delectable and orgasmic to take to work. Now, I find myself looking for easy healthy meals and GOOGLE IS MY BEST FRIEND. I don’t always succeed, but I can still cook up a storm that is not detrimental to my health and the health of those around me. I am not going to die if I do eat a piece of chocolate cake; I now just eat smaller portions or fewer portions. I don’t beat myself up if I crook, I just drink more water (which by the way I absolutely loath, hate and detest, and that doesn’t even cover how much I don’t like water), BUT if I want to do more with my life and with those around me, if I want my last days on earth to count for something. I want a better quality of life and if I have to give up some of the finer things in life then so bet it. I might lose on the swings, but I’ll win on the roundabout.
I battled with Bronchial Pneumonia a couple of years ago and since then if someone walked past my office building and they had the sniffles and snotters I would get sick. As a result I have a menagerie of vitamins that I take each day to counteract this vile onslaught. Basically it consists of an immune booster, multivitamins, hair and nail growth vitamin etc. Then at night I take Calcium and Magnesium vitamins or enhancements. I haven’t taken for two weeks now and I have found that the vitamins are causing me to have serious munchies. Now I’m not saying ‘Stop taking Vitamins’. I’m saying (as any good dietician most likely would) find your vitamins and minerals and the immune boosting nutrients you need from the food you eat. For me taking a vitamin pill has always been the easy and yes the LAZY route. But I have to make a change and look elsewhere. Keep in mind that our bodies are very different and what works for me might not necessarily work for you. So I leave you with the message I started with: “If you don’t wake up tomorrow if it turns out that today is your last day on earth, would you be proud of what you’ve done in this life, because if you ain’t, you better start getting square”

2010/10/19
I was watching the movie “Legion” with Denis Quaid and Paul Bettany the other night and the one character says ”If you don’t wake up tomorrow if it turns out that today is your last day on earth, would you be proud of what you’ve done in this life, because if you ain’t, you better start getting square” that really got to me and I remember the first time I watched the movie that it made an impact on my life. Hold on to your skirts - Now don’t get me wrong – I’m not saying go all religious or over zealous with your faiths or what and whoever you believe in. We all believe differently and the point is that we need to make the most of the life we have. I want to have a good ‘today’ and tomorrow I want to be able to say that “Yesterday was a good day, I am proud of what I achieved”
I am so proud of myself, health wise, because I want my last years on earth to make a difference and the only way I can do that is by being as health as I can be for my “height” Ha, Ha. I know that there is a joke out there that goes: “I’m not over weight, I’m under tall”. As I can’t get away with being under tall and I don’t want to be overweight. I have taken the bull by the horns and got off my lazy ass and slowly but surely I am starting on my new health regime. (Baby steps)
We had a ladies lunch last week and I amazed myself at my constraint. Normally when someone else cooks and the food is to die for I try to eat as much of the good stuff as I can. I had a divine potato soup for a starter instead of a creamy puff pastry fishy starter, Main course was wild pig (I think) stew, rice, various veggies (some laced and dripping with sweet, sugary, creamy saude), salads and gravies. I scaled down to just some meat, a small portion of rice, two small portions of veggies and salad. Deserts of course consisted of a gorgeous looking milk tart, a hot desert, fresh fruit salad and custard. I opted for just the fruit salad. At the end of the day I was content with what I ate and walked away satisfied and not craving for more. What had happened is that I had changed my mindset and convinced myself that I only needed so much and no more.
Now if I am full I stop eating, regardless of what is left on my plate. The food does not get wasted, it gets recycled. (sons, husbands and dogs work well for this purpose).
To date in the last week I have lost nearly 2kg. Now I know a lot of you might think that I might be on a starvation diet, but I’m not - I am merely making a conscious effort to change my habits.
If and when I feel like binging and trust me I do. (I eat when I am stressed, when I’m bored, when I’m moody and emotional, any excuse will do.) I open the fridge door, look at all the cheese and spreads and cherries and fizzy drinks and either take a bottle of water of opt for fruit.
As mentioned before I am not a morning person and with our EARLY work schedule I have bad eating habits. No I take this back I HAD bad eating habits. I am now eating a special K breakfast bar for breakfast with a cup of coffee or a bottle of water. For lunch (which I also normally did not eat) I am having a plate of special K cereal. By the time I get home I normally want to devour the whole fridge – door and all. Now I can easily wait until I have made supper and I find myself now looking for healthier meals.
Mark loves salads and in the heat we live in it is a nice healthy option. Our only drawback is that we don’t have a wide variety of Fresh and healthy looking salad goodies to choose from, but I make do. Charl my son, and I both love pasta and the easiest meal for us would be 2 minute noodles, macaroni and cheese or anything related.
My all time favourite meal is Lasagna or Spaghetti Bolognaise the way my mom taught me. Rich and spicy. I hate having to think of everyday evening meals, I find it such a bore. I love catering and baking and inevitably end up cooking up something delectable and orgasmic to take to work. Now, I find myself looking for easy healthy meals and GOOGLE IS MY BEST FRIEND. I don’t always succeed, but I can still cook up a storm that is not detrimental to my health and the health of those around me. I am not going to die if I do eat a piece of chocolate cake; I now just eat smaller portions or fewer portions. I don’t beat myself up if I crook, I just drink more water (which by the way I absolutely loath, hate and detest, and that doesn’t even cover how much I don’t like water), BUT if I want to do more with my life and with those around me, if I want my last days on earth to count for something. I want a better quality of life and if I have to give up some of the finer things in life then so bet it. I might lose on the swings, but I’ll win on the roundabout.
I battled with Bronchial Pneumonia a couple of years ago and since then if someone walked past my office building and they had the sniffles and snotters I would get sick. As a result I have a menagerie of vitamins that I take each day to counteract this vile onslaught. Basically it consists of an immune booster, multivitamins, hair and nail growth vitamin etc. Then at night I take Calcium and Magnesium vitamins or enhancements. I haven’t taken for two weeks now and I have found that the vitamins are causing me to have serious munchies. Now I’m not saying ‘Stop taking Vitamins’. I’m saying (as any good dietician most likely would) find your vitamins and minerals and the immune boosting nutrients you need from the food you eat. For me taking a vitamin pill has always been the easy and yes the LAZY route. But I have to make a change and look elsewhere. Keep in mind that our bodies are very different and what works for me might not necessarily work for you. So I leave you with the message I started with: “If you don’t wake up tomorrow if it turns out that today is your last day on earth, would you be proud of what you’ve done in this life, because if you ain’t, you better start getting square”

Fortune favors the prepared mind

2010/10/11
We had our latest Photography Club Meeting last night. The project for the month was funny.
I am never short of subjects for photographs, but I found myself with a real challenge this month. Other than having someone pose for me I found very few genuinely funny photo opportunities.
It made me realise that the internet is abundant with funny pictures and video clips and yet trying to find one around us was more difficult than any of us in the club realized.
This got me thinking, what are we doing to contribute to the fun factor of those around us? Do I make other people smile and laugh and want to be in my presence? Do I instill in others a feeling of happiness and joy? Am I creating funny moments? OK! I don’t want to be one of those Utube moments or a FAIL Mail, but I want to make a difference, and I had a Eureka moment when I realized that once again it all starts with me.
I am lucky enough to be surrounded by amazing people both at work and at home. My husband Mark is the proverbial “Morning Person” He get up with a hop, skip and a jump in the morning, singing and whistling as he goes about getting ready for the day.
Me, Myself and I on the other hand is a whole different kettle of fish. Between the three of us, I wait until the last millisecond before I have to drag myself by the scruff of my neck and slowly make my way through my morning routine. By the time I get to work just before 06:00 I am barely awake and I can still feel the impression of the pillow on my face.
But then a change happens and I brighten up because I know that deep down inside I am responsible for people besides myself. I am in contact with so many people during my day and if I don’t make the effort to be happy I can be treading on someone’s moment of joy. Maybe all they needed to get doing for the day was a smile and a cheery welcome. Let’s be honest some people are more of a challenge than others. I know that I am also a challenge more often than not. But by making a concerted effort I can change all that. By putting others first I am actually getting more of a blessing than they are. I am paying it forward and getting is back in heaps.
To add to my woes my health and weight have been a reason for me to be unhappy. And I again realized that once again my happiness and peace lay in my own hands, so instead of grumbling and bemoaning my fate I am putting my foot down and saying no more. Mostly I am going tor try and put my foot on the treadmill more often, Ha Ha.
As today is the start of a brand new day and together with the promise of rain is the promise of a new beginning, a fresh start and a hell of kick ass future.
As I have said before I am going out of this world kicking and screaming………….. J
Fortune favors the prepared mind. --Louis Pasteur

Journey verses Trip

Most people are on a journey. I have discovered that some people are on a trip.
Not much of a difference, but which one would you rather be on!?

Fears and Phobias

I was recently sent a newsletter by Bradley Thompson about Fighting Fear Phenomenon.

It reads as follows:

This is Bradley Thompson from the Self-Development Newsletter
Fear is a powerful thing, isn't it?
http://www.tenminutecure.com/ It can keep you from experiencing the great outdoors.

It can stop you from mingling with other people.

It can prevent you from enjoying the wonders of nature.

It can hold you back from progressing with your career.

That's what I call POWER!

And yet, it's not the physical act that does the damage.It's not the spiders, the open spaces, heights, flying, crowds, speaking in public...It's the fear itself!It holds you in its grip and makes you incapable of doing the things you want to do.

And that's why I URGE you to check out The Ten Minute Cure as soon as you get the chance.It's an NLP-based program that helps change the way you think.

Using scientifically-proven "brain language" it helps you come to terms with your fears.

It puts the power back into your hands.It wipes your fears away from the inside out.

And it does this in JUST 10 MINUTES!If you're sick and tired of living with a phobia, then this program is exactly what you need.

Give it a try and see for yourself how easy it is to quickly eliminate ANY FEAR from your life -- for good!

Now this got me thinking

We all have fears and phobias - and don't try to deny it. wW mask them as dislikes and sometimes with disinterest. Other times our fears and phobias can clearly be seen.

Well I've realised the just like a fear and a phobia there are many aspects in our lives that have the same effect on our day to day living and breathing.

I injured my leg 30th August 2009. I was in a cast until Feb 2010. And although I can walk as normal. I am experiencing some serious problems with my feet. I have never been one for exercise and have somehow always found an excuse NOT to waste my hard earned rest at the end of the day. Having said that I have also not been "Tinkerbell" and have always been on the "cuddly" side. But as time passes I realise that enough is enough and that I have to put my "fear" of exercise aside and do something drastic. Just as a fear would, my weight is stopping me from going out and enjoying life, mingling with people, experiencing the great outdoors, progressing in various interests in my life and career. And yet is is more than just the physical me getting my lazy ass off the couch.

I have to first and foremost exercise my brain. If my brain and mindset is not up to the challenge the body is not going to follow.

I have to release the grip that my mind has on my body so that I can be capable of doing all the things I know that I can do.

Where I live there are the occasional gyms, but I am not one for exercising in public even though I know that maybe that would be the encouragment I need.

I have everything I need at my disposal. Treadmills, walkers, exercise belts and balls, dumb bells, skipping ropes, exercise charts and plans, and a husband who will support and encourage motivational speakers in my iPod and healthy eating plans. So what else do I need? Ah yes the will to change...

I'm getting there slowly but surely. I need to set myself small goals, that's about all i can manage for now. The larger goal is far too daughting and scary to comprehend. Baby steps.

So watch this space people.......... My plan is simple - There is going to be more of by there being less of me :) Until next time - I'm keeping the faith....

The fish, a bicycle, and a Chinaman?

This is always the part I struggle with. I’ve decided on the course of action, aqua it is. Just as I’m placing that blog post I get a call from the gym telling me that my contract has been cancelled due to lack of attendance. Really! I mean give me a break.

The whole weekend I’ve wrestled with the meaning behind that. (I analyze, EVERYTHING!!) Is there something else I’m meant to do? Am I not ready for this yet? Will I be able to mount up enough courage to do the walk to the pool? What is it?

While I’m working through all this other stuff, my shopping self said “what the hell go crazy chic”. So I bought the leotard, with what is called “boy leg”, this is a short thing down there! Procured the latest in swimming caps, which cost almost the same as the leotard!! Hello! And found a very cute pair of Reebok water shoes on sale, very trendy!! I look like saving Nemo on steroids! All I need now is a sports bra, in my size, oh, wait they don’t make them in my size, huge surprise. Will have to figure that one out! Other than that, I’m ready!!!
Now all I have to do is rejoin the gym. Logged in on the website on Friday, giving all my particulars, and no one has called me yet, so will wait. Not sure how much money it took to get me this size, it’s costing a fortune just to “maybe” get it off.

That’s all on the physical side, I’m also having to do some work on the mental side. Other than being scared out of my mind, no really, talk is cheap. I’m aiming for the “gratitude attitude” thing. Being grateful and thankful that I have friends, family and an opportunity to get to do this! Before it’s too late! Balance is also important, will talk a little about all those things later on!
I will have to take a picture and put that up – it’s a scream! But plenty of guts needed before then!

Mwa
xxx

Friends, Fat and Fabulous!

So, the healthy living thing is proving a challenge.  Two weeks and 400gs down.  Of course, the soul searching has begun.  It starts with those little thoughts.  The ones I know the answer too, but ask anyway.  How did I get here?  And really, is it that important?  (Starting to live healthy now!)  I feel angry and frustrated, why me!  Why is it so difficult?  

Ok, so enough self-pity and that somehow sifts my focus to friends.  Friendship is one of our most undervalued commodities.  I have this friend Astrid.  She is proving to be the wisdom I focus on.  She’s tactful.  Intelligent, understanding and loves me anyway.  So I listen.  We walk on the Sea Point promenade when we have time.  

I had fooled myself into believing I could do this my way.  The way that got me into this mess in the first place, so not sure how that mentality works.  I joined Weight Watchers, counted the points, and cheated.  Convinced myself I was making better choices.  Well I am making better choices, but it’s not enough.  400gs!  Two weeks!  Really!  Come now chicken!



On Mondays walk Astrid made a comment, that if I was on this journey, shouldn’t I make more of an effort?  (It was gentle and kind and I got it!)  Well I am making an effort; I walk when I can, making better choices, and 400gs later!  I need to find something I like doing, something I want to do every day.  I need to eat more of the good things, and not small amounts of the bad things.  I needed to listen to a friend.  I needed to have as much faith in myself as she has in me.  

So what do I like doing!  I like water.  I LOVE water.  So how about Aqua aerobics?  Awesome!  Only one problem, where on this green earth do I find a swimming contraption I fit into, 1.  And 2, how the hell will I ever get myself to appear in public?  Hello!!!  Take deep breaths, in and out, in and out!  

It takes a big person (no pun intended) to cross these obstacles!  :) I am a big person, and I’ll get over it!  A means to an end!  Focus, determination, and no “skaam”!! (shame)….
Aqua it is, this weekend will be the search for the costume, and then next week it’s finding Nemo!  I’ll let you know how it all goes!  And I’ll have to keep that friend, she knows a thing or two! ;)

The Journey to Now.

Taking things for granted and being unconscious in my own skin.  That’s the way I’d describe everything before this time.  I have never felt more alive than focusing on the space, activity, and participation of any mundane activity.  Like brushing your teeth.  How many of us can describe that act in detail?  Does it differ from one morning to the next?  Would you know if it did?  Could you change another person’s life if you didn’t?  Would you want too? 

Many questions I know.  Nevertheless, you really need to think about the focus of your consciousness.  What is our karma?  If your daily existence could touch the lives of others, make a difference in their lives, would you not want to make sure that that impact was a positive one. 

Do we realise that our lives are all linked, and that we touch everyone in our community.  Our part is not always to exist within it; we might need to be the light that shines.  The example that others follow.  To do that you need to be more accepting of others.  You need to understand that they too have a part to play in this community.  Even if it is to show you that you are on the right path, that you have gifts, and that you are a light. 

Nothing in your life will change if you do not change the way you do the mundane things.  We will never be noticed if we follow the pack.  We need to be out front.  We need to set the example.  That’s not always so easy.  You are also only human, and you have good days and bad days.  It really is how you get through those tough times that make the good times so much sweeter. 

Remember that to touch a life you do not need to do good deeds only.  Showing people how to be better, guiding them and letting them find their own way is far more valuable than doing things for them.  You take peoples power away when you take over their lives or duties.  There is no greater gift than seeing someone’s own personal achievement.  Knowing that through your guidance and encouragement, they have succeeded. 

This brings me round to my current quest.  To foster a healthy mind and spirit, I’m focusing on my health.  I’m not sure where I’ll be in my old age, if I’ll be crawling through caves or climbing mountains.  I do know that I will be seeing the world.  I hope to be setting a positive example and changing lives as I go along.

Moments and Memories

The week ahead should be interesting indeed. I've been on leave for two weeks, with no one to fill in for me. Except for a friend who has her own department to run, I would have been unable to get away for a much needed break. Thanks Tshidi - you are an angel....

I've enjoyed my break away and yet I find myself excited about going back to work tomorrow. I enjoy the buzz, the rush, the challenge and of course my friends.

My best friend Annelize moved away a while ago to Secunda (Yes, I know - what was she thinking) Without her I seem to have gone into a funk. I miss her desperately. We were used to seeing each other often during the course of a week.

As I don't make friends easily I have found the void in my life - life changing.

So all I can say to you out there. Cherish your friends. Life happens and when it does we find that our friends have moved, changed jobs, gotten married, promoted, died and so forth. Cherish each moment that you have with those that you love and hold close to your heart.

My dad has kept in touch with friends that he had when he was just a "laaitie'. I admire that about him. That takes effort and dedication and shows us what the true meaning of friendship is about. Through thick and think, good and bad, far and near. For eva and eva and eva!

The town just doesn't seem the same without them. I know that we have to move along with the times and although I hated and still do hate this dreadful little town, it has been good to me. I have met the most wonderful people and experienced a beautiful part of the country.

I'm not particularly wishing for a bigger infrastructure or better malls etc. I went to school at Kingswood College in Grahamstown and I was thoroughly spoilt with museums and Theatres etc. A town rich in culture and history. That is what I miss.

Burgersfort has no such thing. The history is told but the proof is dispersed and unseen.

I realise that as children we don't always understand an appreciate what our parents had to sacrifice for us to ensure that we have the things we do, the education, the after school activities and extra classes, the outings and tours. All this and so much more.

For all the memories and special moments, I am eternally grateful to my parents and all those who have been a part of my life and have made me the person I am today.

I have also come to realise that we need to take each day and endeavour to make at least one fond memory to keep and cherish. A moment in time that no one can take away from us. Even if it turns out to be a bad memory or moment. Use it to your advantage.

My grandfather always used to say that we need to take the good and the bad and if we don't learn from the bad then we have learnt nothing. Use everything to our advantage. So what if things don't go your way... TODAY. If we use the knowledge, wisdom and understanding at our disposal we will have things going better for us TOMORROW.

So no matter what today has brought to my doorstep. Tomorrow I am going to beat the shit out of the bad/mad/crazy/dreadful things I have had to endure.

I have come across so many people in our town who have the most awful 'pity me' mentality. There is always something to complain about, moan about, bitch about and generally be miserable about. Well I want to say to all of you - get up off your ass and do something about whatever it is that has crawled up your ass to make you such a miserable person. Yes I know that there are factors that do hinder us and make us take stock of our situation. But we can endure so much more and we have so much more strength than we realise to make the most of the down moments. We are all in charge of our own destiny. So forge ahead and don't necessarily follow others - MAKE YOUR OWN PATH.

Tomorrow I am going to start on a healthier lifestyle, so what if my broken leg still hurts and my aging muscles are going to complain (violently if I know them) I have decided that when I die I want to die being the best that I can be. I don't want to be overweight and unhealthy. Yes I intend to be OLD when I die. I want to have lived each day doing so much more than I know I am capable of now.

I am an avid photographer and I want to be able to climb mountains, dive into rivers, cross rickety bridges, crawl into caves and be able to run away from charging Rhino.

I'm gong to give old age and an unhealthy lifestyle a huge run for it's money. So come on life - give me your best shot.

The most intimate part of my family, they share everyday with me!

Here is the mail that got me thinking.....

Hey Mornay,

I just watched this inspiring and well presented speach on using happiness as an indicator for a nations measure of progress. It really is worth watching.

http://www.ted.com/talks/nic_marks_the_happy_planet_index.html

One of the key things that came through were the TOP 5 ways to increase your happiness:

1. Connect - with family and friends
2. Be Active - take a walk or do a sport.
3. Take Notice - be aware of you environment as it changes, notice the weather, your friends faces etc
4. Keep learning - stay curious and learn new things by reading, going to class or teaching yourself.
5. Give - share and give to others, it can be money, your time, or whatever you have to give.

So take a moment now and commit to doing one of these things each day more so that you currently do, and see what happens.

Wishing you a super month ahead!

Zane

Zane Green
Consciousness Coach® (CCI and ICF accredited)

Commerce Degree (UNISA)

zane@happivate.com

www.happivate.com

+27 (0) 82 896 2588

The beginning!!!

This blog idea started with this mail from a guy I had contacted sometime ago, about doing life counselling.  I contacted him after being in Cape Town for about 1 year, and I wasn’t settling in well.   It ended up being very expensive, so I didn’t do it, I have however subsequently settled in.  Well, it’s getting there.  So what I have realised is that I have grown in so many ways, spiritually, as a person, in my business life, and of course physically as well.  But I questioned if I was really happy! I started learning to speak Spanish earlier this month.  And I found myself wondering why?   I didn’t really have an answer, and did I need one.  Well until Zane’s email popped up and I read his “TOP 5 way’s to increase your happiness” – now don’t get  me wrong, I’m not “unhappy”.  Maybe just unfulfilled, knowing that I had the potential to do/be so much more.  So why just exist?  But I do know that with of the plans I have for my life, and the directions I’d like to go in, I would need help, support and encouragement.  Cause let’s face it – we are awesome woman just the way we are, but can you imagine if we got even better!  Hold me back!  “The world is not enough!”
We can get into the nitty gritty’s later on, but I think that that is the gist of it for now!

The Family

I just love them all anyway!  It's family!  We're all together for a reason!

OK - here's the other mother (in yellow) with some other strange people!

And this is my Family - minus a second mother, (will add her), (and a few strangers! Thanks to our brother! love you!!)

Mia Familia: Son Charl and hubby Mark. These two make me laugh, cry, shout and scream with frustration, but at the end of it all, I wouldn't have it any other way.

Well, this is a first for me. Having to write has never been a problem, but putting those words in a very public page - Now makes you sit back and suddenly rethink everything you want to say.
I have come a long way ove the past couple of years. Not just career wise, but spiritually, emotionally, creatively and on so many other levels. I started here in Burgesfort, Mpumalanga as a graphic artist working for local Sign and Printing company, Since then I have done a whole managerie of things, but one of my favourites has been working for a Non Profit organization where we would teach life skills to the local community members is the very rural areas as well as. Working in the mining environment off course teaches you whole new set of skills. But all in all I cannot say I have been unhappy. The town of course is a whole different story. I can't say I like the town, but the people make up for so much...