Inspirational Women

From the left:Bongi Nkabinde, Grace Ncubuka, Amantle Mokubung,
Thando Mazwi and
Lerato Mabuse

Yesterday I went to Farah Fortune's Launch of her monthly women's event, it took place in Rosebank at Mibar. Farah shared her journey with us and it was very inspirational to hear how she transformed her life into what it is today. She emphasised the importance of finding something we love and doing it at our best. She also told us to do what we love and money would follow us, by the time she finished talking she had some of the audience in tears. We had lots of fun and it was refreshing to hang out with girls only, we drank wine which was sponsored by JimmyJagg and very yummy chocolate muffins which were served to us by a topless, very muscular hunk. As the day progressed we had lovely platters and we couldn't stop talking. I met three amazing ladies, Lerato Mabuse, Thando Mazwi and Bongi Nkabinde. These ladies shared their stories of love and life... it was great to hear them talk about how they have made their way to self-worth and self-discovery. It's vital for women all across the earth to set standards for their own lives, we must know when to let go, we must love ourselves enough to do what's best for us. It's a waste of time to cry over people who don't care about us, we must surround ourselves with a strong support system. Listening to intelligent and grounded young women was a  blessing for me, what a splendid way to spend a saturday afternoon!!!!

Accepting Change

I think the idea of change is a scary thought for most of us, truth is that though change is good we often don't know what to expect. A friend of mine once said to me, "i'm not afraid of what i'll face but i'm afraid to stay"... that sums up the fact that change is scary for most. At times, when we decide to change things or situations we don't like,we are often not scared,instead we are hopeful and inspired. But if change occurs because of an external factor we feel uncomfortable, especially if we don't have control over the situation. It's human nature to want to hold on to things. There was a time in my life when I was scared of change and used to hold on to the past, that was untill I realised that my fear was stealing my happiness. When it comes to relationships, some people would rather stick to the dysfunctional ones than to get out. The trick is to know that no one will ever love you until you love yourself. In essence when you love yourself there are things you wouldn't put yourself through. As my father of Modern Economic Theory (Adam Smith) stated, self-interest is what makes the world go round. Somehow in a strange way we help one another. If you appreciate your own worth, then chances are you will appreciate other people. It's weird how fast the year went by, I remember reading my copy of the January issue of Glamour magazine in December while on Holiday in Mozambique...There was a portion which stated that this year we should break up with anyone who doesn't appreciate us, be it a hairstylist, designer, friend and that really stuck to my mind. I personally don't remember learning to let go and accepting and embracing change, but somehow that's exactly what I have done. I have learnt to burn my bridges, get rid of people who don't inspire me and just let go of excess baggage, and I must say...it's been the best choice I have ever made. I have peace of mind and inner peace, I'm not afraid of change anymore!!!!

Africa Fashion Week- Summer 2012

Ever since I was growing up, I always loved fashion. I love shopping for amazing clothing pieces and wearing them like no one else does. Fashion is a lifestyle, the ability to show forth your personality and who you are. Our dress-sense reflects on us, it sends a message to the world and let's face the truth, when we look good we feel great. I went to the Thula Sindi show @ Africa fashion Week and I must say, by the time I went home I felt very inspired. Thula's Summer range was very fresh and I mostly loved the leopard print collection. I love how African fashion has evolved and can compete with International fashion standards and still be able to hold its own. Fashion is a multi-billionaire industry and whether we like it or not we are all influenced by it. We may not want to wear the latest fashion trends but one way or the other we end up wearing clothes that were chosen by the people in the fashion industry. I adore vintage clothing and have been looking around joburg for vintage shops, I heard that Melville has a few vintage shops and I have promised myself to take a day off and head to Melville to find these hotspots.

 

To my wonderful sister

We met five years ago and since I met you, you have been a friend, sister and confidant. Knowing you has been such an honour and it's amazing to have such a wonderful friend like you. What I love most about our relationship is the purity and authenticity that it has. We have never had to pretend to be who we are not, you cherish me for being myself and for the better person that you know I can be... and I adore listening to all that you always have to say because you have taught me so much. Thinking and looking back to when we were just 19 years old, when our closets consisted of nothing but tens of denim, back then we wouldn't be caught dead wearing dresses and today we just can't resist gorgeous dresses. We have really come a long way. I remember all those gruelling days on campus, studying hard because nothing was good enough for us but distinctions, you convinced me to study a module of  industrial psychology and I convinced you to study economics, and now today you are a qualified Industrial Psychologist and I am a Financial Econometrist in the making. I thank God for you, I love you and i'm greatful that you will always be by my side, as we watch ourselves tranform into the successful young women that we are fast becoming.

Learning To Live with The Dream

I dream about you every night
Every day I feel your loving-touch and I see your caring eyes
It feels very real, we laugh, we dance and we play
Trapped in eternity, we will be together forever
Imagine my disappointment when I open my eyes and you're not there
Suddenly the happiness turns into nostalgia
I begin to enquire within myself, why did you leave?
Why did you give up on life? You surely had a reason to live
As I nodd yes to my own questions I feel terrified at the thought that I was not
reason enough for you to live, and before i know it...tears are streaming down my face
I have a lot that I want to share with you, my hopes and my dreams, but you're not here
Does this mean that I can only share my life with you through my dreams?
I miss you mommy dearest, Your style and grace seemed timeless..
Don't wori about me though because I dedicate everyday of my life to you
I am alright because of the principles you have instilled in me
As I go through my days i smile just for you
And somehow I know that you are always by my side

Let's Celebrate Our Authenticity

The world consists of different kinds of people from different backgrounds and upbringings, it's no surprise that we all think differently from one another. It seems as though some people don't get this concept, this group of people disregards thoughts and ideas of those who are not like them. Even worse, they do everything in their power to make others feel bad about being themselves. I think the one thing that we must never loose in this world, is the essence of being ourselves. We are all special and there are things about us that make us unique, things that no one else has or can take away, our authenticity. One of my mentors once told me to stay away from energy-drainers, he said that I should learn to surround myself with people who inspire me and make me be a better person. And in all truth, the world is filled with energy-drainers..so how do we deal with such people?The way I see it, we just need to make up our minds to be happy regardless of such people, regardless of any external factors. I believe that it is my sole responsibility to make myself happy, and once i'm happy i will inspire others to be happy. The moment we stop comparing ourselves to others will be the moment that we find true and everlasting joy. Imagine the possibilities and accomplishments we can have once we start celebrating who we are. A life free of worry of being rejected and unaccepted,because let's face it...who in the world will accept you if you don't accept yourself!!!!

The Art of Letting Go!!!!

August came with a lot of mixed emotions..I knew I was gonna have to be strong but I didn't know how or where to start.At some point I felt like a part of me was stolen, gone,never to come back again. I went into survival mode, trying to adjust,thinking of a way out...my mind felt so cluttered and all I needed was a fresh breeze I just couldn't seem to find or get. Often at times, we think that objects define who we are and I love my bags and my shoes,and somehow I think these items defined who I was and I just couldn't imagine my life without them. I wanted a change, so I figured that in order to get this change I would have to change a few things in my life. I decided to give away all my designer handbags, all twenty of them. I left myself with one that I would carry to work everyday, my white vintage Louis Vuitton. This wasn't an easy decision, I weeped before finally deciding to give them all to charity. At this point, I felt lost but I kept going and then two weeks later I got the most amazing gift, it was everything I had ever hoped for. There were a lot of issues that were bothering me, and most of these issues were not even from my part but from people i cared about. I have learnt that some people feel intimidated by me and therefore they create other personalities and pretend to be someone they are not.For example, I have a friend who lied about who she is and where she comes from...till this day I never asked her why she lied, still waiting for her to come clean.I have also learnt that other people are only in our lives because they want to use us for what we have. For example, I have a friend who always only calls or texts when she wants something,as soon as she gets what she wants she disappears until another need arises. I have decided to cut her out of my life completely. What I am trying to say is that life is short and I'm making the most of it, I'm gonna smile everyday and only be with people who see my true value. I'm surrounding myself with people who inspire me to do more and be the best in my craft. I'm glad for all my blessings and love the fact that Spring has sprung, I'm ready for all the opportunities and challenges that are coming my way!!!!!

Juggling Life

Being 23years old, working and going to school can be both fun and hectic. My typical day starts 5am with me leaving my place at 5:30 am in order to make it to gym by 6pm. Once at the gym I exercise for an hour then leave for work by 7:45am. My day can be pretty unpredictable so it's best that I go to gym in the morning, get the right start to the day..lol so to speak. I work really long days and by the time I get back home, I really just want to crawl into bed and sleep especially in this freezing weather. I decided a long time ago that I will never stop learning, I constantly push myself to work harder and harder,so everyday after work I make it a point to study for atleast 3 hours. I think i'm finding my balance between work and school and family and friends. All in all i'm really greatful for all the opportunities that God has granted me and i'm starting to live everyday being the best of myself <3 :)