A Namibian woman who helps so many, Clinical Psychologist and regular MYD contributor, Heidi Burmeister Nel, 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: Sjoe… one of the most fascinating and challenging years! Maybe though, all previous years was like this. Maybe it’s like giving birth, you always forget how the actual experience was over time. Bitter sweet 2017.
Q: What was something good that came out of 2017?
A: Wonderful celebrations of love and life with friends and loved ones …and a bit of traveling.
Q: What challenged you in 2017 and how did you overcome this challenge?
A: Life = challenges. To see problems in perspective has always helped me. Perspective, for me, means… “Of all the terrible things that could happen in my life, how big is this thing right now really.”
“Can I REALLY not tolerate or handle this?”
“Emotions are not facts, so calm down, reflect, acknowledge the emotions, yet see it for what it is right now, knowing it may have changed by tomorrow or even after a while.” My training in CBT has helped me tremendously with everyday mind tools.
Q: What was your favourite Art in 2017?
A: Moulin Rouge in Paris.
Q: What was your biggest health and wellness learning of 2017?
A: Sometimes you need to forgive your body.
Q: What was your biggest personal development learning of 2017?
A: There is a reason the word ‘grit’ is in integrity.
As for the Holidays…
Q: What is your favourite food in December?
A: Definitely lots and lots of Slow Town coffees and champagne! Oh? That’s not food?
Q: What is your favourite Namibian destination?
A: Wherever there is a sunset.
Q: What book should we all be reading?
A: Parenting from the inside out by Daniel Siegel, and The State of Affairs: Rethinking Infidelity, by Esther Perel.
Q: Where do you find your inspiration?
A: From my clients, my own relationships and my running shoes.
Looking Forward…
Q: What is your mantra for life?
A: This is your reality, what are your alternatives.
Q: What is your wish for the world for 2018?
A: Kindness and consideration.
Q: What is your wish for Namibia for 2018?
A: Kindness and consideration… and rain.
Q: What is your wellness goal for 2018?
A: Viktor Frankl has said , “There must be a spark of search for meaning.” My goal is to keep the spark alive.