Archive for March 9th, 2023

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March 9, 2023

You’re not always right…..

by Rod Smith

Dear Rod: On the whole I think you give very positive advice, although you’re not always right! I estimate that 90% is a good average, so keep it up! I enjoy your column. Kind regards, Glen

I love such responses to my work and have probably received hundreds of similar replies (always from men) over the 22 years this column has appeared daily in The Mercury.

Glen is far above average when it comes to politeness.

Thank you Glen for the 90% grade. I’m quite happy to reach even 75% (of being “right”) given the diversity of readers and thinkers of our beloved newspaper.

I do try to be positive. I do this first for myself and then for my readers given that most of us are more immersed in negative news than is probably good for the soul. I really do approach my life and the blank page (actually a blank screen) with a “yes” or “can-do-it” mindset. Who wants to live with anything less let alone read repeated discouragement in the mornings?

I know I’m not always right. Thank you for reminding me about this.

Life certainly agrees with you and often reminds me, rather loudly, that I’m not.

My son Thulani – 25 soon!

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March 9, 2023

It’s encouraging to hear from readers……

by Rod Smith

Dear Mr Smith

I trust you are well.

My name is Sibahle Nsukwini I am a final year student at Durban University of Technology. As an upcoming journalist I always follow the steps of people who are the best in the game and who have experience in journalism like you, Mr Smith.

I read your article in The Mercury newspaper which has a title that says “Beauty is all around us, in all we meet.” The article inspired me a lot since I have been struggling to myself since high school.

The article lifted me as it said all people are beautiful and there is gold to everyone, it gave me strength to continue love the way I was created and to tell myself that even if people can poke fun of me they will not touch or shake my silver and gold, I just have to be strong.

When the time comes next year and if I quickly get job Daily Newspaper Organisation ,I will write articles like yours maybe I will touch souls and give hope to the people who are in the dark.

Thank you so much sir and keep being the light to us

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