Reflecting on My Inconsistent “Judge of Character”

Are you a good judge of character?

I’ve come to realize that I’m not particularly adept at assessing people’s true nature. The act of “judging” itself is inherently flawed. It involves perceiving individuals based on limited information and personal biases, often leading to inaccurate conclusions.


My history of misjudging others is a testament to this. I frequently err on the side of optimism, giving people the benefit of the doubt, which unfortunately has sometimes backfired. Despite priding myself on wisdom and insight, I often find my initial assessments to be incorrect.


Age hasn’t improved my accuracy either. I consistently see potential in people, even latent talents they may be unaware of themselves. However, this tendency to focus on potential blinds me to their actual behaviors and choices.


The stark contrast between how I perceive people and how they actually behave is a constant source of frustration. This discrepancy highlights the limitations of my judgment and the danger of preconceived notions.


Moving forward, I’m committed to a new approach: suspending judgment. I’ll strive to observe people’s actions without preconceived expectations. This shift in perspective will not only reduce disappointment but also allow me to develop a more accurate and nuanced understanding of others.

Embracing the Cycle: A Solstice Reflection on Life and Gratitude

When are you most happy?

I am on my happiest now, in the stillness of the night, where the world holds its breath, my soul stirs. Awakened by the whisper of the summer solstice, it feels like a moment to unfurl unseen wings and soar. In this profound darkness, a cocoon of silence wraps around me, inviting reflection, contemplation, and integration. It is a sacred pause, the end of one year and the quiet beginning of another.

No plans guide me tonight. I sit in the vast, open stillness, free of thought’s constraints. The night cradles me, timeless and boundless, and I find myself awash in gratitude for simply being here—alive, aware, and present. Life, with all its trials and triumphs, stands before me like a canvas painted with the brushstrokes of time. The universe, in its quiet wisdom, has always carried me forward, even through the storms.

Looking back, I see a life lived with authenticity, imperfect yet deeply meaningful. Failures and mistakes were the roots of my growth, and though I stumbled, I always found my balance again. The longest stretch of my journey may be behind me, but there is no mourning here. Instead, I celebrate each year, each accomplishment, each fleeting moment of joy. Life, even in its smallest details, has been a gift—one I treasure deeply.

A flower blooms, a pedal falls, a cycle repeats


I do not fear the inevitability of death. Like a flower in its bloom, radiant and complete, there comes a time to fold back into the earth. I will not rush that moment. It will arrive on its own, gentle and unbidden. Until then, I will cling to life, not out of fear but out of love—for the next moment, for one more breath, for the wonder that lingers in the unknown.

When the time comes, I hope to meet it with peace, knowing I have lived as fully and meaningfully as I could. I will return to the Source, the Ur, knowing my life has been a song sung to its fullest note. Just as the cycle of nature turns, I, too, will yield to its rhythm. For now, my task is simple: to savor every moment left, to live with gratitude, and to embrace the beauty of existence

© Jurgens Pieterse. All rights reserved. 2024

Shopping Simplified: The Essentials That Make My List Every Time

List your top 5 grocery store items.

The 5 Essentials I Always Grab at the Grocery Store

When it comes to grocery shopping, I like to keep things simple and focus on the essentials that sustain my day-to-day routine. Here are the top five items that always make it into my cart, along with why they’re so important to me.

1. Milk

Coffee is a daily ritual in my household, and we love our coffee plain—no sugar, just the comforting creaminess of milk. To make sure we never face the catastrophe of a coffee-less morning, we stock up on milk religiously. It’s not just for coffee, though; milk often finds its way into cooking or a late-night glass for a quick protein fix.

2. Bottled Water

Hydration is non-negotiable, and since I can’t always rely on the tap water, bottled water is a must. We go through a lot of it, so this is always on the top of the list. Staying hydrated isn’t just about drinking enough; it’s about ensuring the quality of what you drink, which is why this is a no-brainer for me.

3. Bread (in Various Forms)

Bread is the ultimate staple. Whether it’s a soft loaf for sandwiches, crusty rolls for dinner, or even pita for dipping, bread is always versatile. It can be a meal on its own or the perfect companion to soups, spreads, and everything in between. It’s comforting and filling, making it an essential item I always reach for.

4. Energy Drink

Some days call for an extra kick of energy, and an energy drink is my go-to for those moments. Whether I’m tackling a busy day or need a mid-afternoon boost, it’s my reliable pick-me-up. It’s not an everyday indulgence, but when I need it, it’s there.

5. Eggs

Adding eggs to the list feels like the natural complement to the other four essentials. Eggs are the ultimate multi-tasker in the kitchen: they’re packed with protein, quick to prepare, and incredibly versatile. From a simple scrambled egg breakfast to adding richness in baking or acting as a binding agent in recipes, eggs tie everything together. They’re also cost-effective and long-lasting in the fridge, making them a practical choice.

Wrapping It Up

These five items—milk, bottled water, bread, energy drinks, and eggs—are the backbone of my grocery list. They reflect a balance of practicality, convenience, and nourishment, ensuring that my household stays fueled, hydrated, and ready for whatever the day brings. ….ok, ok…sometimes I slip in a chocolate as well to spoil myself when I deserved it. What are your grocery essentials? Let me know in the comments!

©<Jurgens Pieterse. All rights reserved. 2024

Crossing Bridges: The Lifelong Lessons of Hans Karl Welz

Describe a man who has positively impacted your life.

Some individuals leave an indelible mark on your life, shaping not just what you know, but how you come to know it. For me, that person was Hans Karl Welz, a mentor who imparted more than mere knowledge. He taught me the art of learning itself—an approach not bound by static truths but guided by intellectual evolution.

Karl Hans Welz


Welz’s philosophy was one of constant growth. He saw ideas not as final destinations but as stepping stones—pathways meant to be questioned, transcended, and reshaped. To him, genuine care extended beyond understanding. It was about challenging assumptions, pushing boundaries, and staying humble in the face of infinite possibilities.

His approach to life and invention was equally profound. His creations weren’t conclusions but provocations—open doors inviting others to think deeper, dream bigger, and imagine more. “My thoughts are but temporary bridges,” he often said, “meant to be crossed, not worshipped.” This insight remains one of the most transformative lessons I’ve ever encountered.

In reflecting on his impact, I honor not just the man but the way of being, he exemplified—curious, compassionate, and ceaselessly striving toward a greater understanding of the world and ourselves. Through his teachings, Hans Karl Welz inspired a life of exploration, and for that, I will always be grateful.

© Jurgens Pieterse. All rights reserved. 2024.

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From Vision to Reality: The Art of Quiet Progress

Is your life today what you pictured a year ago?


You know, it’s funny how we look back on a year and realize that—spoiler alert—life didn’t throw us any massive plot twists. For me, the past year has been one of calm waters. No wild drama, no soap-opera-worthy surprises. Work? Steady. Relationships? Solid. Home? Cozy. Honestly, I wanted a year like this—one marked by growth, learning, and a sense of moving forward. And guess what? My vision board and I seem to have been on the same page.

Reflecting daily on my vision board.



Ah, the vision board—my trusty tool for charting out a version of the future me that I can get excited about. It’s not magic (no fairy dust or crystal balls involved), but it is a great way to get intentional about life. Of course, slapping some pretty pictures onto a board and then forgetting about it won’t do much. The real power lies in revisiting that vision—often. Quiet moments of reflection, the kind where you ask yourself, “Am I edging closer to this?”, have a way of sharpening your focus and making you more aware of opportunities as they appear.

Here’s the trick: it’s not about striving like a maniac for perfection or chasing after wealth and status. For me, the goal is simple—to become the person I want to be. That means starting each day with intention, asking myself what I can do to move the needle, and wrapping up each evening with a moment of reflection. Did I show up today in a way that aligns with my vision? Did I learn something? Did I edge a little closer to that me I’m aiming for?

It’s a daily practice—small, steady habits that stack up over time. Progress doesn’t always look exciting, but it feels good. And in a year where life was more quiet than chaotic, that progress feels like a win.

So here’s to vision boards, quiet mornings, reflective evenings, and becoming our best selves—one day, one habit, one intention at a time.

© Jurgens Pieterse. All rights reserved. 2024

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