The Hangout: Gratitude, laughter and the little things that matter

Gosh, aren’t we lucky? I’m on the grateful train again and I’m pretty good at pressing pause to take things in.

We all have our strengths and weaknesses, but I am glad this is one of my strengths. Life seems to be whizzing by so quickly and it’s hard to remember to stop, collaborate and listen. Wow, I’m a dork. But you know what I mean. It’s nearly the end of another year and where did this one even go? It’s wild how time is flying by and it’s literally the one thing we can’t buy, no matter how much ching ching we have in the bank. We can splurge on making ourselves look younger and maybe buy a tiny bit more time by having thirteen personal trainers, dieticians, yoga instructors and personal chefs at our disposal, but when your sand runs through that hourglass, that’s it. On to the next life. Or whatever you believe happens.

And so my whole story for today is just about taking things in and making the best of whatever comes your way. I know it’s often a lot easier said than done, but this week I’ve experienced so much love, support, kindness and care that it almost made my heart explode. It’s almost a little overwhelming too, but while all of those feels were going down, there were opposite feels being given out, just for balance. The good outweighs the bad a million to one, but there’ll always be haters. The thing is to take it in and then let it go as quickly as you can too.

This, of course, is just my own thing and everyone has a different way of dealing, but we’re allowed to get angry and annoyed. I think as long as we let those ugly feelings go as quickly as possible to open up room for more love to flow in, we’re good. I am amazed at the kindness of strangers and how most South Africans, no matter their circumstance, are handing out smiles and giggles like they’re getting paid to. Again, there are a tiny amount anywhere you go and no matter what you do, that carry a little storm cloud with them, but we don’t know why they’re a little rude or upset or angry that day. For the most part, love is everywhere; you just have to be open to it. And always remind yourself that things could be worse. And better. But definitely worse.

This week I was on tour with a band and I stayed in a hostel and I’m pretty sure it had a one-star rating. I don’t know the last time I stayed somewhere that simple, but it had everything we needed anyway. The very next night I was staying in five-star luxury and obviously, I was living my best life, but that’s what happens when you let the rockstars book the accommodation. I’m glad it happened that way because it’s good to experience all the things in life. To so many people, that one star is The Ritz and to others, the five-star hotel is smaller than their holiday homes. It doesn’t matter (comfy pillows don’t hurt though, just saying).

What matters is love. Love doesn’t pay the bills, nor do burgers and a beer like some venues think when they pay their live performers that way. But love and happiness are literally the things that come closest to buying that thing I was talking about earlier. Time. Stress, sadness and angry or heavy hearts take away from our time bundle. I’m not a life coach or a therapist, so all the stuff I share every week is literally just the way I feel and the way I see things (hence opinion piece), so thank you for reading this if you are. And I hope it makes you stop and smell the roses or smile just a little.

But opt for the platinum package with the free happy bundle. Look for the light. See the silver linings. Hand out compliments and smiles like you’re getting paid a million rand for every one you smash out. I swear it’ll make you feel like a superstar trillionaire and don’t forget to give them to yourself too. Life is so hard sometimes and especially this year. Whenever I see a ruffle in the bushes, I think Ashton Kutcher is about to jump out and shout, “You’ve been punk’d!” It’s been mad for most of us. All I’m saying is be easy on yourself.

Put on your favourite playlist and have a dance party in your kitchen. This party can be a private party, or invite your crew. Run yourself a bubble bath, light those candles and open that fancy bottle of champers you’ve been saving. Live in the now. Live for the now. Live like every day is your last. Just live. Because how lucky are we that we can. Love like your heart has never been broken and love because you can.