Values
I choose to live my life in accordance with certain values which I hold dear which give my life purpose, meaning and a sense of ownership. Below you will find how I live those values.
Live my Purpose
Knowing what makes me come alive is vital as it sustains me against negativity from others about how I choose to live my life. I am at my best when serving others whom I believe appreciate my small efforts. As a result, I have chosen not to wait until conditions are perfect to embark on ways to help others. I do what I can from where I am and when I can. My very greatest joy is to visit a country, find a need and fill it.
I live on Purpose daily, through daily meditations, my focus on health to working on my projects, to choosing to live a simple life free of distractions and outside influences.
Wellness
As we age, we reduce our physical activity which often results in unhealthy weight gain and an increased probability of mortality. Our body tells us when it is in a state of dis-ease. The response is to increase cardiovascular fitness, strength, coordination, flexibility at the same time that we supplement our diets to remain fit and healthy for as long as possible. I plan on living a long and healthy life and am willing to work, now, to ensure that my life will be as enjoyable as possible.
I practice prevention and choose to have a balanced life by getting quality, relaxing sleep, having access to clean, energized water and pure air in my home, having more energy by reducing stress, having a balanced nutrition.
For many years, exercise has played a prominent role in my life: from running, white-water rafting, desert survival school, kayaking, living naked alone on an uninhabited island off Australia, skiing, hiking and climbing. I now play squash a few times a week for at least an hour, walk as quickly as possible everywhere I go, often in weighted walking shoes, and always run up stairs.
Although I never diet, I am very particular about what I eat: no biscuits, fizzy drinks, crisps, chocolate, caffeinated drinks, very little alcohol (cranberry juice is my usual bar tipple), little meat, yet lots of organic fruits and vegetables most days. I try, but struggle, to drink enough water daily; however, at home only drink filtered water, supplement my diet with high grade multivitamins and do not eat in between meals. I willingly pay the extra costs for having good quality ingredients.
Personal Responsibility
I strongly believe that I, alone, am responsible for me and that there are consequences for all my actions. While we are all faced with similar situations, I might choose not to react to the same situation as my neighbour. I also believe that everything happens for a reason and I try to learn something from all situations.
As far as possible, I choose not to wait for any body - government or others - to do for me what I can do for myself. This ranges from my choice of lifestyle to how I relate to others, how I spend my time and what I feed my mind and body.
I also welcome challenges and try to learn from my mistakes and failures in order not to repeat them which leaves room for more new experiences.
Knowledge – through Education
It is vital for us all to remain vigilant, informed, inquisitive and willing to question authorities, other individuals and established views in order to find our own way in life.
I believe that there is nothing more insidious than the constant barrage of images of others whose sole aim is to convince us to emulate certain traits, behaviours or brands. This has contributed to medical and psychological disorders like bulimia as well as the inferiority complex of certain members of society resulting in the denial of their culture in order to be liked by the majority.
There is another way. It comes from within and is nurtured through a constant quest for knowledge followed by the application of that knowledge. For many, this is the challenge – the Action Step. I choose to take that step… ACTION for me means I Act On.
Financial Wealth
The bedrock of western society is money which, as a form of exchange, makes the difference between eating and not and although it is not essential, I believe that next to breathing, as the saying goes, “good people do good things with money and bad people do bad things with money”. I choose to be in the former group. I also believe that money is simply an item of exchange and it is my responsibility to provide for myself. As such I should have as much money as I can - providing that I am not hurting anyone and am not involved in anything illegal or immoral.
I have my own part-time business which first and foremost helps me to live a healthy life by only using first-rate health products – and without any side effects; and secondly allows me share with those who are open and interested in making lifestyle changes and are willing to invest in their health.
I sell jewellery and beautifully decorated knives, forks and spoons and other items made by women in the Philippi township in Cape Town. My purpose is to help these ladies to provide for their families and would appreciate your support.
I am currently researching the marketing of a product that will allow students in Less Developped Countries to support themselves financially while being in business for themselves. The product has the potential to have wide appeal in the West.
Live Simply
The environment is a phenomenal instrument for sustainability, providing us with water and other natural resources that our bodies need to function.
I chose not to waste water or food and, as an avid recycler, treat recycling as an art form!
I choose not to feel resentment of others’ success as I did not accompany them on their long, winding and bumpy road to success and, therefore, don’t deserve to share in their success. I choose to congratulate them.