Safrican in the Ukay ©

Integrity?

2009-07-03T18:38:00.002+01:00

“Integrity may be seen as the quality of having a sense of honesty and truthfulness in regard to the motivations for one’s actions.”

~ Wikipedia

I can’t say it strongly enough, that one of the foundations of happiness is integrity.

But just what is integrity?

Is it being honest? Yes, sort of.
Is it being good? Yes, most of the time.
Is it being spiritual? Yes, in a way.

In fact, integrity is when your values and your actions are the same.

Almost everyone has at least some integrity, and almost nobody has complete integrity. The closer our beliefs and actions are aligned, the more integrity we have – and the happier we are.

It’s worth taking a look at your life and seeing where your actions might not quite live up to your ideals. Look for ways to change your actions so that they are better aligned.

Preference?

2009-06-15T16:09:00.003+01:00

Pen or Pencil?

Two ways of doing the same thing. It’s just a matter of preference.

It’s okay to have your own preference, even if others opt for a different choice. But sometimes “peer pressure” gets the better of us. That’s right, peer pressure is not just for teens.

There’s a good reason for peer pressure to exist - a powerful force that keeps people conforming to societal norms so that we can all get along. But when peer pressure makes us feel guilty for making minor preference choices, that’s taking it too far.

Make your preferences and enjoy them.

Enemies?

2009-06-11T11:08:00.003+01:00

Sometimes we are our own worst enemies.

We are the authors of our own habits. We are the ones who give ourselves permission to indulge our weaknesses. We are the ones who cause others to dislike us. Our laziness leads to problems that could have been avoided if addressed earlier. When somebody “cheats” on their diet, they only cheat themselves.

We can also be our own best friends – by battling the enemy within.

How are you your own best enemy, and what do you plan to do to disable that enemy?

Words...

2009-06-01T15:53:00.003+01:00

Words are very powerful tools or very powerful weapons, depending on how you use them. Words have the power to motivate people you care about. To inspire them. To give them just the boost they need. Words can let people know just how much you care or how much you hurt.

The wrong words can turn a friend into an enemy. They can let somebody down. They can cut a rift between you and people you hold dear.

No words are useless. No words are wasted. Every word has an effect.

Think about your words and use them wisely.

What makes you happy?

2009-05-29T09:30:00.003+01:00

Illustration by Lehla Eldridge

Isn’t it strange how we spend so much time pursuing things that will never make us happy?

We chase money and fame, and sometimes affections of those who do not care. We can’t wait for the weekend, so we waste our week waiting, and we buy lottery tickets hoping for deliverance
from our sorry lot.

Remember, that week we can’t wait to get past is called “life”.

Stop and think about what really makes you happy.

Now, you know what to do.

What do you want?

2009-05-26T12:12:00.003+01:00

What do you want from life?

Yes, it’s a big question, and I know you might not be sure. But you are the expert. There is nobody in the world who knows better what you want out of life than you do.

Perhaps the reason you don’t know is because you never tried – I mean really tried – to figure it out. It may not be so much indecision as procrastination.

Why not take some time to determine what you want?

Life is like a....

2009-05-21T08:55:00.006+01:00

Life is like a trampoline. No matter how high you bounce, you will come back down to earth. And the higher you bounce, the lower you will push the mat when you land. But you can always keep jumping; there is no limit to the ups.

And there is some very good news. No matter how low you push the mat, you can always jump higher than you sink.

Life on the trampoline has it’s ups and downs, but the ups are stronger if you want them to be.

Reality in Perspective...

2009-05-19T11:38:00.002+01:00

Here’s a really cool trick that will help put everything in perspective.

First, take one foot and plant it firmly on the ground.
Next, take another foot, and plant in firmly on the ground.

There!

Now you have both feet planted firmly on the ground. Try doing this whenever things seem to be getting out of control or whenever you are feeling anxious or overwhelmed.

It is important at times like this not to let “what might happen” get the better of you. Planting both feet firmly on the ground helps you live the moment rather than fear the future.

Make a move!

2009-05-13T10:42:00.003+01:00

Are you waiting for your ship to come in?

What if it doesn’t?

What if the canoe that you are letting fall into disrepair is the only vessel you have?

What if all the ships out there are waiting for canoes to come to them.

Grab a paddle and stroke stroke, stroke. If you see a ship, head for it. If not…what can be better than a peaceful or invigorating paddle through life?

Friends....

2009-05-05T13:39:00.005+01:00

“Friends are those who sing the song in your heart,
especially when you've forgotten the lyrics”

I have no idea who quoted this, but I laaik the description.

In life, we all forget the lyrics sometimes. And it sure helps to have someone close enough, someone who cares enough to help us remember the tune.

Don’t worry; the lyric will come back to you...

Optimistic?

2009-04-28T18:09:00.003+01:00

I don’t want to hear anyone say they can’t help feeling pessimistic. If you wish to feel pessimistic, that is your choice, but recognize that it is just that – a choice.

The same goes for optimism. At any point we can choose how we view the future. To be sure, we can be swayed by the voices around us, and many people are. But we can be swayed only if we let them. The future has yet to be told, but you can decide now whether you will enjoy it.

Choose optimism and no matter what the future holds, at least today will be great.

Noise...

2009-04-23T15:22:00.003+01:00

It fills our lives. Music. Motors. Even the constant drone of refrigerators, computers, the furnace, air conditioners (Just started around here, mind you), the ticking of a clock makes noise.
Then when the TV, stereo, vacuum, car, traffic outside, and so much more are all added in, we go from constant noise to overpowering noise.

Turn it down. Turn it off. Give your ears a break. It gets stressful, and yes, it can even make us cranky. Even the music we love. Even the TV shows we enjoy. The noise works on our moods after a while.

Turn it down. Turn it off!

Absolute Priority...

2009-04-21T09:14:00.003+01:00

What is your priority?
Is there a change you want to make? I mean really, really want to make?

If there is a change you are absolutely committed to, there is only one way to make it happen – run everything through the filter:

“Will this further my goal or take me further from my goal?”

For instance, if you have committed to turning a messy house into a neater house, the minute something enters your hand, you must commit to answering the question “If I place this there, will my house be neater or less neat than if it stays in my hand?” Only when you can answer “neater” should you let it go from your hand.

If something really is a priority, make it the priority.

Perspective...

2009-04-20T08:15:00.000+01:00

Puddles are baby oceans. Really, there’s not much difference except that the wildlife in one lives longer and is big enough for us to see.

Trees are giant weeds. Just look at one when the leaves have fallen, and you’ll see how similar they look.

And our house is nothing but an overgrown dollhouse.

It’s all a matter of perspective. Try looking at something differently today. It will help your creative juices flow and your tolerance level grow.

Comfort...

2009-02-19T08:08:00.002Z

We are often challenged to leap out of our comfort zone and try something new, to be bold and daring and reach for our dreams.

But there is also a role for comfort, a role that becomes clear on cold winter days such as we have here in the Ukay. In fact, the more we leap out of our comfort zone to try new, daring things, the more we might need those little comforts like hot soup or a soothing shower to keep us grounded.

Comfort is a wonderful thing, as long as it doesn’t make you feel too…comfortable.

Extinguisher

2009-02-18T08:36:00.000Z

Sociability tip: always carry a fire extinguisher in your back-pack.

OK, perhaps you don’t need an actual, physical fire extinguisher, but wherever there are people, fires will crop up. I’m talking about misunderstandings between two people who’s mouths and ears somehow missed the connection. Ruffled feathers of people who are a little more sensitive than they need be. Offhand remarks form people who speak first and think later. Let’s face it, we all create fires and we all burn sometimes.

But do we all have a backup plan that we can call on when needed. Perhaps it is the ability to immediately slip into a sympathetic tone to avoid a small fire getting bigger. Perhaps it is an emergency escape plan so that we don’t make others’ fires bigger by putting in our own two cents. Perhaps it is a little alarm bell that screams out in our heads: “Just let it go. Just let it go. Just let it go.”

What’s your fire extinguisher?

Wisdom on Love

2009-02-09T09:30:00.001Z

Love grows when you pass it on.
So, if you need more love then its time
to pass more love on to others.

As you receive goodness from others,
pass it on.

Snow

2009-02-06T12:33:00.004Z

It’s cold, wet and white up here in the Ukay.

Did you know that the Inuit have dozens of words for snow? That’s because there are so many types of snow…

Wet, sticky snow that sticks. Fluffy snow that floats light as…as…as…well, as snow. Snow like tiny Styrofoam balls. Snow that was fluffy, but with a touch of melting is getting a little sticky. Light snow that gets packed under more and more light snow. Snow that turns crisp from a hint of freezing rain. You get the idea.

It’s easy to generalize about snow; you won’t hurt its feelings. But people are infinitely more varied, and people do have feelings. Accept me as I am, without generalizing about why “kind” of person I might be. I’ll do the same for you.

Wisdom...

2009-02-03T08:02:00.001Z

“Life is not the way it’s supposed to be.
It’s the way it is. The way you cope
with it is what makes the difference.”
~{Virginia Satir, social worker}~

Well done!

2009-01-30T10:29:00.004Z

Praise is good, and if you have praised someone today, encouraging them to excel in something they have been trying to do, you are to be praised.

But always make sure your praise is sincere. Make sure you have identified something the person has done well. It might be just one of ten steps in a process, but make sure to identify specifically what they have done well.

False praise for things they have not done well will not help. If they believe it, they will continue doing substandard work instead of trying harder to do better. If they don’t believe it, they will feel uneasy that you are calling attention to something they know was not good enough.

Praise and praise sincerely. You do it for your kids; now do it for others.

Who are Friends?

2009-01-26T09:35:00.000Z

Who are your friends? In this day and age, people have hundreds of “friends” on MySpace and FaceBook (many of whom we actually have no idea who they are), where we “know” dozens of parents of our kids’ classmates, where we go to conferences and see faces we have met before, where we follow celebrities on blogs and twitter and read their books and feel like we know them.

But who really are your friends?

Your friends are the people you will go out of your way to help. And those who will go out of their way to help you.

Refresh your Friendships...

2009-01-20T23:50:00.004Z

Friendship is one of those intangibles that cannot be measured and often goes unnoticed. Yet it is one that requires as much nurturing as our own bodies. It is so easy to lose track of friends in our busy world, and the loss of a friend is like a loss of part of ourselves.

If you don’t make time for your friends, how do you expect them to make time for you. How can a friendship remain alive if the very things that created the friendship – the bonding, the interaction, the connectivity – are no longer there.

I was contacted by an old friend a week ago. She invited me to join her forum and in this process I came into contact with loads of old friends that I kinda "misplaced" over the past two years.

Yes, now is the time for each of us to call up an old friend and rekindle lost friendships.

Ideas...

2009-01-20T07:59:00.002Z

There is a very thin line between life and death. A thin, white line. Or maybe it’s yellow. It runs down the middle of the road. Cross that line and you crash into another car. If the other car crosses the line, it crashes into you.

What’s the only thing keeping both cars from crashing?

Hint – it’s not a line. No line ever stopped a car trying to cross it. No, it’s an idea. The idea that the car should keep on one side of the line. The idea of obeying the rules of the road for everybody’s safety. The idea.

Even for something a simple and basic as steering a vehicle, and idea is a powerful thing. Do you have an idea? Are you willing to ride the idea? If so, you have power.

Wisdom...

2009-01-19T09:05:00.000Z

Peace is more than the absence of war...
Peace is a world filled with love,
light and joy and it starts with you!

Resolutions?

2009-01-01T11:09:00.000Z

Have you started your New Years resolutions yet? Yes! And this time I'll keep them! Okay, stay strong and keep on track as the days go by. Never stop using your will-power!

No? Well, it’s never too early and never too late. New Year’s Day is a totally arbitrary day. Feel free to use it if that helps motivate you – a fresh start to a new year. Or the start of summer vacation. Or the return to work or school after summer/winter vacation. Or the day you read an article that really makes you think.

You see, while resolutions for the New Year give us a wonderful sense of positive intent, they are extremely hard to stick with unless we turn them into clear, well-defined goals. Whenever you are moved to action, make the resolution. Make the plan. Take action! Make the changes you need to create the life you want.

New Year's eve

2008-12-31T19:59:00.001Z

“New Year’s eve is like every other night;
there is no pause in the march of the universe,
no breathless moment of silence among created
things that the passage of another 12 months
may be noted; and yet no man has quite the
same thoughts this evening that come with
the coming of darkness on other nights.”

~{Hamilton Wright Mabie}~

Prayer...

2008-12-30T07:40:00.000Z

If the only prayer you ever say in
your whole life is “Thank You”,
that would suffice.

Wisdom...

2008-12-29T19:31:00.001Z

You are the creator of your reality!
You get to choose what you want to experience in life.
Stop blaming others and start choosing more carefully!

Happy Christmas?!

2008-12-25T00:01:00.003Z

The 25th of December is Christmas. This is the day that millions of people say "Happy Christmas" to each other face to face or on the phone. What do we mean when we use these words? Is it appropriate to fill the already bulging coffers of the mobile phone companies by sending dozens of these text messages without having a clue as to the true meaning of them?

"Happy Christmas" - simply in order that others should be happy for just one day of the year? No, that is not good enough. Not if you know the Child of Christmas personally. Then you would not want to wish anyone temporary happiness.
"Happy Christmas" - simply in order to behave correctly by sending all those around you very nice messages? No, that is also not good enough. Friendships that are dependent on such messages are not true friendships.
"Happy Christmas" - there is just one reason why a Christian can and should say this – because it is the celebration of Jesus' birthday. This is the day when we sing and rejoice about the coming of the true Light that banished all darkness.

On the day of Jesus' birth, the angels' song spoke of God's abundant joy at the birth of his Saviour Child. On this day the balance of power was forever shifted in favour of heaven. So that when I say "Happy Christmas" to someone this year, I mean it sincerely, knowing that it is a special day of victory. It is Jesus' day of victory! When I say "Happy Christmas" I am praying for every listener and reader; I pray that they will celebrate Jesus together with us. And that Christmas will overflow to the 26th of December, 27th of December ... Yes, that a blessed life before God awaits each one within striking distance of these words.

Wisdom...

2008-12-19T07:30:00.001Z

“When the power of love
overcomes the love of power,
the world will know peace.”
~{Jimi Hendrix}~

Bestest 15 years

2008-12-18T09:40:00.004Z

"There are three things that amaze me —
no, four things that I don’t understand:
how an eagle glides through the sky,
how a snake slithers on a rock,
how a ship navigates the ocean,
how a man loves a woman."
~{Proverbs 30:18-19}~

Déjà-Vu,
I love you for your thoughtfulness
Your understanding way
And for the countless little things
You do for me each day
I love you for the hopes and dreams
You've helped to make come true
Everything that I do reminds me of you
But most of all I love you,
Just for being YOU!

Happy 15th Wedding Anniversary

Thanx for the bestest 15 years of my life!!

Intentions...

2008-12-17T11:50:00.001Z

If you have heard the expression that “actions speak louder than words” you will know the difference between intentions and reality.

No matter how much you say you mean something, if you act differently, you don’t really mean it.
No matter how much you say you want to change a habit, if you do things that support the habit, you don’t really want to change.
No matter how much you say you want to do something, until you actually do it, you don’t want to.

There are two ways to align your words and your deeds (That’s called “integrity”)

1. Change your words.
2. Change your deeds.

Will your good intentions become reality?

Life, Details?

2008-12-16T11:01:00.005Z

Brush both the top and the bottom. And make sure to brush the inside, not just the outside. And in the back, too. Don’t forget the back inside and the back outside. On the top and on the bottom. And on the left side, too. On both the left and right, you have to do the back top and bottom on the inside and then both the top and bottom on the outside. And don't forget your tongues...

When I taught and explained to the Prinsessies how to brush their teeth, such a simple thing seemed so complicated.

But isn’t that the joy of life?
Simple, yet complex. Complex, yet simple.

Enjoy the details, but relax with the big picture.

Well done!

2008-12-15T17:16:00.004Z

Go on admit it! You love praise, who doesn't? Everybody needs it.

Every time you praise someone, you build up their self-esteem and their self-confidence, and you encourage them to repeat the good behaviour. This is a somewhat underused technique with children, and a vastly underused technique with adults.

Give lot’s a praise, especially for behaviours you want repeated (You’re smart, cool and you’re pretty don’t count – there is nothing to repeat – although some of that can certainly help a person’s self-esteem and self-image).

Remember to give praise where praise is due, or even when it's not due...

Attraction...

2008-12-12T08:01:00.001Z

We are all magnets. We draw toward ourselves those things we truly desire and we truly want. We don’t necessarily get everything we want… no, it’s not like some people believe that all you have to do is want something enough and it will magically appear.

But if you really want something and you are prepared to think about it, look for opportunities and keep yourself in a positive frame of mind… everything will be a lot more likely to happen.

On the other hand, you could give up, forget your dreams and not look for opportunities, but I’m sure you know what you will attract with that approach…

Sleep...

2008-12-11T11:12:00.000Z

The best way to sleep well at night is to go to bed with a peaceful heart.

Look over your day, and remind yourself of all the things you did well, all the moments you enjoyed.

Review the things you failed to do well and plan ways to do them better tomorrow. There is nothing to bring peace to one’s heart before bed like knowing that tomorrow you will have an even better day.

Vici

2008-12-11T08:25:00.000Z

Today Vici turned 9. WeirdGirl is growing up.

This has been a fun year for you! Although you are a 'Tom-boy', you are maturing into a beautiful and wonderful young lady.

We are so proud of you, Vics... proud of the child you are, the young lady you are becoming and the woman you will one day be! You are a fabulous daughter, an exceptional student, xcellent sportsman and an amazing sister.

You are Carénè's bestest friend and a great role model to WildChild and I hope that the three of you will always be close.

Your sensitivity, free-spirit, determination and competitiveness makes you, you! Never change.

Thanx for all the unexpected and spontaneous hugs and butterfly kisses, they always brighten every cold grey Ukay day!

I can't help but worry about your fast approaching teenage years. I pray daily that God will help us stay close to one another and keep the lines of communication open. We will always be here to listen, to talk, and to pray with you no matter what, but always remember that even when you feel like you can't talk to us, you can always talk to God. He will guide you through. Keep your faith.

Happy 9th B'Day my Prinsessie, I know this year will bring new challenges which you will conquer!

We all love you out of this world!

Science...

2008-12-10T13:34:00.000Z

God is the “who”. Science is the “how”. Science will never prove the existence of God. And science will never prove the non-existence of God.

So let’s get on with the real work of science – The discovery of how this amazing world works. The rules by which our physical space is governed. And ways to improve our space for the benefit of all.

Time is everything...

2008-12-09T11:01:00.001Z

They say that time is money, but it’s not. Time is everything.

No matter what you are doing, you are spending time. You can’t slow down or speed up the pace of the time you spend. All you can do is increase or decrease the value of what you get for that time.

If you are spending a lot of your time in drudgery work or watching a TV or computer screen, maybe you could do something to increase the value of the time you are spending. Perhaps you would like to spend more time with people, more time playing sports, more time philosophizing… whatever you enjoy doing, whatever fulfils you, that’s how you should spend your time. Because whatever you are doing, you are spending it, and even where there is a money-back guarantee, there is no time-back option.

Time.... spend it wisely!

Wisdom...

2008-12-08T13:00:00.000Z

“I wish I could stand on a busy corner,
hat in hand, and beg people
to throw me all their
wasted hours.”
~{Bernard Berenson}~

Waste?

2008-12-05T08:04:00.002Z

Do you waste?

When you park in front of a store, do you park as close as possible and waste the chance to walk?
When you commute to work, do you take a car or bus and waste the chance to walk or bicycle?
When you go to the second or third floor, do you take an elevator and waste the chance to get your heart pumping on the stairs.
When picking up a meal do you do through the drive-through and waste the chance to stand up and walk a few steps (and waste precious fuel, too)?

How can you reduce your waste?

A Random Act Of Kindness

2008-12-04T00:01:00.000Z

We live in our own skin 24 hours a day, seven days a week, our whole life and we forget such simple acts which would make a huge difference in other people’s lives and, above all, in our own lives.

What is a Random Act Of Kindness?

As defined by Wikipedia….

“A random act of kindness is a purportedly selfless act performed by a person or persons wishing to either assist or cheer up an individual or in some cases even an animal. There will generally be no reason other than to make people smile, or be happier. Either spontaneous or planned in advance, random acts of kindness are encouraged by various communities.”

Aesop once said…

“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”

Go and visit The A.R.K at http://www.arandomactofkindness.co.za/

Hugs...

2008-12-03T11:49:00.006Z

Xcellent reasons to hug somebody today :

Winter is here in Europe (2 degrees Celsius at the moment).
Keep your friends close. The longer the hug, the longer they’ll stay.
A hug lasts a lifetime.
Human touch reduces stress.
Hugging makes happy days happier and impossible days possible.
The nicest thing about a hug is that you usually can't give one without getting one.
Hugging is good medicine. It transfers energy, and gives the person hugged an emotional boost.

Go on, Hug some-one right now!

Locked?

2008-12-02T13:03:00.000Z

A locked door keeps others out. But it also keeps you in.

On a cold winter day, you might like to stay inside. You are in shelter, not in prison. However, in prison you might prefer to be able to get out.

What about your heart? What about your friendship. What about you? Are you locked?

Maybe you are trying to keep someone or something out, but perhaps you are keeping yourself in. We can make prisoners of ourselves, but life is pretty short and isn’t it time to set yourself free?

Come on live your life unlocked!

Upside down...

2008-12-01T17:33:00.002Z

One of my favourite play-time move was/is handstands. I loved it and even in a swimming pool it was xcellent. It’s a move that allows a person to stand upside down (yes, somewhat unconventional) but still maintain strength and balance.

It’s a topsy turvy world we live in, and if you can keep your balance when the world turns you upside down, and not lose too much spare change from your pockets along the way, you’ll have everything need to keep smiling.

Keep your mind focused on the things that are important to you, and before you know it everything will return to “normal” and you can keep moving toward your goals.

And for fun, break away from "normal", do a real handstand against a wall and see how long you can stand up-side down. And while you're at it do some cart-wheels or even "rolly-pollys". You won't believe how much fun it is...

8 hours or less?

2008-11-28T07:46:00.001Z

There is so much the goes into living a healthy lifestyle. In particular, there are three pillars. In recent months I have reclaimed two of those pillars, nutrition and fitness. But the third pillar, sleep, is harder to control.

For starters, it happens while we are asleep. Secondly, when you are married, it’s not always easy to chose when you go to sleep. And if your partner has a fitful night, so will you (at least, if you are a light sleeper).

But sleep is so critical. With insufficient sleep, fitness becomes harder. With insufficient sleep, motivation becomes harder. With insufficient sleep, people eat more bread and sugar. With insufficient sleep, we get grumpier (and you know what that does to both your relationships and the law of attraction).

In so many ways, sleep controls our physical health, our ability to accomplish things and our relationships. It’s worth the effort to get a good night’s sleep every night.

Is there still people who sleep 8 hours a night? How many hours a night, do you sleep?

Courage (2)

2008-11-27T07:15:00.001Z

"You will never do anything in this world
without courage.
It is the greatest quality of the mind
next to honour."
~{Aristotle}~

Some very brave people suffer from feeling very uncourageous. They labour under the false assumption that courage requires no fear. Quite the contrary, fear is the single most important ingredient in courage.

Without fear there cannot be courage. Courage is the act of overcoming one’s fears.

We all have fears. We can all be courageous. Challenge your fears to a dual today… they aren’t half as brave as you are.

Believe?

2008-11-26T11:44:00.001Z

Strange thing about us humans... when we believe something we REALLY believe it. So much so that whenever we're shown evidence of ANY kind we tend to do our best to back up what we already believe.

In short, we believe what we WANT to be true, even if the evidence objectively says something else.

Y is that?

Taste...

2008-11-25T09:16:00.001Z

Ice-Cream drips. So you better eat it fast.

Or perhaps, you simply have to put way less ice-cream in the cone.

Since the first taste is the best, and the ice-cream actually loses flavour as you eat it…maybe the dripping is a message that you’ve had enough?

Then again, can one ever have enough ice-cream?

First snow...

2008-11-24T18:03:00.003Z

When we woke up on Sunday morning we had our first snow for this season.

But at about 11:30 it started raining and we even had some hail. All that turned the lovely white snow into a brownish slush...

Wisdom...

2008-11-24T07:44:00.002Z

Place your faith in the divine power within you;
not in your outer abilities.

Wisdom...

2008-11-20T10:46:00.002Z

Find a rainbow and live your world of dreams,
always remember life is better than it seems.

Growing up...

2008-11-19T07:30:00.001Z

Growing up is fun. If you have never had kids, you might not realize how many times young souls can thrill over finally being a big kid. Every accomplishment, each new milestone, every new permission – it’s all fodder to be excited at finally being a big kid.

WildChild started school in September this year. Now she's a big kid. No longer going to the Nursery as a little kid. On Monday she was chosen for her School Council (Prefect). A big responsible kid.

So how can you tell who is a big kid and who is a small kid? Easy, yesterday they were all small; today they are all big.

What about you? Y not become a big kid and celebrate your growth every few days, too? Go on I know you want to...

Circumstances...

2008-11-18T07:43:00.002Z

I believe this Quote, of Mr. Shaw, is the very essence of living the life you want.

Create the circumstances inside yourself, and you will be happy. Pay too much attention to the circumstances around you, events and situations beyond your control, and happiness becomes very elusive.

Water...

2008-11-17T13:38:00.003Z

If you can’t see the divinity in water...

Water is a resource that many of us take for granted.
Water is the source of life, in more ways than one.
We all need to drink plenty of it.

What does water mean to you?

Responsibility?

2008-11-14T08:16:00.004Z

What does this word mean, anyway?

Response ability. When we ask, “Just who is responsible for this mess?” The question is really “Who is response able for this mess?”

When you are asked to assume responsibility for something, it might some like a completely different thing than being expected to take responsibility for something. But the bottom line is that the question is all about who is able to respond.

Try taking responsibility as often as possible. Responsibility is not about blame. Responsibility is about empowerment.

Competitive...

2008-11-13T08:01:00.000Z

Life is competitive. There is always someone better than you, and there is always pressure to catch up and exceed the expectations that have been set. The competition is always hot on your heels. But just who is this competition?

You!

That’s right, whatever you did last sets your standard. You can always improve. You can always be kinder. You can always be faster. You can always be smarter. You can just keep getting better. That’s what self-improvement is all about.

And you can always be happier, too.

Happiness (Permission)

2008-11-12T09:09:00.003Z

Happiness is sometimes what happens when you’re not looking. Sometimes we spend too much time searching for happiness. Sometimes, we should just let it come to us.

But first, you have to give yourself permission. That’s right, you have to allow yourself to feel happy. You can breathe, you can eat, you can smile…there are so many reasons to feel happy, but you have to give yourself permission, or else none of these things will make you any happier than you already are.

Thoughts...

2008-11-11T08:01:00.002Z

You are the only one that can
control your thoughts.
It may not seem like it at times,
but you CAN choose what you think!

What if?

2008-11-10T07:45:00.001Z

Future...

2008-11-08T09:54:00.007Z

“Finish each day and be done with it.
You have done what you could;
some blunders and absurdities have crept in;
forget them as soon as you can.
Tomorrow is a new day;
you shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit
to be encumbered with your old nonsense.”
~{Ralph Waldo Emerson}~

In Harmony...

2008-11-07T07:24:00.003Z

Have you ever noticed how beautiful a choir is, with all the voices singing as if they were one. But they are not one. It is the ever so slight variations that help make the harmony sound so beautiful. And sometimes, the choir can even sound beautiful when voices are singing in counterpoint.

A solo performance can also be incredibly beautiful. So can a duet.

The key is to know when to sing solo and when to sing in harmony. When you are with others, strive to work with them. Be part of something beautiful.

When you are by yourself, be the bestest person you can be. Because you are also beautiful on your own.

Temper?

2008-11-06T15:25:00.002Z

Who’s the boss, you or your temper?

This is an important question, because people who have anger management issues often feel like they are not in control (which they aren’t). Lust for power is generally not considered a good thing. However, control over one’s own actions and reactions, and particularly over one’s temper is an extremely good thing.

Although feeling dejected for having lost control after the temper has subsided is not very useful, feeling determined to keep control before tempers flare is quite useful. The trick is to remind your temper who’s boss before it gets the better of you. You can say to yourself, “I am the boss.” And whatever other lines you need to put temper in its place.

After all, you really are the boss.

Sisters

2008-11-04T10:19:00.001Z

Sisters. Friends or foes?

Sometimes it is hard to tell. “She NEVER let’s me play by my rules.”
“She ALWAYS hates me.”

And just when you wonder how they can even share the same roof…

“But let’s not forget to get one for my sister, too.”
“Here, you can have the bigger half.”

Terrifying? Heart-warming? Confusing? Ah, but life’s like that.

Good thing we are adults and know better than to bicker, right?

In contact with nature...

2008-11-03T23:03:00.001Z

Our vacation has been over for a little while now, and even this short ½-Term break we had, just came to an end today, but it was wonderful.

Even though I live in the country-side I still find it refreshing and renewing to commune with nature, walking through a forest, biking around the countless bike-paths in our county, pushing my way into the mist of a waterfall, scaling a hill to see the view from the top, breaking through the waves over a submerged sandbar (although I don't do that often enough because this is the Ukay...), watching the seagulls and kestrels flying around me…these are experiences one just cannot do every day. And they bring us so much closer to our real roots.

As convenient as our daily shelters are, there is a little extra happiness every time we can commune with nature, each in our own way.

Word...

2008-11-02T07:23:00.000Z

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life,
neither angels nor demons, neither the present
nor the future, nor any powers, neither height
nor depth, nor anything else in all creation,
will be able to separate us from the love
of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

~{Romans 8:38-39}~

Happy (2)

2008-11-01T17:34:00.002Z

There is such a thing as too much money. There is such a thing as too much fun. There is such a thing as too much food and too much to drink.

There is also such a thing as too little money. There is such a thing as too little fun. There is such a thing as too little food and too little to drink.

Somewhere in between happiness can be found...

Happy?

2008-10-30T16:28:00.002Z

“Now and then it's good to pause in our
pursuit of happiness and just be happy.”
~{Guilaume Apollinaire}~

Guilaume reminds us that so much of happiness depends on just enjoying whatever we happen to be doing. It’s good to do what we like, but better still to like what we do.

So relax and enjoy yourself, even if you are not doing what would optimally create happiness.

Plans...

2008-10-29T09:14:00.000Z

I can already tell you that I did not get done much of what I planned to do this summer. I did not plant most of the flower gardens with my Prinsessies, nor a number of trees I had planned.

The weeds made a mockery of our vacation (“Ha. You think you can just go away and we’ll wither on our own? No way, we wanna grow!)

And all those hiking and canoe trips? I never even got around to acquiring the canoe.

But I did have a great summer and I did do a lot of amazing things.

It’s OK for plans to go astray. Do your best to make new plans as you go, and make sure they are the best plans you can do with your time. In the end, you will look back with no regrets.

Freedom...

2008-10-28T10:27:00.004Z

Happiness is feeling free.

Yes, that sense of having control over your own life is probably the single biggest feature that differentiates happiness levels between nations. That does not mean that everyone living in dictatorships is unhappy; in fact, many of them might feel very free in many aspects of their daily lives. Nor does it mean that everybody living in the “free world” feels particularly free all the time; many people might feel constrained by debt, workplace commitments and red tape.

But real freedom from fear and control are two big factors that do raise the happiness bar wherever they take root. Just another reason to work for peace and freedom everywhere.

Courage

2008-10-27T08:17:00.001Z

It takes fear to produce courage. The "brave" knight who charges off on his trusty steed to smite the dragon, thinking not of danger is hardly very courageous.

The terrified messenger who brings the dragon an invitation to dual the "brave" knight, shows much more courage.

What makes somebody courageous?

It is how we deal with fear. It is OK to feel fear. Everybody does.

You can show courage by doing what you know you should do in spite of your fear.

But it doesn't mean you need to be as stupid as the penguin...

Simple?

2008-10-24T07:40:00.001+01:00

"laminals". What is laminals? Well, it just happens to be how my middle Prinsessie pronounced "animals", for the first couple years of talking. (OK, so she's still doing it and she's 8 years old).

What is so hard about the word "animals". Even when broken down repeatedly into three sounds "A-NI-MALS"; "A-NI-MALS" she still can't pronounce it.

Don't make assumptions about what anybody can or cannot do. What seems simple to one person might be beyond hope for others.

I use to be an explosives expert and defused bombs for a living. What do you mean you can't do it? It's easy.

I'll bet there are things you do daily that would send me into knots trying to figure out. It's a good thing, though.

After all, where would we be if all of us were experts at gardening or cooking and none of us were experts at plumbing?

Tradition...

2008-10-23T11:56:00.000+01:00

First you make your habits, and then your habits make you. You become a slave to your constantly repeated acts. What at first you chose, at last compels.

Your thoughts lead you to a purpose.
Your purpose moves you to take action.
Your actions form your habits.
Your habits determine your character,
and your character fixes your destiny.

Your habits are either the best of servants or the worst of masters.

Once in motion, a pattern tends to stay in motion.

Are you in a pattern?

Wisdom...

2008-10-22T08:59:00.000+01:00

"If you don't control what you think about,
somebody else will."
~{John Tschohl}~

Fun?

2008-10-21T13:31:00.001+01:00

When was the last time you made a mountain out of your mashed potatoes and let the gravy overflow like lava?

When was the last time you spelled "smile" in your alphabet soup? When was the last time you even ate alphabet soup?

When was the last time you crumpled up a flyer and kicked it as if it is a rugby ball, as you threw it away?

Amazingly, most of us forget to have fun.

Silly us. Or rather, not-silly-enough us.

Get a little silly today and have some fun.

Wisdom...

2008-10-20T15:01:00.000+01:00

Faith is the key to a universe
full of blessings.

Sleeping fit...

2008-10-20T08:05:00.000+01:00

Sleep... Sleep... Sleep...

What can be more boring?

But also, what can be more exciting. Sleep improves our physical and mental performance. It improves our mood. It improves our judgement. It increases our enjoyment.

Eight hours at night (not the typical 6½ hours) is ideal. Enough to ward off sleep debt.

Even better if you can take a 20-minute refresher nap in early-afternoon. More than 20 minutes and deeper sleep starts setting in and you wake up groggy part-way through. Our body temperature fluctuates in the afternoon the same way as at night, with a rise and dip.

So get fit…with sleep.

Word...

2008-10-17T16:14:00.003+01:00

" Don't let your today get spoiled with the
regret of yesterday & fear of tomorrow.
Just live the best & leave the rest."

Don't say never...

2008-10-17T12:07:00.001+01:00

Don't think that there is such thing as "no chance".

If you think about the things you can't do, you are missing out. Only think about the things you can do.

No matter what the level of your ability is, you have more potential than you can ever develop in a lifetime.

You have powers you never dreamed of. You can do things you never thought you could do. There are no limitations to what you can do except the limitations of your own mind.

Your range of available choices right now is limitless. Look at things as they can be.

Your own happiness...

2008-10-16T11:21:00.005+01:00

You are in charge. That’s right, nobody controls your happiness but you.

It can be a scary prospect, wielding such influence over one’s own happiness. When we realize that happiness is within our control, there are suddenly no excuses, nobody to blame, no scapegoats. There is no more, “She made me angry” or “if only this would happen”. We each control our own happiness, and we each choose when we will feel happy.

But sometimes it is easier to just let other people decide our happiness. That is why we so easily fall into reacting to others and their actions. But that puts our happiness in their hands. And if there is one thing scarier than placing our happiness in our own hands, it’s placing our happiness in somebody else’s.

Jumping for joy...

2008-10-15T12:17:00.003+01:00

What do you think is the bestest form of fitness for happiness?

Jumping for joy, of course. And it is so very easy to do. It takes no particular equipment, and there is motivation all around.

You can jump for joy when you wake up. Yeah, it’s a brand new day!

You can jump for joy when you see your partner, kids, parents, friends, colleagues…all those wonderful people that make the tapestry of your life wonderful.

You can jump for joy when you breathe, a wonderful sensation without which life just would not be the same.

In fact, every occasion is a chance to jump for joy. So let’s get fit the happy way today!

Shhh, listen!

2008-10-15T08:10:00.002+01:00

My Prinsessies have this bad habit of screaming into my ear. It's as though they think that the louder they shout, the better I'll hear. It doesn't matter how many times and ways I try to convince them that I will listen better if they lower their voice; they are not paying attention. It does not matter whether I lower my voice, raise it, turn away or look them straight in the eye.

The magic lasts only for a minute or two, then the bellowing begins again.

Adults do this too. We often think that we will get our point across by hammering it home. But often we can get our point across by listening better. Others will listen to us not by how loud we speak, but by how loud we listen. And if we can find our point somewhere in what they said, we can quietly drive our point home just by agreeing with them.

Word 4 Today…

2008-10-14T10:28:00.002+01:00

Your thoughts are one of your
most powerful spiritual tools.
Use them wisely!

Sounds

2008-10-13T17:36:00.001+01:00

Reading a post on TeaTime with Thea, "Geveerde Vriende", made me think about the relaxing calmness that goes together with birds...

There is few things in life more pleasant than listening to the sounds of the birds in the stillness of the evening and watching the stars come out.

The sun has gone down.

Traffic has all but stopped (in most places). The noise has all followed the people indoors. But few of us take the time to really enjoy the evening, as we also head indoors.

Could it be that we are heading in the wrong direction.

Isn't evening the ideal time to de-stress in the calm, cool air?

Rediscover the birds and the stars in the relaxing evening air.

Vibe...

2008-10-13T10:59:00.003+01:00

What is it?

Vibes is emissions that give others a sense of your thoughts or feelings.

To experience good vibes, is in general terms to experience that a situation, company, person or similar is pleasant, emotionally aligned with oneself. The origin of this term is derived from the word vibration.

You know when you walk into a place and immediately you feel at home/welcome? Well we often refer to it as a place with good vibes.

But more often we would pick up Bad Vibes quicker than we would Good Vibes.

Bad Vibes could be defined as meaning that all uncomfortable, uneasy, unsafe feelings. Bad vibes are those cautious "stay away, don't do it, don't trust it, watch out, be careful, keep on your toes" instincts that alerted us that something was not okay.

We are quick to define another place or person's vibe, but what about our own vibe?

What is the feeling/aura we send out?
Do people feel safe/happy/content in your presence?

If not, what are you going to do about it?
Change your vibe...

Life?

2008-10-11T11:18:00.000+01:00

Details?

2008-10-09T11:59:00.002+01:00

Everything looks bigger with a magnifying glass. So when things look too small, why not take out a magnifying glass?

This advice might seem obvious for reading the instructions on a bottle of medication, but what about taking out one’s proverbial magnifying glass when one’s world feels too small or one’s circle of friends seems to small or somehow one’s luck seems too small.

Eg. :

Instead of focusing on the quantity, focus on the details.
This is my room, and it really is a marvellous place.
I have just two friends, but look what good friends they are.
Not much good seems to be coming my way of late, but look at these two things that did happen. Wow! Those were great.

With a magnifying glass, everything seems bigger because we can see all the beautiful details in their splendid glory.

Dog food

2008-10-08T10:15:00.003+01:00

Got this from a friend...

I have 2 dogs & I was buying a large bag of Winalot in Tesco and was standing in the queue at the till. A woman behind me asked if I had a dog.

On impulse, I told her that no, I was starting The Winalot Diet again, although I probably shouldn't because I'd ended up in the hospital last time. However, not before I'd lost 50 pounds and then awakened in an intensive care ward with tubes coming out of most of my orifices and IVs in both arms.

I told her that it was essentially a perfect diet and the way that it works is to load your trouser pockets with Winalot nuggets and simply eat one or two every time you feel hungry. The food is nutritionally complete so I was going to try it again.

I have to mention here that practically everyone in the queue was by now enthralled with my story, particularly a guy who was behind her.

Horrified, she asked if I'd ended up in the hospital in that condition because I had been poisoned. I told her no, it was because I'd been sitting in the road licking myself and a car hit me.

I thought one guy was going to have a heart attack he was laughing so hard as he staggered out the door.

Stupid cow..........why else would I buy dog food??

Forgiving

2008-10-07T11:01:00.003+01:00

Here’s a slogan for you:

Forgiveness – the ultimate revenge.

Let’s face it, if somebody is really trying to hurt you, they want a reaction. They want you to feel anger, to feel pain. When we forgive, we take power away from our enemies. A forgiven enemy cannot hurt us; we become immune.

Forgiveness is not just a holy imperative; it is the ultimate revenge.

Learn the art of forgiving,
And apply it to yourself first.
Then it becomes easy
To forgive others.

Hakuna matata...

2008-10-06T10:10:00.000+01:00

Hakuna matata is a Swahili phrase that is literally translated as "There are no worries".

We worry too much. We all do. We worry about things we really need not worry about. We worry about things we can do nothing to change. We worry about things that others are already worrying about for us. We worry about things that will never happen.

Write them all down. Write down your worries and fold the paper. Place it in an envelope and put on plenty of postage. Address it to anywhere far away. Send your worries to Antarctica or to the North Pole. Send them to Dracula or to the Easter Bunny. Send them to Nobody and to Everybody. Send them to the county dump. Just send them away.

Now, lean back and get a good night’s sleep.

Word...

2008-10-04T09:42:00.000+01:00

Think only on those
things that are perfect,
beautiful, and pure.

Ma'ie....

2008-10-03T07:00:00.000+01:00

May your very special day
Overflow with love and peace,
Thank God for his grace and mercy
His wonders to me never cease.
Each life you've been blessed to touch
Reminds us to persevere,
Your commitment and obedience to God
Opens hearts and minds, it's clear.
Unwavering strength you possess
A devoted servant in all that you do,
Reverence the One from whom you're made
Ever faithful, ever loving, ever true.
Let's celebrate and enjoy this moment
Or reminisce about years ago,
Vow we have to cherish you
Even more than you'll ever know.
Dear Ma'ie, Happy Birthday!

Humble...

2008-10-02T10:20:00.005+01:00

I need to apologize for something.

I am certainly no role model for humility. I admit that I think far too much of myself far too often. My opinions are always right…or I can correct them so that they will always be right. Let’s face it, I am not a very humble person.

I should be.

This is a big world. God is big. Life is big. The universe is big. Everything functioned beautifully for millions of years before I came along and will function wonderfully for yonks to come when my speckle of time has elapsed.

Each of us is special. Each of us is unique. Each of us has a pivotal role to play in the outcome of everything. But let’s not get carried away with it.

Face in the mirror

2008-10-01T07:14:00.001+01:00

Make a face in the mirror.

Make another.

Make sure they are funny faces.

We adults sometimes get so caught up in our serious worlds that we forget to act silly.

Acting silly is a great stress reliever. It's not that we are happier when we act silly, as much that we are usually happier if we act silly every now and then.

So go ahead and make a silly face in the mirror.

Who...

2008-09-30T08:23:00.002+01:00

Who will always be there for you?

Who will never leave you, even if you try?

Who had you better get along with, no matter what?

You, that's who.

So make sure to treat yourself with respect and care, because you just cannot leave yourself.

Happy B’day, Pa'ie...

2008-09-29T02:08:00.005+01:00

…You Are The Best!

A B’Day message for you, Pa'ie, on your 68th :

…For all the times I thought it
but just didn’t get to say it,
the times I really felt it
but neglected to display it
…For all the times I wanted to
but couldn’t quite express it,
the times when I just sat there and
expected you to guess it
…For all the times I meant it
but somehow forgot to show it,
this comes to say

I LOVE YOU!

…and I really hope you know it!

The world needs you.

2008-09-29T01:55:00.002+01:00

The world needs you to be yourself, or else you would be somebody else.

The world needs you to help people you meet, or else you would not meet them.

The world needs you to nurture it, or else it would not nurture you.

The world needs you to smile, or else it would not smile on you.

The world needs you today, or else you would not be here now.

The world needs you.

RIP Paul Newman

2008-09-27T17:00:00.002+01:00

Old Blue Eyes is dead. Actor Paul Newman has died from cancer, at the age of 83.

Paul Newman was a legend in his own lifetime. Last year, at age 82, Newman announced he was retiring from acting. Few have accomplished so much in film or lead such a diverse life.

In film, his name will go down in history among the likes of Clark Gable, John Wayne, Humphrey Bogart, Marlon Brando, and James Stewart. Paul Newman has been nominated for an Academy Award ten times and took home the award for his role in the 1986 film THE COLOR OF MONEY. He and Frank Sinatra are the only actors to win an Actor Academy Award, a Humanitarian Academy Award, and a Special Honorary Academy Award.

It would be hard to find someone who has lead a life as full as Paul Newman. Race car driver and team owner. Founder of "Newman's Own", a successful line of food products. Philanthropist, Newman has been generous donating in excess of $200 million to charity.

My prayers and thoughts go out to his wife Joanne Woodward and his family.

Rest in peace Paul!

Wisdom...

2008-09-24T14:30:00.000+01:00

You are the writer, director, and
actor of your life's play. Write
big parts, direct with humour
and let your actor self shine.

Lucky?

2008-09-24T08:20:00.000+01:00

It's raining here in the Ukay.

Listen to the raindrops on the roof. They are speaking to you.

Do you know what they are saying?

- Lucky you, who live on a planet where water exists in abundance, so much so that it falls right out of the sky.

- Lucky you, who have a shelter above your head to keep from getting wet.

- Lucky you, who can hear. Ears are one of God's greatest inventions, and you have use of yours.

If you really listen, you will be amazed at what your world is telling you.