August 2015
Change will happen, with or without us.
Circumstances can so entrench our thinking into accepting what seems to be the inevitable amid the stark demanding facts of life, that a change of mind is out of the question. But, I ask, what is the use of having a mind, if you cannot change it ? And every woman in the room will agree with me !
We can change our minds, our thinking, and so to change our worlds.
Change is inevitable when embarking on a road of new discoveries.
The subtle change may begin to happen when we are disgruntled with the status quo, a sure signpost on the road of change. But more often than not change will first happen on the inside of us. Then as new challenges are explored more will be revealed of what is on the inside. If we pay close attention, it will become a duel journey of self-discovery, sometimes surprising, sometimes scary ! Change brings with it a moving of boundaries, and that can be so uncomfortable.
It is quite a struggle to change a mindset, especially in the field of dire poverty, whether you are poor, or are working with the poor and needy people in community. Many are stuck in the mindset of poverty, but this has to change when we develop the mindset of progress, let alone prosperity – which will require yet another mind leap.
Instead of ‘poverty’ being the dominating mindset, what will happen if we should replace it with ‘potential’. In other words not look at the circumstances but at the people, and what’s in the heart of the people. That will be a rich treasure-find indeed. And then would we arrange our minds, our perspectives, our lives and our service differently ?
Poverty is often invisible, until you go out and look for it. I happened to be in the “down-town” of Durban, and saw the derelict neglected condition of the buildings, the scattered refuse, and the sight of a poor humanity etching out a living for itself, amid a scene set for crime, corruption and moral decay. And yet just three blocks up was the wonderful promenade of palm trees, sunny beach umbrellas, ice cream, and happy kids. Row upon row of posh expensive hotels, that are caught up to form the bubble of excellence to impress the tourists. But lets not be harsh on Durban, every town has its “down-town” and its “up-town”. Poverty is rife, everywhere, if we look we will see it.
And its a huge global condition ! What are we going to do about it ?
So to change poverty to progress we are going to have to change our minds, our perspectives, our goals and our actions.
The road marked Entrepreneur, such a trendy word on the lips of government, futurists and the unemployed youth, is a long steep journey out of poverty. But what does it embrace? What will it require to make the change from community development (giving to the poor) to entrepreneurial development (helping people on to self-help and own development). In the end, if progress is the goal, then what will be the result of a nation chasing only after economic development, and leaving behind the “rich” wholeness of community – even if its poor and lacking in consumables. There needs to be a plan for holistic social development alongside the national economic plan, or else all our futures will be lopsided, out of balance with inequality crime and corruption getting the prize of the century… again!
New thinking is required, a new road needs to be followed to see if there is the better future in “progress”, for poverty is not an option. We need to put people first, see their potential, which is the key to unlocking great treasures, and we need to “nourish hope and enthusiasm for creative expression, or simple entrepreneurship” – words of the writer James Patterson.
If we can only keep our heads, and our values in tack. Money isn’t everything!
As we progress we must keep a hold on our “ubuntu”, our humanity, our integrity, our wholeness. For as we have so vividly seen, money and power bring with it greed and corruption, which sadly is the state of our money gobbling global village as we know it today.
I have found it not any easy road, as I have naively begun my small entrepreneurial journey. Often I feel like just giving up. Someone once said, – ” since I’ve given up hope, I feel a whole lot better” !! It would be so much easier to just give up. Really? – but no not just yet.
So CareSA Designs has produced a few new items for the 2015 season. They are pretty summer “infinities” or round scarves. They are done in a thin cotton yarn that produces a soft gentle neckline accessory. I have created new light “shoulder wraps” done in a loose stitch, that can be worn as a huge winter scarf too. So two in one, – summer wrap or winter scarf. I have done them in textured yarns that make them snug yet light, unique and interesting. Making a debut is the Bag Range, for the young and not so young. Done in bright colours, some a shoulder sling bag, some just a handy purse. Nice for gifts.
Part of the proceeds from the sales go to a fund for community service, especially those who work with the poor and needy in our society.
The trend is Entrepreneurial, the theme is the potential of creativity, lets see if it brings us on the road to progress…even prosperity ?
What is the potential that lies dormant in your creativity ? Explore and start your journey of discovery, and be amazed – change your mind, change your world !
CareSA 