Whatshot
Through My Eyes
Through My Eyes
Date: 2012-06-28
It has been seventeen years since I started The Bugle and it has been smooth sailing all the way - with a few bumpy storms to rattle our sails. Tomas and I have built a little publication that we are proud of and cherish. But seventeen years is a hell of a long time and I feel the need to rest my brain. Not so long ago I was with a good friend who is suffering with an incurable disease, caused one hundred percent by his hectic schedule. Over the years I have watched him get sick and wither away.
Today he is kept alive by consuming copious amounts of horrific drugs, but it is not the life that you or I want to lead. He often talks about ending it all, and the last time we met he gave me a stern warning, saying, "Don't wait for a break, make the lifestyle change in time to enjoy life. Don't throw it all away for a job look at what a mess I have made of my life and don't make the same mistake."
His words were simple but profound and when they hit me I knew I had to make that transition, no matter what. Because at the end of the day nothing is worth the suffering of a chronic illness caused by intense stress. Am I wrong?
The stress syndrome runs in my family. My father's first heart attack was at the tender age of 34. I remember how miserable he looked in his hospital bed and I knew how hard he had pushed himself to be a successful young director of a regional construction company.
My father is the first to encourage me to take it easy. Even though success is such a fundamental aspect of our foundation, he taught me a simple mantra, which I chant in times of trouble, "Concentrate your energies on the important issues leave the little bits behind to sort themselves out."
My mother's heart attack came later in life and I nearly lost her. The same as my father, my mother is full of nerves and tension. I guess they say that it is hereditary.
And so here I am making life-changing decisions based on what I need to do in order to stay sane. I will still do everything I have to with The Bugle but I will work less on 'deadlines' and more on 'lifelines'.
What did they say about 2012? "The change is coming" mine has just arrived. I open this space for all my readers and invite you to throw your views around. Share your life changes and stories. I welcome all comments. If at any stage you would like to contact me email me on thebugle@mweb.co.za