There’s no formula. You’re going to make some dumb choices along the line but you’re also going to be kind to yourself and make better ones next time. It’s life, it’s okay.
It's actually so easy to drown in pain, to submerge yourself in it and forget to come out for air. This is your reminder that you are still here, that you can heal, that joy will one day come in oceans of abundance. Until then, remember to breathe and take it one day at a time.
When you have mastered the virtue of contentment, people start thinking you have everything.
Contentment doesn't cancel Desire, but cancels Desperation.
Most of us grew up without mentors.
Somehow, amidst uncertainty and self-doubt, we found a way.
Your circumstances are just a starting point.
Your decisions are what can make, or break you.
Feed your mind with the right thoughts and decisions.
Young girls who are entering Joburg for the first time... be careful.
The men who have been here for years have years of experience. You're not smarter than them. You're not smarter than the women that came before you.
They will buy you drinks and "expect nothing in return"... they know what they are doing. Trust me.
It's so easy for them to not ask for sex coz they'll get it that evening anyways... from other medium term and long term projects they have been investing in before you.
You're a new project. A gamble. Out of every 10... 7 come back all the time... like a loyal dog. Free drinks. Free airtime. No payback. No ask for conversation or sex. Just freebies... who wouldn't want that????
Of the 7 who keep coming back... 5 will eventually cave in and give up the cookie.
He'll be gentle and won't even rush you. He'll take his time and you'll fall... trust me... the guys here are experienced campaigners, you're the novice debutant entering the lion's den, the shark cage, for the first time...
If you can... find Khanyi Mbau interviews on YouTube... she says men will buy you things, but ultimately you're the one who pays...
Stay safe babygirl. Look after yourself. Remember what you were taught at home. Stay in your lane. Go home when finances or school go sideways. Don't get caught up in the flashing lights and become second-hand used goods, with tattoos of every man who has entered you, tattood on your tired, booze-worn face and exploited lips...
Blessers aren't all big, black sweaty men, who call each other "chief" or "cadre" with broken English... some are well-spoken, boys' school alumni with corporate jobs in Sandton, but broken from past relationships and looking to emulate the wolves that stole the loves of their lives and shattered their hearts, in their younger years...
I love you babygirl. Please love yourself. There are good men outchea. I've seen them. Even when they mess up, they work hard to redeem themselves. Invest in these men.
Be careful of wolves in JHB... stay safe. Money is not everything. Your health, heart and mental sanity are worth so much more...
I love you.
Penuel Mlotshwa
#theblackpen 13 October 2017
”To the faithful you show yourself faithful; to those with integrity you show integrity. God’s way is perfect. All the Lord’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection.“
Psalms 18:25, 30 NLT
If you don’t have a year plan yet, come let’s look at
'20 Practical Ways To Improve Oneself in 2024'.
This is my cheat code every year. Last year, I received two award categories at the Canadian SME National Business Awards, closed over 65 Uni/College partnerships, & many more.
- Go on LinkedIn, search for “I’m hiring for” or “we’re hiring for” and insert your desired role. It’ll pop up with a ton of posts from hiring managers & recruiters, Many you won’t likely see on job sections /platforms
- Have an editable version of your CV & cover letter easily accessible on web & mobile (preferably Google docs), to make quick adjustments where needed for each role
- Identify the keywords in each JD and adjust your skills & experience in your CV to fit it, helps move past the ATS phase of your application
- Show the impact of your work in your CV, eg number of users/beneficiaries/reach etc, valid data that helps quantify what you do
- Ask important questions in your interviews too, shows you know your onions eg “what does Success look like in this role”
- Understand that your chances of rejection are higher so apply for as many opportunities as you can to give you a better chance
Paying jobs demanded degrees, we obtained said degrees.
Paying jobs saw Black youth graduating and suddenly demanded experience.
Black youth did unpaid internship for experience whilst studying hoping they get the job.
Now it's "Must have own car."
Our condition is by design.