Before attending a conference for the Professional Speakers Association of Southern Africa, I took the opportunity to visit the Kruger National Park with many of the international guests who had come to South Africa for the conference. Like so many foreign tourists, all they wanted to do was see big cats – leopard, lion and cheetah. I too, have rarely seen leopard in the wild, so was as eager as they were. As luck would have it, however, we saw everything except cats! Our disappointment was compounded by a conversation I had with a young German doctor, who was with me on a walk one morning. He had seen almost nothing but cats! Three leopards, as well as lion and cheetah. But then later, when I thought about it, I realised that while my group may not have seen what we were hoping to, we had still had a wonderful time, and had seen many other magnificent animals.
The lesson here is that it’s not about having what you want, but wanting what you have. If we are always looking for something else, we may easily fail to notice and appreciate what we already have. Celebrate the here and now!
While I was working on luxury yachts in the Mediterranean, I had the opportunity to visit the town of Pisa, in Italy, with the American captain of a neighbouring yacht. One of the main tourist attractions in this town is the world famous Leaning Tower of Pisa. While we were there, the tower was being renovated, restored and repaired – architects and engineers were working hard to stop the tower from falling over completely. What was interesting to me is that they weren’t trying to straighten it to its original, vertical stance. They were keeping its “lean” because it is that very “flaw” that makes it so iconic, and so popular with visitors.
The life lesson here is that things don’t have to be perfect to be interesting. In fact, perfection is often a little boring! Instead, it is the flaws that make things worth a second look, and which make them stand out from the rest.
Article as it appeared in Cosmopolitan magazine. By Kim Garner
Beach Love. Things are hotting up. Make this your hottest summer ever.
Article as it appeared in Wellness magazine. By Natasha Liviero
From the shape of our legs to the size of our breasts, most of us are guilty of viewing our bodies in a less than sterling light!
Article as it appeared in Cosmopolitan magazine. By Kim Garner
Stop dissing yourself and take credit where it’s due. You deserve it!
"Fortune Favours the Brave" - Section of the main article as it appeared in Your Family magazine. By Kate Turner
While she loved her career as a successful psychologist, Durbanite, Claire Newton, 46, had also always dreamt of sailing the high seas.
I was interviewed for Umhlanga Life Blog, in my capacity as President of the Durban Chapter of the Professional Speakers Association of Southern Africa (PSASA) and convenor of the convention. To read it click here.
Article as it appeared in Wellness magazine. By Natasha Liviero
Discovering what you really want in life, or how indeed to achive it, is not always easy. It may even evade you.
Article as it appeared in Weigh-Less magazine. By Natasha Liviero
We all have dreams and aspirations and we are all capable of great things. It's our belief in ourselves that determines whether we fulfill our potential or not.
Article as it appeared in Weigh-Less magazine. By Natasha Liviero
An unwelcomed fixture on the life circuit, rejection affects everyone in some way or form. From friends rebuffing issues close to our hearts, to lovers ending relationships and bosses declining deserved promotions ... life often draws more rejection than acceptance!
