A Natural Disaster

The scenes from the recent Earthquake and Tsunami in Japan have been absolutely mind blowing and unbelievable. Each and every time we are left in awe at the power of Mother Nature, which is suprising considering how many times she has shown her prowess.

I don't know where and how man became so egotistical and all powerful, it has been going on for centuries, and why we continue to act superior to our natural surroundings, by which without, we would not survive. We continue to test her resilience and composure with dire consequences. We ourselves are Natural Disasters.

We all know the message: Nurture Nature, become one with our surroundings, Save our Planet......but are we working to make a difference, to accept that nature is a part of us. Intrinsic/True/Real/Essential.

And we all know that if we each played our part, we can make a difference. So, everyday, do something little to save our planet: recycle, switch off your lights, instead of pouring water down the drain put it in the kettle to boil (clean) or use it to water your garden (dirty). Use public transport....although, here in South Africa, that is not a really great option. Take part in Earth Hour (this Sat) and World Environment Day (June 5th).

http://www.earthhour.org/Homepage.aspx
http://www.unep.org/wed

Visit this link for some handy tips: http://www.eslflow.com/101_recycling_enviro_topics.pdf

Be the change you want to see!!!

Change is as good as......

We all know that infamous saying "Change is as good as a Holiday!", well, there have been a few changes around here over the past month. It has not felt like a holiday but it has been good.

I have come to realise that there have been some very valuable lessons to take from the changes:

WE DON'T KNOW EVERYTHING

At the beginning of Febraury I got a new boss. Now before this, it was panic stations full steam ahead. I think there is nothing worse than knowing things will change, but not knowing what you are going to get. I know you will tell me, this is what happens everyday, we don't know what we are going to get, but this was different.
I had a great relationship with my former boss and not only did we work well together, but we became firm friends. Somehow I had conjured up these images of my company hiring some awful, bossy, demanding Cruela Devil, but alas, thankfully that was not to be. She is bossy and demanding, but in the best way possible. 
Now, I have never claimed that I know everything, but I was led to believe that I was in the thick of things and knew what was up and what was down. Frustratingly and refreshingly, it has come to my attention, that I actually did not know what was up or down all that well. But, I have been granted a boss who believes 110% in my abilities and knows that I can offer my company and myself so much more. How liberating!! I am so looking forward to broadening my horizons. The future looks bright and oneday I might just know everything!!!!

APPRECIATE, APPRECIATE, APPRECIATE

As previously mentioned, I pranged my car. And when you prang your car, you have to send it in for repairs. Last Tuesday was my turn to send my little critter in to be beautified. This also mean't that I had to start using a rental car. Firstly, I appreciate the fact that my insurance covers the cost of a rental car for the time it takes for things to be fixed, but I didn't particularily appreciate the fact that I got one that sounded like it belonged on a local mielie farm and stank to high heaven of disgusting cigarette smoke. I've had to resort to driving with the window down, thankfully I'm not a chick who has her hair done everyday, and I now take alternative routes around town, just so nobody recognises me or hears me in the thunder truck. Embarrassing. Which just solidified how much I appreciate MY stuff: my car, my tendancy to want to breathe fresh and clean air, my hair, my eyes, my nose, my sense of humour, my clothes, my friends, my family.........ja, it got me thinking about ALL that!!!

TRUST IN THE PROCESS 

I have always been told throughout life, that it's not all about the end or the beginning, but about the inbetween, the process, the journey. And this is where our lessons, or repeated lessons, of life come in. Since I stopped competitive swimming, I decided I needed a break, a break from excercise, which ended up being a break from taking care of myself. Why I thought this was a good idea, I have no clue. Swimming for 20 years of my life was a rather big commitment and responsibility, I think I just didn't want to have to be so committed to anything or responsible. I have now realised that it is the circle of life, having to be committed and responsible,without realising it, everyday we are committed and responsible for something.
Anyway, this hiatus turned out to last about 5 years too long. Last October I decided to confront this lack of self-commitment and responsibility head on. It was about time I really started taking care of my self and watching what I put down my esophagus.
My Mom suggested I try Weigh-less to which I challenged both my parents to do it with me. (This turned out to be a good idea). When we first started the diet, it seemed like we were eating way too much food. We weighed and re-weighed, ummed and aahhhed over this dilemma, needless to say we all lost weight and were left scratching our delicate scalps.
Sometimes you just can't question if it will work or not, you just need to trust in the process and the results will happen. I'm doing that now, and am enjoying feeling that little bit lighter.

As I said, these changes and challenges have not felt like a holiday, but they definately feed the mind and soul with enlightenment, amusement and happiness. Bombs away for a few more!!!