A Personal Journey

I see...I learn...I feel...I doGail StygerJune 2009

South Africa

That simple things in life can make me happy, that playfulness brings joy and that self expression is liberating

That living in harmony is what I seek and that community and family are my greatest wealth

Zee was rescued in Sudan and now lives in Chimp Eden in Nelspruit, South Africa

I have seen.....“You don't choose your family. They are God's gift to you,

as you are to them” – Desmond Tutu

The power of my emotions by being still and just being

I have felt....

Standing is still going – Swahili Proverb

Photo: Gail Styger: Shingwedzi 2009

Not to be afraid of vulnerability. That it is about potential, opportunity, possibilities and growth

I know now.......

One must come out of one’s house in order to begin learning – African Proverb

Photo: Gail Styger: Welgevonden 2006

I recognise.....The duality of human nature

 

and also that I am a unique and distinctive individual

“Nature always wears the colours of the spirit” – Ralph Waldo Emerson. Photo: Gail Styger: Welgevonden 2006

I think......That I am insightful and have wisdomI need to learn to tap into it and harness it

“Wisdom is like a Baobab tree, no one individual can embrace it” - Proverb from Ghana

Photo: Gail Styger: Welgevonden 2006

I would love.....like the elephant, to represent strength, power, affection, loyalty, royalty, and wisdom

I can learn the power of gentleness, commitment, communication, nurturing, protecting and listening

"One cannot know the grandeur of an elephant by looking at its tail“ - African Proverb

Photo: Albert Styger: Elephant Sanctuary 2005

I should view my life from both a grounded and expansive perspective

I should keep a firm footing but never loose sight of the bigger picture

I understand.....

“Dreaming comes prior to getting” – A proverb from Burkino Faso

Photo: Gail Styger: Welgevonden 2006

To be focused and then to go after my goals with speed and precision – because time is of the essence

I am learning.....

“It always seems impossible until its done” - Nelson Mandela

Photo: Gail Styger: Shingwedzi 2009

I will find the courage......

To make the right choices

To act from the heart

To speak my own truth

A roaring lion kills no game.“ - African Proverb

Photo: Albert Styger: Lion Park 2001

And I will.....

Continue looking inward and channel my energy into positive outcomes

“Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm” - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Begin to find my inner magic and the mystery that is my life

Photos: Gail Styger: Shingwedzi 2009

A Hippopotamus can be made invisible under water –

African Proverb

I must.....

Be: Alert Informed Prepared Observant Vigilant

The placid Hippo that chased me at Shingwedzi

Photo: Gail Styger: Shingwedzi 2009

I can....

Begin to see and honour my value and my worth and in doing so I can truly partner and connect with others and have them recognise my worthiness

“You cannot know the good within yourself if you cannot see it in others” - Zulu Proverb

Photo: Gail Styger: Shingwedzi 2009

I realise.....

That life’s journey is about shedding the past and shaping the future, about rebirth, renewal, revival....

That it’s about leaving behind my perceived limitations and transitioning to a new phase of life, and doingthis with plannedregularity

“There is no passion to be found playing small - in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living” - Nelson Mandela

Photos: Sharon Barnes 2008

and now.....I will take all these lessons and insights,spread my wings and test my feathers

“You must act as if it is impossible to fail” -

Ashanti Proverb

Photo: Gail Styger: Welgevonden 2006

and then......

I will fly fearlessly, face my misgivings about

the unknown and fly as high as my heart’s joy

will take me

“I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear” - Nelson Mandela

Photos: Gail Styger: Shingwedzi 2009

And continue with my quest for clarity and purpose on this amazing journey

“No matter how full the river – it still wants to grow” – Proverb from Congo

Photo: Gail Styger: Shingwedzi 2009