Tributum Newsletter #70
Hello
The two weeks since the previous Newsletter caught up quickly – I almost missed this one but luckily, I get to keep the streak going. #70 – has a nice round amount ring to it. However, it’s not a as round or as nice as Rassie’s alleged salary. My two cents…he deserves every Rand he gets. Personally, I don’t think anyone did more for the general mood and spirit in SA than him and Siya Kolisi.
Those of you that know me know that I like to read. And I like sports. So, reading about sports is pretty much up there on my fun list. I had the pleasure of reading Andre Agassi’s “Open” a few weeks ago. He was polarising as a player – like Marmite you either loved him or you hated him. But you don’t win all 4 tennis majors if you can’t play so there is no denying that he was good at what he did. But he hated it. He hated tennis. He hated playing tennis.
But he ended up loving what it gave him – not the stuffed knees and back or blistered hands, but the opportunity to give back. Through his hate for tennis he learned that his life’s purpose was not in what he did for himself, but what he could do for others. Very Viktor Frankl like…and that from a guy that once played tennis in pink shorts and tights. Just goes to show – we do not have to like what we do to have a purpose. You should be OK if you find something meaningful to do with what you might not like gives you.
At this time of the year are we to reflect on 2024, the year that was, that book that is almost written. Or we will be looking forward to 2025, the year that is coming, the blank pages. Looking back, you can discover yourself. And discovery is good. But surely that is not where you must stop? It’s what you will do with that discovery that is important.
How you create your story going forward, how you will fill those blank pages. Discovery is looking in the rearview mirror – where you were. Creation is looking through the windshield – plotting the route for where you want to go. To really move forward, avoid the accidents and spot the gaps in traffic we need to be focussed on the picture in the windshield and not just the past in the rearview mirror.
Hopefully most of us will get some rest over the festive season. Hopefully it’s not two weak (again, not a type but figurative), but meaningful enough to get the batteries recharged for what is lying ahead. Enjoy it, you’ve earned it. Travel safely. Remember rule #1 – don’t be a D@@S and pay forward some kindness. Have a blessed festive season.
So, by all means reflect on 2024. But also plan and look forward to 2025. While finishing the one book start to plot the story for the new one – your story. And then write it. Into 2025 – keep breathing.