REFLECTIONS

LAST DAY OF THE 2015 YEAR

HOW READY IS SOUTH AFRICA TO FORGIVE – HOW WILL WE SURVIVE 2016

As a nation we are unsupportive and unforgiving when we are about to lose a sports match or in fact lose a sport match.  Disappointment is openly reflected and discussed by all and sundry; remember that this is without an impact to any person’s pocket other than the coach, players and possibly sponsorship return on investment.  

So it is not really fair to criticise those that have expressed concern and outrage about the economic stability of South Africa.  Many have said that it is only now that it hits the middle class in the pocket they are ready to protest and march.  The reality is hitting the middle class in the pocket has a domino effect.  It hits everyone in the pocket in South Africa.  We 'all fall down' and it isn't as joyful or as much fun as it is for school children singing 'Ring a-ring o' roses, A pocketful of posies. A-tishoo! A-tishoo! We all fall down!'

“However, let us rather celebrate the arrival of a New Year, embrace the future and strive towards trust, faith, hope and integrity of a new level and higher standard in 2016”

Perhaps South Africans do not know that Obama’s policy and his original political campaign was and is based on his faith in Christianity and this has made a quiet impact on his leadership style which includes his philosophy of the “Audacity of Hope” on which he published a book in 2006.

As South Africans We All Need to Believe in Our Countries Future and Have Hope

There are always symbols and sign posts along the way that light the way and direct us towards a path of integrity and truth.

Imagine my surprise when I overheard at a closed A-list private home function at 25h30 in the early hours of the morning people planning to “get out of there as soon as possible and make sure take they take with them two bottles of the host’s Colmant champagne” which was in total contrast to a public experience having dinner out at Remos Restaurant at Nelson Mandela Square leaving one of my Christmas gifts on the floor (a bottle of Colmant champagne) and 12 days later popping in without warning to find that the staff and management had actually kept the bottle of Colmant champagne for me!  Unbelievable, appreciated and unexpected!  What a brand win building trust and admiration on top of excellent service and food! Ten out of ten awarded to Remos Liberta, Nelson Mandela Square!

I read on Twitter a tweet from a high profile person who has many thousand followers that his observation is that those who are not wealthy as an individual their opinion is not considered / does not carry any weight in South Africa.  Let’s face it with all the wealthy opinions in South Africa, we have actually ended the year with little economic success or optimism for the future, so it is about time that those who hold sway or the power in South Africa start to listen to people other than those who have money and are employed.  Something needs to change in South Africa, something drastically!

A Positive Future Based on Positive Psychology

I have one week left of a six-week online course in Positive Psychology which I enrolled on when I discovered the Moov online study facility at the Sandton City library.  The course has cost me just under R800-00 but the knowledge is worth far more.

Positive psychology can change your life and your health, which all adds up to a positive future.  What I discovered is that a fair amount of what is presented, I have been practicing for a long time and is probably why I am as resilient as I am.  Building on positive affirmation in negative times is key to resilience.  

This course in study has opened my eyes to a number of new theories as well as endorsing my own positive experiences and practices which I will continue, and has given me confidence that I am on the right track in life. 

One thing I didn’t know is that there are approximately fifty different smiles and each one means something different!  Some of us are better at interpreting smiles and body language than others.

loyalty, alliances and FEES MUST FALL

Nelson Mandela served his country way beyond the call of duty.  His most remembered quote has been very significant this year with the ‘Fees Must Fall Campaign’.  Matric results have been released today and there was a suggestion made that those who can afford to do so, that they pay for another person’s tertiary education.  Now wouldn’t that be wonderful!  An uneducated population cannot take South Africa forward.

the constitution of the republic of south africa, 1996

“The Constitution is the supreme law of the Republic; law or conduct inconsistent with it is invalid, and the obligations imposed by it must be fulfilled.”

Chapter 2: Bill of Rights – education

29 (1) (b) Everyone has the right 

to further education, which the 

State, through reasonable 

measures, must make 

progressively available and 

accessible.

Wishing South Africa and all who reside in this beautiful land a wonderful 2016!  What will your smile mean at the end of 2016?

“Education is the most powerful weapon you can choose to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela