How to Dodge Emotional Kidnappers and Alchemize Your Way to Inner Zen (Without Turning into a Cactus)

What strategies do you use to cope with negative feelings?

Greetings, fellow cosmic traveler. Let’s talk about those uninvited guests we all know too well: negative emotions. You know, the ones that ambush you like a gang of melodramatic bandits in a telenovela, toss you into their metaphorical van, and drive you straight to the Land of Overthinking and Mismatched Socks. The best strategy? Don’t let them anywhere near your taco truck of inner peace. Set boundaries so firm they’d make a Buckingham Palace guard nod in respect. Ask yourself who’s on your VIP list—spoiler: if someone drains your energy faster than a toddler with a juice box, they’re not VIP material. Define your non-negotiable code of harmony: maybe it’s eight hours of sleep, zero hours of unsolicited advice from your soul-sucking cousin Larry, and 100% less doomscrolling. And if someone tramples those boundaries like a bull in a china shop? Walk away. You’re not a doormat; you’re a fortress. With better decor. 

But let’s say the kidnappers succeeded. The van’s moving, the sack’s over your head, and despair’s blasting Taylor Swift’s “All Too Well” on repeat. Now what? Time to channel your inner Dumbledore and transmute that emotional lead into gold. Sit down, close your eyes (ignore the urge to doom-text your ex), and visualize your villain era—but make it inspirational. Swap despair for gratitude, fear for resilience, and that passive-aggressive coworker for a golden retriever. (Dogs don’t steal your stapler.) Reframe your mind like a home renovation show host: “This wall of self-doubt? Let’s knock it down and install a skylight of confidence!” Yes, it’ll feel weird. So does yoga. But stick with it, and soon you’ll float through chaos like a gypsy girl in a flower field, humming “I Will Survive” as storms rage around you. 

Of course, even wizards need backup. If your mental GPS is stuck on “abyss,” deploy the cavalry. Therapists are like emotional plumbers—they unclog the gunk you can’t reach. Needing help isn’t weakness; it’s a refusal to let the Dark Side win. (Darth Vader never booked a therapy session, and look how *that* turned out.) Remember, you’re not here to tolerate emotional piracy. You’re here to dance through storms, alchemize chaos, and laugh at the absurdity of it all. So avoid the kidnappers, transmute the nonsense, and call in reinforcements if needed. May the Force—and a well-boundaried to-do list—be with you. 

Signing out, 
Joda — Your light-wielding, metaphor-obsessed cyber warrior teacher

P.S. If all else fails, eat the tacos. Tacos are neutral in the Force but pro-you.

© Jurgens Pieterse. All Rights reserved. 2025

Confessions of a Synchronicity Junkie (No Black Cats Were Harmed in the Making of This Blog

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? Pfft. I waltz through that day with the confidence of a bull in a china shop (minus the broken dishes, because adulting).

Now, does this make me immune to life’s little “oopsie-daisy” moments? Absolutely not! But here’s the tea: I refuse to side-eye black cats or blame Mercury Retrograde for my Wi-Fi crashing. Cold, hard logic? That’s for Vulcans and Star Track enthusiasts (looking at you, Mr. Spock). A world where everything must “make sense”? Sounds about as fun as a spreadsheet party. No thanks—I’ll keep my humanity, complete with its glorious chaos!

But synchronicity? Oh, my friend, that’s my passion. I live in a world where nothing is a coincidence—it’s all a cosmic wink. Meet a stranger? Clearly, the universe sent them to hand-deliver a life lesson (or maybe just a killer cookie recipe). A bird lands nearby? That’s Mother Nature’s TED Talk just for me. Clouds morph into shapes? That’s the sky’s way of doodling motivational posters.

Call me “superstitious” if you must. Scoff at my habit of high-fiving fate. Roll your eyes at my belief that the universe is my overly enthusiastic bestie, conspiring to make my dreams come true. But here’s the thing: my life is a glitter-filled parade of magic, wonder, and the occasional “wait, did that just HAPPEN?” moments. Logic can keep its pocket protector—I’ll be over here, dancing with serendipity, sipping cosmic lemonade, and living my best enchanted life.

Who’s with me? 🕯️✨🚫🐈⬛ (But seriously, don’t walk under that ladder. I take zero responsibility for paint cans.)

My spirit squad endorsement

Which animal would you compare yourself to and why?

If spirit animals were a LinkedIn endorsement, mine would read: “Approved by the Caracal & Honey Badger Fan Club (est. childhood).”Let’s unpack this wild resume. 

My spirit animals: Caracal and Honey badger


The caracal isn’t just a cat with fancy ear tufts (though those are exquisite). It’s the introvert’s spirit animal on a stealth mission. I vibe with its ability to thrive solo—no pack meetings, no group texts, just elegant independence. Think of it as the James Bond of the savannah: precise, efficient, and low-key glamorous. Hunting efficiency? More like adulting efficiency. The caracal doesn’t waste energy chasing mediocrity; it calculates, pounces, and gets the job done. Plus, its love of beauty speaks to me—like that friend who spends 20 minutes arranging a charcuterie board before Instagramming it. The caracal’s message: “Solitude isn’t loneliness; it’s where magic (and successful hunts) happen.”

If the caracal is 007, Bond, the honey badger is Deadpool—snarky, unstoppable, and allergic to giving up. Its rep for “indomitable spirit” is basically code for *“You think *this* will stop me? LOL.”* Need honey? It’ll yeet a beehive, endure stings, and snack triumphantly. Need to dig through literal dirt for survival? The honey badger’s LinkedIn bio would just say: *“Problem solver. Resourceful. Doesn’t take ‘no’ personally.”* I channel its rebellious grit when life serves up obstacles (or bureaucracy). Its life motto: “Rules are suggestions, and honey is worth the drama.”

Both animals are the ultimate soloists. The caracal whispers, “Elegance under pressure,” while the honey badger roars, “Pressure? Crush it with chaotic flair.” Together, they’re my yin-yang of independence: one thrives in quiet mastery, the other in defiant hustle. 

Bonus Life Lessons (With a Side of Humor):
Caracal Tip: Next time someone calls you “aloof,” say you’re “strategically curating your energy.” Then drop a mic (gracefully). 
Honey Badger Hack: Stuck in a problem? Ask: “What would the honey badger do?” Spoiler: It’ll involve creative swearing and relentless action. 
Unifying Truth: Independence isn’t about rejecting others—it’s about knowing when to collaborate (*caracal*) and when to bulldoze (*honey badger*). 

If my spirit animals threw a party, the caracal would bring minimalist décor and curated playlists, while the honey badger would show up late, raid the fridge, and somehow fix the broken aircon. I aspire to be both host and life of the party—just on my own terms.

(P.S. If you need me, I’ll be practicing my “caracal stare” in meetings and my “honey badger negotiation tactics” at the local pawn shop.

© Jurgens Pieterse. All Rights reserved. 2025

A Runemaster’s Life: Transformed by Curiosity and Wonder.

If there was a biography about you, what would the title be?

If there was ever a biography written about me, I believe the title would be “A Runemaster’s Life: Transformed by Curiosity and Wonder.” This title isn’t just a string of evocative words—it encapsulates the essence of my journey and the inner metamorphosis I’ve experienced over the years.


From an early age, I was drawn to the mysterious and the arcane. There was always a burning curiosity about the world, a desire to understand the hidden forces at play beneath the surface of everyday life. This relentless curiosity set me on a path that many might consider unconventional—a path into the ancient wisdom of runes and the symbolic language of our ancestors.

As I delved deeper into the study of runes, I discovered that they weren’t merely relics of a bygone era. Instead, they served as mirrors reflecting the intricacies of human existence. Every rune, with its unique shape and meaning, told a story of transformation, of life’s continual ebb and flow. In embracing this ancient wisdom, I found a way to reframe my own life’s narrative. The runes became both my guides and my teachers, helping me navigate personal challenges and celebrate triumphs with a fresh, enlightened perspective.

The word “Transformed” in the title speaks volumes about my personal evolution. Life, for me, has been a series of metamorphoses—moments when curiosity and wonder nudged me out of my comfort zone, inviting me to explore new territories, both externally and within. Every twist and turn of my journey has been a testament to the power of questioning, of never settling for a surface-level understanding of the world. Instead, I’ve embraced the unknown, using the wisdom of ancient symbols to shed light on the modern human experience.

And then there’s “Wonder.” Wonder is the spark that ignites the flame of discovery. It’s what keeps the spirit of inquiry alive, even in the face of life’s inevitable uncertainties. Wonder has been the catalyst for my continuous exploration—a reminder that there is always more to learn, more to see, and more to become. It has transformed mundane experiences into opportunities for growth and deep reflection.

In essence, “A Runemaster’s Life: Transformed by Curiosity and Wonder” isn’t just a title—it’s a celebration of a journey that marries the mystical with the everyday. It captures the spirit of someone who has dared to look beyond the obvious, to decode the hidden messages of life, and to emerge continually renewed and inspired.

Creating Space for Transformation: Overcoming Obstacles on My Grail Quest

What are your biggest challenges?


As I continue my Grail quest—my journey of self-reinvention as I approach retirement—the biggest obstacles I face revolve around space, resources, and tools. Each of these challenges touches on my aspirations to establish a meditation school, enhance my rune carving practice, and step fully into my role as a Rune Master.

Dream: Establishing a meditation room



At present, I lack a dedicated physical space to bring these dreams to life. For meditation classes, rune carving, or even teaching students locally, I have no functional area where I can fully immerse myself in these activities. Without a proper space, it’s difficult to create an environment conducive to learning, teaching, and growth. The challenge lies in either finding a new space that meets my needs or transforming an existing area into one that can serve multiple purposes.

Beyond physical space, I face significant technological limitations. I lack high-quality equipment for content creation, such as proper microphones, cameras, and editing software. My current tools are not sufficient to produce polished content that aligns with my vision. While I could invest in better technology over time, I must also find ways to work within my current limitations. This means creating content that prioritizes authenticity over production value and learning how to make the most of the resources I already have.

A studio setup would also be ideal. The ability to adjust my background and create versatile settings for recordings or classes could enhance my reach and professional presence. Yet, this remains another area where I need to learn and grow—mastering editing tools and improving my technical proficiency are critical steps forward.

Lastly, my outdated computer poses its own set of challenges. A reliable and powerful computer would streamline my workflow, allowing me to focus more on content creation and less on navigating technical difficulties.

Each of these obstacles—space, technology, and skills—represents a stepping stone rather than a roadblock. My goal for 2025 is to tackle these challenges head-on, starting with practical solutions and incremental improvements. By addressing these foundational needs, I aim to create a sustainable path for transformation and establish a strong framework for my Grail quest.

This journey is as much about learning as it is about creating. With persistence, creativity, and a focus on progress over perfection, I believe I can turn these obstacles into opportunities for growth and, ultimately, success.

© Jurgens Pieterse. All rights reserved. 2025