In spite of all the things I have STILL to do on my To-Do List, I'm sitting on the beach for a quick hour or two. I have just finished an interview on radio station, the topic was the emergence of the young South African professional, despite economic pressures. How apt, I thought. It's here and now, that I realize that my prior doubts and fears are no longer. For once, my mind is not having an out of body experience, focusing on what lies ahead this week, instead it's enjoying a sense of quiet accomplishment living life in 'real time.' Real time is precious, it's when you soak up life now, as it happens and your senses are peaking- beauty unfolds.
It's been a busy weekend in Eish land, but I've overcome a challenge that I wasn't able to do so easily before.
I delegated work to three teams assigning them on three different projects, so that I could focus on other areas of life.
The first team was a group of new writers, who were chasing a deadline and required guidance as to ensure concise interviewing skills which would lend itself to a relevant article that follows.
The next team headed out the viral marketing strategy of promoting Eish Magazine at the Essenwood flea market, as we do every Saturday-engaging with people in a way that would promote the brand identity.
And the third team involved setting up a film crew to get some footage and interviews of Akon at Musgrave Centre. The Eish film crew, is the new addition to the Eish team, adding value to the Eish culture by featuring interviews of what goes on behind-the scenes. The crew is made up of enthusiastic journalists,a young multi-media graduate and a camera man who form part of Lucid Media. So while they journeyed out to Musgrave Centre, I reveled in the joy that through this opportunity some young people would have a new exciting experience to add to their list of life experiences.
It has never been easy for me to step back and delegate, because when you start something for scratch, there is a slight emotional investment which you would like to hold onto, and so competency is key.
I have realized from today's radio interview that I have it in me to overcome my inner demons, because the possibility of success is also scary, as much as it is exciting. You can get overwhelmed with whether you have bitten more than you can chew...Bite it anyway, and chew slowly.
Through the delegation of work, I have realized that when you love what you do, when you TRULY love it, you share the experience, and the joy- it comes back to you! Love for someone or something is an incredible thing. It can't be contained, since it seeks no power it has the most power. Love isn't proved by holding on, but by letting go. Therefore, if love and power are interchangeable, then seeking power must be relinquished too.
At this moment, I am captivated by the sound of crashing waves on the shore, moved by how vulnerable yet enthralled we are by God's beauty epitomized in nature. It seems intentional that He wants us to enjoy a bit of His glory, when we interact with the ocean or the mountains, rivers and lakes. It's interesting how it all comes full circle, delegation was something I had to do...because it's physically impossible to be in two places at the same time. I recall a conversation that I had with my mentor, film producer Anant Singh, when I asked him to give me advice once he finish read the latest copy of Eish Magazine. Anant responded rather cheekily,
" I don't need to read your magazine, I know what you are capable of..I trained you." Coming from Anant, that was huge. That little moment of affirmation confirmed and re-enforced my dream journey, as will the affirmations I invest in my team players inspire their passions.
Doubts and inner demons will always be there to highlight the step to the next level, what would any adventure be without the villain? How else would the courage and boldness of a leader be tested?
