Theme: Overcoming Life’s Challenges
A Thought-Provoking Analogy : Flower Power - Bloom from within
My Story
2024 started on a very high note for me. I was excited because I had been accepted as a doctoral student at a prestigious university in South Africa. Can you imagine my dream coming true, after years of studying part-time towards achieving this goal. Little did I know how many obstacles would come my way, trying to steal my dream.
Research
I started out with the preliminary research which entailed working online 24/7 to find articles related to my study. This in itself was not easy because, you may or may not know that I have osteoporosis in my joints, and they tend to ache and get stiff sometimes which makes typing a real challenge. Yes, I know about the Speech to Text App, but needless to say the app is not human and cannot work effectively, so I have to use my God-given hands to type. Having said that, thanks be to the Lord I am to type today!
Additionally, I had to source funding for the research at the university, because I did not obtain a bursary. This of course became a challenge and sadly, after knocking on many doors I did not succeed in securing the necessary funds. I, in my wisdom, decided to carry on in the hope of obtaining the funds during the year…which brings me to today, where the bill is still outstanding. I decided after many prayers to leave the matter in the Lord’s hands, because, as St Francis said: “God, grant me the Serenity to accept the things I cannot change; Courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.”
The next semester, I carried-on in faith as usual with my research, attending online and face-face classes to equip me with the necessary skills as a doctoral researcher. Now can you imagine the cost involved? As you know Uber charges quite a premium to get around the city, let alone going to training courses out of town. (You may recall that my car was stolen, and we are still trying to raise funds to get a new car – please feel free spread the word!).
Call me crazy, because despite the financial challenges and the joint issues, and other health related issues, I enrolled for an intense 10-day Pre-Doctoral Short Course. It was pure hell needless to say! I made a plan to get to the classes every day by Uber and ate bread and peanut butter for supper. ( Yes…student life…no food, no cash).
The challenge was real as I had to submit a proposal and present my proposal to a panel for assessment. After all this time and energy, as they say blood, sweat and tears, I did not receive a certificate due to late coming and no concession was made for my lack of transportation or physical challenges.
Added to this, I got a message from my doctoral study leader on day two of this intense course, requesting that we meet. I was informed that she would no longer be supervising my research. Oh, my goodness, you cannot even begin to see what a blow that was. I left the office most upset, but had to carry on with the course regardless, because I was determined to submit my proposal to continue my studies. ( July 2024)
Life goes on, right? I reached out to numerous other professionals to supervise my research but to date, no joy. However, I have not given up! As King Solomon once said; “this too shall pass.”
The good news is that the preliminary proposal is done. Now I can refine it and submit it for examination in the new year. My PhD journey continues…
Resilience
My Little Flower’s Story
I love orchids – how about you? They are so in demand as of late and so expensive! I kept going to look at orchids in the shops and prayed for the day I would be able to afford one (R175.00 – R 220.00)
I learned long ago that orchids have a second life. So, I kept the old stem and watered it, hoping and praying it would come out. For over a year nothing changed, but the leaves stayed green in the pot.
The opposition AKA the garden snail
I, in my wisdom, decided to put the plant outside in the garden. To my horror, upon going to sit in the garden, I saw the leaves had been eaten and had turned white. The plant was badly damaged and was looking very sad. A snail was sitting on the plant eating away at it! Oh No!
I then took my little flower back inside and put it in the kitchen window. And this time I really asked God to make it bloom. After no sign of flowers, I took the plant back outside. Unbeknown to me, my housemate had re-planted and watered the orchid.
And now – you guessed it! The orchids started to bloom! Every day, I watched excitedly to see how the little bulbs turned into beautiful deep pink and white petals. J
So, on the 9/12/2024 the last petal blossomed (9 petals in total). Seeing as my birthday is on 9 May, I consider these 9 petals on the 9th to be my Birthday prezzie ( I celebrate my birthday monthly now…. as you know I am now in my second life. Read my previous blog called “Seasons”, where I tell you all about my new season.)
Encouragement
As the year draws to an end, and we look forward to 2025, allow me to encourage you; expect to be blessed! The biblical number 25 symbolizes new beginnings, readiness for spiritual responsibilities, and a period of restoration. 2025 - The Year of Jubilee!
Reach Out & Touch: Take a second look at the flowerpot. You will see there are some other plants growing alongside my little flower. They are growing in leaps and bounds, and my orchid is blooming!☺
Life can be challenging to master on your own, if you need guidance and support contact us for counselling.
Email info@beautifullifecommunity.co.za
Quote: “Success is not final; failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” - Winston Churchill
Wishing you a Victorious New Year!
Chat soon,
Wendy
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