The concept of “never” in the context of compromise feels inherently flawed. Life, with its ever-shifting currents of experience and evolving perspectives, rarely affords such absolute stances. What seems inviolable today may appear differently tomorrow, a testament to the fluidity of human understanding and the dynamic nature of existence.
Yet, certain principles resonate with an enduring depth, demanding a degree of unwavering resistance. For me, acts of cruelty towards animals evoke a visceral repugnance. To witness or participate in the deliberate infliction of suffering upon sentient beings feels profoundly wrong, a violation of the inherent dignity of life. Similarly, disrespect for others, whether it manifests as verbal abuse, the disregard of personal boundaries, or the deliberate destruction of property, strikes at the core of human decency. Such actions, I believe, reflect a fundamental disregard for the inherent value of individuals and the interconnectedness of our shared existence.
Ultimately, willful harm, whether inflicted upon another person, an animal, or the environment, represents a transgression that I find deeply troubling. It is a conscious choice to inflict pain, to disrupt the natural order, to diminish the beauty and harmony of the world. While “never” may be an oversimplification, these principles serve as guiding stars, beacons of integrity in the often murky waters of compromise.
My challenge is to step into the light where others can see me—to become a voice that resonates, a name that lingers in hearts and minds. It is not simply about visibility but about creating a presence, a brand that is both authentic and magnetic. For this, I must learn to share myself—my thoughts, my story, my essence—through forms that make me visible: videos, podcasts, the spoken word. This is no small task, for it requires more than skill; it demands openness, vulnerability, and courage.
Claiming social media as a forte
I have tools. I have the foundation: the art of fluid speech honed through my Toastmasters training, the ability to communicate when prepared. Yet now, I must transcend preparation and embrace spontaneity—to speak with ease, unscripted, as though the words flow from a deeper stream. It is not enough to be heard; I must captivate, spark curiosity, and kindle a flame in those who listen. They must feel called to pause and think, to shift, to lean in and say, “Aha, I need to hear more.”
But I am aware of the vastness of the challenge. The world now turns to artificial intelligence for answers—its endless knowledge, its tireless efficiency. Why would anyone seek a human voice when they can turn to machines? And yet, something ineffable sets us apart. There is magic in human connection, in the way one soul touches another. This is something AI cannot replicate. My task, then, is not to fight against technology but to dance with it—melding its power with my humanity. To use AI as an ally, enhancing my message so that what emerges is not just my voice, but a harmony between what is human and what is possible.
And within this technological storm, I sense a deeper crisis stirring—one that many do not yet see. People are losing themselves in the very tools meant to serve them. For those of us who remember a world before this technology, we are less ensnared, more able to step back and see it clearly. We know its place. Yet others—lost, overwhelmed—will search for something deeper, something human, something true. It is here that I must stand, offering a message that pulls them back to themselves, back to balance.
But to do this, I must embrace the greatest test: courage. Courage to expose myself fully, to stand in front of the camera, to speak without armor. For there is no hiding in a video; it lays bare your thoughts, your words, your very being. It opens the door to criticism, to trolls waiting to wound, to voices that tear down what you strive to build. And yet, courage calls me to stand anyway—to release the imperfect video, the unfinished thought, the vulnerable self—knowing it is a stepping stone.
This journey is not about perfection but about movement, about relentless progress toward something greater. Each attempt, each failure, each small moment of silence or unnoticed effort is part of the path. There will be times when I release my work into the void, and it does not echo back—no views, no subscriptions, no applause. But even then, I must move forward. I must learn to fail and fail again, to let go of expectations and embrace the process. For it is in this perseverance, this refusal to be silenced, that I will find my voice and my power.
Courage, then, is my companion. It tells me to trust the imperfect steps, to trust myself, and to trust that those who are meant to hear my message will find me. My task is not to be flawless, but to be present—to show up again and again, sharing what must be shared, until the message breaks through and takes root in the hearts of those who need it most.
How has technology changed your job? When I was born, “technology” meant a calculator that could do basic arithmetic without smoke coming out of it. The personal computer was still a twinkle in some nerd’s eye, the internet was a secret government project, and a *mouse* was just a rodent that occasionally chewed through your… Read more: From Floppy Disks to AI: How Technology Turned My Job Into Sci-Fi
How often do you say “no” to things that would interfere with your goals? As I get older, I begin to realize more and more the importance of setting boundaries. We have a responsibility to ourselves to achieve our goals and live up to our full potential. Let’s be honest—the average human lifetime is… Read more: The Art of Saying “No”: Protecting Your Goals Without Losing Your Humanity
What movies or TV series have you watched more than 5 times? There’s a quiet magic in repetition. The way a song’s chorus loops in your soul, or a well-loved recipe tastes like nostalgia. But when it comes to movies and shows? I’ve long believed hitting “replay” was a frivolous act—a detour from life’s forward… Read more: The Rewind Button of Life: What My Reluctant Re-Watches Taught Me About Connection
Are you superstitious? So, are you superstitious? Let’s unpack that! According to my dusty old dictionary, superstition is an “excessively credulous belief in the supernatural.” But let’s be real—one person’s “woo-woo nonsense” is another’s “sacred ritual.” Me? I’m over here casually strolling under ladders like I’m auditioning for a daredevil circus act. Friday the 13th?… Read more: Confessions of a Synchronicity Junkie (No Black Cats Were Harmed in the Making of This Blog
Tell us about your first day at something — school, work, as a parent, etc.
Memories are curious things. They slip through our fingers like water, leaving behind only the faintest impressions of what once was. I’ve often wondered about the nature of “first days”—those pivotal moments that should burn bright in our minds, yet often fade into a hazy blur of emotion. It’s a peculiar phenomenon, this inability to clearly recall our most significant beginnings. The first day of school, a new job, or a life-changing adventure—these moments are so charged with emotion that the very intensity seems to wash away the specific details. We’re left with a feeling, a vibration of experience, rather than a crisp, detailed recollection. Sometimes, we don’t even recognize a “first day” until long after it has passed. It’s like that inverse of the old saying: “You don’t know what you’ve got until you’ve had time to reflect.” These moments sneak up on us, their significance revealed only through the lens of time and perspective. Take birthdays, for instance. We celebrate them with cake and candles, surrounded by smiling faces, yet the actual moment of birth remains an impenetrable mystery. Our earliest memories are but fragments—a collection of sensations, snippets of sound, whispers of emotion. But then, sometimes, a first day etches itself so deeply into our soul that it becomes more than a memory. It becomes a story. My first day story begins on an ordinary Saturday at a local auction. Auctions were our Saturday ritual—my father and I, wandering through rows of curious trinkets and forgotten treasures. These weren’t just sales; they were adventures for a young boy with an insatiable curiosity. Every object told a story, every item held a mystery waiting to be unraveled. On this particular day, everything changed. The auction grounds were a labyrinth of possibilities. Sellers hawked everything from rusty tools to gleaming appliances, from vintage furniture to live animals. My father, a meticulous tool maker, navigated the chaos with practiced ease, always hunting for a bargain that could serve his craft. I remember the weight of the 50-cent coin in my pocket—a small fortune for a boy who rarely had money of his own. It was more than currency; it was freedom, a ticket to independence in this adult world of bidding and bargaining. Then I saw them—seven pitch-black puppies, a writhing mass of fur and energy. Their eyes were bright, their little bodies tumbling over one another in a playful dance. I was mesmerized. Instinctively, I sat down beside them, my small hands reaching out. They welcomed me without hesitation, nuzzling and licking, their warmth spreading through my entire being. In that moment, something stirred within me—a connection deeper than words, a bond waiting to be formed.
A boy,an auctioneer, 50 cents and lots of puppies
When the auctioneer began selling the puppies, I was transformed. No longer just a spectator, I became a determined bidder. With each puppy sold, I raised my hand, my 50 cents burning a hole in my pocket, my heart set on bringing one of these magical creatures home. The male puppies were quickly claimed, but I remained undeterred. And then, almost as if fate had orchestrated this moment, the last puppy—a female with the most enchanting white spot under her chin—remained. Perhaps it was my unwavering enthusiasm, or maybe the auctioneer’s soft spot for a young boy’s dream, but suddenly, miraculously, she was mine. Fifty cents was all it took to change my world. I thought of Flash Gordon and his black panther from the radio stories I loved. In that instant, I knew her name: Tiger. My father’s initial growl of disapproval melted into reluctant acceptance. The R80 spent on spaying was a small price to pay for the joy that would unfold in the years to come. Tiger would become more than a pet—she would be my companion through childhood, my silent guardian through the turbulent years of school and early adulthood. Looking back, I realize that some moments define us—not by their grandeur, but by their unexpected magic. That day at the auction was more than just a first day with a pet. It was a lesson in passion, in pursuing what captures your heart, in the unexpected ways love finds us. Tiger wasn’t just a dog. She was a memory, a friend, a piece of my childhood that I would carry with me forever. In reflecting on that day, I realize that some first days aren’t about perfect recall. They’re about the feeling that lingers, the story that continues to unfold. My first day with Tiger wasn’t just about acquiring a pet. It was about discovery—of myself, of love, of the unexpected magic that can happen when you least expect it. Perhaps that’s the true nature of first days. Not a precise photograph, but a living, breathing experience that continues to shape us long after the moment has passed.
What positive events have taken place in your life over the past year?
As I look back on 2024, I’m struck by the rich vista of experiences that have woven together to create a year of profound personal growth, family connections, and unexpected adventures. This year has been a beautiful blend of professional achievements, spiritual exploration, and cherished moments with loved ones.
Good memories
Family: The Heartbeat of My Year
Family has been the constant rhythm underlying every significant moment of 2024. From the very start, we kicked off the year at our beloved beach house in the southernmost point of Africa, setting a tone of togetherness and relaxation. Throughout the year, I treasured numerous precious moments: celebrating birthdays with my children and grandchildren, sharing coffee catch-ups, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. A particularly touching highlight was welcoming our kitten Shiva in June, bringing warmth and cuddles into our home during the middle of winter. Watching my grandchildren explore the world – whether at the World of Birds with monkeys climbing about, attending a first netball day, or sharing art experiences like introducing my granddaughter to watercolors – filled my heart with joy and wonder.
Professional and Personal Growth
This year presented remarkable opportunities for professional and personal development. In April, I was privileged to contribute to an international forum in Brazil developing guidelines for Artificial Intelligence implementation. This experience was not just professional but deeply personal, allowing me to explore spiritual and religious spaces in a new country. Back home, I continued to engage with technology and governance, participating in fascinating meetings like the IT forum for provincial legislators and an intriguing AI roundtable discussion. Our national elections resulted in a historic shift in our national political landscape, resulting in a Government of National Unity, was a moment of significant reflection and hope.
Spiritual and Personal Exploration
2024 was also a year of deep spiritual growth and scholarly pursuit in the realm of runic traditions. A significant milestone was the publication of FUTHORKH, the first journal of the Knights of Runes. In March, I was thrilled to receive this inaugural edition, which featured several of my own contributions. These included a comprehensive write-up on the purpose of the Knights of Runes, a profound reinterpretation of the first 80 verses of the Havamal, and an original rune poem that reflected my deep connection to these ancient symbolic traditions. My spiritual journey continued to unfold with various meaningful experiences. I marked a significant personal milestone by getting a tattoo of an Armanen rune row encircling a dragon, symbolizing my initiation into Norse mysteries. My Rosicrucian journey continued with meaningful experiences, including presenting a meditation presentation at the Cape Town Pronaos conclave. In October, I added to my scholarly collection by acquiring Gorsleben’s Edda, a treasured text that further deepened my exploration of runic wisdom and Norse spiritual traditions. This book represents more than just a purchase – it’s a gateway to deeper understanding and continued spiritual growth. I made deliberate efforts to connect with myself and nature. A day of solitary meditation at the Meulwater botanical gardens and an art project focusing on the four elements were powerful moments of self-discovery and introspection.
Adventures and Family Trips
Our road trips and outings were filled with excitement and discovery. A memorable two-week, 3000+ km journey to visit my mother was a highlight. Driving the 4×4 Gladiator route, enjoying a safari in Pilanesberg National Park, and spending time with my sisters created lasting memories.
Moments of Joy and Anticipation
The year was punctuated by moments of pure joy – like the exciting news of my stepson and his wife’s pregnancy, and the anticipation of a gender reveal in December. Family celebrations at restaurants, beach house retreats, and our first camping trip in years at Vloedbos resort were simple yet profound moments of connection.
Reflection
As I write this, looking forward to ending the year at our cherished Cape Agulhas beach house, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude. 2024 has been a testament to the beauty of family, the excitement of personal growth, and the joy of unexpected adventures. Every challenge was balanced by moments of beauty, every professional engagement complemented by deep personal connections. It’s been a year of living fully, loving deeply, and embracing every experience with an open heart.
I’ve always been a natural leader, even from a young age. My first big leadership role was as the head of the chess playing team at school. I’ve always had a strong belief in myself and a desire to make a difference.
While I initially aspired to be a school prefect, I realized that popularity wasn’t the only path to leadership. Instead, I found my niche in community service and extracurricular activities. At primary school, I joined the school patrol, empowering myself to help others and ensure their safety. This early experience ignited my passion for leadership.
As a student, I discovered my leadership potential in the Christian youth movement. I led a small but dedicated group, learning to inspire others and set a clear vision. My studies also provided me with the knowledge and skills to be an effective leader.
Later in my career, as an industrial engineer and consultant, I was constantly challenged to find innovative solutions and guide teams to success. I even joined Toastmasters International to further develop my leadership and communication skills.
Throughout my career, I’ve held various leadership roles, from managing teams to serving on executive committees. I’ve always focused on empowering others, recognizing their unique qualities and potential. Seeing my team members grow and achieve their goals has been incredibly rewarding.
While my leadership roles may not have been grand, I’ve made a tangible impact on the lives of those around me. And that’s what truly matters to me.
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