Lisa Steingold

You're living - but are you alive?

Sat, 15 Aug 2009 12:11:59 GMT

I’m riding my beloved mountain bike down some technically challenging single track in a forest in the Midlands. Whilst concentrating on the path and appreciating the beauty of the forest, I’m singing away at the top of my lungs. Coincidentally the song that’s playing is "I feel alive" by ATB. The trees whizz past me as I manoeuvre the bike around and over the mossy rocks. The setting is straight out of a fairy book and is almost surreal considering that just yesterday I was sitting at my desk in the Northern suburbs of Johannesburg. I’m grateful for the breeze that cools the sweat running down my nose and arms. I feel…alive!

After my ride I slide into a steaming hot bath filled with bubbles. The only word I can use to describe the sensation of the bubbles caressing my tired limbs is ‘heavenly’. As I step out the bath I think about the gourmet lunch that awaits me. Its granny’s 80^{th birthday lunch and my mom is making mussel soup, homemade garlic bread, roast fillet and roast vegetables to be followed by her world famous baked raspberry cheesecake. I sit down at the table surrounded by our good friends, family and a good bottle of champers. After lunch we sit around the fireplace laughing about the lumpy custard granny used to make when she was younger. I feel…alive!}

So often our lives fall into routine survival mode. "Have to, should be and must do" become the perpetual tape recording that plays in our heads. When last did you feel truly energetic, fulfilled and alive? If you can’t remember or don’t know how, here are some ways to help get your groove back;

Do the things that make you come alive

Everyone has something that makes them feel great. The options are endless; sport, cooking, gardening, reading, studying, singing, writing, dancing… I even have a girlfriend who says she is absolutely hooked on DIY. Uncanny but true; much to the delight of her fiancé she spends her weekends in transit between her local hardware and home fixing everything from unhinged cupboards to the broken shower. Not that I can relate but she says she loves it.

For some people it’s as simple as having tea with the girls and for others it’s literally climbing to greater heights on a rock face. It doesn’t actually matter what it is or how well you do it. All that matters is that when you do it, you feel good about yourself, you feel energised and fulfilled.

Spend time with the people who bring joy to your life

My dad is one of the most inspiring characters I know and his influence on my life has been profound. Whenever we get together we end up discussing subjects that vary from quantum physics to sport to business. He has the most amazing attitude towards life and is also one of the most compassionate, kind hearted people I know. We have coffee together once a week and whenever I leave I feel reenergised and respirited.

We all know that there are people who drain our energy and those who lift us up. See your time as an investment and rather choose to spend your time with the latter.

Make a change

Humans are creatures of comfort but aren’t actually programmed for intense routine. Choice is the beauty of our existence and even simple changes can bring the excitement back into our lives. If you always have oats for breakfast why not shake things up a little (and I mean literally) with some blueberry flapjacks.

I recently bumped into a friend of mine at the shops. She looked great and had a sparkle in her eye. Ever since I’ve known Kerry* she’s been struggling with her weight yet there she stood looking absolutely gorgeous. When I asked her what had changed she said two things "blueberry flapjacks and Rob".

It turned out that after 2 years of struggling to lose weight, she’d ditched her diet in favour of foods she loved eating. The low GI whole wheat blueberry flapjacks were her favourite breakfast and she’d start training with a trainer, none other than gorgeous Rob. As she turned to walk away I asked her how she felt, she winked at me and said "Alive Lis, alive!"

The truth is that the feeling of being alive means that you are living in line with your true self. As well known life coach Martha Beck explains it’s a "shackles off" feeling. The more we feel like this, the more we are able to give of ourselves to the world and to those around us.

Welcome laughter and happiness. Your vibes will ignite those around you and spread like a wild fire. When you smile at someone, they cannot help but smile back!

So in the spirit of living I wish you exciting times!

About the Author

Lisa approaches all aspects of her life through the key values of passion, integrity, innovation and results. With a view to empowering others, she established; Life Inc. www.lifeinc.co.za in 2008 to coach individuals through change. As a member of COMENSA she is committed to ethical practice and continued personal and professional development. Passionate about the art of writing she has published articles in the publications including Oprah, Shape, Evoke and the Journal of Marketing. In addition to her work within Life Inc she is the national marketing manager for Vega, The Brand Communications School.

She loves chocolate, off-the-beaten-track travel, her mountain bike, her cat “Samwise”, reading, writing, and concocting fabulously flavourful dishes for friends and family. She can otherwise be found teaching spinning classes at her local Virgin Active and in her next life hopes to be able to ride the Tour de France.

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The H Factor - making happiness a priority

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 19:56:58 GMT

Making happiness a top priority in our lives means making better choices.

Let’s face it; it’s not easy out there. We’re in a global recession and I can sense the tension in the atmosphere. Apart from the tangible changes such as a cut back on spending, the decrease in property prices and the inclusion of General Motors cutbacks in every edition of the daily news, there is a general sense of anxiety in the air. It seems that many of us are going through major change. So how do we survive? More than that how do learn to surf the waves?

I see many clients going through major life changes and often they want to focus on changing the one thing they see as ‘making them unhappy’. “I need to change my job / weight / relationship…and so it goes before I can be happy. The truth it’s the other way around; we make positive choices when we feel happy. How do we feel happy in the midst of chaos? It’s in the little things. Today when I woke up I saw my cat Samwise I smiled. I went for a run and as I ran I just felt the wind cool on my skin, I watched the sun rise and felt alive. Standing in the hot shower afterwards soothed my bones and then as I walked to my car I noticed a whole bunch of white roses.

I started this practice when I was going through my divorce. Although I was broke, in a job that I hated and felt completely alone in the world, I woke up one day and decided that I had to find small things in my life that made a difference. Looking at the roses was one of those things. Going for a run made me feel better about my then overweight body. Making new friends and spending time with people who lifted my spirit. The more I started doing these things the better I felt and the more I made decisions that were in line with my true vision for myself. And so I started to piece my life back together and before I knew it I had a new job, a new home and new friends.

We often feel like we have to be productive 24-7 but the truth is taking a little time to ‘be’ happy each and every day has the most profound effects on your productivity. So when you wake up tomorrow ask yourself how can I find happiness and joy in my life today? And if it means scheduling in time to take a hot bubble bath or even just a walk then do it. The only moment we truly have is now.

Until Next Time

Stay Connected

Lisa

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Make a little magic - the only time is now

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 18:57:48 GMT

I just had a conversation with a dear friend of mine. As we spoke I felt oddly connected to him, myself and the entire universe. I know it sounds strange but how often do we allow ourselves to live utterly and completely in the present moment?

Most often we run around in our heads as much as we do in form. I know that if I let my thoughts run away with me the conversation goes something like this

“Oh my goodness look at the time, I’ve got a meeting in 20 minutes and I haven’t prepared…after my meeting it will be 1pm and I bet I’ll be starving! I wonder what’s for lunch. Oh I must remember to call Jenny back and book lunch together…it’s been so long since I’ve seen her. I wonder how her husband is…he has that gorgeous brother…it’s been a while since I’ve seen him…I wonder if he’s still as gorgeous. So I wonder whether I should have salad for lunch, I really feel like lasagne but…”

And so it goes and that’s before I’ve even moved! Isn’t it ridiculous but this is how most of us operate every day. Learning to become conscious doesn’t mean controlling your thoughts. It just means becoming conscious of them. It means that when we’re with someone we’re really with them and not thinking about how we’re going to fit in gym and making supper or what we’re going to make for supper. It means that the only way we start to live in tune with ourselves is by focusing on this moment.

Even now as I type I watch my fingers moving seemingly independent from my still body yet totally connected. It’s amazing but one can only access the beauty through the present moment. It is the same moment in which we find peace, fulfilment, joy and serenity. As we start to access these parts of ourselves we live more in line with our true selves and it is then that we start to make magic in the world. So right now wherever you are, stop. Listen to your breathing and feel your heart pumping. It’s an amazing feeling.

Remember to stay connected,

Love

Lisa is an adventurer, outdoor enthusiast, philanthropist, passionate marketer, writer and coach. Lisa approaches all aspects of her life through the key values of passion, integrity, innovation and results. With a view to empowering others, she established; Life Inc. www.lifeinc.co.za in 2008 to coach individuals through change. She writes for various publications, including Oprah, Shape and the Journal of Marketing. She is the national marketing manager for Vega, The Brand Communications School. She consults to various small and medium enterprises in the field of marketing and sees communication as the central theme in all that she does.

She loves chocolate, off-the-beaten-track travel, her mountain bike, her cat “Samwise”, reading, writing, and concocting fabulously flavourful dishes for friends and family. She can otherwise be found teaching spinning classes at her local Virgin Active or attempting to make her “not-so” fingers green, in the garden.

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Living your truth; the only way to shine

Sun, 24 May 2009 13:06:42 GMT

Never mind being honest with our partners, our family, our friends or colleagues; for some reason the person we most struggle to be honest with is our self. In this day and age it seems that most of us are skilled in the art of tactful self avoidance.

If we admit what we want it might mean actually having to act on it. Many of us would prefer to avoid our ‘truths’ than to think about the possibility that we may fail in achieving them. What we forget is that the only way of living the lives we dream about is to walk the path of self truth.

Many of us tell ourselves we’re actually not allowed to be honest with ourselves. I often hear people saying “How can I admit to my partner I need some alone time when the kids...” or “If I say no, I won’t be loved anymore” This brings us to the real issue in question; do you feel you’re worth it? The "thruth" is how can you not?

If you recognise that you are a divine being worthy of love, happiness and living your dreams just as each and every one of us are, you won’t be afraid of the truth. Instead you may begin to embrace it and without even trying you will begin to see your life change for the better.

And so I leave you with this, one of my favourite quotes;

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others. ~Marianne Williamson, A Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of "A Course in Miracles,"

About the Author:

She loves chocolate, off-the-beaten-track travel, her mountain bike, her cat “Samwise”, reading, writing, and concocting fabulously flavourful dishes for friends and family. She can otherwise be found teaching spinning classes at her local Virgin Active or attempting to make her “not-so” fingers green, in the garden.

Creating an EGGSEPTIONAL life!

Sat, 25 Apr 2009 08:03:37 GMT

There can be no doubt that we all experience sadness but sadness can be a catalyst for creating exceptional lives not just for ourselves but for others too.

One of my best friends is actually the Easter Bunny. I’m sorry if I have shattered any illusions you may have had regarding the true identity of “The Bunny” but it is in fact my best friend, Marcus. Please note however that this has no bearing whatsoever upon the identity of Father Christmas – Father Christmas is a real guy with a real tough job. And he really does live in the North Pole with the elves and reindeer.

Anyway last night as I was about to turn off my bedside lamp there was a knock at the door. I opened it only to find the Easter Bunny standing before me holding a ‘foot’ full of chocolate eggs. I knew it was Marcus when he burst out laughing, scooped me off the floor and gave me a massive bunny hug. His hugs are unmistakable and full of warmth.

Marcus is one of the most inspiring energetic people I know. Armed with numerous degrees, he is incredibly intelligent, successful in his chosen career, an unbelievable sportsman (incidentally just last week he completed the grueling Ironman triathlon) and has one of the kindest hearts I have ever encountered.

Despite having been through some major tribulations in his life he is generally upbeat and has a positive outlook on life. Like all of us though he does have his ‘down’ days and the day before his “Easter Bunny escapade” he had a low day. We had breakfast together and I invited him to come cycling the following day with a bunch of friends. He declined saying he was delivering Easter Eggs.

After hopping up the steps of my apartment he proceeded to tell me how excited the kids (AND GRANDPARENTS) were at having met the Easter Bunny that day. He had spent his entire day visiting kids of single parents to ensure that everyone was receiving a little chocolate cheer. With excitement he told me how he had even chased after a jogger in the neighborhood to give him a chocolate. “Lis”, he said excitedly “I don’t know if the jogger was more surprised to see the Easter Bunny delivering chocolate eggs or to see that the Easter Bunny actually ran faster than he did.”

Marcus has a ton of friends and being extremely successful could have spent his day doing anything but he chose to add value to the lives of others. After hopping around town in the sweltering heat he left my apartment exhausted but feeling content. I know he left those he visited comforted and cheerful.

My point is that sometimes creating an extraordinary life for oneself actually begins with adding value to the lives of others. It means accepting that whilst we will have days where we feel down, the sadness doesn’t need to take over our lives. Sometimes it is not so much as pushing the sadness away as acknowledging it and using it as a catalyst to change.

Until next time stay connected,

Love

She loves chocolate, off-the-beaten-track travel, her mountain bike, her cat “Samwise”, reading, writing, and concocting fabulously flavourful dishes for friends and family. She can otherwise be found teaching spinning classes at her local Virgin Active or attempting to make her “not-so” fingers green, in the garden.

The key to lasting change

Sun, 29 Mar 2009 14:29:19 GMT

The key to lasting change

The greatest revolution of our generation is the discovery that human beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds, can change the outer aspects of their lives. -- William James

People are habitual beings in that we consistently do the very things that we most want to change yet with continuous expectation of a different outcome every time. I decided to take a closer look at this phenomenon on resolving to give my chocolate habit probably for the 8^th time this year. (It’s been a monthly affair)

You see I LOVE chocolate. No really I love chocolate as many people would describe the love of a partner. I connect with its velvety, smooth nature in moments of intense bliss. I can identify any brand with my eyes closed but am prone specifically to Ferrero Rochers and Lindt 75% Cocoa Coffee Intense slabs although I have also been known to appreciate a good slab of Cadbury’s Mint on occasion.

The thing is that I am also a fitness fanatic, a spinning instructor and love the outdoors. One of my all time favourite activities is spending some quality time with my mountain bike on a mountain or forest path. We too share a connection and have experienced some soul fulfilling moments together.

For some reason, though, I have always believed that fitness fanatics and spinning instructors should not eat chocolate. Chocolate is fattening, bad for your blood sugar…blah, blah, blah

Yes I am actually well educated but that thought seemed to have slipped in between the goal posts when I wasn’t looking. The ridiculous nature of it occurred to me as I sat enjoying the sweet success of a Bar One on a recent ride up a mountain pass in the Drakensberg. Whoever said I could not enjoy both? It’s not like I’m cheating on either of them but more like taking the experience to the next level by combining the two.

The whole scenario caused me to question my original desire in wanting to give up chocolate. For some unknown reason I had decided that spinning instructors and fitness fanatics could not eat chocolate. I examined the thought more closely finally dismissing it as preposterous. Did I really want to give up chocolate? Excuse the slightly exaggerated analogy but would you give up your partner? I think not.

As a coach, people come to me with their intentions of changing one or more aspects of their life. I have seen many succeed and some fail. Failure not in the negative sense of the word but rather that they were just not ready or committed to making the changes in their lives at that time. Change is easy; its making changes that stand the test of time that alter lives. Through the tools of examining your own beliefs on the subject, seeing if there are any limitations you have placed on yourself, your intention behind wanting to change and finally the strength of your desire to instigate change. Reasons not to change include the fact that your spouse thinks it’s a good idea, that you have values or attitudes that are in direct contrast to your expected outcome and the fact that even though you think it may be a good idea you do not have a strong enough motivation to carry it through. My reason for wanting to give up chocolate on the basis of my own limiting beliefs was not a big enough motivator for me to follow through. The fact that I only associated positive feelings and thoughts to chocolate would render the possibility of change impossible.

The very last step is acceptance; acceptance of what is. I have accepted that chocolate and I are meant to be life long partners hence the fact that I no longer launch into frantic attempts to exclude chocolate from my life nor do I feel guilty at melting into cocoa covered fantasies although I do try to keep them to down to three times a week.

Anyway I have a date with my bike in about 30 minutes so I have to run so until next time stay connected

Love

Life lessons from a 1 day old baby girl

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 17:31:49 GMT

Today I had one of those gem days (not) when your world seems to be turned upside down. You know the type; your cell phone dies in the middle of an important conversation, you have a 9am meeting that you're running late for, you spill tomato sauce on your white suit, you get caught up in traffic, you have a report due by the end of the day...I know you know the type of day I'm talking about.

Well in the midst of all the chaos I received a phone call (on my land line:-) from my very best friend to tell me that my God-daughter had been born and was very excited to meet me.

I drove to the hospital lost in a myriad of thoughts that stopped the moment I stepped into the maternity ward. I kissed my dear friend hello and picked up baby Kaylin. My heart was so overwhelmed with emotion and joy I almost felt that I had given birth. I sat on the chair next to Jackie's side for over an hour with baby Kaylin lying in my arms. She had the most unbelievably calming effect of me and as I gazed at her I wished her love, peace and happiness for her journey through life.

I laughed to myself as I did so because I had not experienced love, peace or happiness in my day. As I left the tears rolled down my face thinking about the miracle of her birth and the irony of how a 1 day old baby had taught me a lesson. I made a conscious choice to carry the wishes of peace, love and happiness into my day further and now I wish this for all of you.

I take it that what all men are really after is some form of, perhaps only some formula of, peace. ~James Conrad

Until next time

Lots of love (peace & happines:-)

About the Author:

Lisa is an adventurer, outdoor lover, philanthropist, passionate marketer, writer and coach. Lisa approaches all aspects of her life through the key values of passion, integrity, innovation and results. With a view to empowering others, she established; Life Inc. www.lifeinc.co.za in 2008 to coach individuals through change. She is the national marketing manager for Vega, School of Brand Innovation and consults to various small and medium enterprises in the field of marketing.

She loves chocolate, off-the-beaten-track travel, her mountain bike, her cat “Samwise”, reading, writing, and concocting fabulously flavourful dishes for friends and family. She can otherwise be found taking spinning classes at her local Virgin Active or attempting to make her “not-so” fingers green, in the garden.

Ditch the New Year's Resolutions - make a REAL change in 2009

Sat, 03 Jan 2009 12:50:33 GMT

Happy New Year! You may have set yourself some goals and new year's resolutions but before you rush off to count the number of days you've stopped chocolate may I suggest a "REAL" change for your life in 2009. What's a REAL change in contrast to a New Year's Resolution and what do I have against New Year's Resolutions?

Well whilst I do not deny that a new year brings a different energy to the world, I have to mention that so too does a new moon or even a new day. In fact so does each moment. So why then do millions of people around the world set NYR’s? To be honest I have no idea perhaps when we think it's the one and only chance that we get for change and redemption each year?

I’m all for change but I have a problem with people setting themselves up purposefully for failure. I’m not saying it’s wrong to have goals but the problem with New Year’s resolutions is that they generally fail. Why? Most NYR are based on my very worst word in the English language; “should”. I should give up smoking, I should be more active, I should...what nonsense! There’s no such thing as should. Forget your head and listen to your heart to quote Anthony Hopkins from “Meet Joe Black”

Let’s use an example that most people can relate to; losing weight. This NYR usually translates into I am going to go to gym more and eat less. And the goal may even be quantified “I am going to go to gym 4 times a week, give up all chocolate and white bread until I lose 10 kilos” Well the problem here is that you’ve already given yourself 4 quantifiable failure points.

What usually happens is that because you’re not perfect (yes it is true for all of us) you inevitably fall off the wagon in around the 3^rd week of January (if you're supremely disciplined and have lasted this long) when you attend a friend’s birthday party and share in her delightfully rich chocolate fudge cake (hmmm yummy!). The thought process following that is usually “well I’ve blown it now so what’s the use”. Well I’ve got some good news before you annihilate yourself with guilt; you’re human!

So what then? Well I’ve got to say might shock you but here goes; let go of the goal completely and make a change. Instead ask yourself why you want to attain that specific goal and what you expect to get out of it. Why do you want to lose weight? Is it for you? If it is for someone else you may as well forget the whole story. Is it because you want to feel better about yourself? Is it for health reasons? Well then the goal is about feeling better or getting healthier.

Okay so you’ve got the picture but how? Well before putting a list of rules up on your fridge (yes I’ve seen them and even done it! I will not eat chocolate, I will not eat pizza...blah blah blah) why not close your eyes and imagine yourself healthier. How does it feel? How does your life need to change to fit that? What activities do you see yourself doing to be healthy (activities that you love?) When you open your eyes take some coloured pens and write down a few key words that reflect what you saw. Then stick some pictures around the words. Then write down a few ideas (NOT A TO DO LIST!) of how you’re going to make it happen. The only rule here is that you have to LOVE everything you’re putting down. E.g. walk the dogs, meet friends to go hiking eat healthy fresh salads AND chocolate fudge cake, have one night a week to myself...And so you start putting together a vision for your life rather than a NYR list.

In honour of my 30^th birthday I decided to write down “30 pearls”. My “pearls” reflect the way I want to be rather than what I have to do for the year ahead. My pearls include telling my friends and family how much I love them, noticing the moon, keeping flowers in the house, honouring my boundaries, setting time aside to write, spending time alone every day, eating my most favourite desserts, spending more time outdoors, being in the moment, dedicating time to others etc. The pearls are a guide for me to keep referring back to not a list. They represent REAL changes that I wish to make. Whilst I do have a set of goals for 2009, in truth we are never in complete control over our external environments. All we can do is try to choose our approach to them.

So I’m about to go off mountain biking with some friends but before I go here is a quote from Carl Jung;

Your vision will become clear only when you look into your heart. He who looks outside, dreams. He who looks inside, awakens.

Until next time

Lots of love

About the Author:

She loves chocolate, off-the-beaten-track travel, her mountain bike, her cat “Samwise”, reading, writing, and concocting fabulously flavourful dishes for friends and family. She can otherwise be found taking spinning classes at her local Virgin Active or attempting to make her “not-so” fingers green, in the garden.

Live your best life; keep it real!

Lisa Steingold — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 17:39:20 GMT

I have to say that I think the single biggest demise of the 21^st century is the fact the people can’t tell the truth. I’m not even talking about telling the truth to each other; we (that refers to us living in the West in the 21^st century) can’t even bear to tell ourselves the truth.

I am by no means innocent but I have to say that events over the past few years of my life brought me to a sober realisation. It was this; the life I wanted would continue to avoid me as long as I continued to avoid it. It’s a refreshing thought actually.

With the end of year looming no doubt people will start to think about things they’d like to achieve in the coming year. These more often than not include externally focused objectives such as health or career focused goals. There’s a saying “if you keep doing what you do, you keep getting what you get”. Ain’t that the truth!

So if things haven’t worked out in your world this past year perhaps it’s time to get real. How? It starts from the inside out. If you want a better body start by asking yourself why? Intention is a big factor in your approach to any event or situation. If you’d like to lose weight to feel better about yourself then go for it but if you want a better body because your partner thinks you should then forget it. Once you’re clear on where you want to go the key is keeping to the path. This is where it gets tricky. For instance many women tell me that they’re looking for a meaningful relationship and yet they constantly engage with men who clearly have no intention of anything remotely ‘meaningful’.

This is where the ‘truth’ comes in. By being honest with yourself about what you want, you have a better chance of getting to where you want to go. Of course we cannot control the events of our lives but we do have a choice in our course of action.

I’m going to keep it short this week because I am about as frantic as the rest of the South African population so to end off just remember this;

“We tell lies when we are afraid... afraid of what we don't know, afraid of what others will think, afraid of what will be found out about us. But every time we tell a lie, the thing that we fear grows stronger.” Tad Williams

And with that I leave you until next year. I am taking the month of December off in order to consolidate, enjoy my 30^th birthday, spend time with family and friends and to try and get further with my book.

Wishing you all a magical festive season.

Until next year

Love

About the Author:

Lisa is an adventurer, fitness fanatic, philanthropist, passionate marketer, author and coach. Lisa approaches all aspects of her life through the key values of passion, integrity, innovation and results. With a view to empowering others, she coaches through her entity; Life Inc. www.lifeinc.co.za She is also the national marketing manager for Vega School of Brand Communications.

She loves being active outdoors, reading philosophy and leadership, writing (she is currently writing her first book), studying and concocting fabulously flavourful dishes for friends and family.

Cause for celebration

Lisa Steingold — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 13:44:34 GMT

Yup it's that time of year again. It's unofficially known as “silly season”. I found myself feeling quite overwhelmed at the prospect of yet another end of year function. In the midst of all festive madness I am, rather rapidly, approaching my 30^th birthday so the feeling of being overwhelmed has been somewhat magnified. My perspective, however, changed somewhat recently as I sat listening to the owner of our cycling club as he gave his end of year speech.

A truly inspirational man he was talking about what the club embodied. It wasn’t about the fact that numerous people within the club had won trophies and prizes, nor was it about how many kilometres had been ridden rather it was about the spirit of togetherness. It was about the fact that cycling was merely a cause for engaging with each other, sharing a laugh (and sometimes tears up many a mountain pass) and supporting each other. The large projector in background featured numerous pics of club members throughout the year; pushing each other up the hills, enjoying an ice cold beer after the rides and teams riding up mountain passes. The common theme was the smiles on everyone’s faces.

I thought about this, both in relation to myself and in the context of greater South Africa. It’s been a tough year for South Africans. Between the antics of government and Tito’s firm approach to interest rates I imagine it hasn’t been easy for South African across the board. This is of course over and above our individual experiences.

I am so often caught up in the “have to achieve XYZ” craziness that is so praised by our society that I often forget to just enjoy the ride. I’ll never forget my 25^th birthday; I sat down and wrote a MAP (“Massive Action Plan) for the following 5 years of my life. It was a methodical yet ambitious list of things to achieve by the time I reached 30. It detailed the what, when and how. The only thing I didn’t realise at the time was that life cannot be reduced to a MAP but that’s okay because that was a journey I had to undertake within itself.

I’m not saying having goals and enjoying achievements aren’t important, they are. They’re just not the whole picture. I’m taking a decidedly different approach to my 30’s; my intention is to take things as they come, to celebrate myself and those around me more and just to enjoy the precious day to day moments that make a life.

So my request is simple; let’s spend these holidays not only celebrating the year’s achievements but more importantly celebrating each other and the simple things which make life truly wonderful! (Like chocolate birthday cake!)

I’d like to leave you with this quote from Robert Louis Stevenson;

“The best things in life are nearest: Breath in your nostrils, light in your eyes, flowers at your feet, duties at your hand, the path of right just before you. Then do not grasp at the stars, but do life's plain, common work as it comes, certain that daily duties and daily bread are the sweetest things in life.”

Stay Connected!

About the Author:

Lisa is an adventurer, fitness fanatic, philanthropist, passionate marketer, author and coach. Lisa approaches all aspects of her life through the key values of passion, integrity, innovation and results. With a view to empowering others, she coaches through her entity; Life Inc. www.lifeinc.co.za She is also the national marketing manager for Vega School of Brand Communications.

She loves being active outdoors, reading philosophy and leadership, writing (she is currently writing her first book), studying and concocting fabulously flavourful dishes for friends and family.

Until next time