A 1000 Years
Will you #BeWow?
Right now there is a lot of negativity happening in South Africa, and it’s so easy to jump on that ride and add to the dark and dire of everyday life… make no mistake, I’m feeling the challenges and trials from little frustrations, like internet issues so work that should take hours takes days, breaking teeth that can only be extracted and the resulting pain that took weeks to heal, rather than days…. and… and… and the big things like a death in the family two years ago… and that there was no will… and so there has been conflict and greed…. betrayal and accusations. Anger, resentments and frustrations… rather than love and sharing the loss together to allow mourning then healing.
Even though I’m not dealing with everything with patience, grace and forgiveness as I should, I’m mature enough in my years, celebrating being in my 50’s, *Grin* …to understand that sometimes so much challenge gives me the opportunity to reflect on my life… and to embrace some changes.
Not always easy… often necessary. *Smile*
Right now as I write this… our ageing 20 year old cat who has almost died a dozen times, and who is struggling with his frailties, is cuddling in my lap, batting at my hand so I’ll scratch him, and as on two previous occasions, we are deciding whether to nurse and care for him through his later years… or make that really hard decision. Yes, that one!
Last year I watched a video where one question was posed, that puts life in perspective… and during these past two years as I have struggled with major changes and challenges, asking myself that question has allowed me to really focus on what’s important while I try and figure somethings out.
The most difficult challenges have been the betrayal by some of those I love the most… and trusting that I made the right decisions at the time, when really months later it just looks like I’ve just been manipulated and lied too.
Something we all experience… and that really hurts, deep down in those tender, vulnerable places in our hearts.
I have friends dealing with similar hurt, and deep feelings of sadness and struggle with relationships… and we’re doing it in different ways, and I am so grateful for their sharing, as it’s helping me find courage and a deeper understanding.
I also have friends who have it together, and despite their challenges and trials… they’re loving their lives and celebrating with love and laughter, and I’m just as grateful for their example, as they remind and inspire me to be happy and to celebrate everything that I love about life… and I do love so much about my life. *Grin*
That one question that has helped me put life back into proper perspective… even though I don’t have everything together as I usually do, and may never again… it’s giving me courage to create a Legacy of Love & Kindness.
“One Question That Puts Life in Perspective!”
“Will this matter in a 1000 years!”
~ Stephen Jones
What are you worried about right now?
…that’s not going to matter in a 1,000 years?
And what are you going to do that’s going to matter in 1,000 years?
*Grin*
Being happy in my work gives me purpose and allows me to explore with passion and creativity… and so much external conflict in my life has challenged me to explore the difference between my gifts and talents, and what I love about my life and my work… rediscover some things I want to do, prioritise what I need to do… and hopefully through this process simplify some of the complexities, even those that are out of my control, so they cause me less stress if I simply ask myself if it will matter in a 1000 years from now, and most of it simply won’t. *Grin*
I do know I love writing… and I love Women of Worth… and I honestly believe that any good I do through Women of Worth will make a difference today and tomorrow… and will matter in a 1000 years! *Smile*
To celebrate my creating a Legacy of Love & Kindness
we’re having a R1000.00 cash giveaway! *Grin*
Share what you are doing or what you are
going to do that will matter in a 1000 years!
First… please leave your comment below, remembering our theme, “Will this matter in a 1000 years!!” and please ensure you include an active working email address so we can contact you. We will never publish, share or disclose your email address as your privacy is important to us… however, it does mean your participation gives us permission to include your details in our mailing list. Please note, if you win, you will need to provide an active South African Bank Account for deposit of cash, and a photograph of yourself… thanks!
Second… please LIKE our Women of Worth Facebook Page.
Third… please Share with all the South African women you know. Although we welcome women from all over the world to participate and contribute, we don’t have any facilities to grant the R1000 cash giveaway to overseas participants, and so only local women can qualify for the giveaway. If you live overseas, and would like to participate, and nominate a local South African woman, that would be great. Remember the more comments you share with different ideas… the more chances you have to win!
The winner will be chosen on 21st September 2018.
(We didn’t realise that the 24th September 2018 was Heritage Day, so we are extending until Monday) 🙂
In celebration with gratitude and love
Mands
July 17, 2018 @ 6:05 pm
I am doing something that will definitely make a difference for the generations to come in my family . I was widowed at a young age and left with a daughter to raise and I am working hard to educate her so she can be independent and successful. I have a savings account for education only and this account is to remain in the family and each member of my family must contribute annually to this account for the future education needs of all the children. It’s very important to me that all of them obtain a education and successful careers. As education is the key to success I want them to be self reliant and live a comfortable life…no struggles or suffering. This education fund will make a positive difference and it’s what I wish to see …lots of graduates and great jobs to. I hope to inspire other families to do this as well. (Entry #2)
July 17, 2018 @ 6:05 pm
What am I doing NOW that will matter in 1000 years….. having celebrated my double 4 birthday last year and now halfway to 90, I decided that this is now MY life MY year, MY time to tackle my bucket list. First on the list was to swim midmar mile with the CHOC COWS, an organisation very close to my heart, we raise funds for children battling cancer that cannot afford private care, and support CHOC HOUSES which allows family members to stay while the child is having treatment. Unfortunately due to an operation I was not able to swim last year but my daughter Megan did, despite being sick she did a fantastic time of 38 odd minutes …. FOR A MILE! This year i completed my first ever open water swim … yes i completed the mile… in an hour but the time doesnt matter what matters is i faced many hurdles and fears to do this for CHOC for the children fighting cancer. This year I’m going all out for CHOC – having completed Tour Durban a 45 km cycle through Durban even though I’m not as fit as I should be, its for the children, children that battle daily with cancer, children unable to enjoy things that other children do because of the cancer and 2 mini tinman events and still to come is Amashova (not sure distance yet), and thrown in amongst all this I wanted to do the 80km Thomas More Long Walk (in cow gear) but had to pass. One hike up Sani Pass (Sunflower Fund) in full cow gear and anything else that comes along, oh almost forgot the Duathlon down the South Coast end of July. Now those who don’t know, I had a spinal fusion just under 4 years ago which has given me a new lease on life and now I want to help the children have a new lease on life. Im not a regular athlete i go out and face a challenge no matter what … In a 1000 years CANCER WILL BE BEATEN….. CANCER WILL NO LONGER BE …. CANCER WILL NO LONGER DESTROY LIVES AND FAMILIES! (Entry #1)
July 17, 2018 @ 6:13 pm
Coming from a humble background, I’m grateful for the change in my life. Im more calm, patient and understanding. I even love more. To me, that will last more than a 1000 years. #Eternity. Love, peace and hope. ❤❤ (Entry #3)
July 17, 2018 @ 6:20 pm
I am helping matric learners with their studies, shaping their future, this will surely matter in 1000 years because shaping their future means shaping our country. (Entry #4)
July 17, 2018 @ 6:30 pm
I nominate Janet Legemaate, whose spare cash usually goes towards boosting posts for the Website http://www.hero777.co.za or transport to speaking engagements where she pubts organ donation.
Janet’s son, Matthew, needed a heart and double lung transplant, which he finally received last year at age 19, when doctors did not think he would live much longer.
For years, she and her family have worked tirelessly to create awareness and to try to convince South Africans, particularly those in KZN – a province which sees many cultural aversions to this controversial concept – to donate their organs when they die.
Because of Janet, many people have already had a second chance at life, or will do so in future. They have gone on to have children or to become campaigners in their own right for a cause which gets altogether too little publicity, but could help so many people. (One donor can save up to seven lives and help so many more with tissue, bone and corneas.)
The tide is slowly turning because of this woman’s tireless efforts and in a 1000 years, my hope is that South Africa will have become so au fait with the idea of organ donation that it will be second nature, and there will be no need to campaign for the cause because our country will have adopted the Opt Out policy like several First World democratic countries overseas.
If Janet wins the prize for this nomination, I know she will use it to further the cause. (Entry #5)
July 17, 2018 @ 6:37 pm
#BeWow I simply feel that we have let our earth down. As humans, we have destroyed nature and our future generations will not know it’s true beauty. I am planting indigenous trees in colleges and schools so in 1000 years, we will still have trees and oxygen to breathe. (Entry #6)
July 17, 2018 @ 6:47 pm
I am actively trying to minimise plastic pollution of our earth and oceans by purchasing a bamboo straw and collecting plastic for recycling. (Entry #7)
July 17, 2018 @ 7:03 pm
I had a cancer scare last year when I found a lump in my breast so I decided life is too short and I want to leave a legacy in this world. I am an active volunteer at an orphanage because I love kids and I teach there making the kids write stories and poems that I print and store in a file. We film them telling their work and acting and make discs which we distribute while collecting donation. The kids paint and we frame the work which we display. We have shows for the community. I hope one day that one of them will take their talent to a higher level and become famous. I collect food items, clothes, toys, books etc and i have encouraged my family and community to make regular cobtributions to the orphanage. I pray my work there will impact the kids lives and they will continue to serve the orphanage when they grow up so other kids can benefit and not only survive but thrive. We leave our legacy through our kids. My contribution is a not any act of greatness to the kids but is a humbling learning experience for me to appreciate my life and what and who I have and I thank God for the ability to help his kids in some way. (Entry #8)
July 17, 2018 @ 7:12 pm
I have come from.a home with a single parent and know all about hardship,so u have done everything in my power to raise my kids to the best of my ability,educate them and steer them in the right path even in years to come I know my legacy will be carried out and lived on with a motto of never give up,always try and even though u stumble and fall,you will definitely be picked up, courage and determination gets you there,my kids will definitely be well cared for and definitely make a mark out there. (Entry #9)
July 17, 2018 @ 7:47 pm
#BeWow? I would be trying to leave a legacy where everyone is free, where there is no hate in the live , where everyone can make their own choices without being judged. (Entry #10)
July 17, 2018 @ 8:58 pm
At this moment and everyday I try to give back to the community.out in the streets there are hungry people and kids and I always make sure to try and feed them though I am not well off I try my best and when I win a competition with money or food I always give back to them which also shows them that there are people out there with a good soul and heart and it also teaches my kids to follow in my footsteps as I let them do it with me and in the end they will teach there kids and it will keep going cause kindness opens doors to our future. (Entry #11)
July 17, 2018 @ 9:21 pm
What am I doing I am starting tommorrow with my 67 minutes for Mandela day we arranged an initiative at work for the M.O.T.H Old Age Home on Fairlands. .50 Grocery Hampers have been allocated one per unit .Also they sold vetoek at work and raised R 5000 to hand over .I always said I would get involved with charity when I retire. .do it now get involved it’s the best joy in life to give is so much better than receiving I would like to know I felt someone feel better.I also try do random acts of kindness even if just giving way in the traffic or a friendly smile to someone at work. .my motto is always leave a place better than it was before ..picking up a paper. ..smiling at someone. .helping someone …complimenting some one can make an amazing difference in some ones lives. (Entry #12)
July 18, 2018 @ 4:40 am
I use cloth nappies on my daughter so I can help the environment as it won’t end up in the land fills like disposables and I’ve converted a friend or 2 to do the same.
‘It will take 200 to 500 years for a disposable nappy to decompose, leaving a legacy to your children’s grandchildren. “The production of disposables uses 3.5 times more energy, 8.3 times more non-renewable resources, and 90 times more renewable resources than real nappies.’
Getting more people to choose cloth instead of disposables will definately matter in 1000 years.
The second thing I’m doing that will matter in 1000 years is teaching my children to be kind. Kindness will not go out of fashion not even in 1000 years. This is something I want to pass on to them and have them pass it on to their children.#BeWow (Entry #13)
July 18, 2018 @ 6:00 am
I am currently doing a feeding the needy humans. I make sandwiches,tea, coffee, briyani,salads. Every week I feed different foods. Plus I also try to speak to everyone encouraging them to appreciate all the little things in life like life itself,think Positive,keep dreaming, when they have a opportunity to work they must grab the offer that way they will slowly climb up the ladder. For stray animals in my area_ I buy bread,bones,dog food,cat food. Prepare them and leave a few bowls in my garden because I know atleast some of them will be happy and full tummys. I don’t own any animals of my own so this way my love for caring for animals are fulfilled, plus I also feed birds to. The Happiness of others having food means the world to me. (Entry #14)
July 18, 2018 @ 8:45 pm
Recycling and helping to save our planet, being water savvy and a water warrior .Praying for the future of our country,the world and children of this world who will be our future leaders #BeWow (Entry #15)
July 19, 2018 @ 4:10 pm
I am helping out with a charity called Ram (Rescue Amongst Many) who holds a deep place in my heart. They help out in the rural areas and school aiding the poor and needy. In my free time I help as much as I can and assist with basic duties of sorting donations etc. I know this would matter in a 1000 years because there would be 1 child less who for example would be able to walk to school with a brand new pair of school shoes.(Entry #16)
July 19, 2018 @ 6:15 pm
#BeWow I am currently instilling morals and values in my own kids as well as the kids in my school, to be kind to people as well as animals. This surely be passed down from generation to generation. (Entry #17)
July 20, 2018 @ 3:57 am
I see mysekf as as good listerner and always like to give and share without expecting anything in return. I live in a poverty and gang infested suburb, I see people struggling financially. Some children go to school with old and worn school uniforms and don’t even have proper shoes to wear. As I have a very tender heart when it comes to my community, I would help where I can. I would assist where possible but also don’t allow people to take advantage of me. On many occasions I would cook some soup and hand it out and also collect clothing from family and friends and hand it out. I know that what I portray today will be a legacy that will be left behind and this will surely matter in a 1000 years from now onwards. Surely I will it will be instilled in some other family member and the passion that I have t0day will carry on… (Entry #18)
July 20, 2018 @ 6:30 am
My time offered as a volunteer to TWR Women of Hope ministry has brought me into a deeper relationship with our Creator. As we reach out to women to help them deal with issues that they are facing in the daily life, we also focus on passing this onto the next generation. Our stories give a testimony of how the love of our Lord helps us to overcome all circumstances. We believe that our global prayer movement can make a difference in our personal lives, our families, our communities, our continent and the world. (Entry #19)
July 20, 2018 @ 3:31 pm
I don’t know if what I’m doing is going to matter in a 1000 years but I do my best everyday by just being human, helping where I can. Raising my sons to be fine men and in my spare time I teach little kids about the word of God. Hoping to change many lves and build a strong future generation. Life is hectic for everyone, but I believe a small act of kindness can make a huge difference…. (Entry #22)
July 20, 2018 @ 7:26 pm
I have many things which I fear in my life and as I get older i’m making life changing decisions.Should I flea or fight these fears? Well…I chose to fight and face my fears, one at a time. I am currently working at a school for mentally and physically challenged children. Yes..your guess is right. To work with these special needs children was one of my fears. I’ve come to learn to love these children and realised that one cannot pretend to like them. They are so naturally loveable, they show true emotions, real talents, say what the want and make me laugh all day long. In an interesting conversation with one of the kids, I was told that he wants to become a traffic officer. He has an amazing talent playing the African Drum. Well…I have endeavored to make at least one little boy’s dream come true in this life.
So what is it that I’m trying to do or prove?
For my children and grandchildren and those that will come long after I’ve left this earth….become a better you by facing your biggest fears. Live, laugh, love and leap freely. (Entry #20)
July 21, 2018 @ 6:33 am
Education is the key to success… STUDY, STUDY, STUDY… I’m currently doing my MBA and hope to leave a legacy for my kid to also study…. (Entry #21)
August 1, 2018 @ 2:14 pm
well all l can say is..
W hen
O rdinary
M eans
E xtraordinay
N urturer’s
WOMEN you are amazing. We, woman, are so powerful and have so much influence and yet we are filled with self-doubt and often believe we are not worthy.
Not worthy of blessings
Not worthy of compliment’s
Not good enough mothers, wives, daughters or friends.
I hope that in 1000years women will be kind to themselves and we can start now!
Teach your daughters, support your friends, and the only way you can do this is to LEAD by example and be brave enough to show your vulnerabilities as they may be a beacon to other women.
Become a WOW woman today! (Entry #23)
August 5, 2018 @ 9:51 am
#BeWow Love! When all is said and done… When Heavenly Father’s Plan of Salvation has been completed… When our Savior Jesus Christ returns and the world as we know it now comes to an end… All that matters is Love! The way we love in every aspect of life and love everything that was created for us. Love is all that matters now and all that will matter in a 1000 years. Love! (Entry #24)
August 9, 2018 @ 9:16 am
I am shaping minds to make a change, as a mum and running a daycare. I have changed and introduced learn through play, bringing in science and technology and engaging young minds getting them thinking of what how and when, will shape and make a difference decades from now. A legagcy of change begins. (Entry #25)
August 9, 2018 @ 4:55 pm
Hello there
Tomorrow I’m facing one of my biggest fears yet life long dream. # will let you know how it went later.
I said I’m facing my fears one a time. This fear gave me sleepless nights but I promised myself that I would give myself till the age of 60 to really face it but…here comes along a work opportunity and now I’m forced to face this fear sooner than I could anticipate.
To me it just proves that God had already planned my life for me and it wasn’t my decision to make.
God’s timing is perfect. (Entry #26)
August 9, 2018 @ 7:32 pm
What I am doing now,I hope will be remembered in a thousand years. I am a Matric teacher, whose passion extends beyond the classroom. Daily, it is early mornings, long days and late evenings of planning, teaching and revising. I often neglect my own family, stealing their time with me to assist my learners.
It is my philosophy in life that to teach a child, you shape his mind and build his mindset.
I love teaching and have been doing so for nearly 20 years.
I put my heart and soul into researching, preparing and executing my lessons thoroughly often at the cost of my bleeding ulcer and severe anaemia.It is all worth it.
The joy I get from my job, far supercedes any monetary value, treasure or gift. I just love helping to steer my kids into the journey of their lives.
I want my learners to remember the life lessons I taught them from the pages of Shakepeare,Harper Lee,Yann Martel and the likes.The lessons they learnt with broken hearts and tear-stained eyes..quivering hands and empty stomachs..
In a thousand years…when books no longer are, there will be the echo of a resounding story told by gleaming eyes and a beaming smile,off-set by a beating heart..and on it goes…millenia to come!! (Entry #27)
August 10, 2018 @ 7:46 am
This is my heart, I’ve had it broken –
as You can clearly see.
I tried to fix it… as best I could,
but it just simply keeps falling apart.
I shared my heart…
with family, my friends and all those in need,
even a stranger who crossed by path!
Each then walked away with a little piece of my heart.
Everything was whole until those pieces began to break…
Some of them were lost –
Some were simply thrown away –
Some were forgotten –
Others rejected –
Yes…
A few pieces were even returned to me.
I claimed each fragment knowing it would never be the same.
Some pieces continue to break each and every day…
Yet –
A few of the pieces remain intact and are so deeply treasured. How beautiful this has been!
I have tried to reconstruct my broken heart
using anything I could –
band-aids, tape, ribbon, and even glue but nothing held…
food, entertainment and possessions brought no relief…
and I cried, and I cried for what is lost,
for what will be lost.
As I try put the pieces of my heart together the cracks spread.. and spread…
I didn’t know what to do.
I didn’t want the broken pieces to break the unaffected,
so I’m giving my battered heart back to You Lord.
I’m giving You my heart.
It is impossible to heal my own heart!
I know You are the only one who can restore it.
You are the One who created me.
I’m not asking You to make my heart new,
I’m merely asking You to make my heart whole.
Each crack will help me remember all the pain I have endured and overcome.
Lord, Your bonding them together with Your love will make me stronger,
so that this heart of mine won’t easily be broken again.
It was such a pretty heart,
You made it so well.
I wish I hadn’t allowed it to be broken…
Yet the breaks are part of life.
For an unbroken heart has never lived, has never loved.
So Lord, will You please protect my heart?
Keep it safe for me?
And when the cracks appear,
will You please fix them,
patch them and heal the hurt.
I will be so grateful, so full of praise.
I will share this healing, so filled with love.
I thank you Lord!
For hearing my deepest plea…
For walking beside me on this journey…
For restoring this heart…
For the future that will make an impact…
Forever Your Child,
Amen..
(Entry #28)
August 10, 2018 @ 10:07 am
I am doing my part in making a positive difference which will matter in the years to come as I am completing my Doctorates in Conservation and Tourism Management. Being highly educated, and encouraging my kids and others in general to get educated is important so that the economic, social and physical impacts on the country are improved with job creation and upliftment in life. I save money for my kids education. I am eco friendly and only use eco friendly products, I recycle and I use resources such as water sparingly as this would ensure sustainability for future generations. I always educate anyone I meet about the importance of conservation and sustainability. I also assist the animal sheltes and rescue abandoned animals. I prepare meals for the less fortunate at shelters. I donate my unwanted belongings to those that need it. Kindness goes a long way. (Entry #29)
September 22, 2018 @ 8:15 pm
Well i am a women i know there are other women out ther who need to talk and have no one to open up to.so I try my best to make them feel better and good about them selves by listening and supporting them and not judging them.i have so many friends that I listen to and friends are forever.also listening to others just shows me how small my problems are.and if we women stand strong and listen and help each other more often we can continue this for many years to come
[Entry 30]
September 25, 2018 @ 4:02 pm
Thank-you so much to ALL of you for your feedback and comments. This giveaway is now closed, and we have chosen a winner. Congratulations Lora. 🙂