The power of freedom

 I watched the movie 12 years a slave this weekend and saw the oppression and brutality so many people in the world had to endure because of the colour of their skin. I could not believe the pain Lupita Nyong'o had to suffer and just closed my eyes refusing to see the torture. It reminded me of the evils of Apartheid in South Africa. The sacrifices so many people had to make for our freedom.

So after the movie I lay awake thinking about my freedom and asking myself the difficult question – “Am I really free? Have I released the chains that restrain me from living a life of abundance?”

I always regarded my journey as something that started a few years ago. Today I know it started years ago. As I look back I see God’s master plan unfolding. The joys I needed to celebrate, the difficulties I had to endure and the lessons I had to learn.

A few years ago I realised that I am responsible for my happiness and I cannot depend on my husband or anybody else to make me happy. I started doing things that would contribute to my happiness and empowered myself by reading, attending empowerment workshops and doing women and gender courses. It was in one of these workshops that I realised that most women struggle with the same issues. We want validation from everyone else except ourselves. We seek our happiness from others. We are afraid or ashamed to speak about our vulnerabilities. 

So last year while driving home from a freedom and passion workshop (please check the website http://www.aceso-wellness.com will definitely recommend it) I had this overwhelming desire to do something about my weight. I realised that my weight is an issue in my life I needed to address. The most important thing that a wise friend always shares with me is that being in service of others is so much more rewarding. The death of my father last year directed me in choosing a beneficiary for this project. This was what set me on the road to my weight loss journey of gratitude. When I started it I said I wanted to inspire others. This was an enormous task and I often doubted myself.

A few weeks ago I found myself having some drinks with friends. Someone in the group mentioned that I have inspired one of our friends in the group to climb Kilimanjaro and raise funds for the marginalised. I walked in Stellenbosch the other day when someone stopped me and told me someone told her about my blog and how something I wrote inspired her to start something. A few weeks ago I was doing shopping in Woolworths in Soneike when someone told me how she cannot wait for my post because it inspires her. I am not saying these things to make me look like a martyr but rather to prove how we often doubt ourselves but we just need something to start doing things and be the change we want to be.

So today I am at the end of this journey blogging my weight loss and if I can share some of the things I know for sure after this journey it is the following:

-       

         

      You are capable of much more than you could ever imagine.
 If you do things from the heart and your intentions are pure - All will go well.
Choose your battles in life – life is too short to waste your time on issues and people that do not contribute to your happiness.
Live a life with integrity. Character is what you do when nobody else is watching you.
Living in gratitude is not always easy but counting your blessing constantly reminds you of how blessed you really are and makes life so much more rewarding.
Sometimes if life gets tough, let go and let God.

So on Sunday morning before having a breakfast to celebrate our 25^th wedding anniversary we went to a very early church service. I looked at my husband and kids while they were singing my favourite hymn “How great thou art”. It brought tears to my eyes and I praised God for His unconditional love and grace, for having the privilege of celebrating my silver wedding anniversary, for being with me on this journey and for family and friends who I love and cherish so dearly. Thanks so much for ALL your support and love during the 6 months.

I lost 14.3 kg. When I started I said I would love to lose 20kg but I also posted about the value of embracing imperfections. I am happy with my weight loss and will continue eating healthy. If possible I would love to have all money in by the end of April 2014. Will let you know about the amount raised and will send photos of things we’ve done with the funds raised.

The banking details is

Name of Account Holder:          Melanie Johnson

Bank:                                                  FNB

Type of Account:                           Savings Account

Account Number:                         62251366128

Branch Number:                             250655

Reference Number:                      Your Name and Surname        

  

Travelling this journey called life

This week I lost 1.1 kg. I feel so motivated!  I now see the benefits of drinking more than 2 litres water per day.

I believe we are all voyagers travelling this journey called life. During our journey we meet lots of fellow voyagers. Some just pass us by while others touch our heart and leave memories that cannot fade. As I am coming to the end of this weight loss challenge I would like to acknowledge someone who has inspired me in so many ways.

Our first conversation was about our children and in that few minutes she taught me so much about loving your children unconditionally. She taught me how to allow my kids to live the life that makes them happy, even if society does not agree. It means allowing them to have the tattoos if that is what makes them happy. She has also taught me how important it is to have boundaries in place for your children.

She has shown me what it means to embrace life and living your identity and not being conformed to the roles of what is expected of a husband’s wife.  She has taught me that our past does not define us and that we have the ability to rise above our circumstances and live a life of abundance. She has taught me by example that living a healthy life contributes to your happiness.

She has taught me by her deeds what love and compassion entails. I remember talking to her when I felt like my entire world has ended. She taught me that it is okay to cry and that pain can sometimes be the catalyst that leads to empowerment. She continuously reminded me that my heart will keep beating even it is broken and that my feet will find the path to love again.

She has the ability to make people feel so special. I am so privileged to have her in my life.  I am sure Cal would fully agree with this description of you and is shouting from Heaven “Yes, that’s my mum”

So, today my prayers and thoughts are with you. I wish I knew what to say. I wish I could take the pain away but always remember you are an inspiration for many of us.

We cannot climb into another's pain

Nor imagine their distraught

That consumed their heart to make them wane

And leave them so overwrought,

But we can climb into God's arms

To ask Him ever to hold

Our dearly beloved safe in His arms

And into His heart, to closely enfold

The joys and fears of parenting

The past two weeks I lost 1.1 kilograms. I am nearing the end of my journey raising funds for the Sarepta Old Age Home and I must admit I am trying my utmost now.

Those of you that read my blog knows that I write about things I think  we as women all ponder about. Someone who I regard as my inspiration, mentioned to me that this blog is not just about weight loss, it entails much more. I was not keen starting this blog. I am of opinion that social media such as facebook etc has the ability to make people egocentric. I did not want to create the expectation that people must read how I feel about things. I just wanted to inspire women. I wanted us as women to realise that we all struggle with the same issues but despite our challenges we need to create space to celebrate life. We should empower ourselves and each other and not become victims of our own journeys.

This week I have decided to post a topic on a subject that I need to learn so much about. The only thing that I do know that works for me is staying on my knees. I therefore decided to include an article about parenting that touched me profoundly. 

 

I‘ve also decided to post something of each of my children 

that conveys who they are and how we as parents impact their lives’ 

    My son's view of life ….

My daughter wrote this a few years ago when she was on High School….

I have often heard that my life seems perfect.

A loving father and mother, two brothers that would do anything for me

and a permanent smile on my face reflects the epitome of a perfect family.

But I invite you into my world, which I seldom share with others.

A world filled with friends and family whose love overflows

and whose experiences have molded me.

A world that is not always filled with sunny days or happy memories,

but a world I would never dream of changing.

I believe what define my world are not the racks of books beside my bed

or the angel wings on my wall.

For you to truly understand my world you would have to

understand the things I carry in my heart, the answers my brain yearns for

and the memories that overall defines me as a person.

One often looks at other and their talents,

and for a long time I’ve pondered on the thought that perhaps I do not have a talent.

I was never a top athlete and I cannot sing and dance as well as some of my peers.

I enjoy playing the piano but still it is not something I am the best at.

But just like I believe everything happens for a reason,

I believe I discovered my talent at the perfect time in my life.

For you see, my voice and way of thinking is what gives me a sense of meaning.

I am a self proclaimed idealist and my dreams often reflect my idealistic goals

for my country and the world.

I dream of a better, educated South Africa and a world that truly

understand the highly desired concept of world peace.

And when I stand up in front of people, be it my peers, teachers or even fellow debaters,

and defend my opinions, actions and dreams is when I feel the most powerful.

My pulse quickens, the rate at which I speak increases and a sense of love,

compassion, passion and excitement overwhelms me

and I truly have the chance to allow someone into my world.

For my world ranges further that the eye can see and even further

than what I have seen in my life. My world, and I solely believe

my life is dedicated to helping others.

I believe each and every person was put onto this earth for a reason and

I believe my reason, is to bring about change.

It would be easier to introduce you to other parts of my life.

I could tell you about my primary school or favourite dress,

but I feel that if I introduce you to these material things,

you still would not have a sense of my world.

My world is led by the desire for change, the longing for reason,

the passion to always smile and the knowledge that my voice is my strength.

 

 My youngest son cut some holes in his pants when he was 3 years 
(really don't know how he got the scissor)

He wanted it to look like his dad and uncle's pants when they work on their cars....

 

  Have a week filled with love, joy and gratitude

  Melanie