It's funny to think that I started writing this post in February.. and am only getting around to finishing it now! Goes to show that Procrastination station is a real thing... Watch this TED video to feel better about yourself... https://www.ted.com/talks/tim_urban_inside_the_mind_of_a_master_procrastinator
Getting back to the point... It feels as though there's a change in the air! Work seems to pose different challenges; besides having to dress more professionally (most days I just hope my hair doesn't look too fuzzy), it is time to really prove your Salt worth... to make not only your employers happy, but to make Yourself Proud of the job you're doing. Social itineraries also seem to be changing in form... sleep seems to be the most desirable pastime and as for eating...well, I've always loved eating (so at least there's one constant). It is exciting on the one hand, to feel as though it is now our time to shine... to be the young and dynamic adults of the world...Entering the somewhat emancipated phase... New and dazzling opportunities, learning the tricks of the trade and working our way to becoming independent and knowledge-filled human-beings. On the other hand, it is a little scary to think that the days of lying on the couch until someone brings you a sandwich...are literally over... That the dishes are not going to wash themselves, and that if you don't ensure that there are clean towels or socks for you...There won't be any! It is clearer to see the direct impact your decisions and choices have on your life; over-spending, over-partying, under-exercising....eish, I can hear it now... "I'm starting with the man in the mirror" Sing it to me MJ! It's hard to admit the things above...but it goes both ways; if you commit yourself to a task earnestly, whatever it might be, it will be fair to enjoy the reward that follows on from it! I'm not sure where this post is supposed to lead, if there is even any real message behind it, I guess the most important thing is that I am still writing. It's sort of the same with jogging- or any exercise or hobby you have had for a long period of time. Just because there are tough days, or times where you haven't been able to put on your tekkies for weeks... You still summon up the enthusiasm every now and again, and you do it. You do it because even though it might seem like the last thing you feel like doing, you know deep down inside that it's the only thing that'll cure your feelings of Iffy-ness and that you will be able to reap something from it-- as small and as insignificant as it may seem. Thinking about it, I am grateful for the days where I have internet access. Not just because I get to catch up on watching Jimmy Fallon on Youtube, but because it actually gives me a chance to see how my blog is doing. To remind myself of my mission. I feel guilty when I haven't written in months, and for putting it off for a multitude of reasons. My blog is here, at times, to remind me of who I am...and where I ultimately want to be. To be my own person; a beautiful, flawed, fluid person. To accept who and what I am and most importantly, where I come from. And to realize that it's not always about ME. It's about the people you love, you work with, the bigger picture, things you have to contribute to, or just plain taking a back seat. And it's on that back seat that you get to see how things really work... Observe! Become quiet, and pay attention to how things work. I saw in a movie once that "you can't learn while you're talking, it's literally a fact of life". Stop blaming others, or things that you don't understand. Take the focus off of what other people are doing, and You do You. This has brought me to the recent conclusion; I want a change. I feel that I am ready to break through to a new level. I am ready to be scared; in a new environment where there are challenges that require me to use what I have learned up to now. It is time to make use of the knowledge and skills that have brought me to where I am today. I can do this and I believe in the dreams that I have that I can get to where I want to be. Harness your self belief and the love that the people close to you have given you. Be grateful for their company and for their encouragement (and the fact they always listen to your stories...as mundane or repetitive as they might get); this is the ultimate sacrifice. This is real love. Before I get too carried away, I have a last message; spend real time focusing on your future. As a wise person has told me before, use your free time constructively; rest, but make sure that this time is spent on where you want to go! I'd be lying if I said that I didn't care whether my writing made an impact on someone... Because I truly hope that it does. But I have to accept the fact that it actually doesn't matter if this blog never gets me anywhere. At the very least there is an outlet for a person like me. If the only person I ever inspire, or keep on track is me, then at Least I will be happy--- And this is the real point, I guess. Do things for yourself. Not for anyone else.
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Ladies and gents, we are already nearing the end of the first month of a brand, spanking new year!
Sometimes, well most often actually, when I create a new post for the blog, I look back and feel slightly guilty as to having waited so long between posts! Life has been moving and shaking. I have recently been moved to a different department within the estate on which I work and hope that it is going to be a move which will open a whole new set of opportunities for me in the future! Yes, it is somewhat scary, namely because there's a bit of uncertainty, new challenges and expectations, a new workload and new people to report to! The responsibilities have changed...and so has the proposed 2016 :-) It does also feel somewhat strange not spending as much time with the friends/ colleagues that I have made over this past year; sharing lunch, sweating it out during and after service as well as debunking the average day in the life of a waiter! I think I speak for a large audience when I say that if you have ever worked within the service or hospitality industry (the longer, the crazier), you feel as though you should be able to write a book on all the of the situations you've been thrown into before. My friends and I often fantasize about a hit Youtube Channel or best-selling novel, that will enable us to retire before our thirties and live comfortably off the royalties! I think the most important thing to realize is that, with a new opportunity such as this, it is okay to make mistakes. Every new endeavour takes time and getting used to. I've very often noted as well, that I can track my success by the level of comfortability I feel within my given environment; i.e. the better you know your space and resources, the better you are able to handle any curveball which life may throw at you. What's more is, the best way that we can learn about ourselves is by being cast into the deep end of a situation (well, hopefully not too deep!) and reacting instinctually. It might be tough, but it's the most true and natural reaction that we can ask for--and in those moments, parts of our real character are revealed. Never say "No" to an opportunity at the risk of not seeing a direct link to your proposed or imagined goal; every offer could be a step closer to where you want to ultimately be, and as obvious as it may seem, a new task can help to strengthen your skillset and probably prepare you more for the challenges that lay ahead. #youllneverknowunlessyouvetried Lastly, as I write not only to you, but a mental note to myself as well; Take one step at a time...and to quote from a very recent and very catchy, might I add... Jess Glynne ; "Don't be so hard on yourself..." meaning to say, give yourself room to learn and time to settle in. I have a huge amount of photo archiving to do, and eagerly await updating my Facebook page! Please be on the look out! I will send word once there are new pictures to see! Au revoir mes amis! It doesn't happen too often (or at least not often enough)...but when we finally have that weekend off, or even a couple of hours off during the week, the one question we need answering is the following: "I want to do something...but where should we go? Do you know of a place??" The struggle to find a place that suits the budget, the petrol tank and the soul-engine very rarely align.., and therefore since it is a problem that I, along with my friends and family are usually in at least once a week--or every two weeks, depending on how deep into the month it is... I have decided to shed a bit of light on a spot that might help with this--should you have the time and/or resources :-) Juno Bistro & Bakery This awesome Cape-Dutch styled building is located in the Main Street of Paarl. We happened to be passing through Paarl on a somewhat overcast day (on a Tuesday) when we came across this inviting little place. What they have on offer is an amazing bistro/ bakery-type menu (we didn't eat there, at the time) as well as a tasting room/ wine shop on the right wing of the bakery. We were told that we could buy our wine from their shop and then enjoy it there either on the stoep, or anywhere we wanted to. Affordable (and reasonable) prices, friendly service, beautiful interior and a pleasantly-surprising time! I would recommend this bistary (bistro +bakery) for anything from casual wine-sipping to a quirky brunch or just popping in to buy a delicious chocolate brownie. Definitely worth a visit on your next journey to Paarl :-) Here is a link to their website and Facebook page-- http://junowines.com/ https://www.facebook.com/JunoBistro where you can find more info on their Art, Food, Specials, as well as the Wine that they sell under the same brand. Did I mention that they have Jazz evenings on Thursday nights?? Stay tuned for the next post.... There'll be some more info on other places to visit and things to see in the b.e.a.utiful Cape winelands!
October of 2015! Who would'a thunk it--that the end of this year would come so swiftly?!
As we head into the Summer months here in South Africa, and more specifically, the coming tourist season for the Western Cape, wine farms and restaurants all over the Cape are gearing up for the bustling crowd of travelers and holiday-goers. Reservation lists are filling up, bookings are streaming in from every entry, and tasting rooms are getting fuller and fuller as we move closer to December. What lay ahead is a handful of months promising hard work, long hours and a lot of money! Everyone in the service industry looks forward to this time of year as they start doing their metaphorical stretching and dusting off the sensible shoes and step counters. This coming season promises to be one of the busiest, record-shattering seasons we have seen yet! A recent visit from my and my sister's parents presented the opportunity of being able to explore some of the local attractions Stellenbosch has to offer; have a look at some of the pictures on my Facebook Page to see where we went and some of the things we did! On a bit of a different note, the past few months have brought forward some valuable lessons and questions for contemplation. Almost every day I wake up and feel so lucky and blessed to be able to live in the place that I do. The Cape really is filled with so many beautiful things, hidden treasures to go and discover and really acts as the ideal learning ground to become exactly who and what you want to be. That being said, something very important has struck by me; the notion that it is never okay to stand still. Having worked at the same place, very intensively, for the past ten or so months--closing in on a year, there are days where I feel as though it is time for change. I have always measured my feelings toward something in terms of how nervous I am (or how much BMT I have) right before doing something; if I start to feel that what I am doing no longer scares or excites me, I feel like it might be time to start looking for another, bigger challenge. After working and reworking through my own thoughts, goals, plans and ideas, what I was left with was the following, simple conclusion: I first need to establish what it is that I am looking for; i.e. Money? Happiness? An expanded network of friends? Work Experience? Then, next I have to look at What it is that I can do: i.e. What job (or hobby) can allow/ able me to obtain those things that I am looking for. From here, my next point would be to find out what it is that I need to do to be able to get the job or hobby that I want; i.e. What skills do I need in order to qualify to move onto this bigger job, OR, what qualification do I need in order to be an attractive/ suitable candidate? The crux is--You first need to identify what it is that you want. Once you know what you want, you can find ways getting it. So, what we can say, if this isn't already too much common knowledge, is that without us knowing what our goal is, we are merely drifting. A goal gives purpose. So from here, after realizing and re-realizing this important fact, I have started to put plans into motion for what I want for my future. Not everything is exactly 100% figured out yet, and it shouldn't have to be--because where's the excitement in that? But the most important part of it all is the fact that it is your own, personal journey and that each day, you come closer and closer to what it is that you want to do--and also what you want out of life. So the challenge that I pose to you is this: Firstly, are you excited in the mornings? (Yes, I know we all have those blue/ lazy days-- but for the Most part). Do you try out new ways of doing things? Do you feel inspired by the people who work above or around you? Can you envision yourself having a different position in your current workplace? In all honesty, I think that these questions are things that we should constantly be asking ourselves. Important side note though: money isn't everything--and neither is having any fancy job title--as a job doesn't define the person. However, what we can learn from work can be important to who we are/ who we can become. Try make the most of those days where you feel like it could just be another mundane day. Do things for yourself--rather than acting "in the interests of the business"--because even though those things Do constitute as valuable traits in an employee, they in essence do so much more for YOU as an individual. Your pride, your self-respect, your high standards. Impress yourself before you want to impress any boss who may or may not be looking. Learn as much as you can, while you can. Meet everyone you work with--and even those you don't work with. Ask questions if you're interested in something, offer to help, or just to watch while someone else is busy with something you've never seen before. It can't hurt to learn new things, and at the end of the day--those things can only benefit you in your pursuit to reach your ultimate goals--Whatever they may be. Happy August to all of my treasured readers! It feels so good to get back behind a keyboard again! The months of June and July were by far some of the most mentally and physically demanding months I have endured in a long time. If you read my previous blog entry, it goes on a little about the struggle for the cash dollar, and trying to make sure one has enough saved together for the winter time ahead. In the interim between that post and this one, I have started working at a second restaurant. It is conveniently located about 2 minutes up the road from my sister and I's apartment! Hudsons The Burger Joint Stellenbosch! A fantastic, new branch located at 77 Dorp Street, just diagonally opposite De akker (local landmark). So, as one might imagine, it is a little taxing working as a permanent waitress for five days a week and then working at a second restaurant on your days off! But, while you're young I suppose you should burn the midnight oil a little... push the limits. However, rest is just as important as working hard. Nobody can continuously keep up a dazzling, genuine smile day in and day out without charging the batteries...It isn't healthy (or very common, at least). Taking time to explore your wants and needs, goals and plans is really necessary in any stage of your life; whether you're finishing up high school, your degree or seeing off your kids as they leave home and pursue their own lives. Of course, the other important thing about time off is getting some much needed perspective. This is what allows you to be able to assess your goals and plans. To take a step back; out of the calamity and every day's hustle n bustle. Making sense of what you're doing or working towards. Man oh man, it is much needed--if not vital. And yes, after those important facets have been covered, you also need time to V.E.G.G.G; to roll around in the duvets all day long, only make trips between the kitchen and bedroom, not brush your teeth (optional of course) and to watch as many consecutive episodes or movies as possible...Slowly drifting in and out naps. Once you've gotten that out of your system, you'll be ready to pick yourself up and out of bed, squeak some tekkie at the gym and to look and feel like a million bucks again. And that is, in my humble opinion, what balance should be, or be like. I have recently gone on a few day trips on my days of leave from both restaurants, in and around Cape Town, Noordhoek and Fishhoek. Times like those let you explore and discover... whether it be to browse around old vintage clothing stores, find hidden books and treasures, peruse menu's at local coffee shops-- we all need to feel like a tourist once in a while.. whether you're trekking halfway through the province or just missioning up the road to stretch your legs. For the next few days which lay ahead, I have decided to undergo fasting. I would like to try a minimum of four days, consuming only water and black tea. It's a little drastic, and I've never done anything like this before, but the lovely gentleman in my life has just emerged from the other side of his four-day detox/ fast, and he has nothing but positive insight and feedback. He claims that it was really tough, and of course there are hunger pangs and one or two dizzy spells, but that you get the opportunity to really assess your relationship not only with food but the relationship with your body on a whole; how you treat it, how your body reacts to what it is going through, how fascinating it is to see itself repair and strengthen... So why not? Speak to your doctor first, before attempting anything of this sort, and of course, you know yourself...Don't try keep your full work/ workout regime while fasting, the consequences could be seriously harmful. I've been told of a few very interesting websites to further knowledge on fasting, and the different types of fasting one can experiment with. I'll add a few links to the bottom of the post, should you like to explore. I'll also be sure to give a full report back on how my fasting experience went. Wish me luck! Here's one of the photo's I managed to upload from my time spent in Woodstock:-) There are more photo's of my expeditions on my Facebook Page, and there'll probably be a few on Instagram as well. So please, feel free to go and peruuuuse ;-) This photo was taken in Woodstock, just down the road from the Woodstock Exchange in Albert Road. As we struggled to find parking in the byways and alleyways of Woodstock, we eventually found a tiny little nook to park my partner's little "Suzie" in. Right opposite her parking spot was this amazing, quirky artwork which caught both of our attention straight away! (Artist unknown.. but not unappreciated!) The next post should be coming up shortly. I am already 3 days into my fast, and therefore, the finish line is in sight! Keeping hydrated, searching for new eating and exercise plans and staying positive! Also, here is a link to a few kick-ass motivational video's I came across on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=26U_seo0a1g&list=PLYzEWmEmHyL-8LfXf5PkTzFiIggMWrDZD The subtitles aren't always too accurate, but hey... It won't stop that burrrrnin' feeling inside of you! What I took most out of the few that I watched was... Find your "Why". This means, once you have found your motivation to do something--the reason why you are looking to accomplish a goal, there is very little that can stop you. If your motivation is good enough, you can do anything you want! (And THAT is no cliché).
And as promised, here are links to those informative Fasting websites I've come across: http://www.allaboutfasting.com/ and http://www.howtofast.net/ and http://www.lovingitraw.com/water-fasting.html#.VdMdiEoaLbg Til next time folks, thanks for reading :-) So as the winter months approach...as well as the forecast of lower salaries (well, for those in the hospitality/ tourism industry anyway), we usher in the creative budgeting, inner scavenging skills and the 4 o' clock rushes to Checkers to scan and scrutinize the "REDUCED to CLEAR" stands. Out with the green smoothies and in with the comfort food...ALL the comfort food. Whilst undergoing a mild panic attack during the course of the week brought on by the dreariness of my guestimated budget for the month, I finally decided to go for a long overdue run. I urge anyone with a pair of semi-decent tekkies, an old t-shirt/ "p.t. broekie" to opt for running or exercise. It's the one sure-fire way to alleviate stress, tension or too much unproductive free time. I decided that while feeling somewhat down and worried about how to stay level-headed and positive about the current situation, to focus on what I did have in my control; to think about all the things that I can be thankful for. I know I have petrol in my car to get to work, that I have a job to go to, food in the cupboard at home, an amazing sister to keep me company, a warm bed to sleep in and an awesome camera to take photo's with (as soon as I properly figure out how it works that is!). Right then and there I managed to slowly take back a bit of control and even decided to go on a bit of a photo expedition after finishing my run! Before I share some of the photo's from my walk, my snippet of advice for this week (and I say it with a lot of empathy) would be to try and remember that each day will take care of itself. I, myself am definitely guilty of looking a bit too far into the future and heading for panic stations if it looks as though there is something which I am unprepared for. It's something which all the old, more mature folks constantly remind us of and that is that we just need to make sure that we focus on the day which is right in front of us...we only get enough grace for one day at a time. Don't anticipate or predict anything. Go with the flow...almost literally. If you liked any of the photo's you saw here, I have posted them as well as a couple more on my Facebook page. Please go have a look! There is a link on this page, but in case you're a bit lazy to scroll...I'll just add a link over here... https://www.facebook.com/adayinthelifeofeugene?ref=tn_tnmn
Thank you for the continued support of visiting not only this page, but my Facebook and Instagram as well! :-) It really means a lot to be seeing more and more activity around my writing/ bloggerizing >>blushes coyly<< One of the most thought-provoking questions my sister has ever posed to me: "What would your 8-year-old self think of you right now?". Now, if that question doesn't scare the living day lights out of you... well then my friend, you're either a tad conservative, immature OR your conscience must be semi-detached from your body. I recently had one of the coolest experiences; I was on the way to a friend's house for an afternoon run after work. While driving in my car, I came to a traffic circle, and past me drove a big bakkie with a little girl in the back, smiling and waving ecstatically once she saw me driving in my friendly, little Volkswagen Beetle! It was like she was waving to her best friend in the whole world. My heart raced with excitement, and so I eagerly waved back and tooted the hooter! I could see how she was trying to tell her mom in sheer excitement and disbelief about what was happening; that the girl in the beetle was waving and hooting back to her. I had the biggest smile on my face. My heart filled up with sunshine and love, and for a minute, I felt like a kid again. It reminded me of how we used to be as kids, care-free and stoked about life in every way. Getting joy out of the simplest things. Every day was a new adventure and a new challenge on the playground. New plans and strategies, forts to build, PB's to be reached with hide-n-seek, beating the boys in a race to the jungle gyms... School shoes were off before your mom managed to reverse out of the parking lot. Man, those were the days! That's the stuff we need to get back to. Guys, we have one opportunity. Why do we get so caught up with the things that are in actuality, so trivial? Yes, life is, without a doubt, extremely difficult at times, and things may and do happen to us to test our strength and capability as individuals. But, and it's a BIG "BUTTTT"...We have each been given a Heart, Mind and a Soul. And those two things combined are our tools to overcoming the battles we face every day. I don't say it lightly. Take a simple example such as when it comes to round about the third week of the month, and your lifestyle has gone from restaurant food and Tresemme shampoo to pasta, tuna and Glyco-Lemon perm-wash... Instead of searching for the blunt butter knife or declaring financial and emotional bankruptcy...see it as a McGyver challenge...trying to make the most of what you have left to work with. Or better yet, budget your money in such a way (even though I should be taking my own advice here) that you can live sustainably (and comfortably) the whole month through. One of the best and earnest ways to get through the day, or even life, is through your child-like innocence. Not Naivety. Important distinction. But by trusting your gut, instinctual feeling and going for what feels right, time and time again until it becomes second nature, and eventually the only way of going about doing things. As I read this, I feel somewhat self-conscious about my writing, trying not to come across as someone who wants to give "teacher's pet" kind of advice, or tries to impress, because I hope my mom will be reading this (which I kind of hope she does anyways I guess), but in actual fact, I have recently had a small epiphany of how much better it would be if I could just focus on being exactly who I am, and have always been. For my twenty-second birthday, I got my first DSLR camera!, and so I started recording myself as well, in hopes to launch the vlog. While watching back the footage of myself, I realized how much I have to offer as a person, and how much time we spend trying to hide parts of ourselves instead which could add so much more joy to the world. I encourage you to bring out your inner Eugene, because it has taught me to love myself completely and unconditionally. Show the world (and more importantly, yourself) exactly what you are made of, and all the good, pure things you stand for. Please write back if you have any stories you'd like to share, or any photo's from your days as a tyke on the playground...I could even share it on my FB or Instagram account...which could definitely add to your Street cred ;-)
One of the activities on this weekend's agenda included taking a trip to the Root 44 Market which lay en route between Stellenbosch to Somerset West. The market is open every Saturday and Sunday and plays host to some of the best locally-produced, wholesome food, and live entertainment among many other things. It is a really good way to unwind and welcome in the weekend after a long week behind the metaphorical desk (or literal one). There are always interesting arts and crafts to explore, a new craft beer to try or a pair of Freestyle "Vellies" to purchase. The day was spent relaxing with my sister and her best friend who flew down from Johannesburg for the weekend. We had some lunch, a couple of daiquiri's and waited for the rest of the friends group to arrive. Root 44 market is a venue that can accommodate almost any kind of occasion; be it a day with the family, drinks with friend-colleagues, breakfast after the mountain bike trail ride, a quick pop-in for the organic produce...You name it, Root 44 fits the bill. Easy going, unpretentious and well-located. Root 44 is definitely a market well-worth the visit. It is located about 15 minutes out of Stellenbosch and sits right opposite the Mooiberge Strawberry plantation and Thirsty Scarecrow on the corner of Annadale Road and R44...duh. (Very close to Spier Winery). Thanks for reading! I look forward to my next post...which should be coming shortly since I have so much catching up to do with my readers. I am also busy working on my first vlog, joining Instagram and getting a foot in the door with writing about my next event! :-) Please have a look at my Facebook Page if you haven't seen it already, "A Day in the Life of Eugene"...it contains some helpful links to my site as well as other interesting bits n bobs. X
Oh, and on a side note, I have some of the contact details for some of the stall managers/owners at Root 44, should you wish to be able to contact them directly about their produce or goods. Good Evening everyone! I have tried out a new recipe for today's post, it is one which I've adapted after having lunch with a friend a while ago at a local bistro right here in Stellenbosch. The dish in question is a spiced butternut, spinach with sundried tomatoes and feta (for lack of a better word) pie/quiche.....Puiche? This meal can easily be turned into a vegetarian (without crispy bacon) or mostly-vegan option (by taking out the feta as well) although, I do highly recommend giving the original version a go first! Here's what you'll need: puff pastry butternut a bouquet of spinach half an onion a couple of sundried tomatoes bacon a couple spoons of butter good ol' S & P Robertson's Potato spice (or any spices of your choice) love and an oven and a glass of wine (for right hand, not for pie) So as you can see, this dish is broken up into a few different components, and is all married together in the end to make a sumptuous Autumn-accented Saturday lunch. The butternut takes the longest to cook; start off by placing in a pot, cook until soft (or easy to cut) and mix together with the wilted spinach and chopped onions. The sundried tomatoes follow on later, as well as the bacon once it has been cooked on its own. Next, the puff pastry will be rolled out onto the counter, line the inside of the pot, and the filling may be added. Crumbed feta to top off. Like a baby, tuck in the filling, and cover any parts that are sticking out with some extra puff blanket! Make sure to poke little holes throughout the pastry (using a fork works fine), this allows for some ventilation. Once the pastry has been placed in the oven (at approximately 180 degrees Celsius for 8 minutes) give it a thin coat of beaten egg--for golden brownness! Leave to bake for 25-30 minutes, but keep an eye, as some ovens differ to others. On the sweeping, flux-like note of Autumn, the change that we are constantly faced with makes me realize that in order to try and stay happy and balanced we need to put certain things in place for ourselves to create a sense of positive influence or routine. Not routine such as regimented activity, but rather things that can make us feel comfortable and inspired in our every day lives and environment. I decided after a long day at work yesterday, to set the alarm early for this Saturday morning, to take a drive down to the closest beach for a feel-good morning run (which usually doesn't happen as often as I would like it to, since I'm more of a late-afternoon runner!). Impressed with my ability to get out of bed this morning, the day got off to a splendid start, however, as I got closer and closer to the beachfront, the weather got worse and worse. Thick fog and misty-rain covered the entire area! After realizing that this was not going to be a sunny Saturday morning jog, with tanned lifeguards and bronze surfers, I was contemplating turning the beetle around and heading for the covers again. Stellenbosch was fair-weathered and lovely, but the beach was a total 180 degree turn.
Long story short, I ended up going for the run, felt invigorated, energized, and at the same time totally calm and peaceful. Seeing the fishermen standing on the rocks and even a couple of feet into the freezing water, in this "miserable" weather, I realized that what we should do as humans is not to wait for the perfect circumstances before we do something. Life has many obstacles and challenges it may throw at us (not to sound pessimistic) and so therefore, if there is something that we'd like to do and that would give us joy, a sense of freedom and self-discovery, then we should take it with both hands, and tie those shoelaces like YESTERDAY already! There is beauty and every kind of discovery waiting to be made, so the trick is to not think that it can come in a typical form (like sunny skies and chirping birds). Happiness and serenity can come on the days where there is crisp air, a fresh mind even the foggiest, mistiest mornings! Until next time! Next stop, Johannesburg for family and friends..and Pretoria for Graduation! :) The beauty and pain about and in life is Uncertainty. Many people have said that they'd never wish to return to their twenties because although it's a time for experimentation and freedom, it was also the time in their lives where they struggled with finding their identity or creating or placing themselves into a niche. Your twenties (I'm guessing) is where you start to have the first real interaction with the cold, and sometimes cruel world. Yes, there are pluses too such as living in your own apartment, having a job and a car and getting to call your own shots, but at the same time, it's the first real taste you have of what it means to be leaving behind the comfort and security of sheltered routine. Sometimes even a university degree does to a certain extent place boundaries and limitations on your decisions, because you may have deadlines and tests to study for. However once you enter the world of the formal/ semi-formal workplace, you're thrown into a pool of people 20-30 years your senior, and quickly need to reach out for that buoy. On the other hand, being a 20-something-year-old is also a golden phase which is the epitome of the word "fleeting". You are the rookie, the underdog, but you carry with you the swagger of a 1920's film star and the s(ass) of a Guess Jeans model. At times, it feels like not even Life can stand in your way, and that everything in that moment culminates and sways to play out your classic Hollywood movie scene. Sometimes it succeeds, sometimes it backfires and is therefore aptly described as how Maggie Smith coined it ; "Sheer, dumb luck!". But, as much as that may be true, that cheeky (and often rickety) boost is possibly a foot in the door...to our dreams. I am by no stretch of the imagination trying to suggest that I have the twenties figured out, in fact, I think the most quintessential thing about our twenties is the fact that we think we have it all figured out (Yes, I see the irony here...). What I do however think and have realized is the fact that this is the stage in our lives which we should embrace and fully explore. Towards the end of this surreal phase, we have narrowed down the search and paths to be taken--as life will inevitably force us to do, and so it is of utmost importance to ensure that what we are left with is a range of choices and characteristics which will enable us to be the best versions of ourselves that we can be, and to fully utilize all of the knowledge and skills to propel us into our unimaginable success. I have started watching a series called Suits (Season 1), of which follows a New York attorney and his associate who is a secretly-illegitimate Harvard-graduate. This associate, Mike, is in his mid-twenties, and after wishing for a life in which he would go to bed every night exhausted from giving his all every day- mentally, physically, in the work-place and in other areas of his life, Harvey Specter takes a gamble on him, hires his protégé and the story unfolds. We watch as both Mike and Harvey face every-day battles with clients, colleagues, the law and how they are both challenged in their respective ranks. The most inspiring part of Suits is the fact that whenever Mike thinks that he has reached the end of a task, or that the case is at a dead end, his mentor pushes him even further and even more so, tests the limits of his potential to step up to the plate. Sleep is unheard of as Mike and his fellow junior associates must work round the clock and combine knowledge with creative thinking to work alongside the justice system. I, myself am no law guru, but what must be noted is that the principle drawn from Suits can be applied to any young adult with a fist-full of potential. The most important thing we can do at this stage in our lives is not to waste a single day. Learn more, read more, ask questions, sign yourself up for things, volunteer, go out of your way to absolutely master something. Have a plan; as simple and as basic as it may be, a few pointers are better than being a wanderer.
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AuthorHi there, my name is Judete Fourie. I am a twenty-something-year-old writer living in Stellenbosch in SA's Western Cape. Follow my day to day adventures that involve wine, wit and braaibroodjies. Archives
June 2017
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