TOE IS DIT WINTER ...

... & toe IS dit Winter..!

Ek het dit eers vinnig gelees, tot ek by die derde sin gekom het ... 

Ek het opgehou en weer voor begin, maar dié keer stadiger... 

Dit laat jou regtig stop en dink ...

Jy weet ... tyd, het 'n manier om vinnig te loop en jou onverhoeds te betrap sonder dat jy aan die verbygaande jare dink. 

Dit voel soos net gister toe ek jonk was, net getroud en my nuwe lewe begin het... 

Tog, op 'n manier, voel dit soos 'n leeftyd gelede en ek wonder waar al die jare heen is. 

Ek weet dat ek almal geleef het, ek kry terugflitse van hoe dit tóé was, en ook van al my hoop en drome.

Maar hier is dit ... die winter van my lewe, en ek is verras ... hoe het ek so gou hier gekom? 

Waar is die jare heen, en wat het van my jeug geword? 

Ek onthou so goed hoe ek deur die jare na ouer mense gekyk en gedink het dat ek baie jare agter daardie ouer mense is, ... en dat die winter so ver weg was ... dat ek myself nie kon indink hoe dit moes wees nie.

Maar, hier is dit ... my vriende word grys, en tree af ... hulle beweeg stadiger ... en ek sien nou ouer mense. 

Sommige lyk beter en ander slegter as ek ... maar, ek sien die groot verandering. 

Nie meer dié wat ek onthou wat jonk en lewenslustig was nie ... maar, soos ek, begin hulle ouderdom wys en óns is nou daardie ouer mense wat ek gesien, maar nooit gedink het ek ook sal word nie. 

Nou vind ek dat net om in die stort te klim 'n regte prestasie vir die dag is. 

En 'n middagslapie is nie meer 'n bederfie nie, maar 'n vereiste! 

Want as ek dit nie uit my eie vrye wil doen nie ... raak ek bloot aan die slaap net daar waar ek sit!

En so betree ek 'n nuwe seisoen van my lewe ... onvoorbereid op al die skete en kwale, en die verlies van krag en die vermoë om te gaan doen wat ek nog altyd wou, maar nooit het nie! 

Maar ten minste weet ek, hoewel my winter gekom het, ek nie seker is hoe lank dit sal duur nie ... weet ek dat, wanneer dit hier op aarde verby is, is dit verby ... 'n nuwe Avontuur sal begin!

Ja, ek het verwyte, en ek is jammer oor dinge wat ek wens ek nie gedoen het nie, dinge wat ek moes gedoen het, en baie dinge wat ek gedoen het waaroor ek bly is. 

Dit is alles deel van 'n Leeftyd...

So, as jy nog nie in die winter van jou lewe is nie, laat ek jou herinner dat dit vinniger hier sal wees as wat jy dink. So, wat jy ookal graag in jou lewe wil bereik, doen dit asseblief gou! 

Moenie dinge te lank uitstel nie! 

Die lewe gaan gou verby. 

Doen vandag wat jy kan want jy kan nooit seker wees of hierdie jou winter is of nie! Jy het geen belofte dat jy al die seisoene van jou lewe gaan sien nie, so leef vir vandag en sê vir jou geliefdes al die dinge wat jy wil hê hulle moet onthou ... en hoop dat hulle jou waardeer en liefhet vir al die dinge wat jy vir hulle in jou leeftyd gedoen het!

Die lewe is 'n geskenk aan jou, en die manier waarop jy jou lewe leef, is 'n geskenk aan dié met wie jy dit deel. 

Leef goed! 

Leef voluit! 

Geniet vandag, élke dag! 

Doen iets wat jy geniet! 

Wees lief vir ander! 

Déél wat jy het, moet net nie daarmee spog  nie...!

Goeie gesóndheid is ware rykdom, nie goud en silwer nie.
Vriendskap met familie en vriende is rykdom. 

As julle om watter rede ookal uitmekaar gedryf het, vergewe en vergeet...
... leef vorentoe en nie in die verlede nie, want môre mag dalk nooit aanbreek nie!

Vandag is die oudste wat jy  nóg was en tog ook die jongste wat jy ooit sal wees - so, geniet hierdie dag vir solank dit duur!

Jou kinders is goed ... maar jou kleinkinders is volmaak!

Om uit te gaan is goed, maar om by die huis terug te kom is beter!

Jy vergeet name ... maar dis gaaf want daar is mense wat vergeet dat hulle jou ooit geken het!

Jy besef dat jy nooit regtig goed sal wees met enigiets nie ... veral rolbal ...

Die dinge wat jy altyd graag gedoen het, doen jy nie meer nie, maar jy dink nogal daaraan dat jy nie regtig meer omgee dat jy dit nie meer doen nie ...

Jy slaap beter in n leunstoel voor die blêrende TV as in jou bed ...

Jy mis daardie dae toe alles met net n AAN of AF skakelaar gewerk het ...

Jy is geneig om meer kort woordsinne te gebruik soos "waar?" "hoesê?" ...

Nou dat jy duur juwele kan bekostig, is dit nie veilig om dit enige plek te dra nie ...

Jy merk dat alles wat in winkels verkoop word, is "mouloos" ...

Wat altyd sproetjies was, is nou "lewervlekke" ...

Almal fluister wanneer hulle praat ...

Jy het 3 groottes klere in jou hangkas ... 2 waarvan jy nooit sal dra nie ...

Maar OUD is goed in sommige dinge: OU liedjies, OU flieks, OU  wyn, en beste van alles ... OU VRIENDE!!!

“Mooi Loop my OU VRIND & Seëning op dit wat vir jou mag Voorlê….” 

Genuinely Rare &/or Exceptional men...?

Which psychological characteristics distinguish a genuinely rare or exceptional man from others...?

Herewith initially four key traits or qualities that are uncommon yet valuable in men, focusing on: emotional intelligence, integrity, confidence, and authenticity. 

It will provide insights into what makes a man stand out in meaningful ways in relationships... 

1. Emotional Intelligence and Self-Awareness

A genuinely rare man possesses a high level of emotional intelligence. 

This means he understands his own emotions deeply and can regulate them effectively. 

He is also empathetic, able to recognize and respect the feelings of others without judgment. 

This self-awareness allows him to communicate clearly, resolve conflicts maturely, and build strong, authentic relationships. 

Emotional intelligence is crucial because it fosters trust and connection, making him reliable and supportive in both personal and professional spheres.

2. Integrity and Authenticity

Integrity is a cornerstone trait of a rare man. 

He lives by his values consistently, even when it’s difficult or unpopular. 

Authenticity means he is true to himself and does not pretend to be someone he’s not to gain approval or status. 

This honesty and transparency create a foundation of trustworthiness. 

People respect him because he stands firm on his principles and acts with sincerity, which inspires others to do the same.

3. Confidence Without Arrogance

Confidence in a rare man is quiet and grounded, not boastful or aggressive. 

He believes in his abilities and decisions but remains humble and open to learning. 

This balanced confidence allows him to take initiative and lead when necessary, while also valuing others’ input and collaboration. 

Unlike arrogance, which alienates, his confidence attracts and reassures those around him.

4. Purpose-Driven and Resilient

A rare man has a clear sense of purpose and direction in life. 

He sets meaningful goals and pursues them with determination and resilience, even in the face of setbacks. 

This trait reflects inner strength and perseverance. His purpose often extends beyond personal gain, including a desire to contribute positively to his community or relationships. 

This drive and resilience inspire admiration and motivate others to overcome their own challenges.

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 Additional Insights:

• These traits are interconnected and reinforce each other. 
• e.g., emotional intelligence supports authenticity by helping a man understand and express his true self.
• Cultivating these traits requires ongoing self-reflection, learning, and sometimes stepping outside comfort zones.
• Such men are rare because these qualities demand vulnerability, discipline, and a commitment to personal growth, which many avoid.

Beyond the four core traits previously mentioned, herewith additional traits that can further define a genuinely rare man:

1. Self-Respect and Strong Character

A rare man has deep self-respect and a strong moral character. 

He does not seek external validation through noise or attention but is grounded in his own principles and wisdom. 

This quiet confidence and integrity make him dependable and admirable.

2. Trust in His Own Judgment

He trusts his own opinions and decisions, showing independence of thought. 

This trait reflects maturity and self-reliance, allowing him to navigate life confidently without being overly influenced by others' opinions.

3. Prioritizes Meaningful Relationships

Rather than superficial connections, he values deep, authentic relationships. 

He invests time and energy in people who matter and maintains boundaries to protect his emotional well-being.

4. Curiosity and Self-Love

A rare man is curious about his own life and growth. 

He practices self-love and self-care, which helps him maintain a positive, non-toxic mindset. 

This openness to learning and self-improvement distinguishes him.

5. Ability to Value Solitude

He is comfortable being alone and values solitude as a time for reflection and recharging. 

This trait shows emotional maturity and independence, as he does not rely on constant social interaction for happiness.

6. Respects Himself Enough to Walk Away from Disrespect

He has clear boundaries and will not tolerate disrespect or toxicity from others. 

This self-respect protects his mental and emotional health and sets a standard for how others should treat him.

7. Irrational Self-Belief

Sometimes described as unwavering or irrational self-belief, this trait means he believes in his potential and purpose even when external circumstances are challenging or uncertain.

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Summary Table of Traits:

Trait	Description
Emotional Intelligence	Understanding and managing emotions effectively, empathy
Integrity and Authenticity	Living by values consistently, being true to oneself
Confidence Without Arrogance	Quiet, grounded confidence, humility
Purpose-Driven and Resilient	Clear goals, perseverance, inner strength
Self-Respect and Strong Character	Moral integrity, quiet confidence
Trust in Own Judgment	Independence of thought, self-reliance
Prioritizes Meaningful Relationships	Deep connections, healthy boundaries
Curiosity and Self-Love	Openness to growth, positive mindset
Values Solitude	Comfort with being alone, reflection time
Walks Away from Disrespect	Maintains boundaries, protects emotional health
Irrational Self-Belief	Unwavering belief in self and purpose

These additional traits enrich the profile of a genuinely rare man, emphasizing emotional maturity, self-respect, and purposeful living. 

Here are practical examples illustrating each of the traits of a genuinely rare man, to help you better understand how they manifest in real life:

1. Emotional Intelligence and Self-Awareness

Example: When a friend is upset, instead of dismissing their feelings or offering quick advice, he listens attentively, acknowledges their emotions, and offers support without judgment. 

He also recognizes when he himself is stressed and takes time to calm down before responding.

2. Integrity and Authenticity

Example: At work, he refuses to take credit for a project he didn’t contribute to, even if it means missing out on praise. 

He openly shares his true opinions in conversations, even if they differ from the majority, without pretending to be someone he’s not.

3. Confidence Without Arrogance

Example: He confidently leads a team meeting by sharing his ideas clearly but invites feedback and encourages others to contribute. 

He doesn’t boast about his achievements but lets his work speak for itself.

4. Purpose-Driven and Resilient

Example: After facing a setback like losing a job, he quickly refocuses on his long-term goals, updates his skills, and applies for new opportunities without losing motivation or hope.

5. Self-Respect and Strong Character

Example: He declines invitations to activities that conflict with his values, such as dishonest business deals, even if it means losing potential benefits. 

He stands firm on his principles calmly and respectfully.

6. Trust in His Own Judgment

Example: When making a major life decision, like moving to a new city, he researches thoroughly but ultimately trusts his gut feeling about what’s best for him, rather than being swayed by others’ doubts or opinions.

7. Prioritizes Meaningful Relationships

Example: He regularly checks in on close friends and family, invests time in deep conversations, and avoids spreading himself too thin with superficial acquaintances.

8. Curiosity and Self-Love

Example: He dedicates time to learning new skills or hobbies that interest him, and practices self-care routines like exercise, meditation, or journaling to maintain mental and emotional health.

9. Values Solitude

Example: He enjoys spending weekends alone hiking or reading, using that time to reflect on his goals and recharge, rather than feeling lonely or anxious about being by himself.

10. Walks Away from Disrespect

Example: If someone consistently disrespects his boundaries or speaks to him rudely, he calmly ends the conversation or distance himself from that person, prioritizing his emotional well-being.

11. Irrational Self-Belief

Example: Despite repeated rejections in pursuing a creative career, he continues to believe in his talent and keeps creating, confident that his persistence will eventually lead to success.

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These examples show how these traits are not just abstract qualities but practical behaviors and mindsets that shape how a rare man interacts with the world and others...