It Was Good: Loving This Day

Thank You for Your Generosity

Your appreciation means the world to me! If you’ve been enjoying my content, consider gifting me a little treat for R15. This daily brew not only keeps my creative energy flowing but also adds a warm glow to my day. Your thoughtful gesture is like a ray of sunshine that brightens my work. Thank you for being a part of my journey and fueling my inspiration!

Feeling inspired? If my content has brought a smile to your face, a R35 treat of coffee and a cupcake would do the same for me! Your kindness adds a touch of sweetness to my day and reminds me that my work is valued. Every sip and bite will be a delicious reminder of your support. Thank you for spreading joy and making my creative process even sweeter!

Love what you see? Whether it’s a tiny espresso shot or a grand dessert feast, your surprise gift of any amount fills my heart with excitement and keeps my creativity bubbling! Your generosity, in whatever form it takes, brings unexpected joy to my day and propels me forward.

Thank you for your support and for making this journey so much more fun and rewarding!

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The Genesis Moment

The Genesis Moment: Forming Order During Chaos

Genesis means “beginning,” teaching us to create order from chaos. Instead of fearing disorder, we can establish structure, embrace responsibility, and build a foundation for growth. Becoming Maverick means transforming through challenges and stepping into stewardship over your life. Let's apply the Genesis Mindset today.

Genesis—it means "beginning."

I often find myself returning to the first few chapters of Genesis, especially when life feels out of control and chaotic or when I'm facing things I don’t fully understand. There’s something about these opening words of the Bible that carries profound wisdom—wisdom we often overlook. Becoming Maverick is about stepping back, recognizing the principles that govern life, and applying them with intention.

Too often, we get caught up in religious or scientific debates about Genesis and miss the principles it offers for how life on earth actually works. But if we take a step back and simply look at the pattern of creation, we begin to see powerful truths that apply to our daily lives, our struggles, and our growth.

In life, we often find ourselves in a state of chaos—formless and void, just like the earth in the beginning (Genesis 1:2). We tend to interpret these moments as the end—the death of something great, the failure of a dream, or the unraveling of what we once built. But what if chaos isn’t the end?

What if chaos is actually the beginning of something new?

What if the discomfort, uncertainty, and confusion we experience are not signs of destruction, but rather signs of creation in progress?

I like to compare this to the process of decomposition. It doesn’t happen at the end of life—it happens at the beginning. It’s nature’s way of breaking down former life structures into their simplest components, making them available to become something entirely new.

This is the Genesis Mindset—a way of seeing our lives through the same lens as the creation story, recognizing that every great transformation begins with chaos, is shaped by order, and is sustained by stewardship.

Let’s break it down.

1. Chaos Precedes Creation

Genesis 1:2 describes the earth as "formless and void"—a place of darkness and uncertainty. And yet, this is exactly where God begins His work.

Principle: If your life feels chaotic, that doesn’t mean it’s over. It means something new is about to take shape.

Practical Takeaway:

Instead of resisting chaos, ask what it’s making room for.
What needs to be cleared away so that something better can emerge?
Instead of seeing confusion as failure, see it as a transition into something new.

2. Order is the First Step

God’s first creative act was not making things but bringing order—He separated light from darkness, land from water, day from night. Before He created living things, He structured the environment.

Principle: The first step to any breakthrough is creating order.

Practical Takeaway:

When life feels overwhelming, don’t try to "fix everything at once"—start by creating structure.
Identify what’s out of alignment. Is it your finances? Your relationships? Your habits?
Small, consistent steps toward order set the foundation for growth. The first step could be as simple as cleaning the room you are in.

3. Systems Sustain Growth

Once order was established, God created systems—the cycle of seasons, the balance between sky, sea, and land. Creation is about designing self-sustaining ecosystems rather than just making new things.

Principle: True growth is about building systems that make success inevitable rather than just working harder.

Practical Takeaway:

Whether in business, health, or relationships, ask yourself: Do I have a system in place?
Want financial freedom? You need a budgeting and investing system.
Want spiritual growth? You need a consistent practice of learning, prayer, and reflection.
Success isn’t just about willpower—it’s about designing a system that naturally leads to results.

4. Stewardship Determines Reward

When mankind was created, they were given dominion. But dominion meant responsibility and stewardship over the earth (Genesis 1:26-28). We often view dominion as ruling by force, but this is a deeply flawed way of thinking.

Principle: Don’t be demanding—be commanding. You get more by managing well what you already have, not by demanding more.

Practical Takeaway:

If you want to be trusted with more, manage what you already have with excellence.
Take care of the relationships, opportunities, and resources you have now, and more will come.
If you say, "I can't manage with this," or "I’m not coping," it means you’re not yet ready for more. This truth is hard to swallow, especially when facing financial distress, but growth follows good stewardship.

5. Respect the System, or Face the Consequences

The same system that allowed humanity to thrive also had boundaries. When those boundaries were violated (Genesis 3), destruction followed.

Principle: Every system has rules. If you violate them, you set yourself up for failure.

Practical Takeaway:

Success in any area of life is about understanding the principles that govern it.
There are principles and laws that govern life on earth—ignoring them doesn’t exempt you from their effects.
There’s a saying: "You will learn the lesson until you LEARN the lesson." Often, we suffer because we are violating laws we aren’t even aware of.

Neglect your health? It deteriorates.
Ignore financial discipline? You struggle.
Disrespect relationships? They break down.

Living wisely means understanding the laws that create success and choosing to align with them.

The Genesis Mindset: A New Way to See Your Life

Take your Genesis moment and develop a Genesis Mindset. Genesis isn’t just a story about the world’s creation—it’s a pattern for how all things are created:

Chaos isn’t the end—it’s the starting point.
Order comes first—before growth, before success.
Systems create sustainability—random effort doesn’t.
Stewardship determines expansion—you manage well before you get more.
Disregard systems, and you destroy yourself.

So, when life feels chaotic, don’t see it as destruction. See it as a Genesis Moment.

A new beginning.

A chance to bring order, implement systems, and step into a new level of growth.

Because the Genesis Mindset teaches us that every great transformation begins in the dark, takes shape through structure, and thrives through stewardship.

Mavericks, I know the journey isn’t always easy. We all face moments where everything seems to be falling apart. But what if, instead of resisting the chaos, we embraced it as the birthplace of transformation?

Forming order out of chaos is the pattern of creation. When life feels overwhelming, ask yourself: What systems do I need to establish? What structures will allow me to grow? What internal shifts will move me from disorder to clarity?

The Genesis Mindset will guide you through any new beginning. Not all new beginnings are forced upon us—sometimes, we willingly take on new challenges, a new job, a new house, a new relationship. These principles still apply.

Your inner work will lead to outward transformation.

So, Mavericks, don’t fear the chaos—build within it. Grow through it. Becoming Maverick means learning how to create order, embrace responsibility, and step into the role of a steward over your own life.

Let’s move forward with intention—one step at a time.

Join the Conversation

Thank you for reading to the end. What is your strategy for the New Year? Let’s start a conversation—leave a comment below!

Shalom!

Thank You for Your Generosity

Thank you for your support and for making this journey so much more fun and rewarding!

New Beginnings: New Year, New Growth

Mark 2:1–12, “Let us begin this new year with these words of wisdom as motivation: speak up, reach out, and carry your friends toward healing. Together, we are stronger.”

Happy New Year, Mavericks!

What I’m about to share has been brewing inside me for months. I started putting pen to paper about a month ago, but I discarded several drafts before settling on this version. Now, as the new year gets underway, I find myself reflecting more deeply on what it means to face challenges head-on and come out stronger—what it means to embrace the journey of Becoming Maverick.

For many, the new year is a time for quick resolutions and goal-setting. For me, this process has evolved into something longer and more intentional over the past few years. My annual reflection and goal-setting now begins in mid-December and stretches over 30 to 60 days, sometimes ending in February. It’s not just about ticking items off a list—it’s about taking the time to honestly assess where I’ve been, what I’ve faced, and where I’m headed. It’s about identifying the changes I need to make to get there. This could include upgrading beliefs that no longer serve me, acquiring new skills or resources, or even building or ending personal or business relationships. It’s about understanding myself, the world, and making the necessary edits to my game plan.

This year, I had to confront the truth that 2024 was incredibly tough. There were long stretches—50 to 60% of the time—where I felt like I was walking around with a hole in my heart. A heaviness I couldn’t shake. Have you ever felt like you wanted to cry but couldn’t find the tears? That’s where I was. Anxiety was constantly in the red zone, and I didn’t know where to turn. I couldn’t even put into words what was wrong, and I felt my friends were tired of hearing the same sad stories. So, I kept it to myself.

In the middle of all this, one Bible story kept coming to mind: the paralyzed man and his friends in Mark 2:1–12. These friends carried their lame companion to Jesus, even breaking open a roof to ensure he got the healing he needed. That story has stayed with me because I realized—I was the lame man.

As an introvert leaning toward ambivert tendencies, I deeply value my alone time. But this year reinforced something important: we were not designed to live in isolation. Having time to recharge is necessary, but prolonged isolation can be dangerous—it can drive a person to despair. My friend Sam and I often discuss this: introverts need balance. We need alone time, but we also need connection. The truth is, that introverts love and need people, just in a different manner than extroverts.

I am filled with gratitude because, despite the challenges, I had a special group of friends and family who carried me through. At times, I felt paralyzed by my struggles—financially, emotionally, spiritually, and even physically unable to move forward. Like the lame man in the story, I was dependent on others to get me to a place of healing. And I can honestly say I wouldn’t have made it without them.

Even now, there are days when life doesn’t go the way I want, and I relapse into moments of stress or depression. But I’ve come a long way, thanks to those who stayed with me when I couldn’t carry myself.

Like the paralyzed man’s friends, they didn’t let me struggle alone. They reminded me of an important truth: we were not designed to live in isolation. Healing and breakthroughs happen in the context of connection and support.

Mavericks, I know how hard it can be to reach out for help—especially for men. Society often tells us to “tough it out,” to hide our struggles, and to see vulnerability as weakness. But let me encourage you: speak up when you need help. Don’t let pride or fear silence you. Healing begins when we allow others to walk with us.

And to those who see a friend struggling—don’t let go too soon. Sometimes we assume someone is “fine” and move on, leaving them to struggle alone when they still need us. Healing takes time, and your presence might make all the difference.

In the early 2000s, the singer-songwriter Stacie Orrico released a song called I Promise. The lyrics ask:

"Will I take tender, tender care of you?
Take your darkest night and make it bright for you?
Will I be there to make you strong and to lean on?
When this world has turned so cold, will I be the one that’s there to hold?"

This is the kind of friendship we all need—and the kind we can offer to others.

Ask your friends, “How are you, really?” And when you do, be thoughtful. Men and women open up differently; often, men open up better shoulder-to-shoulder rather than face-to-face. Whether it’s through a shared activity, a quiet moment, or simply listening without judgment or solutions, your support matters. Sometimes, all someone needs is a listening ear.

Mavericks, we were designed to be connected. So carry your friends when they can’t carry themselves. Break through the “roof” of silence and stigma. Don’t let anyone be left struggling alone. Be the friend who stays, who listens, and who lifts others toward healing. Too often, we don’t look deeply enough at a problem to find the root that would resolve it. We regard most of our troubles as externally generated, but in reality, most are internally generated—even the financial ones. There are deep internal wounds that require healing before our external reality can change. In other words, we need to heal. So we must learn how to heal, and how to bring ourselves to a point of healing.

And that, my friends, is what Becoming Maverick is all about: leaning into community, embracing vulnerability, and choosing connection over isolation. Let’s step boldly into this new year with courage, compassion, and the commitment to be there for each other when it matters most. Together, we are stronger.

Join the Conversation

Thank you for reading to the end. What is your strategy for the New Year? Let’s start a conversation—leave a comment below!

Shalom!

Thank You for Your Generosity

Thank you for your support and for making this journey so much more fun and rewarding!

What are my rights?

Human rights are the basic freedoms and protections every individual is entitled to, ensuring dignity, equality, and justice. However, without personal responsibility, the pursuit of rights can become harmful, leading to conflict. True freedom arises when rights are balanced with accountability for our actions.

Once Again, It’s About Rights… Or Is It?

Once again, the issue of "rights" came up in a conversation with my teenage daughter. It got me thinking about how our education system and ultra-liberal culture place too much emphasis on rights. Now, don’t get me wrong—rights are important—but focusing solely on rights, especially when we demand them at the expense of everything else, can devalue us. When people become obsessed with asserting their rights, they often end up hurting themselves or others. Consider the many wars fought and countless lives lost in the name of "rights."

Look at the language used in political discourse today. Phrases like "The State of Israel has the right to defend itself" are often true but at what cost? How many innocent lives must be lost for that right to be enforced?

In some workplaces, individuals demand their "right" to speak freely, without any concern for their colleagues. While freedom of speech is essential, using it to tear others down can destroy morale, create divisions, and cause job losses.

Our culture's obsession with rights often pulls us away from true happiness and fulfillment. Imagine a world where, instead of always asserting our rights, we embraced responsibility. Responsibility empowers us—it is the key to building strong families, thriving workplaces, and peaceful communities. When we focus on what we can give, rather than what we can get, we elevate ourselves and those around us.

What If We Focused on Responsibility?

Imagine a world where, instead of everyone clamoring for their rights, people embraced responsibility. What if we were more focused on improving ourselves, protecting our well-being, and contributing to the greater good? Reflecting on this, I asked ChatGPT to help me craft a Bill of Responsibilities to complement South Africa's Bill of Rights. Below is what we came up with:

Personal Bill of Responsibilities

Equality

It is my responsibility to treat myself with fairness and respect. I will not allow others to limit me based on my race, gender, or other personal characteristics.

Human Dignity

I am responsible for maintaining my self-respect and protecting my dignity through actions that uplift me.

Life

I am responsible for my health, safety, and happiness, making decisions that preserve my well-being.

Freedom and Security of the Person

It is my responsibility to ensure my personal freedom by avoiding harmful situations and standing up for myself when necessary.

Privacy

I am responsible for protecting my personal space and safeguarding my personal information.

Freedom of Expression

I will express myself with integrity, ensuring that my words and actions reflect my values and truth.

Freedom of Association

It is my responsibility to choose associations wisely, aligning with people and groups that promote my well-being and goals.

Political Rights

I will use my political rights to contribute to society in ways that reflect my values and aspirations.

Environment

I am responsible for making sustainable choices that reduce my ecological impact and contribute to a better future.

Responsibility Over Rights

What would our world look like if we embraced responsibility over rights? By taking responsibility for our actions and choices, we cultivate lives rooted in personal accountability, integrity, and growth. This approach empowers us to create the life we desire, while honoring respect, fairness, and self-care.

Reflect & Act

Today, I encourage you to reflect on this idea: instead of focusing on rights, adopt an attitude of responsibility. In Genesis, after God created humans, He gave them responsibilities, not rights. The lesson is clear—rights without responsibility can be dangerous.

Let’s shift our focus from what we deserve to what we can do. We are Becoming Mavericks, changing the world through personal accountability.

Scriptures for reflection:

Genesis 2:15: "The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it."
Luke 12:48: "To whom much is given, much will be required."

Join the Conversation

Thank you for reading to the end. I invite you to reflect on your personal responsibilities. How are you embracing responsibility in your life? Let’s start a conversation—leave a comment below!

Shalom!

Thank You for Your Generosity

Thank you for your support and for making this journey so much more fun and rewarding!

Where to?

Where do I go from here?

“A man cannot be comfortable without his own approval.” — Mark Twain

Acknowledging, in the context of a growth mindset, means recognizing where you currently stand without viewing it as your final destination. It’s not about accepting limitations, but about seeing them clearly as a starting point for progress.

Welcome to the Journey, Mavericks

Welcome to Becoming Maverick. If you're here, you’re likely someone who questions the status quo and seeks ways to grow—someone who doesn’t settle. That’s what this space is all about challenging ourselves to move forward, not just by leaps, but through small, meaningful steps. And today, I want to share something I’ve been reflecting on—something that I believe can resonate with all of us on this journey.

The Struggle with Acceptance

Lately, I’ve been wrestling with the idea of acceptance. When life takes a turn for the worse, or even when something great happens, I’ve often been told, "You need to accept it and move on." But that never quite sat right with me. How can I be expected to accept a situation, especially if I’m in distress? Acceptance can feel like a dead end—a resignation to circumstances that might feel completely wrong or limiting.

Even Success Can Feel Limiting

Interestingly, I’ve found that this struggle with acceptance doesn’t only happen in difficult times. When I achieve something, people often say, “You're awesome—please stay as you are!” But this feels like another form of limitation. I believe in continuous growth, and the idea of staying the same contradicts that. Success isn’t a point of completion—it’s a foundation for more growth.

The Power of Acknowledgment

What I’ve been exploring instead is the concept of acknowledgement. This feels different from acceptance. Acknowledgement allows me to recognize where I am without feeling confined to it. It gives me the freedom to say, “This is my starting point,” and from there, I can envision my next steps. Acknowledging a situation, whether it’s good or bad, feels empowering. It means I’m aware of my reality without being defined by it.

Acknowledgement as a Starting Point

Recently, I’ve written about the power of believing aggressively and transforming weeds into progress. Acknowledgement is part of this process. It is the starting point of any journey. It’s an act of awareness that allows me to map out my future, even in the middle of chaos or success. By acknowledging the status quo, I’m able to decide what comes next. I can evolve, adapt, and make progress rather than stay stagnant.

Growth Isn’t Static

The way I see it, personal growth is rarely about massive leaps forward. It’s more about small, steady steps. Acknowledgement is the first step. It’s realizing that growth is a continuous journey, and staying static—whether in success or struggle—doesn’t move us forward. By acknowledging where I am today, I create the space to grow into who I want to be tomorrow.

Slowing Down to Move Forward

There’s a song I love called Breathe Slow by Mars Ill. It reminds me to slow down when life feels overwhelming. That ties directly into acknowledgement for me. When I’m in the thick of it—whether it’s stress, confusion, or even success—acknowledging what’s happening helps me pause and breathe. It’s in that moment of pause where I can see the possibilities ahead, even if they aren’t immediately clear.

A Journey of Acknowledgment

I’m still navigating this concept, but I’ve found that acknowledgement allows me to move through life with more intention. Acceptance has its place, but acknowledgement feels like the tool I need to keep growing, to keep expanding. It’s about recognizing where I am, but always looking forward to what’s next.

Join the Conversation

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this. Does acknowledgement resonate with you? How do you approach moments of struggle or success? Join the conversation by leaving a comment below and let’s continue exploring this journey together.

Shalom!

Thank You for Your Generosity