Through my eyes

#FcukI'mStaying

We're in it together.

As we bid 2019 farewell, we do need to reflect on what was and what is to come. We are all a little tired and somewhat pooped after this year. We are all hanging in there, waiting for that well earned respite. Speaking to people on the streets, most of the population is content, even though life is so hard for so many, and getting more so.

Recently, I visited a home in Shakaskraal, the home of the Mthembu family, where eleven family members share one tiny space, the size of my office. They live, sleep, cook and raise their children therelife is extraordinarily hard, yet they are all still smiling.

I guess every time we want to complain about load shedding and water shortages and leaky pipes, we should drive just five kilometres up the road and our perspective is sure to change with an immediate effect.

Because as bad as things are, and they are bad, (especially if you are a business owner with employees that you pay a daily rate and you rely on power and wi-fi and fast connectivity, or property owner with a dozen TV's, half a dozen fridges and a few aircons), we still have the best lifestyle by far when compared with the rest of the world.

I'm going into 2020 with a clear vision. I know things will have to get a lot worse before they get better the rot has seeped so deep into our social structures that only a thorough bleaching and complete scrub down will get rid of the filth that has trickled down from our government into the business sector.

I understand so much more today than I did when the year started, I am a lot wiser and even though I get angry and uptight and feel helpless so often, when I have to deal with everyday chores, I am reminding myself about the woes, which the entire Universe finds itself experiencing right now.

As much as life is tedious and challenging, I believe 2020 will show us how to be true patriots, true believers in change, all we have to do is surrender to the possibility that we are not in control, we are just visitors here.

As I look back at 2019, I pay tribute to everyone who left us. I think of the families left behind. I think of the breakups and the unions. I think of the change in power and the challenge of new authority, I think about 2020 and I am preparing for the challenge it is offering.

I am grateful for the painful lessons 2019 has taught me. I promise to live to be the best version of myself, regardless of what political or business changes might arise.

Adaptability is the word for 2020. Adapt or die or just go live somewhere else, where life is easy. I have only one New Year resolution; to embrace change and relish in the experience that brings.

When you read this I will be sipping on rum and enjoying a rumba I'm going to a place that makes South Africa seem like paradise found. We are off to Cuba, that should teach me some serious patience and appreciation for my homeland.

I would like to wish all my readers, advertisers and fellow South Africans a beautiful Festive Season enjoy the season of joy, share in the global movement of Happy Season indulge, share, rejoice do it responsibly.