#SpeakLifeSeptember Challenge

This post is delayed. I wrote it at the beginning of the month and I just didn‘t get around to posting it. My October has been busy, launching the blog and working on the INUKA business, while trying to stick to my gym schedule has been quite a challenge on its own but I’m okay, everything is okay.

What a year it has been. As I reflect on all the things the year has brought me, I want to send all my love to every single person who has lost a loved one, a job, a business deal, an opportunity. Deuteronomy 30:3 says “God, your God, will restore everything you lost; he’ll have compassion on you; he’ll come back and pick up the pieces from all the places where you were scattered.”

Nothing could have prepared us for this 2020.

I have been taking part in monthly challenges in recent months and I have been sharing my experiences. This challenge was a spiritual rather the physical ones I usually embark on. It was different and what I got from it is also different.

It was initiated by Mpumi Ledwaba and many people participated.

I had a group of ladies (friends) that helped me through the month and we shared, regularly our experiences.

I will go through some of the highlights of the challenge and give you an overview of my experience. It has enriched my life so much and I hope I can articulate that in this short entry.

1. Gratitude

The challenge was to write 10 things you’re grateful for every day, you were not allowed to repeat anything. The first few days were easy, it was the big stuff, life, a home, a family, job etc. By the end of the first week, I had to dig deep. I found myself being grateful for running water, how often do you think about running water as a privilege? This experience made me realize how much God has given me and how I often forget.

In the end, I learnt that, actually, I have everything that I need. Psalm 23:1 was so real to me in this month “The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.”

1. Don’t ask God for anything the whole month

Wow, yes...NO asking God for anything. Only give thanks. This was tough because I was busy with applications and I wanted to do was to ask God to open doors but I didn’t. I had to trust that He knows what is good for me and He knows how to bring fish to my net.

I had to stop myself mid-sentence asking for something.

I realized that I ask a lot. In my prayers, right after ‘Dear God’ there is ‘please..’, I had to unlearn that and give thanks...the whole month 👀. This also taught me to pray more. Every time I remembered that I was participating in a challenge, I also remembered to pray.

1. Eating healthy and nutritious foods (No sugar)

My focus was on No sugar. I knew that not having coffee was going to be my biggest challenge. I usually have 2-3 cups a day depending on how busy my work day is. I cannot stomach coffee with no sugar so I knew I was going to have to cut it out completely.

I also had a tough time around my mom’s birthday, we got her this lovely cake. I would salivate every time I look at it, but I didn’t have any.

The importance of this part of the challenge for me was inspired by Luke 16:10 “If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest with little things, you will be dishonest with greater responsibilities.”

I considered it practice for what I am going to be entrusted with in the future. I finished a whole month with no sugar and I couldn’t be more proud.

The challenge also included speaking positive words over your life and being active (taking 10 000, or was it 50 000 steps a day), I exercise 5–6 times a week so this wasn’t much of a challenge for me.

These challenges have been very beneficial for me. I am learning that the more I pursue God, the more I’m learning about myself. I am learning that being happy and living a purposeful life has very little to do with money. What a pleasant surprise!

In October I will be participating in a different challenge. I look forward to living life with intent and being present to experience everything that is on offer.

❤️✨ Gcobisa M