Another year has come and gone with its ups and downs, its challenges and opportunities. Which brings me to the opportunities it presented.
For many, an opportunity is some kind of favourable circumstance. A once-in-a-lifetime chance, some good fortune or luck coming your way. Something which adds value to your own life.
Looking back in 2019, I realised that the past year offered us 365 opportunities.
Yes, each day brought about some kind of opportunity, but because of our perception of opportunities, we may have completely overlooked the 365 given to us.
Every new day brought an opportunity, maybe not to better your own life, but an opportunity to, in some small way, make a difference in the lives of others.
And next year being a leap year, we can add another opportunity. We will be granted 366 opportunities.
With 2019 nearing its end, the question remains – what do we plan to do with the 366 opportune days in 2020?
My wish for our communities, over this festive season and going into 2020, is that we all grab these kinds of strange opportunities.
Those little things in life which make the world a little bit of a better place.
Make use of moments with an opportunity to spread kindness, to show compassion, to lift your face in a smile and greet the person serving you from behind a counter.
How about a hearty thank you with a bright smile once you have been served?
Use the two seconds before you pull off to wish the man or woman in the tollbooth a wonderful day.
Take the time to tell your loved ones that you love them. Take the time to hug them tight.
Let’s give without asking something in return.
Find time to celebrate the big and the small things.
Make time to embrace other people, and their differences, and allow them all some dignity.
Make an effort to see the many qualities in those around you.
Find forgiveness within you and open your heart to generosity and goodwill.
Take a look at your attitude towards life and towards others, and instead of living a life filled with attitude, live a life of gratitude.
Humble yourself and show some respect towards others because respect from others towards you can only be earned, not demanded.
Swallow your pride and take responsibility for your actions, and say sorry when needed.
Take a minute to truly listen to what others have to say.
Show some tolerance and don’t act or speak in anger, for these actions and words can never be retracted.
Find an understanding for those around you, fill yourself with sincerity and allow wisdom to fill your words and lead your actions.
In short, let’s take time to reflect regularly on how our actions impact those around us.
Let’s reflect regularly on our attitudes towards life.
After all, these little things are about choice and only you can choose how to use these opportunities.
Let’s also think about those serving us these holidays, those keeping our communities safe and those working long hours to look after the sick, injured and frail.
To our loyal advertisers and readers – thank you one and all for your continued support. Please note that our office will close at 12 noon on December 20. We will be back for business as usual on January 2, 2020.
With this, I wish our communities a blessed and safe festive season. I wish you all a new year filled with more than just 366 opportunities to make the world a better place.
Carina van der Walt
Editor
