Lize Ehlers, once again wowed us this year with her colourful, flamboyance and musical genius. Lize shares here her learnings and lessons from the past year, her self examination from Africa… her Afrospection.
Looking Back…
Q: How would you describe your 2017?
A: 2017 was a year filled with defined choices, a year of getting to know the self better, a year of “showing up” but recognizing that quality over quantity is the way forward.
Q: What was something good that came out of 2017?
A: 2017 put my priorities into BOLD perspective. In order for me to be the best Lize Ehlers, best wife, best mother, best mentor & best business woman I can possibly be, I have to take care of my health and wellbeing first. This is a very good lesson that came out of 2017.
Q: What challenged you in 2017 and how did you overcome this challenge?
A: The biggest challenge was handling obstacles that came out of nowhere. Firstly I avoided daily possible challenges like “overcommitting my time” and so avoiding complete exhaustion at the end of each day. Then “knowing I cannot be at two places at the same time” and so minimizing unnecessary rushing and panicking. I realized one can make challenges seem much less overwhelming by asking yourself: “What is the first calm thing I can do now, with what I have?” “Whom can I contact who would know how to handle this better than I can & where I can seek help?” “Take it one step at a time.” “Everything happens for a reason, so some good will come out of this, now let me focus on what I can do now, with the time that I have.”
Q: What was your favourite Art in 2017?
A: My photographer friend Willem Vrey introduced me to Benjamin Clementine’s music and I have been obsessed this year with his deeply moving lyrics, his broken voice and his absolute unique look. I want to channel more of Benjamin’s rawness into my own music next year.
I also watched some remarkable theatre this year in Namibia and was part of one of the most emotional cabaret pieces, directed by Sandy Rudd called “Jacques Brel is alive & well.” It took me right down to an emotional pit and brought me right back up into the fat arms of friendly clouds.
Also, the Presence In Absence Exhibition by Nicky Marais. One of the most extraordinary exhibitions in Namibia to date, telling painfully beautiful stories of transition in Namibia.
Lastly, in our garden now stands a 250kg restored termite statue that my husband brought from Maputo 20 years ago. He had it restored by a local artist called Fellemon. Ekorongo the sculpture, is an ancient python myth that brings good luck.
Q: What was your biggest health and wellness learning of 2017?
A: I learned that if I am unwell I cannot be who I truly am. So resting and taking care of my health not only physically but mentally as well – has become a priority in 2017. And it will affect my choices for 2018 massively.
Q: What was your biggest personal development learning of 2017?
A: I started recognizing who are speakers and who are planners and doers. I started resonating with more people who “show up” who have prepared and who want to do things right. My personal development increased tremendously by simply being aware of how important it is to surround yourself with people who have similar goals in mind and actually do the work but do not just speak of it.
As for the Holidays…
Q: What is your favourite food in December?
A: Chicken, chicken, chicken in various forms.
Q: What is your favourite Namibian destination?
A: At the moment, HOME. Where my loved ones are, is the best place to be.
Q: What book should we all be reading?
A: The Book of Longing by Leonard Cohen.
Q: Where do you find your inspiration?
A: Each moment lends a bit of light. We are more than blessed if we get to see the light even in the most bitter of darkness. I find inspiration in that I am still alive and that I still can make a difference.
Looking Forward…
Q: What is your mantra for life?
A: “Just show up, you don’t have to be the best, you just have to be there and give your best.” “Never give up” has also ingrained itself in my everyday life. “Be kind” “Preparation is the key to success. Winging is for amateurs.”
Q: What is your wish for the world for 2018?
A: That Trump gets impeached. That gay marriage is legalized across the globe. That right-wingers get an open mind. That there is world peace. That there is a cure found for cancer and AIDS.
Q: What is your wish for Namibia for 2018?
A: That poverty is eradicated through sustainable job creation. That South Africa and Namibia is removed from “JUNK STATUS” That we get more rain and grow our own food and import next to nothing. That quality is the focus. That families help each other more.
Q: What is your wellness goal for 2018?
A: That I choose peace of mind over anything. That I get back to my goal weight. That I inspire my daughter to love her natural hair. That I inspire me kids to read more. That me, my family, community, country thrive in wellness and health and business and inspire hope and change to the rest of the world.