When Life gives you Lemons

 A few months back this guy broke my heart and so with a bruised ego + devastated heart I packed my belongings in search of a new life.

1. Be proactive - This was the hardest part but I forced myself to be positive. I was terrified and anxious but I made a choice. I relocated to a whole different city, applied for new jobs immediately and basically slept on a mattress for 3 months because I wasn't ready to commit to creating a new home, I just needed more time. I wanted to live like a carefree gypsy, and so I did.

2. Find a support system - Miraculously I found a paid internship that supported my new lifestyle. I really learned to hustle + it did wonders for my self-esteem. I reconnected with an old friend and I found a great church nearby. All within short distance from me, all in a short time-span. It was like I just had to reach out to connect the dots.

3. Explore new things - I remember the day my 19 year old sister came to visit me, we had so much fun. We went out for the night and danced way too much because my 29 year old body couldn't keep up, yet that's exactly what I needed. I didn't go out in such a long time but her feisty vibrant energy helped me to let my hair down.

What happened next?

My boyfriend quickly realized that he made a huge mistake, we had contact the whole time but I wanted to finish my internship. Admittedly I did felt confused + concerned about leaving everything again. My side things were blossoming and I felt unstoppable. I really prayed hard about it, and in the end I believe I made the right choice. I took him back. I guess some times you have to forgive in order to move on and sometimes you need to except what could have been... I hate the saying you win some you loose some, but there's so much truth in it.

What have I learned?

Dont fear the unknown, believe that you are capable of great things. Within you there's precious hidden gemstones, you just have to stay positive and press on. Also, something miraculous happens when you pray and stay in faith. Now I know for sure that come what may, I'll be just fine.

My Food Journal

Throughout this ordeal I developed a strange addiction for slap chips. And loads of them! That was my comfort food. I also indulged in cape malay koeksisters, craft beer, exotic cocktails, macaroons and decadent cupcakes! I really developed such a healthy appetite and it was great to stumble upon awesome new patisseries and food-markets. I still haven't recovered from my food addictions - actually still struggling with a bulging tummy nowadays. Eek! :)

What do you do when life give you lemons?

Images - My own

Camping's for Hippies

These pictures are from a recent adventure in a wonderful place called Khamkirri. Khamkirri's situated in the Green Kalahari near the magical Orange River. I always go here when I need a break and it always leaves me revived + refreshed. They are the organisers of the Green Kalahari Canoe Marathon which is one of the most successful river marathons in South Africa. They offer river rafting and kayaking as well as a wide range of other river and land based adventure activities.

Me having an early morning stroll... I love spending time in nature. We stayed in a permanent tent, so luckily there were no struggles with tent pens + ropes. ;) And therefore I was able to explore the scenery from the moment I got there. The owner's a real darling too, he was really hands-on + attentive.

They have comfortable braai facilities available on site so at lunchtime we decided to have a braai. This was delicious!

After lunch I had a little nap. Everything were so clean and neat + the mattress were so comfortable and soft. I took a digital detox while I was there and it felt real good.

The view from our little tent. I was trying to get in some reading but the scenery were too beautiful, so in the end I just ended up gazing into nature.

 I spend the nights watching whimsical fireflies from a distance. I really had so much fun here. :)

Images - My own