2020 has been and continues to be one of the most challenging years to date. The good thing about challenging times is that they bring with them growth. That growth comes if we learn from our experiences. I don’t know what your year has been like but I bet you it brought with it some lessons. I got in touch with Amanda Matthee and Bongie Ncube and we put together the valuable lessons that 2020 came with for us. Maybe you might relate to some of them:
Bongie Ncube’s lessons
1. It is important to be debt free and to put as much money as possible in the savings accounts. A lot of people lost their jobs this year, even people who thought their jobs were secure.
2. The importance of a strong immune system was further emphasised by the pandemic. I’ve learnt to make good choices when it comes to what I eat. (I don’t always win, but I try.) I also exercise a few times a week to keep fit.
3. Family is all we have. When we were forced to go into lockdown, most activities stopped or slowed down (school, work, going out etc.) We were forced to stay home with our families. I have learnt to prioritise family time, creating good memories with my loved ones and keeping in touch with those who do not stay with me.
Amanda Matthee’s lessons
4. God Is My Anchor. The Bible verses that carried me through this time include my favourite scriptures Isaiah 43: 1—4 and Mark 11: 24. It is also during this time that I have seen these scriptures come to life in my life when the world was still gripped in fear of the pandemic God kept reminding me to “fear not” and I have seen God answering my prayers and I can ask anything in prayer. My relationship with God has been strengthened and even if we have to return to the office, I would still want to stick to my prayer times and reflections with God.
5. The importance of Preparation. I had a small business on the side that was bringing in some extra money, however, it was my responsibility to make sure that all the necessary payments are made on a monthly basis. With the introduction of the lockdown in March, the business was not operational. Financially, I did not save a lot to ensure that the business can carry itself during the tough times and I felt quite embarrassed with myself. I never ever want to feel like that again and I decided that preparation is key. Preparing for the stormy moments will surely assist us in navigating the turbulent waters with greater ease. My advice to upcoming entrepreneurs is that: start saving and reflect on how you can adjust your business strategies to adapt to conditions during challenging times and consequently meet the demands that are placed on us.
6. The Joys of Working From Home. Since the start of lockdown in South Africa, I have been working from home, it is a great opportunity that requires a fine balancing act. It is my view that working from home will actually open up the opportunities for many persons with disabilities to work remotely and in so doing break the social and environmental barriers. It also requires self-motivation because although you are part of a team, you still have to ensure that you put in the required working hours, but also to be resolute in clearly defining when your work hours start and end, otherwise it can also lead to burn out.
The benefit of working from home presented the opportunity of virtual meetings, as a blind person I can now freely enter and exit a meeting without the assistance of a colleague and having to familiarise myself with the office environment. Organisations need to ensure that in this new normal people with disabilities are adequately equipped with the appropriate technology and the progress should be effectively tracked.
7. I have learnt that showing interest in each other’s wellbeing makes a positive impact in the other person’s state of mind. I received an amazing message from somebody just to check in on how I am doing. We probably spoke three years ago after meeting each other on a flight, but her reaching out to me was truly valued. Why don’t you select just five people today and reach out to them?
Sibo Hlabangana’s lessons
8. The importance of putting yourself first without feeling bad about it. Basically to choose myself because if I don’t, no one else will. Practising self-love and self-care. Even if it means disappointing other people or letting go of certain self-imposed responsibilities to focus on me and my healing and care.
9. The need to work on healing. Whilst being interviewed by Tim Ferriss, Brené Brown said something that got me thinking. She said we each in one way or another need to heal from past trauma. She said if we don’t, the effects of the trauma manifest themselves in different ways in our lives. Tim Ferriss likened it to Pandora’s Box that we don’t want to open. To this Brené Brown said what people don’t realise is that you might not open the box but you’re actually inside the box yourself! You’re still affected, you just don’t realise it.
A later interview by Tim Ferriss on his show made me finally take a step towards my own healing. I saw the need for it and saw that I’m not alone and finally felt like I could do it without it killing me. I’ve started that journey. It’s not easy, lots of tears are involved but I’ve started and it’s making all the difference.
10. Even in the midst of despair, something good can come out of it. With 2020 being what it was and bringing with it such darkness, the Jerusalema song by Master KG and Nomcebo Zikode brought with it some very much needed light.
Amanda Matthee is from the beautiful town Wellington, in the Western Cape in South Africa. She is an entrepreneur, writer and activist advocating for the rights of persons with disabilities. Furthermore, she is also blind. “My ability propels me to activate my greatness,” this is her mantra that she lives by.
Bongie Ncube is a wife and mother who recently discovered what home-schooling is. She is devoted to God. She enjoys reading, cooking and watching home decor channels. She doesn’t think she’s much of a writer but here she is!
