Weight Loss - 10kg

Hi Everybody

Very excited . I crossed the 10kg mark. My weight loss is 10.3kg. Thought I’d share this with you . I hope we never  reach this point……

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152161381123554

Have a week filled with love, joy and gratitude.

Melanie

2014 - A year of Love, Laughter and Gratitude

I’ve lost 3 kilograms. My total weight loss is 8 kilograms and it feels so good. My spiritual journey definitely impacted me physically as well. 

The best way to describe my trip to India is by comparing it to a tattoo – it has created memories that will be difficult to erase. Memories which I choose not to erase. 

The last month of 2013 was an overwhelming month for me and as we enter a new year I am making the following  affirmations for 2014.

 

Affirmation 1

I am extremely blessed and will affirm this regularly.

I have sat in a shack in Khayelitsha and have on numerous occasions felt sorry for myself for not having enough money but it is in Calcutta that I could comprehend the real meaning of poverty. I find myself drinking something and I'm reminded of the eyes of a child that looks at me while consuming my drink. Those eyes will always haunt me.

 

Affirmation 2

All that I am is simply by the grace of God and I am going to acknowledge it every day in 2014.

One of the most amazing experiences I had was when I met an unknown earthly angel. This Hindu woman wanted to know where I’m from and what places I would be visiting. She was shocked and concerned when I mentioned that I would be going to a specific place in India the next day by train. The following morning she invited me to spend some time with her family. I was treated with so much love and affection. They even took me to an Indian wedding. I thanked her profusely. I was uncertain why she showed this kindness to a stranger,  who she knows nothing about and asked her.

This was her reply.

“When you enter this world it is not because of yourself - it is your mother that gives birth to you.

Your name you did not give to yourself - it was given to you  by someone else. 

At school you did not teach yourself - someone else empowered you with that knowledge.

At work you did not master your skills on your own - someone else assisted you.

And when you get to the end of your journey - you will not carry your coffin – other people will.

So you are nothing on your own even though we proclaim that we did this and that.

We are here only by the Grace of God.” (Words of an unknown Hindu friend)

Her words touched me immensely and reminded of something similar I read.

“We are human beings made up of atoms, and molecules, and star stuff, and we store memories in the form of scars, bruises, and laugh lines — the ones on your skin and the ones on your heart. We live in houses made up of four walls that can protect or suffocate you, inspire you or kill you. We read books made up of dead trees with every page telling a story, a moment, a feeling. We sleep in beds made up of sleepless nights and hopeful dreams, and we fall in love in there, or out of love, or we make love. We write, we dance, we hope, we inspire.
We are nothing and we are everything. “(Unknown Author)

      

Affirmation 3

In 2014 I am going to ask myself constantly if I am still living my values and if my life is my message.

I recently went to the funeral of a very inspirational woman. The person doing her eulogy said he could spend a huge amount of time speaking about her achievements in life. She was one of those exceptional human beings – great at everything she did. She was good in different sport codes, academically gifted, had a career position few women in our country has and has been awarded numerous awards. Yet he took time to speak of her characteristics. A discussion of the values that she stood for and how she was not afraid to voice them, touched me most.  It is so easy to talk about our values but living it and not being afraid to stand up for it is a much more difficult task.

 







    

Affirmation 4

I have made a decision that in 2014 I will look deeper than the surface at things – there is always more to a story.

Our country has mourned the death of an architect, planner and builder of our democracy.

I’ve watched the movie Long walk to freedom. I’ve cried and cried not only for Nelson Mandela but shed many more tears for Winnie Mandela. I’ve realised the torture she has endured and the sacrifices she has made. I now understand why she often says she does not have lots of tears left, life has made her hard. 

Affirmation 5
2014  is going to be a year filled with fun - I am going to laugh more and dance in the rain more often.

Last Friday during my lunch break I walked to a shop in the rain. I  took my shoes off, rolled up my jeans and felt the raindrops touching my toes. I danced  and laughed while walking in the rain and could not be bothered about anybody staring at me. It felt so good....

Affirmation 6

I will affirm the following  words on a daily basis.

“You are one of a kind. You are a masterpiece. You are a prized possession. When you wake up in the morning and look in the mirror instead of getting depressed, instead of saying, “Oh man. Look how old I look. Look at this grey hair. Look at these wrinkles,” you need to smile and say, “Good morning, you beautiful thing. Good morning, you handsome thing. Good morning, you blessed, prosperous, successful, strong, talented, creative, confident, secure, disciplined, focused, highly favoured child of the Most High God.” (Joel Osteen)

On the last day of 2013 I had breakfast with a friend who has taught me so much of life. She told me about a book she is reading called “I Declare” by Joel Osteen. I bought myself this book. He once again professed the power of words. He believes “you cannot talk defeat and expect to have victory.”

As we enter this New Year I am sharing my affirmations with you.  I believe by sharing it we learn from each other, create a sense of accountability and our affirmations might even inspire each other.

Have a blessed 2014 filled with lots of love, joy and gratitude.
Melanie