What I got up to, the week of the 14.08.2022#August happiness challenge!!

1. Mountain climbing/hike.

I still maintain, I want to do happy fitness exercises without dreading the process. Kloofendal mountain did not disappoint. I honestly enjoyed my first official mountain climbing/hike.

2. Healthy breakfast date.

After mountain climbing I went to Clearwater mall for a light and affordable breakfast (R90), I actually enjoyed the beef wrap (first time). I tried a sandwich bar I never went to before. I got myself a double thick yoghurt from Wollies. I actually enjoyed it. I never really thought I like yoghurt. Remember in my old hectic career I ate in a rush to fill my stomach and never pondered on me actually liking something................(now that I think of it).

3. Dessert date with Ma

After some church errands, Ma took me out on a dessert date. Thank you Ma. Mugg and Bean blueberry cheese cake with dragon fruit virgin cocktail (mmmmhhhh). Good conversation and food surely makes me happy. As long as Ma (Ps Phumi) is happy. I am happy too!!

4. Nursing my little one.

Well my little one (Fefe) has been visiting her Gran since the beginning of the happiness challenge. They infected each other with flu. The temperature was sky high. I actually did not allow my mind to be infested with fear. What I noticed though, is that, her happiness contributes greatly to my happiness!! I took her to the clinic. Whilst waiting for the nurses, I did my fun walk (see I stole a moment for my happiness).

5. Gospel fitness challenge.

I searched "happy exercises" in Pinterest and I found gospel fitness dance party (#growwithjo). Yeepee!! I have done two so far. It's 24 minutes. Fitness does not have to be dreadful after all. I actually enjoyed it. I was present and it felt like church.

6. Siep NPC projects.

We did our second impact day (12.08.2022). Yeepee!! Happy!! My God. My Lord. My Jehovah. Giving is Holy. 11 200 pieces of chalk were given to 28 schools in Lusikisiki. 4 boxes of chalk were given to each school. The gratitude from the DBE and the Principals was phenominal. I salute the families who donated to uplift our town. Enkosi. Nangamso.

7. Healthy food choices.

I noticed that because I am happy, I was attracted to light, healthy meals. I did not gravitate towards or crave comfort food. I just became easier for me to eat well. I wonder if there is a science to this?

8. Visiting my Grandma's house (1st place I called home).

I realised that to me home was a person rather than a place. I love Gogo's house a lot don't get me wrong. What I loved more was her culture and skill of home building she thought us. She loved each and everyone of us the best way she knew how. As she aged some influences crept in stealing the culture in a subtle fashion but she fought hard to retain the culture. Malumekazi no Malume still continue with the culture of welcome, love, appreciation, "kusekhaya apha akungenwa ngamali". It felt like long time ago, where home was home. I did not need a reason to go home. I just went home. The nostalgia I found in the house reminded me of my childhood memories. Thank you Holy Spirit for the healing. I thank God I listened to you!!

9. Visiting my brother.

He was not feeling well and I noted that this affects my happiness levels. I had to see him. He is such a blessing. I saw him and I am happy. Malume weyingane!!

10. Afternoon walk with my brother.

I needed airtime and Malumekazi suggested we go for a walk with my brother. Wow this was serene. I think we did around 2 km's walk with my brother. I saw some homes I have not seen in two decades. I re-connected with my childhood memories again!! The crisp evening air gentle caressing us what pure luxury. Happiness is real!!

11. Kitchen talk with Malumekazi.

Ooh Malumekazi is full of wisdom. Humble, gentle and patient. The conversations we had about the state of education in our town and personal definition of happiness made me very happy. The fire in my Grandma's stove just fueled the connection. The meal she cooked was so nice!! Enkosi Mal.

12. Visiting my Aunt and Sister.

I had to stop by our town and greet uMakazi waseMvimvana (Xoliswa) no Ngcwesh. Family matters bethunana. I was soo happy I walked to the new municipal building (1 km or so). Ngcwesh is always ready to help and reachable when you want something eLusikisiki. I was deliberate by seeing her and honouring her. Ayifuneki lento yokuthetha nabantu xa ubadinga but not make time to see them. We were so happy to see each other!! The conversations, the connection was phenominal!!

13. Shared meal with a stranger.

I was soo hungry when I finally boarded the bus to JHB. Thanks Ngcwesh for the lift. A lady with her son sitting opposite me offered to share her KFC. That fellowship and communion was beautiful. I bought pizza at Kokstad and we shared the second meal. Carried each other's luggage it was nice. I talked to another young lady on how we are working on our happiness choices and it was really enlightening. Along the way I though photos of interesting things. I deferred any business calls. I wanted to take in the trip. Stole beautiful pictures of trees and gorgeous Pondoland architecture.

14. Reflections on what divides us.

In the bus I wondered what divides us. Really what separates us as families or communities? It is so good when we get along. It is sweet like honey. Luke 11:17 ESV. But he, knowing their thoughts, said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and a divided household falls.

15. Reflections on serving.

What made me happy is the realisation that you will never serve God if you are waiting for money. Qala ngalamandla onawo and things will unfold from there. Great things!!

16. Controlling my emotions.

So a bus driver offended me earlier in the trip. I wanted to fight back but the Holy Ghost reminded me that this person does not have "happiness". I walked away not defeated but empowered. Happiness is infectious. Anger is also infectious.

17. Seeing my Uncle.

It was soo nice to see Malume. He fathered us and ensured that we have a happy childhood. Enkosi Malume. Uyobongwa usaphila kanye namaqhawe.

18. Discovering jazz

Woow this is happy music. period!! Ayimnandi. I did a tough accounting excercise and I enjoyed it. Listening to smooth jazz does wonders.

19. Nurturing long term relationships

I did mention my daughter was sick. After the clinic visit, still temperature was not going down. I am happy for the stable relationships the Lord has blessed me with. Dzanana and Zamile solved our health problem just like that. Sometimes you have to overlook money in maintaining healthy relationships.

20.Painting at Florida park

As a child I loved drawing and hand sewing. I wanted to be a fine artist and exhibit my work at international art galleries. My other option was to be a fashion designer. My Father, shame was worried about his daughter being poor. So he said I must take Accounting (the commerce stream) in std 5 so that I own buildings. As a good child I listened. Now that I am reflecting on this, Dr Shoni (the psychiatrist) did say I am right brained. It made sense that I loved any form of tangible kinaesthetic art. It's just that I forgot about it.

So I took my paint brushes. Off I went to the park after church with my kids ( 7 of them). I left them playing in the swings while I escaped to a quite place within the park. I sat alone (mind you I was not lonely) in the steel bench while I was consumed in painting what "Joy" looked like.

21. Movie with my best friend.

With Fefe back from Makhulu, she fights for us to have joint happiness (giggles). So she wanted us to watch a cartoon movie together from Youtube. We dosed off without even finishing the movie (bursting with laughter).

22. Scones from Sis Nothemba.

So, Sis Thembshish finds ways to make us happy noFefe. This day was so cold. She sent Malaki to give me scones to make tea. Ncooh. Ohh and I visited by Big Sis (Sis Nosi) kwakhe.

I DID NOT OPEN LAPTOP TO DO WORK ON SUNDAY!!