“It is not what is under the Christmas tree that matters, but who is around it.”

For many of us around the world, we can not wait for the year 2020 to end. It has been an extremely trying and testing year for everyone. For once, when SA’s national lockdown started, every single person was equal. From the guy who sweeps the streets to the lady who sells flowers to the banker who sits in an office. We were all equal, at least for a while.
Nobody knew what was going to happen. It was a strange feeling, the uncertainty. And it still is. The pandemic is not over, there are still thousands of people getting sick every day and people are still dying all over the world. We are still uncertain about our futures. What will happen? Where will we end up? What about work? And money? Will I be able to buy food for my family this month and will I be able to pay my bills? So many questions running through our minds. But we cannot live our lives in fear. We have to adapt and fit into this world that is changing and which will still change a lot. However, it does not have to be negative. We can build a beautiful positive world around us and share it with those that matter. And why not start now? Why not start this Christmas?
Amidst all this uncertainty, the Sun is still shining every day and we can still marvel in magnificent sunrises. Be it in the Kalahari, Bushveld, Beach, or even in the middle of Johannesburg. You just have to find a quiet spot and enjoy the sunrise. Amidst all this chaos, people still fall in love and get married. Couples still find joy in each other; babies are still being born and grandparents still spoil their grandchildren. Especially now! Now more than ever.
While we as humans were being cooped up in our cages like animals in small cages, the world recuperated. At least for some time. The canals and rivers cleared up, people started seeing animals in and around cities that they have not seen in years, just because the water became cleaner. Animals moved into the cities, they felt safe, they walked around without fear. The air pollution in some countries cleared up, at least a little bit. In some cities around the world, people could actually see the sun for the first time in how long. Nature rejoiced!! Mother nature was smiling from ear to ear.
So, let us all remember that we are all equal (it does not matter if you are a Christian, Muslim, or Jehovah witness), we are all equal. Let us remember that the sun shines for everyone and that it WILL come up every morning.
And let us remember what matters…
Let us remember who matters…
And let us remember all those special people that DID matter in our lives and let us never forget them!
Find your solace this Christmas…

• Turn away from negative people, there is always someone smiling somewhere.
• Don’t give in to negative thoughts, walk away.
• If something is not good for your soul anymore, be brave enough to go and find your soul food somewhere else.
• They say that making a change is as good as taking a holiday.
• Find peace this Christmas
• Find love and happiness and laughter
• Be with family and give endlessly of yourself to others
• Just sit in silence and enjoy the sunrise!

Some people call it “the Silly season”, let us all call it “the Happy season”. It is time to be happy and just BE and LIVE in the moment. Tomorrow or next year we can think about “next year” again. For now, give someone a hug, put your feet up and enjoy the Festive season!
Lots of love
Shani
To all the students leaving us in December 2020 – may you all go well and we wish you all the best of luck!
For my marine students: Hannah, Blanche, Kian, Tyler, Tim, Dom, and Simon – I wish you guys and girls only the best and I hope to see you all out there somewhere. You have all come a long way and have done extremely well. I hope you guys have enjoyed your time with Ulovane!!! We sure did enjoy having you guys with us and cannot wait to see what amazing things you will accomplish😊

“If people are doubting how far you can go, go so far that you can’t hear them anymore.”