Feeling nervous or down about the future?

I am no property developer or engineer but I know a crane when I see one. They are everywhere. Cranes mean construction and ambitious investment. This non-engineer knows high rise cranes waving from above, dominating the skyline, is a really good sign.

I’m no banker or economist. What I do know is jampacked multiple international planes touching down daily in major South African hubs from dozens of international hubs is fabulous for the economy. Every over-crowded South African immigration arrival hall with slow moving switchback queues lines at passport control means nationwide healthy financial infusions.

I am no sociologist but when families of every hue and language, business colleagues, reward groups, tourists groups, collide to enjoy the nation’s  incredible selection of prized locations: vineyards, game parks, all-inclusive hotels and resorts, sports venues, and natural wonder view sights, it’s a good sign. Upmarket restaurants are often fully booked months ahead, superb franchises buzz with activity and spectacular malls (some of the best on the planet) suggest a healthy and vibrant economy. 

I am no city planner but I do know that when major cities struggle with traffic congestion and armies of taxis jostle to load and off-load passengers and ride-share drivers are readily available and efficient something good is happening. 

Raise your glasses, South Africa; your vital signs appear to me, are bursting with life and vitality. 

Remember, look for the cranes. 

Cheers!

Forgiveness is freely offered and given or it is not forgiveness. 

“I will forgive you if……” is a deal or a trade. 

Authentic forgiveness has no strings attached. 

This is part (only a part) of the reason forgiveness is so powerful and demands such courage of the person who forgives. 

Add a condition and it becomes something else. That “something else” may be perfectly acceptable to all parties but attach a condition and it is not forgiveness. 

Generosity is freely offered and given or it is not generosity. 

“I am going to give you (money, time, a gift) but you must use it to…….” is not generosity. 

It’s a purchase of something declared or undeclared. 

Generosity comes with no strings attached. 

This is part of the reason (only a part) authentic generosity is rare and demands courage of those who exercise authentic generosity.  

Add a condition and it becomes something else. That “something else” may be perfectly acceptable to all parties but it is not generosity. 

Kindness is only kindness when it is freely given and is without imposed expectations between givers and receivers.  

“I will be kind so they can’t refuse my request,” is not kindness. 

It is manipulation. Kindness has no strings attached. 

Authentic kindness seeks and expects no return. 

Add a condition and it becomes something else. That “something else” may be perfectly acceptable to all parties but it is not pure kindness.  

This morning at 6:30am — over the Indian Ocean