South Africans!! Stand up and take back your power!

 

I know what direction we are currently heading in, but what are we heading towards? What is the vision of South Africa for our people?

 

For too long, we have stood by and watched people rule our country wielding their power in the most dramatic, soul shattering, mind boggling horrendous way.

In fact - we stopped believing and hoping! We have gone through injustices that would make many balk just at the thought of what was done to people in the name of freedom. In fact, we have been so programmed to believe that we do not deserve happiness or to succeed, that we allow ourselves to be taken advantage off.

Let me give you a simple example. Tonight, as I was driving along a well lit main road, I heard and saw a lady screaming as a man dragged her, half running and trying to strangle her at the same time. I immediately drove right up to him and screamed at him to stop. He got a helluva shock and stopped, which surprised me because he was looking at me with a very confused expression. My instincts immediately kicked in and I demanded that he stop. I asked her if she was ok and she said no...So I screamed at him to let her go or else...well..in not so many nice words. He immediately let go off the death hold he had on her and pretended to walk off.. As soon as I drove off, he grabbed her again. This time, I drove onto the pavement right at him. He got a real fright and ran. I waited until she caught her breath and when she said it was ok...she turned and walked off into the opposite direction. I could not follow.

As I drove off again, I realised that he had crossed the road and was now following her from the other side..At this stage, I was now on the wrong side of the road with many vehicles coming to a standstill, but NO ONE jumping out to help or assist!! I quickly drove around the block and was now on the correct lane coming right at them again from the other side. He ran as fast as he could as soon as I sped towards him again. I stopped next to the lady and asked her if she knew the guy. Surprisingly, she said that she actually knew him. Now at this point with the adrenaline pumping through my veins, I am all set to jump out of the car and literally hit him, for hurting her, so it came as a huge deflating surprise to hear that she knew him. Apparently they were friends. And when he had too much alcohol, he liberally hit her and she accepted it. Now I ask you with tears in my eyes...Why??

Why would she allow him to treat her that way. Why would he behave that way and think that it was acceptable? Why did no-one have the balls to stop and help?

Have we all become so complacent in allowing people to treat us and others any way they please and we just sit back and let it happen?

Are we going to become a nation of people who expend so much energy whining and complaining that we could power South Africa and never have to depend on Eskom again?
Are we going to allow our Courts, Government, President, Political Parties, Apartheid System, Poverty, Old Paradigms, Backward thinking and lack of good leadership make a mockery of our country and lead us to our doom? Or are we going to stand up and be counted again?
Let us take a step back and know that so far, we have been fed a load of bullshit for so long, that we cannot even breath freely anymore because we do not even know what fresh air smells like. We live in fear of when, not if, but when we may get robbed, raped, murdered, hijacked or assaulted. Is this what we are creating for our precious children whom we put all the pressure onto, to change our country and world? Nonsense!! They will never change this world, because we are feeding them all of our negativity, hatred, racist, prejudiced, unhappy ways. Maybe their children will be less infected, who knows.

Know that every time someone gets it into their heads to toyi toyi, our economy takes a dive, our service delivery becomes non-existent and our beautiful Country's reputation becomes worse. The world is looking at us for answers. And guess what!! We have it. But we are so stuck in our thinking that we cannot see what is clearly in front of us.

Stand up and take back our country. Do it! Stop whining in your homes, in coffee shops, in your own cliques and on Social Media. Get a pair and stand up!

Do something! Demand that our Leadership is filled with people who are capable, competent and skilled...yes...skilled. If they do not have it, they should partner with the very people who have experience and are invaluable to us.
Every single person who was born on this Earth, deserves a place on this EARTH. Note, I did not say Country...I said Earth!

Mankind created the divisions amongst us through Rules, Religions, Wars, Borders and languages. This Earth belongs to no one! So stop fighting and start living! Choose to breath freely by standing up through the power of your words. Use positivity to build. Use compassion for other human beings to connect. Use understanding to rebuild relationships. Create a safe environment by stopping bullying in the home, school and work environments.

We need more Leaders who inspire and move us to greatness!

Stand up people...Wake up...the air is fresher in SA!! There is light and hope, love and respect awaiting you and your mindset change. Choose!

Ms Arthie Moore
arthiemoore@gmail.com
Leadership

Gratitude for Breathing!

I watched as the sun struggled to push through the clouds and eventually triumphed with delicious tentacles of light pulsing through with awesome energy.

It made me wonder at the beauty of nature, the things we take for granted and how much I have to be grateful for.

I watched the faces of people heading to work, some stressed, some sleepy, some tired, some exhilarated and others looking like they would rather be anywhere except where they were in that moment.

My immediate thought was - shame. There is so much going on in each persons life. Hopes and dreams. Debt and pain. Anger and hurt. Love and forgiveness. Joy and excitement. Anticipation of what is yet to come, good and bad. Many do not know where their next meal will come from or how they will be able to provide for their families. Others are just trying to make it through the day with the emotional trauma or dramas surrounding them.

My heart really reached out to them and I said a silent prayer that wherever the day may take them, may they always be grateful for the fact that they are breathing.

I am extremely grateful for each day that I awake breathing. I am grateful for all that nature provides. From the rain, cold winds, cloudy days, sunshine, storms and gentle breezes. I am grateful for the beauty that nature provides in the form of beautiful trees, sexy flowers, tantalising grass, majestic mountains, formidable waterfalls, temperamental seas, stunning beaches and an endless array of incredible flora, fauna and animals to make our lives more interesting.

I am grateful that I am able to draw on the pure energy that flows from Nature into our very beings, if we allow the time to acknowledge and embrace it.

I so love life and all it has to offer me. I wish for all of you the same gratitude, awareness, thoughtfulness and gentle caring.

I would love to entice you to be inspired by the beauty of life. Live in the moments you have right now and make the most of it.

May your day be filled with amazing energy!!

Arthie Moore
www.celebratinghumanityinternational.com

Valentines Day

So Valentines Day is swinging around again and with it comes the highs and lows for many.

A day meant to be filled with love, hope and joy can turn out to be very stressful and disastrous from overthinking or not thinking enough.

The stress has begun..your heart is pumping, the adrenaline is shooting through your system and your bank account has gone on holiday :)

For all of the single peeps out there, it is frustrating, exciting, depressing or something to avoid.

For co-workers, some await in anticipation wondering if the person they have been secretly doting on, will finally make a grand gesture of undying affection.

For kids in school, it is a time of uncertainty, heartbreak, hopes and dreams that will either be built or shattered in the quest for their true love.

For some newly married couples it is a time to be extravagant and show off their new love to each other. Very exciting time when each try to outdo each other with huge romantic gestures.

For some couples who have been married forever....gift ideas have dwindled from romantic to necessary. :) That is cool too, as most people now appreciate receiving what they really need.

Some days I wonder why we put ourselves through this every year, but hey.. someone out there had a sense of humor. So here are some ideas that are fun, inexpensive but effective.

For children in school, get creative.

1.  Snip a rose or flower from the neighbours garden...just do not get caught :)
2. Wrap a can with white paper and draw red hearts all the way around and tie some red string around it. Fill it with lollipops or something sweet. It is fun and can be displayed on your young love's desk at school. It also draws attention from other kids who will want to get a taste of the sweet delights. Kids like the attention of knowing that someone thought of them.
3. The traditional handmade card always works. A simple slab of chocolate goes down well too :) A red pen or pencil tied with a piece of white or red string works too.
4. Origami is fun and takes a lot of thought to create something fun.
5. Recycled teddy bears are cool too. Just make sure it is clean.
6. A diary for special thoughts are brilliant gifts too.
7. Another good idea, is to get a normal school book, cover it beautifully and then handwrite a positive quote of the day on each page.
8. Buy your friend lunch from the cafeteria or tuck shop.
9. Or just share you own lunch with your special friend.
10. Make some home made cookies or cupcakes and carefully wrap each one and present it to the person you like or admire.

 For the adults...if you want to get rid of the traditional booking of a restaurant, walk on the beach, champagne evening type of date, then consider one of these options.

• Surprise your other half with a homemade picnic, spread out on a blanket in your lounge, with soft background music.
• Make a home made CD or USB with all of their favourite music.
• Find a vintage store and buy something unusual.
• A photo print of memories made into a collage is fun too and inexpensive.
• Talk. The cheapest, most under used gift you could give someone, is to actually listen to them and how they feel. Do not just listen, but hear what the person is talking about.
• Create a Dream Book together - one filled with both of your hopes and dreams to travel together, things you want to achieve, things you want to do. Spend the evening actually connecting with the person you love rather than fill it with money filled ideas.
• A hot air balloon trip is awesome too. Very romantic.
• Shark diving for the adventurous really gets the heart rates going and the sexy feeling of living on the edge. ps..end this date with delicious cocktails.
• Massages are awesome too. You can do it yourself and costs you nothing to reignite the intimacy of reconnecting with your partner.
• Use your cell phone to record your inner most thoughts and hopes for the person you love and send it to them at different times of the day.
• Build the anticipation of a beautiful day with your favourite person by leaving clues around the house or in the car.
• Book an Advanced Car driving course or 4x4 course for both of you.
• Test drive a sexy new car from the dealerships. Does not cost you a cent, but makes you feel like a million bucks :)
• Make breakfast or dinner. The love that goes into cooking a meal really goes a long way in terms of thoughtfulness.. if you are kitchen impaired..as in you have no clue on cooking ..then order a few different fun things and create a fun atmosphere. Lay out the table with care. Even if it just beers and pizza. Throw in a couple of plates on a setting, with neatly placed serviettes and glasses for the drinks.
• If you are fun and quirky.. string some balloons, create yummy sandwiches and have your drinks ready. Remember, it is more romantic when there is thought put into the day, rather than the expense and cost.
• If you have a roof, then use it. There is nothing better than dancing in the rain, sitting under the stars or being secluded on the top of roof, feeling like you are the only ones in the world.
• Take a walk where you just hold hands. So many couples have gotten to that point in a relationship where they walk separately. Reconnect just by holding hands. Feel the person into your life again.
• Get a sugar high...Buy ice cream or if you feel like living dangerously...share an ice cream..hahahaa..
• Movies and dinner are a standard, but some people love it.
• Get concert tickets even if it is for months ahead and present it gift wrapped.
• Go to an Arcade for fun.
• Experience tenpin bowling or the ice rink again. No it is not overrated. It is fun to do some of the things you now take for granted. That is always cool. 
• Go swimming or skinny dipping.
• Meet each other at a secret location with details that only arrive by text an hour in advance and then give your other half a deadline to get there. It is ridiculously crazy and fun. It could be a coffee shop, the beach, a parking lot or somewhere deliciously naughty.
• Camp out in your own back yard complete with cooking on a small fire.
• Record a whole lot of fun, action or romantic movies that you both enjoy and have a movie marathon.

And when all else fails...get the guy a sound system for his car. Tools for his boot, a beer making kit, surf board lessons, golfing vouchers, extreme sports gifts or even a swiss army knife. :)

For the gals...get her the beautiful flowers, chocolates,  jewellery, dinner, dance, dress up - go out evening.

And for those whom you can never get anything right with...give them your love and understanding and persevere cos' everyone deserves a second chance.

Wishing you all good luck on this most beautiful day and may all of your hopes and dreams come true.

Arthie

Buffet Mentality.

So, here I am looking at this gorgeous array of tantalising, mouth-watering creations of seafood, salads, vegetables, roasts, curries, stews, fried foods, baked goods, stir fries and best of all desserts.

Now where oh where do I start to do justice to this enticing display? To eat or not to eat is not the question. To leave or not to leave is the dilemma. So here is the problem. My eyes have been enticed. My stomach is rebelling and my brain has conveniently decided to take a holiday so as not to be made middle man in this argument that is currently ensuing on what I must take from this buffet.

So I do what most human beings do when provided with a host of options, all of which is available. I take everything!! Whether I need it, can eat it or finish it, is not the issue. The fact that it is an eat as much as you want, has given my brain the day off and has allowed me to do what I would normally not do. Take a bit of everything.

Now, don't get me wrong. I am a foodie. So for me, these different array of dishes being served up for general consumption is just to exciting for words. My mind is overwhelmed by the possible taste sensations and yummy feelings evoked by food that I normally like but can only have one serving or at one restaurant at a time. Here, lies before me, a selection that begs me to devour it all, to take my fill, to enjoy at leisure all that the chef could muster.

Generally, I do not eat buffets. I just feel that it is a waste of money, resources, food and ingredients. I love the exquisite taste created with love by the chef when I am presented with a gorgeous, yummy gourmet creation. I just feel that more effort and thought was put into a plated dish rather than the mass production that is the buffet.

But once in a while as I walk around a buffet, I am presented by options. Lots of options. Too many options in fact. And what I have noticed is that the predicament of choice and my brain co-operating to guide me is my downfall. I fall into the trap that many find themselves in. I choose lots of different tastes. Whether I eat it all or not, I do not even think about. I take small quantities and justify to myself that it is ok. As I sit down, I realise that it is more food than I can consume. It is more than I will ever serve to anyone for that matter. I look longingly at all the things I would like but do not take and use that as an excuse as if I have made such a huge sacrifice. Eish!

Then comes the eating part. I feel excited and despair that I cannot finish it all. I always think that I can go back for more too. Another dream in the mist. Just like that one that flitted past my brain when I was dishing up and choosing from 10 different meals assuming that I would be eating it. Hahahaaa..my brain laughed at me and I ignored it.

True, there are children starving around the world. In fact a few kilometres down the road, there is a school where the kids go home and there is not even a loaf of bread to share amongst 6 family members, let alone clean water.

None of these thoughts hit me until I put my knife and fork down and look at the wastage staring me in the face. My plate has taken guilt and melted it cunningly amongst the nearly full plate of yummy food sitting and waiting obediently for me to finish. Once I stop eating, groaning at the inability to consume anymore, then triumphantly the guilt jumps up and bites me in the bum.

I look mournfully at all the food I did not finish, envision all the starving children who could have benefited and feel empty in my heart.

I look around at all the people who have piled their plates even more higher than mine and feel a gut wrenching sadness. As I sit there contemplating the nearly full plates of food being removed by the waitrons, I realise the magnitude of our buffet behaviour.

I realise that I could have exercised more caution, more thoughtfulness, more care, more restraint, more awareness and a much more tighter control over my taste buds, my mind and most of all my ability to choose.

Only I can take responsibility for my choices. Only I can limit what I put onto my plate. Only can use thoughtfulness so that my uneaten food that was tainted by myself, is not thrown into the bin. Life after all is filled with choice that stems from a new found awareness and consciousness.

So here is my plea to all of you who have the pleasure of eating at a buffet. Think before you dish before you waste.

Holding our Country's Leaders accountable!!

So maybe I should not get so riled up, but I did. Especially after reading the dumb comments made by one of our Ministers as posted by SA Promo - www.sapromo.co.za on the following link - afrikaners-to-blame-for-violence-against-women.

To say that it disgusts and disappoints me is an understatement. In reality, yes, racism still exists. So does inequality, prejudice, anger, hurt and sadness brought on by past events in our historical experiences.

Yes, South Africa had Apartheid. The operative word being HAD. Yes, we still have an imbalance of skills, experience, knowledge, know how and opportunities. Yes, we still have gender issues, diversity issues and cultural misunderstandings.

But above all of this, we have one thing that sets us apart from becoming animals in our behaviour.

We have CHOICE!

 

We have the choice to move on, move up and grow as a country. We have the ability to make decisions that are positive, uplifting and all encompassing of each person who belongs in this beautiful country of ours. It is not a Black country or a White country. It is a stunning country filled with amazing people who come from different ancestries and each and every one of them deserves to be here because each of them have stories from their past histories of families who have fought, died and bled for their place here.

 

Yes..regardless of what language you speak, what food you eat, how you slaughter your cow, grow your food, eat off the earth, fast, believe or not, you deserve a place on this earth. The fact that you currently live in South Africa is a privilege and honour. One that we are taking for granted.

 

We are defiling our gorgeous country with the filth that falls out of our mouths. It is as simple as that.

 

Our words and actions speak very loudly about how we treat each other as human beings. Not colours, ages, genders or language groups. Seriously, if you were honest with yourself, there are people in your own language group, family, community, religion, home or culture, that you cannot stand to be with. That is called personal choice - not racism!

 

Why then, when there is a challenge, someone dies, gets raped, killed, hurt or abused in our country, does it becomes a race based issue. That is beyond pathetic.

 

If we saw ourselves as human beings then and only then can we start to take responsibility for the havoc we are reeking across our country with our hurtful words.

 

If we just saw each other as human beings without the bullshit story that everyone is racist - then we can start to deal with the very real issue of counteracting violence against men, women and children..Yes!! I included men in there because men get abused emotionally and physically and get raped too. Let's suck it up and know that it is a reality and stop hiding behind this veil of secrecy.

 

Women got the sick end of the stick for a long time and now is their time to shine too. I understand that and acknowledge that we have all come so far with much sacrifice and there is still a long way to go. For all of the womens rights that I enjoy and benefit from, I am truly grateful.

 

I do think however, that it is time to create a balance now. A true balancing act where our mindsets are changed, adjusted and refocussed to include people in our lives without having to fight for a place in society or be disadvantaged based on gender or race.

 

As a society, we are so hellbent on creating impressions. The impression that our country is so filled with violence, murderers and rapists. Every country has that. We should stop acting as if we are so unique in that regard. Are we so fickle and childish that all we can promote is negativity and stupidity?

 

In my travels internationally, I have always heard that South Africans are thee most well spoken, hard working, friendly and thoughtful people. Why then are we creating an impression of people who are negative, unforgiving and thoughtless through the abuse of power and words wielded by our politicians and social networking updates?

 

This current, new form of Apartheid, because that is what it is - A seperation -  is more dangerous than anything any government could have leashed upon a countries people. This one is a seriously dangerous game being played through words.

 

The inappropriate comments, thoughtless personal opinions - and yes, some of our politicians are really opinionated - have left much to be desired.

 

Politicians can randomly make comments against an entire cultural or language group and cause an uproar which affects millions. There is no consideration for the aftermath of destruction, feelings, hurt and anger that it triggers. And No, it is not just the people from that culture who feel upset. It is affects people across the board.

 

If all of us focussed on positivity, doing our small bit for the greater good of humanity then we will start to see real results. Not superficial ones.  

 

As South Africans we can take charge of our country again. We can do this by simply acknowleging that everyone is a human being. No, you do not have to like every single person you meet. That is called personal choice. The difference there is that you are choosing not to interact with someone based on personal preference because of their behaviour, not the colour of their skin.

 

If we have abuse in this country, it is because we have not addressed the causes. We are focussing on the symptoms. We ought to start to listen thoughtfully to our fellow human beings more and maybe, just maybe, we could prevent a person who is emotionally distressed from bullying people at home, killing themselves or being abusive. If we became more aware of people around us and stopped skirting around them based on the colour of their skin, and really connected at a deep level, then maybe we could talk. Actually talk, communicate, listen and understand where people are coming from. Maybe, just maybe, you could listen and give advice to someone who has a problem and help them to find a solution that uplifts their lives.

 

The beauty of coming from different language and cultural backgrounds is this - you come with different knowlege, wisdom, thoughts, understandings, values and perspectives.

 

It is so refreshing to get a different point of view. People are just waiting to feel valued for who they are. They are waiting to share their amazing points of view if given a chance. Women AND Men are waiting to lend a hand with their fantastic experiences and wisdoms.

 

Let's work together to find a balance.

 



A balance where women deserve to be in management positions with equal opportunity WITH guidance and experiences being shared by men who held those positions. Lets dream and think big. Let's stop being so selfish. And when I say equal opportunity, I do not mean, that women ought to be dumped into positions for the sake of it, with the intention of proving that they will fail. They must be given the correct training to help them succeed.

 

Lets respect the contributions that Men have made. After all, they have done so much and achieved so much - they deserve to be acknowledged.

 

How about we become more inclusive! We stop throwing people out of the work place based on their previous historical advantages and link them to mentor people who deserve and want the chance the succeed in a professional work environment. Stop putting people who are inexperienced into positions that sets them up to fail. That is so unfair.

 

Let's build our economy through working together. Saamspan, Unity, Samewerking, Tirisano, ukuBambisana. After all, our country's motto means " Unity is Strength". Unless I have misinterpreted that, it ought to encompass everyone who lives in our beautiful country, not one particular race group only.

 

Let's bring back the experience, knowlege and wisdom of people and balance it out with the exciting innovative new thinking of our young people in our country. Regardless of the colour of their skin colour.

 

Lets embrace each other and stand together. Lets stop using racism as a excuse for our inadequacies. Lets stop being lazy and grow up. Let's hold our politicians accountable for their words, actions or lack thereof. Let's take charge of our lives again instead of allowing it to be manipulated by stupidity, squandering of our funds, laziness, blatant fraudulent activities, overspending on entertainment and underspending on upliftment of our country. Now is the time to stand up and be counted.

 

We are not living in the dark ages without choice or understanding. We all have choice. Most of us have access to technology or media in some form be it a cellphone, tv, computer, internet cafe, school, newspaper etc.. The other form is word of mouth through community meetings.

 

In South Africa, ALL people have had full access to most neighborhoods, education, school, university, technology, jobs, any choice of car, all modes of transport, restaurants or beach for the last 18 odd years.

 

South Africa is practically a grown up teenager that is graduating from High School. One that is young and innocent enough to dream big and to experience a world filled with possibilities but old enough to leave home to explore.

 

It is time, for the fathers and mothers of racism to let their precious child go free.

 

This New South Africa - our teenager - has gone through the uncertain childish stages, has thrown tantrums and undergone alot of education. Let us entice this child of the world to grow its knowlege and wisdom through spreading love, laughter, joy, thoughtfulness and embracing every woman, child, man and nature to create a country that we can all be proud of.

 

Let's take this child with a fresh mind and willingness to learn and give it every opportunity to grow.

 

Let's give this child hope!


Here's to New Beginnings!

 

Respect for Time.

Respect for Time!

Now I realise that this is an age old discussion within the work place, within relationships, within individual encounters in social interactions and at home.

Yet, I find it imperative to bring it up again. Respect for time is not something that we as adults want to be chatting about, discussing and dissecting in a time when it has been spoken about and killed as a subject.

But I find that as we proceed with caution, trepidation and much fear into a world filled with diverse cultures within the workplace - time management, puntuality and a lack of respect for people's time, has become really prevalent in a seriously negative way.

People seem to love the new excuse of "this is my culture", that is why I am late, do not arrive or will even give you the courtesy of knowing that I am not attending a meeting or function.

When did we as human beings become so disrespectful that we believe that we can use our beautiful cultures and traditions as an excuse for our disgusting behaviour. There are millions of people who have similiar if not the same cultures who do not use their inability to respect time, as an excuse.

I am so fed up with the nonchalant way that some business people have become so blase' in their rude approach when they do not even arrive on time for conferences, professional work functions and meetings.

Since when has it become ok, to be rude? Since when has it become ok, for us to sit in anticipation for someone who does not have the decency to pitch up? And for the life of me, I cannot understand why people are afraid to speak up and tell the person that it is not acceptable!

Now is the time to get over the nonsense of rolling over and accepting lower standards. Now is the time to stand up for what is right. Now is the time to take charge of the way our professional teams interact with each other, guide and support each other to become more effective.

Time is a precious gift given to us in this world. No-one knows how much time we have or when it will run out.

Being thoughtful and caring towards someone else's time shows that you respect and honour them as a human being.

When you arrive on time for a get together, you show your own dignity and respect for yourself. Of course there will be times when you have an emergency or a valid reason why you cannot attend a meeting or function. In those times, it is imperative to phone or contact the person/s and let them know that you are not arriving. This allows people to make alternate arrangements, go ahead with the meeting or dinner or even replace you with someone else.

There is thoughtfulness in liaising with people and this leads to trust. To honour someone elses time, is to give them the ultimate acknowlegement that they are important to you too.

After all, they have made space in their lives to include you. It just makes sense to respect people in the way they wish to be respected too.

Some pointers to consider for future interactions that allow you to be on time:

• Confirm the date, time and venue in anticipation of making it on time.
• If you are driving, leave at least a half an hour before you are due to arrive, just in case you run into traffic.
• Be prepared at all times.
• If you are in the office and are heading to a meeting, be prepared beforehand. Have your documents ready, speech prepared and double check the venue of the meeting.
• Be polite to people that you are talking to and let them know that you have to leave to be on time for the next person.
• Be strict with your own time and people will respect you and your own time too.
• Do not get side tracked by emails, telephone calls and conversations whilst you are heading towards your next appointment, get together or meeting.
• When you are going to a personal function or someone's home, arrive on time if not a little bit earlier.
• When people prepare for you to come to their home, they usually go all out and anticipate your arrival with excitement. To arrive on time makes them feel that you care. That is so awesome to build and deepen the relationship with trust and respect. Very cool
• If you cannot make it for some reason or due to an emergency, then be thoughtful enough to let people know before hand.
• Phone, email or send a message in advance if you are going to be late too.
• Invest in others and they will invest in you. Trust cannot be bought, it is earned. So strive to be trustworthy.

And last but not least, have fun doing this. Challenge yourself to be on time. Challenge people around you to see who gets to meetings first - create a fun, reward system.

Remove negative excuses and do not accept complacency from anyone who uses it too. Life is too exciting to be stuck waiting for someone who does not respect you or your time.

Also, remember that life is filled with surprises. So if there are times when you really do not or cannot make it on time, then do not stress. Unexpected weather, situations and moods may attack you just to create a little excitement in your life. The important thing to remember is this...people remember your integrity as a person when you communicate with them and are upfront about what is happening so that they are able to adjust their own lives.

I personally appreciate it if I am told in advance or even at the time if a person cannot be on time. This allows me to do something else, concentrate on what is important or adjust my day accordingly.

People and their time are precious. Let us all take heed and look for ways to acknowledge it and be on time from now on.

Here's to being on time. :)

Fireworks and Diwali

It is now that time of the year when everyone has had a hectic year. From debt repayments, to no income, to some income to success for many people. There is a sense of euphoria as a tough year winds to a close and people are starting to get into party mode.

The celebrations are beginning as everyone anticipates the close to a great year for some and a financially challenging one for others. The bond that remains for everyone though, is in the fact that each day brings us closer to Christmas and the much anticipated holidays.

With that in mind, Guy Fawkes seems to be one of those special November celebrations where you can have mindless fun. Who knows why this day is so famous when some guy tried to blow up Parliament, but it is a holiday nontheless. One which entails much partying, blowing up of fireworks, burning of scarecrows, banging on the neighbors house door for money and much mindless fun for kids. The fact remains this. On this day, which is not religious, no-one has a challenge with anyone blowing up fireworks because it is reminicent of Mr Fawkes blowing up or attempting to blow up a building. Who knows why that is significant to South Africa, but it is. So we celebrate it. People sedate their dogs, are mindful that their animals are safe and go out to greet or growl at the kids that knock on their doors.

Then comes Diwali, which is of huge significance to Hindus around the world. A day that signifies the end of Terror (Note it is when the Devil was defeated - hence Hindus have no hell and no devil to be scared off), and the lighting of fireworks is meant to signify the destruction and scaring off, of evil spirits, bad energy and Light conquering Darkness (Good conquers evil).  It is also our New Year. Much like the Chinese, fireworks form a significant part of the destroying of darkness and the welcoming of light. I have not heard any complaints about Chinese New Year, yet it seems that Diwali being a Hindu religious festival is the main focus for South Africans to focus on for the wrong reasons.

Now let me explain myself further, before many people vomit, throw up or regurgitate their anger on me. We are a family that love dogs and animals. Let me give you some perspective. We had growing up, 27 dogs (many rescued from the circus, from the Free State farms and off the streets), we also had tarantulas, snakes, an iguana, scorpions, fish and lots of birds. We are a family who not only love but respect all animals.

Even in the predominantly Indian areas, there is a vast majority of people who do not celebrated Diwali and they own pets. The difference between them and the people who complain, create an uproar and throw tantrums, is that they know for an entire year that Diwali is about to descend upon them and they take the necessary precautions to safe guard their pets from harm.

See, the way I see life is this. We all have choice. Sit in your lounge and complain or do something about it. Destroying traditions is not the solution. Complaining is not either. Take a stand the right way.

I also have nothing against any religion or religious beliefs, but I do have a tendency to get pissed off with animal abuse from anyone!! I personally do not light fireworks that have big bangs, but do love watching them when they are set off at the stadiums, during Diwali on the beachfront and on New Years eve. I personally make sure that people are aware in communities and via word of mouth about the significance of making sure that animals are either sedated or taken care of during ANY time that fireworks are being used for any festival.

During the World Cup celebrations, fireworks were used everywhere. There were no designated areas or restrictions. During New Year celebrations, people become over enthusiastic in all areas and shoot of fireworks in their drunken state towards vehicles, people and animals. That is just disgusting. But no-one does anything. Police are scarce and even afraid of doing something themselves. I do not see huge headlines, warnings or patrolling of the various suburbs where people insanely burst fireworks without care for others.

With that in mind, it is now bordering on harrassment when neighbors send police to my house because they saw a Rocket launched into the air. One baby rocket mind you. Not a big bang, not a scary noise maker, but a colourful explode mindlessly in the sky with beautiful colours one, lit by a visitors child.

Now I take umbrage to being harrassed by a neighbor who still calls us Coolies (very backward mentality), calls the fire brigade because we decided to cook in our own backyard, for the underprivileged street kids (ps..it is easier to cook for 200 people in a massive pot on the fire, rather than cook on a stove) and then he also proceeds to state that we are disturbing the peace and tormenting his dogs emotionally (the same dogs that he physically kicks and whips to stop barking).
Now the true significance of Diwali is lost in the stupidity of people who come out of their worm holes long enough to make phone calls of harrassment and then disappear. These are the very same people who also write anonymous letters of disgust for Hindus.The very same kind that do not take the time to learn about other peoples religions or languages but are happy to stereotype everyone in their path enmasse. The very same type of people, who keep asking me to convert to Christianity to save me from the devil. For their information, I do not believe in a hell or devil and am quite happy with my beliefs that all religions are there for the good of mankind.

I am not religious! I do not even force my spiritual beliefs on anyone. I believe simply in being good and kind and to respect the people that I see, than to pretend to respect a higher being once in a while.

People will be up in arms around the world if I had to blatantly say that Christmas should be banned because I do not believe in it. After all, it is one of thee most significant days in the Christian calender - the Day their Saviour was born. Before anyone balks at that statement - I do believe in Christmas and its deep significance for people. As Hindus, we are taught to respect and understand all religions. We are even taught lessons from the Bible.

In the same breathe, it is equally as disgusting and unacceptable for Hindus to be told that we are devil worshippers and are going to to hell if we do not embrace the Christian religion. That is uncalled for, against human rights, beliefs and individual choice. Asking for the banning of fireworks instead of the increase in awareness of Adults is much the same. How about we focus on being more careful and thoughtful of people and animals rather than focus negatively and demean an entire religious celebration. Come on people. We have enough access to information, media, internet and real people so we should be more mature in the way we behave towards each other.

I am tired of being called a heathen and idol worshipper. If you as a person are so backward in your beliefs that you will fall for any bullshit that is spun then good luck to you. I came onto this earth free of a language, religion, beliefs and thoughts. My awareness of life is from my upbringing. Which in essence, means that I was spoon fed a belief system. Whether I believe in it or not is not the issue. What I DO believe, is that at the end of the day, no-one has a right to force me or others to follow what they were taught.

Religion was made by man. It is a set of rules for mankind to follow so that they can achieve various spiritual levels. I will not deny anyone their beliefs nor profess to be a guide for someone who wants to achieve this. It is a personal journey. It is one filled with choice.

All Rights to this photo belong to the Creator (Anonymous)

With that in mind, I feel that if I want to burn fireworks, then as an individual, I should have the brains to realise that it will affect my fellow human beings with the noise levels and that it is scary and dangerous to animals who are not taken care of. Hence my thoughtfulness in making sure that I take extra precautions and go to areas where it is acceptable.

I will not however, condone people who use fireworks irresponsibly and hurt animals without thought. I will not accept children being hurt from lack of supervision. I will not stand by and watch an animal in pain because of the repercussions of the misuse of fireworks.

But I will stand up for the right to use fireworks responsibly because I truly believe that it signifies the conquering of Good over Evil. I love the colours, the comaraderie and the beauty of Diwali. I love the sense of family, thoughtfulness and joy that can be seen on childrens faces. I love the significance of welcoming a new Year into the Hindu calendar. I welcome the lessons and love that is taught and re-instilled on this wonderful day.

But above all, I welcome all people to join with an open mind. I welcome people around the world to take precautions for their own pets on this day, in the same way that they do on New Years and Guy Fawkes day and Fourth of July.

Let us be adults and find solutions. Not remove an entire religious day due to the lack of understanding from some people.

Here is to a powerful celebration where Knowledge wins over ignorance. Good over Evil. And seriously!!!! We have no devil..so leave me alone.

I welcome all threats, disbelief and whatever else tickles your fancy.

Until we meet,

take care and have fun!

Arthie Moore