hensblooms

Pause by catching your breath

Be still and relax

Take a step into peace

Reflect and practice mindfulness

Drum up some mental imagery

Finding insights to act upon

To take away your apocalyptic fear

Continue to concentrate… breath 

With fierce hope and endless determination

I enter this world, my reality

Armed with insight and feeling empowered

I continue to pause and reflect.

My attention was drawn to the heading in a local news article from News24 – Brace for a bumpier 2023: Experts predict a tougher year and global recession. This made me think about the cost of living and how it continues to rise, and that there’s not much hope that it will ease this year. The cost of living and several other forces are set to shape South Africa’s economy, the biggest being the country’s energy predicament. Experts also speak about taking the necessary steps to help weather the storm and warns that there’s no sure-fire way to position your investments during a recession.

I might not have the powers to control the economy but I know that I have control to invest in my personal self (read my blog https://hensblooms.com/2022/11/27/21-days-of-investing-in-yourself/ previously posted ) and that it will help me reach my personal goals and plans for 2023. I’m quite aware that goals and plans can be derailed, but I’m cognisance that planning can help to brace for circumstances that often happen unexpectedly. I find myself working at or striving to be better in everything I do. For me it is always good to do introspection and it’s always a time to reflect on the good and the bad. I know I come short and that I can always show more kindness and compassion towards others. For me it is very important to continue planning, with good practices, change the undesired and hopefully it will help me to brace for the bumpier times ahead.

In Robin Sharma’s book, The Greatness Guide, he writes about Grace under Pressure – explaining how no life is perfect and that we all face challenges but also that we all have the power to choose to rise above our external circumstances.

May we all find the power to rise above our circumstances, brace for the hurdles ahead and continue to embrace ourselves.

I find myself in the Southern Hemisphere, celebrating Christmas in sunny South Africa.

South Africa is a diverse country with a “Rainbow” Nation and a climate that varies from region to region. Usually, the summer lasts from about December to March. In areas like Cape Town and the Western Cape, you experience dry and sunny days and tropical thunderstorms are expected throughout the rest of the country. With fuller waterholes, lush vegetation, and blooming flowers, we have many reasons to appreciate, enjoy and celebrate life.

We gather first for church service

Dressed in new clothes and feeling our best

Everything seems brighter and bigger too

The air is filled with excitement and expectancy

Knowing that presents are left under the huge Christmas tree

We’re dozens of cousins having a ball of a time playing outside

Enjoying watermelon on the hot sunny Christmas day

Having more fun sliding on the watermelon peels

Nothing forbidden, it is Christmas day after all

The joys of Christmas as a child

We gather for church services

Glowing sunshine beautiful blooming flowers everywhere

Classic traditions like Christmas trees, pudding, and markets too

Celebrating from candlelight carols to Christmas lunch or dinner

Enjoying the company of friends and loved ones

That brings much joy and adding to the Christmas cheer

The joys of Christmas…

No matter what part of the world you find yourself in, wishing you much joy over the festive time, Merry Christmas to all in the world! Christmas blessings to you all.

I’m taking a much-needed break and hope to see you all next year.