Stumbling Blocks

From time to time life can drive you mad – making you feel abandoned, without help and alone. Whilst I’m writing this blog; going through an exceptionally challenging time in my life - both personally and professionally. Sometimes it feels as if we take 1 step forward just to be pushed 2 steps back. This scenario is all too familiar to me. What’s the diagnosis? Well, sometimes it’s as plain as fear of change. We can get so set in our ways that we forget to look at changing our options.

Change is the one thing I know to be constant. We can try all we want to come against the wave of change, but we must realise we will not succeed. Change is inevitable as we as human beings are designed to be evolutionary. If we want to survive and live a relatively stress free life, we must accept the things we cannot change. Go with the current of change instead of against it. This way – less effort to overcome the stumbling blocks.

When we come against these stumbling blocks, we tend to become downcast or even disheartened. At this stage we’re just about ready to throw in the towel, geared up to engage in a pity party and ask...why me? About now in the challenge you would feel it would be easier to give up. But that is the problem right there – it’s too easy to give up. In my humble opinion stumbling blocks are the future “in hind sight” lessons.

We don’t want to experience challenges due to fear of failure - alas it’s the challenges that makes us strong. Why do we fear failure? We fear failure, because that is how we were programmed in school. Growing up we learn that failure is bad. If you failed at anything at school, you could be sure that there would be penalty – or even punishment! Challenge + fear = failure which is the equivalent of weak. Right? Wrong!

Fear of failure restricts us, no end. Fear of failure makes us hate stumbling blocks. Fear of stumbling blocks cause us to become complacent and content with mediocrity. Failure in my humble opinion makes us stronger providing we learn from our mistakes.

For my part; I enjoy dreaming. Most my goals are based on dreams. If you can conceive it, work hard at it and you can be it. I would like to encourage you to bring what’s full of meaning; deep within your heart to the light. HOW? Don’t give up on your dreams and or goals. Have courage. Keep having faith in the results while riding through the storm.

Keep believing in your ability to reach your dreams and realising your goals – even if it is against all odds. Don’t give up on yourself or your dreams. Look your stumbling blocks square in the eyes. Find a confidant, mentor or sounding board and talk about your challenges – every one goes through ups and downs. For greater results see the finish line and visualise how all things will work out for the greater good of all concerned. Do what you do with the benefits for others in mind too. Even if people let you down, don’t give up.

Understand being let down is part of life and that it aids you growing stronger and wiser. Believe in your ability to gain victory. Victory comes in time. Every step, every leap of faith takes you closer to fulfilling your dreams and destination. Even with the stumbling blocks. Best wishes!

Sweet Things

Someone who takes pleasure in eating sweet treats is referred to a sweet tooth. These folk more often than not find their daily fixes already at the break of day with fruit, yoghurt, cereal, sugar in coffee, etc. Then comes teatime – and you’ll catch them in with a muffin, toast/crackers with jam, biscuits, etc in hand. Does this sound familiar or is it only my diet that consists of these sorts of sugary foods?

I live a very active daily life. My schedule is busy socially, active in business as well as within voluntary organisations. This of course leaves me feeling well rewarded, yet often tired. I try and go to gym at least 3 days a week (if my schedule allows) too, so I need to stick to a healthy diet. My diet usually consists of fibre, protein, carbohydrates and good fats. I stay away from deep friend junk food as much as possible.

However, I have a sweet tooth that often leaves me desperate. I love chocolates, cup cakes, fudge, ice-cream and dessert of all sorts. As South African’s we have a huge variety of confectionery treats as we are truly a rainbow nation getting our influence from all over the world. My late gran was a baker of note, so growing up we were spoilt for choice with homemade treats. This spoiling unfortunately left deep tracks in my habits today still. In fact, as I write this blog I am eating chocolates and have polished a chunk of fudge after my evening meal.

Now, there is nothing wrong with enjoying sweet things, as long as its not an obsession or some sort of addiction. Listen to me justifying ...I fear I am closer to addiction and further surpassed obsession.