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I was not going to post a newsletter to mark the end of the year. I felt lazy to do so and simply wanted to relax and have a slow, reflective and family-filled festive period, and to rather post the next issue in January.
However, as I currently sit in my study, I feel spiritually compelled to write and connect with you all (albeit, virtually) and share what has been an eventful year filled with growth, discomfort, hard work and change.
This issue is an unplanned, off-the-cuff summary of the past year with no real curation. I hope you enjoy it..
Here goes:
I moved…Twice.
They say moving house is one of life’s most difficult and strenuous events. And rightfully so. The physical, emotional, mental and financial toll that moving house takes on one is indescribable. Moreso when you have called a particular place ‘Home’ for a long period. This year, I experienced two moves in a short period of time: After 22 years of living in our family home, we found ourselves exiting our home to another during the winter of this year. This emotional move came several months after my husband and I’s move from my apartment of 10 years, to another place more suited to our growing family. Both moves were difficult, overwhelming, intensely emotional - but necessary. Each move taught me the true meaning of ‘nothing is forever’ and that although we are often resistant to it, sometimes, change really is for the better. We celebrated Christmas in our new home(s) a few days ago. It’s as though we never lived anywhere else.
My son turned 1.
Do I even need to write about what a heartwarming milestone it was to witness my son reach his first birthday? Yanga turned 1 in May, which we celebrated via two ceremonies at the end of that month. It has been absolutely magical to watch his growth and development since. He is affectionate, incredibly busy, full of personality, independent and (sigh) a terrible sleeper. As his second birthday approaches, I am humbled by the fast passage of time, and I look forward to engaging with someone who appears to be quite a chatty toddler.
I learned the power of taking frequent breaks.
These were necessary for my mental health and curbing burn out. It was a busy year. Frequent breaks helped me slow down - even just for a brief moment -reflect, and (re)build some steam for whatever lay on the horizon. This year we visited Dinokeng Game Reserve in April, Tzaneen in June, Glenogle Farm in Magoebaskloof in October and lastly, Ballito a few days back in mid-December.
I plan to continue looking after myself, through ensuring I carve out more frequent breaks.
I worked super hard.
And got promoted at work. I no longer chat or write about career-related aspects anymore. But that really made my year.
I cooked often.
Almost daily in fact, and shared many of my Sunday lunch meal pics with you via IG. I thoroughly enjoyed eating home-cooked meals majority of the week.
In 2024, I wish to go for a cooking class or workshop and learn new dishes. I’ll keep you all posted.
I stopped doing all the heavy lifting in (certain) friendships.
This needs a newsletter of its own. But I grew tired of doing the heavy lifting in some of my friendships - always being the first to text, call or arrange a date. So I stopped.
I turned 34
It was a quiet, muted and delightful birthday and I am so grateful for another year of life and another chance to work towards the life I truly want for myself. In this next year leading up to my 35th birthday I plan to stay away from people and situations that no longer serve me, keep my circle tight, refuse to be distracted by barking dogs, take frequent breaks, go for massages as often as I can, work hard in my career and workplace, get back into fitness, take a cooking class, and focus on my nuclear family
Trimmed my hair significantly.
It was long, yes, but it was damaged and shedding. I’ll spend most of next year in braids and protective hairstyles.
Saved well, and spent well too.
I feel like we place so much emphasis on saving money, often ensuring it’s a pivotal task or goal on a yearly basis. But not enough is written about spending and investing well, too. I did reach many of the savings and money goals that I had put down for myself in January (reviewed my Policies, automated my savings, saved aggressively towards Yanga’s creche and school fees), but I spent on key items too - a great couch and living room set that I love, invested in exquisite dining chairs, did up my son’s Toddler room, got a solar inverter (*does a little dance* - loadshedding be gone!). Next year I wish to spend my money on great work wear and experiences.
We celebrated 7 years of marriage
This was my favourite year (of our marriage) yet.
It’s been a year. It was tough. It was amazing. It was filled with tears of sorrow and heartache, and moments of euphoria.
I wish you all a peaceful and safe crossover into Twenty-twenty-more. Thanks for sticking around.
Love
Masa.