Proof of Life

Read Time:4 Minute, 32 Second

Hey, girlies! It’s been a minute.

I don’t remember when last I sat in front of my pc and just wrote a blog post. I haven’t even taken the time to record a YouTube video in what seems like forever.

I have tried a few times, left a draft here and there, and decided not to post. I haven’t felt too inspired to create for a while. I’ve been keeping busy though…

Last year was pretty much a continuation of the 2021 era, being in a new city, exploring and doing every adventure that I could find. I settled in. Still loving every day I get to wake up in this city. Appreciating every sunset and every gust of salty wind blowing through my hair. I’ve repeated a few adventures with tons of new friends and I feel truly grateful for the moments I’ve been sharing with each of them.

2023 Started so special, more beach days and gelatos than I can count on one hand, a Reel created to lock in every special day and then… a curveball.

The idea of finding a place to call home is not temporary but something more concrete. Unexpected yet necessary and in The Mother City, also seemingly unaffordable. Right now I’m renting, so at any point during my renting journey, it was bound to come to an end and that journey may come sooner than anticipated.

Anyway.. some life updates

It’s less than two weeks to the start of the first semester of my second year of uni, and I’m still shocked by how quickly my first year went. It’s no less terrifying to me now than it was last year but I am so grateful to have passed all my modules. I’m in utter shock with my 5 out of 8 distinctions but exceptionally thankful to the people who have taken the time to help me (with the dreadful Financial Accounting module especially! Seriously shukran). This year the modules seem more complicated so I’m hoping to be a lot more focused on studying. It was a huge adjustment for me to make time to study and attend lectures so a lot of the time, I didn’t. Studying part-time while working a full-time job has proven to be quite hectic but I think with a little more focus and sacrifice, it’s bound to work out.

Work in itself has been a challenge lately. It’s an ever-changing environment and as dynamic and exciting as that promises to be, sometimes those mundane moments help to focus on studies or other things that help me reach for that balanced life I so desperately crave.

I’ve found a new passion, as I often seem to do. But it’s the same passion that has been on and off for the better part of my life… gym. I’ve signed up again! But I have invested in some really cool fitness gear and I’ve been to almost every VA facility in Cape Town and I am absolutely loving it. It’s not only a great stress relief but it just feels good. Like I’m doing something special for my body, consistently. I eat better, with the exception of the tons of chocolate that seems to find its way into my pantry and fridge! I make better choices and I have started feeling the difference.

I learnt that I am a passionate person, if I find something I love, I make every effort to do more of that in an everlasting attempt of finding a state of happiness. I realised a while ago that happiness is not a destination but a journey. I’ve always known that but for the first time in my life, I realise how little moments of joy make up a level of contentment that lasts for an amount of time and then floats away for a while until you find it again. Waking up every day with the conscious goal of finding joy and holding onto it.

There are things that we wish to hold onto until we’re ready to let go, but in those moments we don’t see that letting go of those things makes room for other, better things to come. I’ve been telling myself that…

This too shall pass

Because everything has a time, a place, or a purpose. There is a reason why things happen and when they happen and I’ve been tested and proven this so many times so I’m learning to accept more easily. I mean it’s hard, but it’s necessary. Also with everything going on in my mind right now, I’ve finally sat in front of my pc and posted to my blog! Feels like a little win! 🙂

The power has been off for most of the day, I don’t like complaining but load-shedding really sucks. The many days of driving home in sheer darkness, the insane spike in the cost of living and the sheer lack of effort made by the people who are supposed to make a difference just make me sad. Like what is our beautiful country going to be like in a couple years?

It’s tough out there, but I try to focus on the good stuff, or else it will be a mad house out there! There is so much to catch you up on but hopefully, this will be the start of a more consistent journey as well.

Until next time, sending good vibes your way!

Tasneem