Let life surprise you

There is always something to be thankful for each day...

What's yours today?

Please share on our comments slot below.

Moments with my sister

 For my lovely, loving sister, Antoinette (nee Rapitsi) Van Uytvanck

A childhood shared has made us who we are today, life would have been so different without you along the way.

Today you got married, a new life is in store and I wish for you my sisi, only the best and so much more.

My sisi, we've shared so many moments that no one else will understand. We've laughed and giggled at "inside" jokes, we have our own catch phrases, we understand each other's joys and pain. I can't imagine anyone who would make a better best friend than you and I'm so happy to have you in my life.

On this special day of your wedding, you're the most beautiful of all brides, and I'm so proud to let everyone know that you're my sister. No words can express how happy I am for you, and to see that smile on your face.

For happy times shared through the years, for the loyalty, the love, laughter and tears; for the special things only you can do; for all these things, I thank you!

Time and space may separate us, but heart-strings know no end. I'm proud to call you my sister, but happier to still call you my friend. I know Marc is a good man and he will take good care of you and love you. I wish you the best my dear sisitjie and lots of love.

Below are some moments we shared.

There's positive in negative sometimes...

Positive, right?

Oh well, here's a better one:

Have super day! Don't forget to leave a comment for me and share your gratitude.

The tough lesson of compassion

My lovely furry kids: Oddy and Mini

It is such a good feeling when I look at my dog and cat, I get a sense of "peaceful". They bring so much in my life.

Are you an animal lover? I know I am. Today's topic is encouraged by the way I feel every day when I'm away from home. I can't wait to get home to Oddy and Mini (dog and cat). The feeling was strong today, because it was my first day in the new year back at work for a full day. I spent longer hours with them in the past two weeks, because I was working half day because of the holidays.

Mini at nine weeks old hiding behind Oddy - cute!

Animals of all kinds can bring us so much joy, not only when things are going well, but also when we feel pain and are suffering. Pets in general are such phenomenal teachers for us. They teach us about gratitude, love and compassion, being present, and joy. But they teach us more than that. Their companionship, loyalty and unconditional love is unmatched by any human standards. Interestingly enough, we also learn about compassion through our pets.

For them, life is lived in the now — and we can all learn something from that. They only care about the relationship they have with us. It's all about the heart, not the ego.

No matter what, dogs love you unconditionally. They wag their tails when they see you, no matter what mood you're in. They still want to give you big wet kisses, even if you've just yelled at them. And they instantly forgive you no matter how you behave. Loving others unconditionally is a difficult task, but it's the one that would surely make the world a better place if we all just tried.

I couldn't resist this cute prayer - how can anyone not be in love with these beings?

Please leave me your comment/s below, they're always appreciated. You can also get in touch with me via email, I would like to hear from you about your gratitude.

Beyond "say cheese"

Today, Tebogo (my son) said to me, "Mom, I wish you could follow the very same advise that you gave to me when it comes to relationships". Later in the day when we (Tebogo and I) were busy helping mom move to a retirement home, I said something to her about loosening ties and new relationships, she totally ignored me and started playing with Oddy (my dog) and carried on with delegating about the boxes. Right there, I realised that I am my mom to my son.

Please, remember to leave a comment below, it is always appreciated.

Hard times require furious dancing

www.buzzfeed.com

I have decided not to write a post the previous day for the next day. Remember, this is supposed to be about my daily appreciations. But, I may from time to time go back in time. As mentioned in my previous post that, " Sometimes you might think about something nice that someone did for you. Pick up the phone and call the person, just to say thanks...", which means it might have happened in the past. So, in this post, I'm going to have a little bit of fun by going down memory lane. I must say though that the best thing about this whole exercise, is that, I'm always looking for the good in my everyday life. By so doing, I find that I live my "positive" and I'm loving it!

So, here goes, my appreciations for "tuka" (Soweto/township slang for a long time ago):

1.  Shoes: I may not know what the reasons for the women of the world to love shoes, but mine goes back to my growing up. I never had shoes, for anything at a time. I'd have a pair of church shoes, which I would wear to school (and be teased), at home, on visits and everywhere - which shortened their life span. But because my mom bought me church shoes eight months ago (she had to rotate buying a pair for my siblings (four kids) every two months), the next turn would be school shoes, of which I would do the same and wear them everywhere. For some reason my shoes were a bit mature, my mom would buy me the wedges and high heels, I think in her mind they were supposed to last me till my teenage years... So yes, I'm totally thankful that I can buy shoes for every occasion, including seasons.

2.  Toilet paper: Just imagine what it was like without it - we couldn't afford it? Two words: Yellow pages. I'm saying no more.

3.  Toothpaste: Hallelujah!

4.  Deodorant: I remember growing up, it was luxury. I'm certain that you have smelt the unpleasantness of those without such niceties and have probably been smelled by others when you went without. I have stood and sat by people for whom soap effectively did not exist - it isn't pleasant. I’m deeply grateful for it!

5.  Indoor toilets: Growing up in Soweto, it was simply scary going to the toilet outside at night. I remember being scary of witches, creepy crawlies (we had no street lights or electricity) and criminals of course.

6.  Washing machines (clothes and dishes): Oi! I hated (very strong word but true) washing day! Blankets, clothes and everything by hand. I don't think we're spoiled at all by appreciating washing machines. My sisters and I used to hide the dirty dishes in the oven until there was no more clean ones to use. Nope! Not spoiled at all, love my washers.

7.  Salt: Most borrowed item in the township.

8.  Laughter: There is nothing in the world so irresistibly contagious as laughter and good. I'm very lucky to be surrounded by people who laugh and giggle a whole lot. It cures a multitude of illnesses, it is probably the most important thing in a person. "Laughter has proven beneficial effects on various other aspects of biochemistry. It has been shown to lead to reductions in stress hormones such as cortisol andepinephrine. When laughing the brain also releases endorphins that can relieve some physical pain. Laughter also boosts the number of antibody-producing cells and enhances the effectiveness of T-cells, leading to a stronger immune system."  Wikipedia

9.  My book Oscar and the lady in pink: The book is composed of the letters of a boy of ten addressed to God. They are found by "Mamie Rose" (who was previously a wrestler), the Lady in Pink of the title, who visits him in hospital in the pink uniform worn by nurses on the children's ward. The letters describe twelve days in the life of Oscar and are filled with funny, moving characters.

I keep buying this book, because every time I lend it out, it has never come back. It is such a lovely book.

Don't forget to leave a comment below, it is appreciated.

Thank you for creating me

One of the things I have decided to do henceforth, is to find a religion that I will embrace. I’m a big fan of meditation and personal reflection. For the last month or so, I have made an effort to spend an hour each day in thoughtful introspection. I’ve found that practice to bring me inspiration, clarity and peace. While I don’t call this exercise prayer, I’m comfortable with those who frame this experience as a connection with something beyond themselves – be it God or some power - whatever's tickling your fancy. As long as your inner voice isn’t telling you to hurt yourself, or me, I’d recommend listening to it. That being said, when it comes to making requests of God, I find that I have avoided prayer, for the simple reason that I feel embarrassed every time that I try to pray – it does not come out well – whatever that is. I have never felt comfortable with it, I always felt that I'm not doing it right. I have heard people pray and always prayed silently that I could sound like them. 

With all that said, yes I’m on my way to working on that part of my religion - not learning to pray but find my own way of praying.

I stumbled across this little prayer this morning and would like to share it with you - it speaks to me, it could have been my own words. 
I hope in some way, you might also relate.

Please feel free to leave a comment at the bottom or by email.

“Gratitude: A lively sense of future benefit.” Unknown

TODAY IS THE FIRST PAGE IN A BLANK 365 PAGE BOOK. I INTEND TO WRITE A GOOD ONE... WHY DON'T YOU JOIN ME, AND DO SO FOR YOURSELF?

Starting today, I will write a quick acknowledgement of something I experience that I'm grateful for.

I'm well aware that life changes and each day is different, it is easy to be grateful when you're feeling good, it is a lot harder to do so when you’re stressed and down. "Every day is a new beginning and a new ending. Embrace it and make the best of it. Enjoy yourself and have a little fun while you can. If you’re smiling, you’re doing something right." happier.com

I'm normally not a fan of New Year's Resolutions. I feel that they lack a foundation of meaning and personal relevance, they give you an initial spurt of energy to get up and get moving, but they're just not sustainable. I feel why wait all year to make a choice about something? Why wait for one particular day to make a decision, when there are 365 other equally great decision-making days available to me? Which is why, this year is an exception, my resolution is an everyday resolution.

Did you know that gratitude has been scientifically proven to strengthen your immune system and make you happier and more optimistic, as well as less lonely and isolated? That's a huge reason to make acts of gratitude a daily habit. Here are a few tips to help us express gratitude every day:

1.  Keep a gratitude journal: A gratitude journal is where you can write down the things you are grateful for each day. Make gratitude a daily habit. Every day, jot down great things that happened to you or that you are grateful for. Keeping your focus on the positive will really make a difference. You can keep a physical journal, or share your gratitude with the world right here on my blog.

2.  Replace complaints with gratitude: When you find yourself focusing on what you believe you’re lacking i.e. I wish my house was bigger, I wish I had more money to buy more shoes, replace it with thoughts of what you are grateful and thankful for.

3.  Volunteer in your community: There’s a well-known secret among long-time volunteers: an act of kindness does more good for you than those you’re serving. Doing something for the community you live in and returning the favor to those who have helped you are strong motivators. Everyone, rich or poor, takes from society, and volunteering is one way to show a sense of appreciation.

4.  Say thank you: When someone does something nice for you, however small, try to remember to say thank you. And really mean it. Call to say thanks. Sometimes you might think about something nice that someone did for you. Pick up the phone and call the person, just to say thanks. Let them know what they did that you’re grateful for, and why you appreciate it. Takes a minute or two. Even better is telling them in person, almost as good is a thank-you email — keep it short and sweet.

5.  The unique privilege of being YOU: YOU are one of a kind. You are lucky enough to have something that makes you different from everyone else. Embrace your individuality. Self-worth comes from one thing: thinking that you are worthy. So appreciate what it feels like underneath your own skin. You are amazing just the way you are.

We all have a whole lot to be grateful for. So at the end of the day before you close your eyes, smile and be happy with where you’ve been and grateful for what you have experienced and overcome.

Life is rarely perfect, but it’s always pretty darn good.

Now, your turn: Look around you. No matter who you are, there is something to be thankful for. A roof over your head, the food in your fridge, your family and friends. Each of these things are truly a gift. Every day that you are in good health, every day that you get to go to work, every day you get to drink clean water. When you begin to recognise the goodness in your life, and make a conscious effort to be grateful for those things, you will see that every day there is more and more to be thankful for.

What would you add to the list?

Happy 2015!

Please leave a comment below and share your thoughts with the community.