My almost 11 year old niece is an aspiring opera singer.
There are certain times of the day when she will most definitely be flexing her vocals.
I appreciate children’s unabashed passion for what they enjoy and their ability to just be in the moment anytime, any day and anywhere.
Sometimes it’s the smallest changes that make the biggest difference.
This is such a girly one.
I started to part my hair down the middle at the start of this year.
Now that one annoying strand of hair no longer pokes me in the eye.
I have embraced that awkward cowlick hair growth direction that defies gravity and all forms of hair products.
Finally at peace with the way my hair wants to go.
And I am so much happier with it!
Perhaps I have not learnt to appreciate certain styles of poetry, I find it personal and very subjective when it comes to sharing poetry.
Either you love it or you don’t, or perhaps you just don’t get it.
It’s similar to saying I love you, either the feeling is reciprocated, or not, or perhaps you just don’t get it.
Similar to songs.
You love it, get it and appreciate it.
Or it simply makes no sense to you.
I spend a lot of time staring at my calendar.
The calendar on my wall.
On my phone.
On my iPad.
On my computer screen.
Sometimes this brings me a sense of calm.
It allows me to see how my life will pan out in the coming days, weeks and months.
Sometimes this brings a slight panic that starts to well up deep inside.
It shows me how my life might or might not be in the coming days, weeks and months.
So I remind myself.
Manage what is within your control.
The rest, let it go.
All that and more, goes on in my mind when you see me staring at my calendar.
Some days are just filled with as much frustration as there are things to be grateful for.
It’s better to find sweetness in those small moments than to let the disappointments get you down.
I can do this.
I have been practising the Four Agreements since the start of this year.
And I have not been very successful at all.
Not even with the First Agreement: Be Impeccable with Your Word.
It is much harder than I imagined.
The first doodle of 2018 is inspired by Don Miguel Ruiz’s book, The Four Agreements.
And of course, the greatest poet philosopher, Khalil Gibran.
And, my failures and mistakes.
“Students are the hardest working people on this planet.” – according to students.
They deserve every mini celebration!
This post features my daughter Nadia who is *working hard* on her university final exams.
With a special appearance from Wellington the Bear, a trusty long time companion.
Life is tough.
Life is also short.
I believe in mini-celebrations of success.
Even micro ones.
Nano ones.
We listen to seek understanding.
Or at least we try to.
Yet it is not often easy.
But definitely worth it.
