Le Weekly #23 – Lighting Rod ☔️
One quote, one word, one shoutout, one story, one neigh from Philosophical Horse and one question.
Greetings everyone. Happy Monday!
Take a moment to reflect on each snippet. Comment your thoughts below.
Le Quote 🗣
“I asked God for growth. He gave me Rain.” – Robin-Jade Carolus.
Le Word 💬
charity (noun) kindness and tolerance in judging others.
Le Shoutout 🧣
Last week’s Shoutout mentioned James, Joe, and Tom, the trio behind Get With It.
On Saturday, they successfully completed their 256km five-day running challenge when they crossed the finish line of the Two Oceans Ultra Marathon.
Together, the three raised over R400 000 for three charities and ignited small fires within everyone’s heart who had the opportunity to witness them do it.
After a quick moment at the finish line with friends and family, they headed to Forries to celebrate.
Another runner who celebrated at Forries was Gerda Steyn, this year’s Ultra Marathon winner.
Gerda Steyn is incredible. She breaks records with a smile, exuding an energy that makes it impossible not to become a big fan.
What’s more, her story is inspirational. She only started running at the age of 24 when she joined a running club in Dubai in an attempt to meet some people.
“Everyone in my running club was training for an ultra marathon. I was running socially to keep fit, and I ended up joining them. That is how my running journey began,” she explains.
She won her first Two Oceans at 28 years old, only four years after joining the running club. Now, nine years later, she is South Africa’s running queen.
When Gerda walked into Forries, the stars aligned for James, Tom, and Joe to chat with her.
They all congratulated each other on their achievements, sharing humility in abundance. Seeing them chatting was like witnessing a human Venn diagram of wholesomeness. In that moment, two things were clear:
You never know when your life will change.
Your life will only change if you open yourself up to it.
Shoutout to James, Tom, Gerda, and Joe for being such inspirations this week, and an even bigger shoutout goes to the support crew behind every successful run.
Le Story ✍️
I woke up and debated going back to sleep.
“You need more sleep,” I said.
“So true!” I agreed.
It was dark, wet and stormy outside.
A message from Robin-Jade popped up on my phone. We were both doing a challenge that required us to exercise outside for 45 minutes every day for 75 days. I felt inspired to get up without even needing to read the message. All I knew was, “Robin-Jade is up, so I must get up.”
So I got up.
I glanced at the rain outside while making my bed. Having almost gone back to sleep, I recognised the great timing of Robin’s message.
I put on my jacket, opened my door and stepped into the wild blue yonder.
The park, usually filled with people, was empty. It was just me, a lunatic with an umbrella wrestling against torrential rain.
I felt so lucky to have the park to myself. I loved the rain on my umbrella, the puddles, and the knowledge that I could wear dry shoes when I got home.
Strangely enough, I felt completely safe because I knew thieves wouldn’t expect anyone to be out and about in a storm. So, with no one around and no threat of danger (other than my umbrella getting hit by lighting), I could exist purely for about 30 minutes.
Then, a person hurried past me on their way to work, shielding themselves from the rain, looking uncomfortable and disturbed.
It dawned on me: I was in blissful solitude because I had chosen to walk in the rain. The other person had not chosen to be there, so they were fighting to get out of it.
We shared the same physical environment, but our experiences differed completely.
Le Poem 🌷
I walked in the rain
There was no one around
Just raindrops vs. umbrella
What a beautiful sound.
Le Neigh from Philosophical Horse 🐴
“Neigh.” – Philosophical Horse
Le Question 🤔
Would you like to change your life?
Have a great Monday, everyone!
Previous Newsletters:
(Remember to send this to someone who you think would enjoy Le Weekly)
Vida Choc 🍫 Street Light 💡 Growth Spurt 📈 Tan Lines ☀️ Steam Train 🚂 Parked Car 🚗 Russ Bus 🚌 Being New ✨ Coffee Coffee ☕️ Leopard Picture 🐆 Clare’s Exhalations 🌸 Boiled Potatoes 🥔 Back Shampoo 🧼 Muscular Swallows 🐦 Long Wood 🪵 Impactful Leaf 🍃 Vulnerable Ankles 🦵 Sea Sea TV 📸 Treadmill Queue 💦 Lemonade 🍋 Meat Factory 🥩 Woolworths Maternitywear 👚