ajourney2enlightenment
A tell it like it is journey through life. What I would like from this blog is for readers to feel that they can relate not only to me, but to each and every visitor to my blog. A place where we can discuss, review and hopefully find answers to some of life's burning questions.
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Making the best of what you have
Good day friends
It surely has been a long time since I have updated my blog, but here I am at it again.
Over the last few months I have experienced feelings of being despondent, sad, down and out, feeling like I cant get any lower than what I felt i was.
But through it all I kept doing what I do, which is read a lot, reading inspiring articles of entrepreneurs who are making it in these tough times. Reading books on topics which interest me. Reading blogs by highly motivated people such as Robin Sharma, Richard Branson, Bob Proctor and the likes.
Sometimes all we need to do is to take a step back from our current circumstances, and look in, but try to do so from the perspective of an outsider, someone who is completely bias to the situation/s to truly see how blessed we are with what we have. Even if what we have we may consider to be little or inadequate, the point is, whatever you have is more than what someone else has.
Gratitude is something we should all strive to have or show in our daily lives. Once you are able to be grateful for the "little" it is amazing how soon that little becomes a lot out of shear gratitude.
So the lesson for today is show gratitude for what you have, and stop focusing on what you don't have or wish you had, because before you know it, when you step back again and take a look into your life from the outside, what you wanted, or wished you had will be in reach or already be yours.
Live strong Live Long...
Greetings everyone until next time
Meagan
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Employment VS Unemployment VS Self-employment
In today’s economy it is becoming increasingly harder to find employment as well as to keep that employment, perhaps giving one the opportunity to grow with the company as well as getting promoted within that particular job.
As we are all aware the global economic crisis is far from over, yes it may be recovering in some parts of the world, things may even be looking up and or better for some in some industries, but that can’t be said in a generalised way. I’ve recently read an article which almost sums up the fear if one can call it that which most young graduates or faced with today, mind you that includes me as I too only recently graduated from university / college and found that the job market was and still is looking very bleak.
Now that brings me to the core of this article, I studied Marketing Management at CPUT in South Africa – Cape Town to be more exact and since graduating I have found it very difficult to find employment. There are all these criteria which these prospective employers have; they will advertise looking for someone between the ages of 25-30 for example and then go on to state that you must have a degree within the field as well as 5-7 years’ experience. Now if I do the math, then their criteria is absolutely nonsense, usually you are around 18-19 when you start university for most degrees it will take you four years to obtain it, that puts you roughly at 23-24 when you graduate.
Now you have to start the almost impossible job hunting process, when you finally land a job, it may be well into the half of the year, so you nearing 25 years old by now. So that brings me back to the criteria of being between the ages of 25-30 with 5-7 years working experience in the field which you studied or are applying for work. It just doesn’t make sense.
And in my opinion if no one is prepared to give a graduate a chance once they have completed college when exactly are they expected to gain that 5-7 years’ experience in their respective fields?
To make a long story short this is the experience I have had in our dear South African job market. We have been made to believe that without an education you will find it very hard to get a job, yet there are some many graduates in this country sitting with degrees and are either still unemployed or working meaningless jobs, because they are unable to find work in the field of which they studied. What message is that really sending to those who are just starting to think about college/university? In all honesty it isn’t very positive.
This bring be back to the article I read recently http://www.foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/2012/03/05/budding-entrepreneurs-advice-for-college-grads-looking-to-become-their-own-boss/#ixzz1oPxacBA3
It has just inspired me some more, and given me the confirmation that I suppose I was looking for regarding having started my own business recently. I am definitely under no illusions as to the hard work that lay ahead for me in order to make my business the success that I aim it to be, as well as really being able to fully accomplish they things set out within the mission and vision of the business. But I have decided I have wasted enough time, energy, and money on seeking employment and coming up empty handed, instead I will invest that energy, time and any available funds I can on making my business a success, one that can become a source of employment for other young South Africans who need that foot in the door.
There is so much negativity in our communities at present and the rate of such seems to be climbing higher and higher, as South African youth we need and are looking for upstanding role models, mentors and leaders, those who can show us a way to a brighter and better future in our country. I would like to see us become a country that other countries in the world look to in admiration, and maybe even someday for advice on how to combat various crises.
As we are all aware the global economic crisis is far from over, yes it may be recovering in some parts of the world, things may even be looking up and or better for some in some industries, but that can’t be said in a generalised way. I’ve recently read an article which almost sums up the fear if one can call it that which most young graduates or faced with today, mind you that includes me as I too only recently graduated from university / college and found that the job market was and still is looking very bleak.
Now that brings me to the core of this article, I studied Marketing Management at CPUT in South Africa – Cape Town to be more exact and since graduating I have found it very difficult to find employment. There are all these criteria which these prospective employers have; they will advertise looking for someone between the ages of 25-30 for example and then go on to state that you must have a degree within the field as well as 5-7 years’ experience. Now if I do the math, then their criteria is absolutely nonsense, usually you are around 18-19 when you start university for most degrees it will take you four years to obtain it, that puts you roughly at 23-24 when you graduate.
Now you have to start the almost impossible job hunting process, when you finally land a job, it may be well into the half of the year, so you nearing 25 years old by now. So that brings me back to the criteria of being between the ages of 25-30 with 5-7 years working experience in the field which you studied or are applying for work. It just doesn’t make sense.
And in my opinion if no one is prepared to give a graduate a chance once they have completed college when exactly are they expected to gain that 5-7 years’ experience in their respective fields?
To make a long story short this is the experience I have had in our dear South African job market. We have been made to believe that without an education you will find it very hard to get a job, yet there are some many graduates in this country sitting with degrees and are either still unemployed or working meaningless jobs, because they are unable to find work in the field of which they studied. What message is that really sending to those who are just starting to think about college/university? In all honesty it isn’t very positive.
This bring be back to the article I read recently http://www.foxbusiness.com/personal-finance/2012/03/05/budding-entrepreneurs-advice-for-college-grads-looking-to-become-their-own-boss/#ixzz1oPxacBA3
It has just inspired me some more, and given me the confirmation that I suppose I was looking for regarding having started my own business recently. I am definitely under no illusions as to the hard work that lay ahead for me in order to make my business the success that I aim it to be, as well as really being able to fully accomplish they things set out within the mission and vision of the business. But I have decided I have wasted enough time, energy, and money on seeking employment and coming up empty handed, instead I will invest that energy, time and any available funds I can on making my business a success, one that can become a source of employment for other young South Africans who need that foot in the door.
There is so much negativity in our communities at present and the rate of such seems to be climbing higher and higher, as South African youth we need and are looking for upstanding role models, mentors and leaders, those who can show us a way to a brighter and better future in our country. I would like to see us become a country that other countries in the world look to in admiration, and maybe even someday for advice on how to combat various crises.
Saturday, March 3, 2012
It's been a long time
Good day Readers
I can't believe how long it has been since I last updated this blog.
Time has a way of getting away from us when we are not looking or paying enough attention to all that is going on around us.
So many things have happened since I last blogged, I graduated from University, I moved cities, I've accomplished a few of the goals I have set out for myself... Yet for some reason I am still feeling like there is a very distinct void in my life. I am not even sure what it is or what it may be that I feel deep inside that I am lacking.
I am continuously searching for ways to grow and become more in-turned with myself spiritually, this is an on-going process and journey, one that is definitely worthwhile.
I do think that what I need is some kind of deep cleansing from within - cleansing of the soul and spirit.
Until next time...
Have a wonderful journey
Meagan
I can't believe how long it has been since I last updated this blog.
Time has a way of getting away from us when we are not looking or paying enough attention to all that is going on around us.
So many things have happened since I last blogged, I graduated from University, I moved cities, I've accomplished a few of the goals I have set out for myself... Yet for some reason I am still feeling like there is a very distinct void in my life. I am not even sure what it is or what it may be that I feel deep inside that I am lacking.
I am continuously searching for ways to grow and become more in-turned with myself spiritually, this is an on-going process and journey, one that is definitely worthwhile.
I do think that what I need is some kind of deep cleansing from within - cleansing of the soul and spirit.
Until next time...
Have a wonderful journey
Meagan
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Been away for a while
Hi Readers
I do apologize for the lack of writing regular post, recently have been swamped with studies, projects, assignments, and so much more.
I have something up my sleeve and would like to share more of it with you once I have concluded some of the finer details, sit tight and bear with me.
We are still moving on this journey to enlightenment, it is entially up to you what you are wanting to be enlightened about though, I am here merely as a vehicle of free thinking, and expression.
Till next time...
Enjoy life, it is short and so unpredictable.
Meagan
I do apologize for the lack of writing regular post, recently have been swamped with studies, projects, assignments, and so much more.
I have something up my sleeve and would like to share more of it with you once I have concluded some of the finer details, sit tight and bear with me.
We are still moving on this journey to enlightenment, it is entially up to you what you are wanting to be enlightened about though, I am here merely as a vehicle of free thinking, and expression.
Till next time...
Enjoy life, it is short and so unpredictable.
Meagan
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Don't get lead astray by negative people and their influences
Dear Readers
I’m sure that you have all experienced negative people around you, negative people are like dark clouds hovering over us and draining the life force out of everything and anything they come into contact with. There is an old saying that you can chose your friends but you can’t choose your family, often times it is family and friends that are the sources of negativity in our lives.
What I’ve come to learn is that choice is always an option, no, we can’t choose who our family members are, but we can choose to avoid contact with the negative ones. It’s sad, but often true that it’s the ones closest to us that sometimes don’t want us to succeed and a lot of the times it is due to their own insecurities and fears that they wanting to hold other back from enjoying success of any kind.
If you are working toward a better you, then I strongly suggest cutting contact with people in your life that breeds negativity. Instead surround yourself with positive and like-minded people, who will encourage, support and strengthen you, instead of bringing you down.
So make it your business to protect your environment by seeking out people you can learn from, people who would like to learn from you and in doing so you’ll build a great network of positive people around you.
Until next time…
Meagan Jooste
P.S. A good read “The monk who sold his Ferrari” by Robin Sharma – Some great lessons to be learnt in this book.
I’m sure that you have all experienced negative people around you, negative people are like dark clouds hovering over us and draining the life force out of everything and anything they come into contact with. There is an old saying that you can chose your friends but you can’t choose your family, often times it is family and friends that are the sources of negativity in our lives.
What I’ve come to learn is that choice is always an option, no, we can’t choose who our family members are, but we can choose to avoid contact with the negative ones. It’s sad, but often true that it’s the ones closest to us that sometimes don’t want us to succeed and a lot of the times it is due to their own insecurities and fears that they wanting to hold other back from enjoying success of any kind.
If you are working toward a better you, then I strongly suggest cutting contact with people in your life that breeds negativity. Instead surround yourself with positive and like-minded people, who will encourage, support and strengthen you, instead of bringing you down.
So make it your business to protect your environment by seeking out people you can learn from, people who would like to learn from you and in doing so you’ll build a great network of positive people around you.
Until next time…
Meagan Jooste
P.S. A good read “The monk who sold his Ferrari” by Robin Sharma – Some great lessons to be learnt in this book.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Is your job all that it is cracked up to be?
Good day Readers
Is working for a company and or boss fullfilling your needs?
I have worked for various companies and in different fields and have come to find that not once in any of those jobs have I been challanged enough or stimulated enough to stick around for very long. Now that is just me, I'm not advocating that we all go and give up our jobs in the hopes that all our basics needs will just miraculously be covered by the gods, but I would like to pose a few questions to you.
If you look at your current job, are you able to ask yourself this question and come up with a satisfying answer: Is your job serving a higher purpose?
By that I am merely asking if what you do some how improves, enriches or fullfills someones life other than your own. Infact does your job satisfy your needs and again I am not only referring to the basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing etc. I am directing these questions more towards spiritual needs or holistical needs if you will.
With your job in mind ask yourselves the question, what is it that you "crave" when it comes to your job? Is that craving being fed in any way? What you are craving from your job and what you are recieving from your job do they add up or balance each other out in any way? If so then it might be safe to say that you are of the few who are satisfied by their jobs and what it means in their lives and the lives of others. And that is great!
For some of us all that we get from our jobs is a pay check at the end of each month, and I wonder if that is ever or will ever be enough? if it is then you must be getting paid a whole lot more than the rest of us out there...lol, which is great for you. That brings me to another question, does how much we earn automatically dictate whether we are happy in our jobs or not?
These are simply just my thoughts and I would love to hear what you think so feel free to leave commments and we can get into a bit more at a later stage.
Until next time
Meagan
Is working for a company and or boss fullfilling your needs?
I have worked for various companies and in different fields and have come to find that not once in any of those jobs have I been challanged enough or stimulated enough to stick around for very long. Now that is just me, I'm not advocating that we all go and give up our jobs in the hopes that all our basics needs will just miraculously be covered by the gods, but I would like to pose a few questions to you.
If you look at your current job, are you able to ask yourself this question and come up with a satisfying answer: Is your job serving a higher purpose?
By that I am merely asking if what you do some how improves, enriches or fullfills someones life other than your own. Infact does your job satisfy your needs and again I am not only referring to the basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing etc. I am directing these questions more towards spiritual needs or holistical needs if you will.
With your job in mind ask yourselves the question, what is it that you "crave" when it comes to your job? Is that craving being fed in any way? What you are craving from your job and what you are recieving from your job do they add up or balance each other out in any way? If so then it might be safe to say that you are of the few who are satisfied by their jobs and what it means in their lives and the lives of others. And that is great!
For some of us all that we get from our jobs is a pay check at the end of each month, and I wonder if that is ever or will ever be enough? if it is then you must be getting paid a whole lot more than the rest of us out there...lol, which is great for you. That brings me to another question, does how much we earn automatically dictate whether we are happy in our jobs or not?
These are simply just my thoughts and I would love to hear what you think so feel free to leave commments and we can get into a bit more at a later stage.
Until next time
Meagan
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