Principle 4: Reach for the stars beyond the bars!
– By dr Lanette Hattingh (Oranje, 1970)
Victor Frankl and many others survived the concentration camps by believing they can reach for the stars beyond the bars. The stars where their family, their dreams, their vision.
You need a clear vision in your life as it is the promise of what you shall one day be. Keep on seeing the beauty beyond the bars: the birds, the sun, the moon, the trees, flowers, the sky, clouds, the rain, rivers, sea, etc. There are significant beautiful things that we have just took for granted. Appreciate everything small you can see and that you have.
Do introspection and discover the new potential locked up in you. Remember that dissatisfaction and discouragement are not caused by the absence of things, but by the absence of vision.
You have to stay positive during this crisis time we are experiencing and believe that is not a time to give up, not a time for excuses, but a time to discover yourself and set your vision for your future.
Principle 5: Never retreat…. never a victim, forever a fighter!
– By dr Lanette Hattingh (Oranje, 1970)
Achieving our life dreams and goals is determined by your ability to be committed and to persevere. Perseverance and failure cannot coexist. Perseverance and commitment entail patience, endurance and trying again and again.
Productivity is never an accident – it is always the result of commitment to excellence, smart planning and focussed determination. You have to put your mind, soul, and heart into all of your actions. This is the secret of success. Be active in your fighting against your isolation, loneliness, fear, anger, anxiety, depression, etc.
Don’t lose your dignity and pride, keep yourself beautiful. Learn from your mistakes and keep on fighting with your eyes on our Lord; this is the only way you will make it in this cruel world.
Principle 6: Don’t settle for anything other than respect!
– By dr Lanette Hattingh (Oranje, 1970)
The way you treat yourself sets the standard for others on how you demand to be treated. Make it clear that you are 99% of the time an angel, but that 1% of you will not allow him/her to overstep your boundaries.
According to Ruiz, respect is one of the greatest expressions of love. Don’t ever lower your standards for anyone or anything on this earth. Your self-respect is everything – let everyone around you know that you are not a backup plan and definitely not a second choice.
Only keep people in your life that uplifts you – remember the rain can dampen the soil at will, but it cannot dampen your spirit without your will. Reward loyalty with loyalty and disloyalty with distance.
