Thursday, October 16, 2008
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Moments of Motivation
Moments of Motivation
This post is especially for my new friend Feefyfofum
I have 2 moments in my life that I cling to for motivation during the tough times. The one is a point at the beginning of a journey and the other is the rewarding point at the end of a very long one. I thought I'd share these with you and hopefully you can look to 2 similar moments in your life for some encouragement.
Beginning of the journey:
I have always regretted the fact that I never went to University. As a preacher's kid, I know EXACTLY how to feed a family on two fish and five loaves! We lived on the breadline for most of our lives, so when the time came, my folks couldn't afford to send me to University. Throughout my life I've had this drive within me to be where I would be, had I studied. In other words, I strive to be today, where I would be if I had a degree. In hind sight this has been a blessing because I'm extremely ambitious and motivated. PLUS: I would probably have studied to be a Vet (because I'm an ANIMAL fanatic - if it has fins, feathers, feelers, fir or fangs - I LOVE IT!) However, I've found my passion in the world of IT and am an absolute technology geek. So I may have lost that opportunity to find my perfect space in life. (Retrospect always allows for 20/20 vision, doesn't it... anyway I digress...)
This year, the company I work for has enrolled me at the University of Stellenbosch Business School and last month, I was issued with a student card. Man! I was like a little kid with this thing, I showed it to EVERYONE! I danced in the kitchen singing, "I'm going to study! I'm gonna have homework! I'm gonna be a brunette! (Blonde joke)." My son, Braden (10 years old), was very confused with my behaviour. "But Mom!" he said, "You're too old for school!" That stopped me dead in my tracks! Talk about bursting my bubble.
But it got me thinking. You're NEVER too old to start anything! One day, I could be sitting in the audience while my son conducts and orchestra. This means that I would have been around during all the time it took for him to get through school, study music and then practice for years to get to that point in his life. So what stops me from starting something now? I've actually got a head start! Whether the conductor is 50 or 90 it doesn't matter, they're both at the same point! They've both reached their dream.
So, my beginning point to which I cling is holding that card in my hand!
End of the journey:
One day a courier delivered a box to my house. I opened it with nervous anticipation and there beneath the confetti lay ten copies of my book! My own face smiled back at me from the back cover (yes I’d opened it upside down) all glossy and REAL. I lifted one of the books out of the box with tears streaming down my face. After five years of working on the novel (while married to a pilot who was away a lot, and raising two boys) and two years trying to get it published, my long wait was finally over. I had arrived! The book was there! No-one could ever take that feeling of that one moment away from me no matter what! Years of research, writing my novel in journals, on about four different computers and even my phone! – had finally paid off.
These are my two moments that keep me going. You could have any two moments yourself and they don’t have to be anything like writing a book or winning an Oscar. Your moment could be holding that baby in your arms, trying on the blouse you made yourself, gazing at your first oil painting - ANYTHING.
Look for that one beginning and that one ending to keep you going on your journey!
Love
BlondeOne.
Also published on: http://blogs.24.com/blonde1
This post is especially for my new friend Feefyfofum
I have 2 moments in my life that I cling to for motivation during the tough times. The one is a point at the beginning of a journey and the other is the rewarding point at the end of a very long one. I thought I'd share these with you and hopefully you can look to 2 similar moments in your life for some encouragement.
Beginning of the journey:
I have always regretted the fact that I never went to University. As a preacher's kid, I know EXACTLY how to feed a family on two fish and five loaves! We lived on the breadline for most of our lives, so when the time came, my folks couldn't afford to send me to University. Throughout my life I've had this drive within me to be where I would be, had I studied. In other words, I strive to be today, where I would be if I had a degree. In hind sight this has been a blessing because I'm extremely ambitious and motivated. PLUS: I would probably have studied to be a Vet (because I'm an ANIMAL fanatic - if it has fins, feathers, feelers, fir or fangs - I LOVE IT!) However, I've found my passion in the world of IT and am an absolute technology geek. So I may have lost that opportunity to find my perfect space in life. (Retrospect always allows for 20/20 vision, doesn't it... anyway I digress...)
This year, the company I work for has enrolled me at the University of Stellenbosch Business School and last month, I was issued with a student card. Man! I was like a little kid with this thing, I showed it to EVERYONE! I danced in the kitchen singing, "I'm going to study! I'm gonna have homework! I'm gonna be a brunette! (Blonde joke)." My son, Braden (10 years old), was very confused with my behaviour. "But Mom!" he said, "You're too old for school!" That stopped me dead in my tracks! Talk about bursting my bubble.
But it got me thinking. You're NEVER too old to start anything! One day, I could be sitting in the audience while my son conducts and orchestra. This means that I would have been around during all the time it took for him to get through school, study music and then practice for years to get to that point in his life. So what stops me from starting something now? I've actually got a head start! Whether the conductor is 50 or 90 it doesn't matter, they're both at the same point! They've both reached their dream.
So, my beginning point to which I cling is holding that card in my hand!
End of the journey:
One day a courier delivered a box to my house. I opened it with nervous anticipation and there beneath the confetti lay ten copies of my book! My own face smiled back at me from the back cover (yes I’d opened it upside down) all glossy and REAL. I lifted one of the books out of the box with tears streaming down my face. After five years of working on the novel (while married to a pilot who was away a lot, and raising two boys) and two years trying to get it published, my long wait was finally over. I had arrived! The book was there! No-one could ever take that feeling of that one moment away from me no matter what! Years of research, writing my novel in journals, on about four different computers and even my phone! – had finally paid off.
These are my two moments that keep me going. You could have any two moments yourself and they don’t have to be anything like writing a book or winning an Oscar. Your moment could be holding that baby in your arms, trying on the blouse you made yourself, gazing at your first oil painting - ANYTHING.
Look for that one beginning and that one ending to keep you going on your journey!
Love
BlondeOne.
Also published on: http://blogs.24.com/blonde1
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Lessons from a duck
My step-mom, Sandy, is nuts about ducks. She has a duck collection that would rival any farmer’s collection – except of course no real breathing, quacking ducks.
I was sitting in her kitchen this morning at breakfast, duck faces staring at me from plates, paintings, wallpaper, curtains and even my coffee mug when I got to thinking about what they would actually say to me, if they could talk.
A week ago, my friend Kelly said to me “Bron, we’re just like ducks you and I. On the surface we look calm, serene and in control, but under the water our feet are kicking like mad!” We laughed, but she is so right. We may look like we’re coping but what is really going on beneath the surface?
No matter how cold the water or how fast the current; ducks look like they are perfectly in control. In fact, when it is cold and rainy people say, “This weather is for ducks!” But we don’t see beneath the water. Their little legs might be kicking like crazy to keep them afloat or steady in the current. Hey the duck might even be worrying about fish taking a nibble or two.
When the duck decides to leave the pond, it swims calmly to the edge and walks up onto the bank. Cute as a button, it shakes the water off and walks on without a feather out of place.
So if a duck could speak it would probably say, “Quack” which in English would mean, “Whatever your situation (hot or cold water, fast or slow current), don’t sweat the small stuff. When you’ve been kicking like crazy beneath the surface just to keep that smile on your face, that’s ok. Everything comes to an end and when you decide you’ve had enough; get out of the water. Shake it off and walk on.”
Monday, October 6, 2008
Back in the Saddle!
This morning I woke up with a huge smile on my face, for the first time in a long time. I felt as though the dark cloud that had been hanging over me had finally passed and the sun is shining through again.
You see, for the past year I have been suffering with the most debilitating depression. I’d given up my business, lost my marriage and now more recently, my home, and was at such a low place in my life that there were times I honestly felt I would not survive another day. If it wasn’t for my two boys and the wonderful support of friends and family, the cloud may have consumed me entirely.
This post is really to say thank you to some very special, wonderful people. Sometimes it’s the little insignificant things you do or say that can make a world of difference to someone else. When that spur-of-the-moment urge strikes and you feel you should make the call, send the SMS or email – DO IT! You have no idea how powerful that one moment of contact can be.
Last week two amazing incidents helped me more than words can say. The first was an email I received from my dear friend, Marvin Phillips in USA. If you’ve seen the acknowledgement section in my book, you’ll know that Marvin is “My angel without wings”. Better than any Red Bull, he gives ME wings! Thank you Marvin so much for sending that email which arrived at a time when it made the most difference to my life. I love you to bits!
The second incident was a phone call from Glen McQuirk author of Map4Life and founder of The Purpose Club. I’ve been a member for some years now and once wrote a testimonial for their website but haven’t actively participated for a while. Glen would probably have been one of the last people on the planet I’d expect to hear from. Anyway, Glen called because he just “felt that he needed to encourage me” – out of the blue – imagine that. Oh what a blessing! Glen, I’m taking your advice, I’ve pulled out the visions, dusted off the dreams and am going to make sure the last few months of this year see me heading right toward my goals. (I’ve dug out that second manuscript and am hopping right back in the writing saddle again!)
To my long-suffering friends and family who have encouraged me so much just by being there – even when I spent months hibernating in isolation from everyone, thank you! Thank you for not giving up on me when I was being a pain in the you-know-what. In thinking about this post, I started counting the friends who’ve been so wonderful and as the list grew and grew I was overwhelmed by the amazing people in my life (see, that’s why the Bible says “Count your blessings”). Mom, Dad, Sandy, Kevin, Janelle, Brenda, Bruce, Ian, Tessa, Candy, Mark, Charl, Chris, Glen Thomson, Dudonne, Rod, Lande, Victor, Stella, Saldri, Andre, Sally, and so many many more!
I wrote this poem over a year ago and it has always been my favourite but today I see that with each kind gesture shown by each and every one of you, I was granted that touch of the cloak that I so desperately desired. Thank you for being that contact with my Father, here on earth, when the pain was so bad that one small touch could make a difference. Thank you, thank you, thank you! God bless you all!
Oh, to touch His cloak
Oh, if I could only touch His cloak
And feel the rough fabric as it brushes past my skin
To know that for one brief moment in time
I was right there, standing close to Him
If I could reach out my arm to touch Him
Even if just with my finger tips
My whole life would be changed forever
As songs of gratitude leave my lips
His awesome power would fill my being
Like light shining in a darkened place
Revealing my hidden hurts, sorrows and pain
And replacing them with His healing grace
I don’t need to see His face smiling down
On the children dancing at his feet
I don’t need to shuffle to get ahead
Of the people crowded around Him in the street
All I need is just to touch His cloak
Just one small contact with my King
And I’ll be cured of my pain forever
The rest of my life His praises to sing
I’ll close my eyes and block the world from my mind
As I stretch out my hand
He’ll know it when I touch Him
He’ll feel His power leave and He’ll understand
I don’t mind if He keeps on walking
He doesn’t need to stop and turn my way
Just one touch is all I ask from Him
There’ll be nothing else, no words to say
More than that, would be the greatest gift
A blessing too awesome for me to bear
Just one touch Lord, just one touch
And for Him to know that I was there
Bronwyn Johnson
Thank you all for being that one touch!
You see, for the past year I have been suffering with the most debilitating depression. I’d given up my business, lost my marriage and now more recently, my home, and was at such a low place in my life that there were times I honestly felt I would not survive another day. If it wasn’t for my two boys and the wonderful support of friends and family, the cloud may have consumed me entirely.
This post is really to say thank you to some very special, wonderful people. Sometimes it’s the little insignificant things you do or say that can make a world of difference to someone else. When that spur-of-the-moment urge strikes and you feel you should make the call, send the SMS or email – DO IT! You have no idea how powerful that one moment of contact can be.
Last week two amazing incidents helped me more than words can say. The first was an email I received from my dear friend, Marvin Phillips in USA. If you’ve seen the acknowledgement section in my book, you’ll know that Marvin is “My angel without wings”. Better than any Red Bull, he gives ME wings! Thank you Marvin so much for sending that email which arrived at a time when it made the most difference to my life. I love you to bits!
The second incident was a phone call from Glen McQuirk author of Map4Life and founder of The Purpose Club. I’ve been a member for some years now and once wrote a testimonial for their website but haven’t actively participated for a while. Glen would probably have been one of the last people on the planet I’d expect to hear from. Anyway, Glen called because he just “felt that he needed to encourage me” – out of the blue – imagine that. Oh what a blessing! Glen, I’m taking your advice, I’ve pulled out the visions, dusted off the dreams and am going to make sure the last few months of this year see me heading right toward my goals. (I’ve dug out that second manuscript and am hopping right back in the writing saddle again!)
To my long-suffering friends and family who have encouraged me so much just by being there – even when I spent months hibernating in isolation from everyone, thank you! Thank you for not giving up on me when I was being a pain in the you-know-what. In thinking about this post, I started counting the friends who’ve been so wonderful and as the list grew and grew I was overwhelmed by the amazing people in my life (see, that’s why the Bible says “Count your blessings”). Mom, Dad, Sandy, Kevin, Janelle, Brenda, Bruce, Ian, Tessa, Candy, Mark, Charl, Chris, Glen Thomson, Dudonne, Rod, Lande, Victor, Stella, Saldri, Andre, Sally, and so many many more!
I wrote this poem over a year ago and it has always been my favourite but today I see that with each kind gesture shown by each and every one of you, I was granted that touch of the cloak that I so desperately desired. Thank you for being that contact with my Father, here on earth, when the pain was so bad that one small touch could make a difference. Thank you, thank you, thank you! God bless you all!
Oh, to touch His cloak
Oh, if I could only touch His cloak
And feel the rough fabric as it brushes past my skin
To know that for one brief moment in time
I was right there, standing close to Him
If I could reach out my arm to touch Him
Even if just with my finger tips
My whole life would be changed forever
As songs of gratitude leave my lips
His awesome power would fill my being
Like light shining in a darkened place
Revealing my hidden hurts, sorrows and pain
And replacing them with His healing grace
I don’t need to see His face smiling down
On the children dancing at his feet
I don’t need to shuffle to get ahead
Of the people crowded around Him in the street
All I need is just to touch His cloak
Just one small contact with my King
And I’ll be cured of my pain forever
The rest of my life His praises to sing
I’ll close my eyes and block the world from my mind
As I stretch out my hand
He’ll know it when I touch Him
He’ll feel His power leave and He’ll understand
I don’t mind if He keeps on walking
He doesn’t need to stop and turn my way
Just one touch is all I ask from Him
There’ll be nothing else, no words to say
More than that, would be the greatest gift
A blessing too awesome for me to bear
Just one touch Lord, just one touch
And for Him to know that I was there
Bronwyn Johnson
Thank you all for being that one touch!
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Sharing some old stuff...
Hello my friends,
Today I thought I'd share two of my poems. It was incredible to see that some of my poetry has been shared over 500 times from Faithwriters.com. The Internet is wonderful!!
For that special someone I hope is out there ....
The space in between us
It's not an inch or mile that separates us
It's not a physical distance one can measure
But some impenetrable space
Seems to stretch out between us, forever
What would it be like to know you
Your tase, your touch, your smell?
To share your thoughts and dreams
And all your fears and doubts dispel?
I long to soar above this wide divide
Yet I'm afraid to fall from the sky
I long to cross this wide open gulf
Yet I'm too nervous to even try
Should I leap in faith and hope to land
Safely by your side?
Or will I fall short and suffer pain
Because the gap between us is too wide?
Sometimes I look, and in your eyes I see
A brief glimpse of recognition
We hold our gaze for a precious moment
A wordless conversation
Emotions are never voiced out loud
Fear causes a hasty retreat
We reach out with our smiles and dreams
But our fingers never meet
So we sit and stare across this chasm
Our feet dangling over the edge
Staring at each other with longing
Hoping, yearning, praying for a bridge
Bronwyn Johnson
Today I thought I'd share two of my poems. It was incredible to see that some of my poetry has been shared over 500 times from Faithwriters.com. The Internet is wonderful!!
For that special someone I hope is out there ....
The space in between us
It's not an inch or mile that separates us
It's not a physical distance one can measure
But some impenetrable space
Seems to stretch out between us, forever
What would it be like to know you
Your tase, your touch, your smell?
To share your thoughts and dreams
And all your fears and doubts dispel?
I long to soar above this wide divide
Yet I'm afraid to fall from the sky
I long to cross this wide open gulf
Yet I'm too nervous to even try
Should I leap in faith and hope to land
Safely by your side?
Or will I fall short and suffer pain
Because the gap between us is too wide?
Sometimes I look, and in your eyes I see
A brief glimpse of recognition
We hold our gaze for a precious moment
A wordless conversation
Emotions are never voiced out loud
Fear causes a hasty retreat
We reach out with our smiles and dreams
But our fingers never meet
So we sit and stare across this chasm
Our feet dangling over the edge
Staring at each other with longing
Hoping, yearning, praying for a bridge
Bronwyn Johnson
Falling
I stand at the edge
The cold wind blows against my face
I spread my arms open wide
And look down from my launching place
My heart is pounding
My pulse beats a rhythm in my ears
Can I take this leap of faith
In spite of all my fears?
How long has it been
Since I’ve let myself fall so freely?
What will happen
If it doesn’t work out as I hope it to be?
I’m letting go
I’m lifting off
I’m falling in love
Will you catch me?
Bronwyn Johnson
The cold wind blows against my face
I spread my arms open wide
And look down from my launching place
My heart is pounding
My pulse beats a rhythm in my ears
Can I take this leap of faith
In spite of all my fears?
How long has it been
Since I’ve let myself fall so freely?
What will happen
If it doesn’t work out as I hope it to be?
I’m letting go
I’m lifting off
I’m falling in love
Will you catch me?
Bronwyn Johnson
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