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HOW WE USED TO BE ...

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Sir,

As children if a friend had to go to the milling plant to grind maize, we would always assist that friend whole-heartedly. If she was sent to collect firewood we would accompany her, play along the way, exchange anecdotes and not even feel we were ‘working’. We enjoyed ourselves and had a good time. I now ask myself, when did everything change?


Today we are a nation who not only look angry but who express our anger anywhere and everywhere. One need only observe the expression on the faces of certain drivers or their behaviour during rush hour and the spitefulness with which they stick as close as possible to the vehicle ahead so as not to permit anothers access. Few do unto others as they would like done unto to them. 


As I cut the grass surrounding the exterior of my property it is not uncommon for people to stop and ask; “Why are you doing that, where are the children who should be doing that work?” My response, always, is; “I am having a good time.” They all cannot understand that one can have a good time working, dancing and singing as one performs that task. As I jog I also move my entire body and dance and hop along, living and enjoying the moment. Needless to say, the women who pass me along the way show their total disagreement to my ‘enjoyment’ through their facial expressions. They cannot fathom how one can be so jovial while working out that body! Too many take life so seriously that they forget to enjoy what they do. 


It is important to go back and enjoy every single one of our experiences no matter how laborious the task. When we do that not only does the task become lighter, but it appears we get the work done much quicker. Becoming involved and being totally engrossed with a merry heart brightens up one’s day, but a broken spirit can make one sick.


Gone are the days when one would make time to visit a friend and assist them repair a vehicle, paint a wall or even erect a structure. It appears many will only assist one if they will be remunerated. That spirit of ‘Ubuntu’ has long disappeared. We can, however, bring that back, one gesture at a time.


I recall having a flat tyre and bouncing on the wheel spanner in my attempt to loosen the bolts. The very first kombi driver to pass; stopped and changed the tyre for me. When I wanted to pay him for his services his answer was; “I assisted you, see how you can assist another!” Pass it on in other words. We can all make a huge difference in the spaces we occupy if we can only become more ‘aware’ and ‘conscious’ instead of being on our phones in an attempt to fade into the background unnoticed.


(For the complete article go to www.inalda.co.sz)
Inalda Jorge-Antonio

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