Book Review: Aleph by Paulo Coelho

I chose this based on 2 reasons. The first being that I loved the first book I read by Paulo, called The Alchemist, if you haven't read my review then check it out here. And the second reason is that I loved the blurb and it felt very relevant as I have been going through so many life changes at the moment. The line that caught my eye was the last sentence which says: Are we where we want to be, doing what we want to do?

Paperback

Published: 2012

Publisher: Harper

300 pages

* What it's about *

In his most personal novel to date, internationally best-selling author Paulo Coelho returns with a remarkable journey of self-discovery. Like the main character in his much-beloved The Alchemist, Paulo is facing a grave crisis of faith. As he seeks a path of spiritual renewal and growth, he decides to begin again: to travel, to experiment, to reconnect with people and the landscapes around him.

Setting off to Africa, and then to Europe and Asia via the Trans-Siberian Railway, he initiates a journey to revitalize his energy and passion. Even so, he never expects to meet Hilal. A gifted young violinist, she is the woman Paulo loved five hundred years before—and the woman he betrayed in an act of cowardice so far-reaching that it prevents him from finding real happiness in this life. Together they will initiate a mystical voyage through time and space, traveling a path that teaches love, forgiveness, and the courage to overcome life’s inevitable challenges. Beautiful and inspiring, Aleph invites us to consider the meaning of our own personal journeys: Are we where we want to be, doing what we want to do?

* My thoughts *

I really do love Paulo's writing style. He has an easy flow to his story telling and it is an easy read. His stories had a deeper meaning to them and are very easy to process and understand with a personal touch which makes it easy to connect with. I was slightly disappointed as I don't feel that the story really got to the point that drew me into the book, like with the Alchemist. For me it was more of just a love story with past life elements. 

All in all, it was a good read. 

* Rating * 

Book Review: Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

To be honest I don't know why I took so long to read this book, but I guess the timing couldn't have been better. I bought myself this book in 2013, but it is one of the many unread gems I have waiting for me to be discovered. A few of my friends read this book recently, so I decided one random day to watch the movie... I was hooked. 

Paperback

Published: 1st February 2007

Publisher: Riverhead books

334 pages

* What it's about *

A celebrated writer's irresistible, candid, and eloquent account of her pursuit of worldly pleasure, spiritual devotion, and what she really wanted out of life. 

Around the time Elizabeth Gilbert turned thirty, she went through an early-onslaught midlife crisis. She had everything an educated, ambitious American woman was supposed to want—a husband, a house, a successful career. But instead of feeling happy and fulfilled, she was consumed with panic, grief, and confusion. She went through a divorce, a crushing depression, another failed love, and the eradication of everything she ever thought she was supposed to be. 

To recover from all this, Gilbert took a radical step. In order to give herself the time and space to find out who she really was and what she really wanted, she got rid of her belongings, quit her job, and undertook a yearlong journey around the world—all alone. Eat, Pray, Love is the absorbing chronicle of that year. Her aim was to visit three places where she could examine one aspect of her own nature set against the backdrop of a culture that has traditionally done that one thing very well. In Rome, she studied the art of pleasure, learning to speak Italian and gaining the twenty-three happiest pounds of her life. India was for the art of devotion, and with the help of a native guru and a surprisingly wise cowboy from Texas, she embarked on four uninterrupted months of spiritual exploration. In Bali, she studied the art of balance between worldly enjoyment and divine transcendence. She became the pupil of an elderly medicine man and also fell in love the best way—unexpectedly. 

An intensely articulate and moving memoir of self-discovery, Eat, Pray, Love is about what can happen when you claim responsibility for your own contentment and stop trying to live in imitation of society’s ideals. It is certain to touch anyone who has ever woken up to the unrelenting need for change.

* My thoughts *

I loved this book, from beginning to end. It was like Liz was speaking straight to my heart and soul. I loved how brave she was to write about every topic, even the ones that most of us dare not to actually publish our thoughts about. Her humanness and sharing makes us feel not so bad and not so alone. It just goes to prove that we are not the first to go through something and definitely not the last. A lot of the book felt like I was reading about my own life and gave me hope that there is indeed light at the end of the tunnel.

The layout of the book is great. I enjoyed the short chapters, as it made it easier to squeeze in a quick read in between my travel holiday with my parents (as I am the type of reader who likes to read until the end of the chapter before putting the book down). 

She has a great sense of humor and and easy way of connecting with the reader. Liz is definitely my new superhero for a while. 

* Rating * 

Book Review: The Alchemist by Paul Coelho

This is one of those books i almost never read. I wanted to give it back without reading it as I thought that I just didn't have time really to fit it into my busy life schedule. But I am sure glad that my friend insisted that I give it one more try and gave it back to me the same day. It still sat on my shelf for a week or two longer while I finished up a different book, and then finally one night I gave it one more shot... 

Paperback

Published: October 2009

Publisher: HarperCollins

180 pages

* What it's about *

Paulo Coelho's masterpiece tells the mystical story of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who yearns to travel in search of a worldly treasure. His quest will lead him to riches far different—and far more satisfying—than he ever imagined. Santiago's journey teaches us about the essential wisdom of listening to our hearts, of recognising opportunity and learning to read the omens strewn along life's path, and, most importantly, to follow our dreams.

* My thoughts *

This book spoke straight to my soul and will easily be a book I read again and again. Often when I am on my travels I wonder why I am doing what I am doing and maybe I should just go home to my comfort zone and family. I crave the comfort of love and what I know but then I think about all the things I have seen, places I have been and things I have discovered about myself and the world. I am living my dreams. Even though now I find myself torn between going back to my home country for love or continuing on my traveller path in search of my own treasure. 

Many people say that many books can inspire you, but this one really does make you want to go after your dreams. It paints a beautiful picture of life and our destinies. Sometimes it is not about what is at the destination but it is about what you gain from the journey. 

A quick and easy read that is life changing. 

* Rating * 

* If Tomorrow Starts Without Me *

If tomorrow starts without me, and I'm not there to see,

If the sun should rise and find your eyes all filled with tears for me;

I wish so much you wouldn't cry the way you did today,

while thinking of the many things we didn't get to say.

I know how much you care for me, and how much I care for you,

and each time that you think of me I know you'll miss me too;

But when tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand,

that an angel came and called my name and took me by the hand,

and said my place was ready in heaven far above,

and that I'd have to leave behind all those I dearly love.

But as I turned to walk away, a tear fell from my eye,

for all life, I'd always thought I didn't want to die.

I had so much to live for and so much yet to do.

it seemed almost impossible that I was leaving you.

I thought of all the love we shared and all the fun we had.

If I could relive yesterday, I thought, just for a while,

I'd say goodbye and hug you and maybe see you smile.

But then I fully realised that this could never be,

for emptiness and memories would take the place of me.

And when I thought of worldly things that I'd miss come tomorrow.

I thought of you, and when I did, my heart was filled with sorrow.

But when I walked through Heaven's gates, I felt so much at home.

When God looked down and smiled at me, from His great golden throne,

He said, "This is eternity and all I've promised you,

Today your life on earth is past but here it's starts anew.

I promise no tomorrow, but today will always last.

and since each day's the same, there's no longing for the past.

But you have been so faithful, so trusting, so true.

Though there were times you did some things you knew you shouldn't do.

And you have been forgiven and now at last you're free.

So won't you come and take my hand and share my life with me?"

So if tomorrow starts without me, don't think we're far apart,

for every time you think of me, please know I'm in your heart.

Written by David M Romano in 1993

***

Book Review: Proof of Heaven by Eben Alexander M.D

I found this book in a small shop in Chiang Mai. I was lost and heartbroken after just receiving the news that I had lost someone very close to my heart. And like most people I needed to know that their soul was okay and at peace. 

Paperback

Published: October 2012

Publisher: Simon Schuster

196 pages

* What it's about *

Thousands of people have had near-death experiences, but scientists have argued that they are impossible. Dr. Eben Alexander was one of those scientists. A highly trained neurosurgeon, Alexander knew that NDEs feel real, but are simply fantasies produced by brains under extreme stress.

Then, Dr. Alexander’s own brain was attacked by a rare illness. The part of the brain that controls thought and emotion—and in essence makes us human—shut down completely. For seven days he lay in a coma. Then, as his doctors considered stopping treatment, Alexander’s eyes popped open. He had come back.

Alexander’s recovery is a medical miracle. But the real miracle of his story lies elsewhere. While his body lay in coma, Alexander journeyed beyond this world and encountered an angelic being who guided him into the deepest realms of super-physical existence. There he met, and spoke with, the Divine source of the universe itself.

Alexander’s story is not a fantasy. Before he underwent his journey, he could not reconcile his knowledge of neuroscience with any belief in heaven, God, or the soul. Today Alexander is a doctor who believes that true health can be achieved only when we realize that God and the soul are real and that death is not the end of personal existence but only a transition.


This story would be remarkable no matter who it happened to. That it happened to Dr. Alexander makes it revolutionary. No scientist or person of faith will be able to ignore it. Reading it will change your life. 

* My thoughts *

I picked up this book because I needed answers and comfort. I received both and so much more. His life story is fascinating and miracle. The way the story unfolds keeps you intrigued and wanting to read more. At the end of the book I got the message but in a way that is hard to put into words. A wonderful read that helps open your mind and comforts the soul. 

We all have a story that needs to be told and is able to help others. 

* Rating * 

Soul Inspirations: Why backup plans suck!

Gooooood Morning Lovelies

Welcome back to my happy place, where I can be me, and you are free to be whoever it is you want to be too. 

So let's get straight to the point... 

Backup plans suck! 

Yes, you read correctly. 

To be honest, I used to be that girl that had a backup plan A, B and C. I am still that girl that needs a plan to feel like I have it all together, and am making some progress in my life, even if it is just to get up, make coffee and open a book of some sorts... Well, maybe not that simple, but close enough. I can only do 'nothing' for about 1 day before I get anxious, and my need to feel a bit productive. 

As a human I still like to have options, because this is just part of our nature. Having options helps us feel like we have control. Whether it be ordering food at a restaurant or deciding where to travel to next. 

Now maybe you are wondering... how did I go from that girl with those thoughts, to this statement? 

About a year or two ago, a close friend of mine, Phil, who has counselled me through quite a lot in my life, made this statement to me and I complete protested and disagreed. He told me that that "Back up plans are made to sabotage our main plan." 

It is like a failure fail safe. 

I argued and said, there was nothing wrong with being prepared! Saying OK.... I really really really want "X" but if I don't succeed for whatever reason, I will settle for "Y." And that my friend is the truth. We are what we repeatedly say and do 100%. 

Our words are magic. When you say those words, even in a jokingly way, you give them power. For example when you say, we will see if it works and if not we can always break up.

This is a mind-set with an escape plan. 

I had this in my previous relationship, and we broke up twice within a year. Until we stopped saying this, it was always a possibility of a reality. We then shifted our 'mind-set' from this is just an argument and we will work it out, (deleting the word breakup from our vocabulary), and we were very happy for another 5 years or so. Our insecurities of the other person leaving also disappeared. And this applies to every area of our life, whether it be work, diet, friends and so on. 

But that is not all that this post is about. Let me give you an example from my own life about how a backup plan became my main plan. 

When I worked at my last company in South Africa, a lot of things were changing. I had resigned and had made up my mind to go and study in the UK. This was what I had wanted at that point in my life 100%. My unsurety came through and I always jokingly said "Well if that doesn't work out, I can always go and be a teacher in Thailand." Yes... you got it... I have been a teacher in Thailand for 3 years now. It started out as a random opportunity and detour and somewhere along the way I fell completely in love with it. 

Time and time again, my back up plans have become my main plans, whether it be for something small on the weekend activity or big life changes like from UK to Thailand. 

Then Phil's words came rushing back to me, one sunny afternoon while I was probably riding on my bike somewhere, because for some reason I always get the best ideas or thoughts when I am nowhere near a pen, paper or computer. 

There is a time and a place for a backup plan, but when you are reaching for your dreams, this is not one of those places. Having a backup plan, can make you less committed to your goal, because you have a soft fluffy cushion to fall back on that you know will work, but this is not necessarily the thing that makes your heart flutter with joy and excitement. It means that you have accepted somewhere in your mind that you might fail. 


The people that have the best success stories and live fulfilled lives, are not the ones who went with the back up plans. They are the ones who stuck to their guns and stayed focused on what they truly wanted. 

This year I am throwing the backup plan out the window. I have faith in myself to deal with any obstacles as they come along and adjust my decisions accordingly as the time arises. It is scary, but it is the only way. So what if I am 32, unmarried, no kids and no massive achievements. I have gone places and seen things most people can only dream of, the way I see and dream of things that others have already conquered. Those that are more courageous and have climbed to the top of that mountain, traveled to more countries and just generally have their shit together. 

Are you brave enough to let go of the backup plan and fully commit to your goals and dreams?? 

Peace out 

Chanzie 
xxx 

Credit to: AZ Quotes for their awesome pictures

Free To Be You Soul Inspirations: Can a 1% action change your life?

Hello Superstars

Today I wanted to share my thoughts on New Years Resolutions. A quote that I think about all the time is: 

How many times do we complain that we are not getting results, yet we make no effort to change the way we do or see things. If we always do what we have always done, we will always have what we have always received. It is as simple as that. Sometimes we need to change our perspective or do things in reverse. My manager challenged me last year and said, how about when you walk into a lesson, do things in reverse. Instead of ending the lesson with a game, start it with a game, as an example. 

I remember reading somewhere that all it takes is a 1% change in your routine to make a difference to your life. 

1%... how small does that sound? Is that even worth it? What is that... like 1 action? 
And the answer is yes. 1 action. 1 change in your routine can make all the difference in the world. 

Take one of your dreams and decide how you are going to make it a reality. My biggest dream is to be a successfully published author. I know the type of writer I want to be. It is weird because my dream really falls into 2 difference genres. 

Writer number 1 

I want to be a motivational writer. I love to inspire people, to help them see their own light and capability. So, I want to write about life stuff... Like I am doing right now. There is honestly no better compliment for me than when someone reads a piece of my work and it resonates with them deeply, almost as if they could have written it themselves. It is that connection in the writing that someone somewhere else in the world understands exactly what you are going through or what you feel. That little moment and connection is the biggest reward in my opinion. I know what it is like to read a piece of writing and have it bring me to tears, when I was in a really low place, at those times I didn't feel so alone. 

This has happened to me a few times, but there are two times that really stand out for me. Firstly, when I read a book called "The Fairy Godmothers guide to getting what you want" by Donna McCallum (South Africa's very own fairgodmother). I was in bed reading on a Sunday night. My relationship was a mess, my job was boring, and my daily routine was mind numbingly boring. As I read Donna's words, I just started crying as I realised that things didn't have to be that way and I could change my life. As scary and overwhelming as that felt. The second time, was this year when I saw Instagram snippets from Daniel Chidiac's book "Who says you can't? You do." It hit home in so many ways. 

If I could be even half as good as them, I would feel like a success. Yet, I know it is the fear of failure that slows my progress. 

Writer number 2

I want to publish a paranormal romance novel. Sure, my dreams of being as great as Cassandra Clare, Lauren Kate and JK Rowling seem a bit 'out there', but it is what inspires me. If they can try and succeed, then why can't I? I know there are millions of novels in the world, and that there are millions of wonderful stories out there that don't even get half the credit they deserve, but I at least have to try. It would an injustice to myself if I didn't. 

A true story that inspires me is the one about JK Rowling. She was 31, a single mother, was unemployed and sitting on a train when she first started writing Harry Potter. She was rejected by 12 different publishers before someone gave her a chance. 

At the beginning of 2018 I decided to do a New Years Resolution with my students in class. Even though I have brushed off this trend for years and not bothered to even try set them, I gave it one more shot. While I was preparing for class I jotted down 10 habits I would like to implement in my life more frequently. They started out as just an example but the the more I did the class with each level, the more I realised that these were really things I wanted to change in my life. 

Chanzie's New Years Resolutions

1. Work out more 

To be healthy and fit, as well as feel my more confident in my own skin. I am so over trying to lose weight. I always look back and think... gosh I wasn't as fat as I thought I was. I actually looked good. You always want the things you had, and never what you have. So my first mindset was to love the skin I am in, and appreciate my healthy, fully functional body. 

2. Watch Motivational Videos

What you listen to and put in your mind plays a huge role in how you think. We are but the company we keep. So, I decided that instead of only listening to my music every morning I would search on Youtube for any motivational videos to listen to while I got ready for work. This has been my best and biggest change so far. It is my best 1% to date. 

3. Write more 

Write write write.. even if it's badly. Even if it's boring. Even if it's a little bit.. 100 words is better than nothing... This has been my motto lately.. I have been procrastinating I know... but... everyday is a new day, new week and new chance to start again. The book isn't going to write itself...

4. Read something 

Read a page of a book a day. That is how you increase your knowledge. That is how you grow and learn new things. I made a new rule.. in the effort to spend less time on social media, that every time I open Facebook, I need to go and read a page or a paragraph of a book. 

5. De-clutter

Clear out the old stuff on a regular basis. Whether it be papers or random rubbish I collect around my apartment. Clear my space physically, it helps clear my mind as well. I went on all my messenger applications and cleared most of my messages. Such a simple step yet so releasing at the same time, just letting go of all those emotional chords. 

6. Eat Well 

What you eat, affects your moods. Eating better leads to me feeling better. It's as simple as that. Yes, sometimes eating healthy can get a bit pricey, but it is always worth it in the end. I don't deny myself the good things in life, like dairy queen, but there is a time and place for everything. Look after your health now, so that it doesn't fail you when you need it later on. 

7. Affirmations

OK, so I haven't been that great with this one just yet, but with all the motivational videos I have been watching, the repeated thoughts I think and tell myself have become not so judgmental and definitely more encouraging. 

8. Save 

Don't squander your money but don't be a miser either. Where I can, I choose to maybe not get things that I just want. I want to save more, so that I can travel more. Travelling lights up my soul and frees my spirit. I have a monthly savings budget, a weekly challenge and then just a general mindfulness of where I invest my hard earned salary. 

9. Study

Practise a skill. The only way to master it is the put in the time and the effort. Right now I am between learning Spanish and doing a free online Social Media Marketing Course through Shaw academy. 

10. Meditate

Taking 10 minutes out of my day to just calm my mind and focus on the present does wonders. As a teacher my mind always runs a mile a minute and has about 100 tabs open like Google Chrome. 

***

I have a checklist stuck on my cupboard and as long as I do at least 3 of these 10 a day, I am happy. The most I have achieved in 1 day so far is 6 which is like a home run! 

Many times I think, maybe I shouldn't share that and maybe I shouldn't post that. Who cares about it anyway, but what keeps me sharing is that from time to time, people reach out and say "Thank you, I live through your eyes and after a bad day sometimes I get home and your post makes me feel OK or like I am not so alone." I try my best to be a good teacher. Sometimes I have bad lessons or a bad day, but that doesn't make me a failure at all. 

I would love to hear some of your 1% changes you have implemented and how they have helped you. Sharing is inspirational, we learn by others as much as we learn by ourselves. 

Peace and love 
Chanzie 
xxx

A New Space for My Thoughts

Hello Lovelies 

Welcome to my new blog! 

I have been thinking about this for a while and today I finally decided to create a new space for my thoughts. A place where I can post what I want, when I want, and as often or as little as I want . I do promise I will try and be as consistent as possible, in between managing my life as a teacher, writer, traveller, friend and well... human being. 

Some of you might have followed my old blog "Mean Who You Are" , which I disabled about a month ago, and wonder why I made this leap? 

Well, I felt like my old blog represented a closed chapter of my life. I have grown and changed so much since I started it. Even though I blogged my way through a lot of my travels and shared a very few of my worldly experiences since then, I wanted a new clean slate. 

So what exactly have I been up to?? 

I moved to Thailand and became an English Second Language Teacher, I moved back to South Africa for four months, only to realise I missed Thailand too much and decided to return to the land of smiles again.

• I back packed my way down from the North to the South of Thailand over 17 days and travelled to 7 different places in October last year.
• I made a few friends, lost a few friends, fell in love, broke some hearts and had my heart broken. 
• I got 3 tattoos
• Learnt to ride a motorcycle in Thailand
• Got a Thai motorcycle license 
• Am still learning to speak Thai 
• Restarted writing my book about my life 
• Started a new novel in NaNoWriMo 2017
• Dyed my hair Mahaogany, brown and back to blonde

These are just some of the things I can think of, right off the bat about what has changed since life re-routed and reset for me in 2014. I wish I could share more photos but I have taken too many over the past few 3 years. You are welcome to connect with me on Instagram (@chanzies) if you want another peak at my traveller life!! 

Anyway I just wanted to shout out and touch base with those who are still around. There are many blogging friends that I miss and hope to reconnect with over the next few weeks. 

Peace and Love 

Chanzie 

xxx