32. OoO: Gone Surfing with Mikey February
Good morning friends,
It’s Sunday. Yep, again.
And if you, like me, are a Southern African navigating your way through the Northern Winter, I have THE BEST news. In just 15 days we’re on our way back to summer again guys :-)
I’ll be honest, I’ve never met anyone who loves and counts down to this particular solstice quite like I do.
Talking about new seasons, did you guys make a goal list at the end of 2019 that feels a little like this?
Here’s some poetry, a Japanese concept worth considering, a South African surfer waxing lyrically about the ocean, a little moment of calm and an imaginative take on fashion in the Congo.
1. A Poem
“I worried a lot. Will the garden grow, will the rivers
flow in the right direction, will the earth turn
as it was taught, and if not how shall
I correct it?
Was I right, was I wrong, will I be forgiven,
can I do better?
Will I ever be able to sing, even the sparrows
can do it and I am, well,
hopeless.
Is my eyesight fading or am I just imagining it,
am I going to get rheumatism,
lockjaw, dementia?
Finally, I saw that worrying had come to nothing.
And gave it up. And took my old body
and went out into the morning,
and sang.”
2. How The Ocean Connects Us
This short and wonderful video as a gentle reminder.
3. Stylish Ladies and Gentlemen of The Congo
“Travelling to the Congo, specifically to the cities of Kinshasa and Brazzaville, British photographer Tariq Zaidi discovered a blossoming fashion subculture on the streets and in communities. Known as ‘La Sape’, the male sapeurs and female sapeuses strike poses as contemporary dandies, donning extravagant patterns, fine tailoring, and rakish accessories to create debonair looks that stand out from the crowd. Both children and adults live the style, dressing up in between day jobs as part of a culture that has evolved over decades taking in elements of colonial resistance, peaceful protest, and activism.”
4. A Moment of Calm
Stop what you’re doing - here’s 1.13secs to quieten your mind.
5. A Concept Worth Understanding
In Japan, millions of people have ikigai(pronounced Ick-ee-guy)— a reason to jump out of bed each morning.
What’s your reason for getting up in the morning?
Want to find your Ikigai? Ask yourself the following four questions:
1. What do I love?
2. What am I good at?
3. What can I be paid for now — or something that could transform into my future hustle?
4. What does the world need?