by Mbalenhle Ndaba

The statement that the grass is greener on the other side is a nice line, but it fails to define what is over on the other side once we get there. Those greener pastures may not be as we thought, especially when we no longer have the tools of perspective or experience, we have on the previous side. So, we end up in a new thing with old and new baggage, and a whole host of new challenges we are experiencing, most of which are exactly like the ones we left on the original side.

To be honest, the “other side,” as we call it, is often a mirage, an illusion that something new will mean something great and that change will magically remove obstacles and will somehow develop new character traits in us as entrepreneurs. It rarely does. Let’s take a stand and face the pressure- tough times are notorious for tempting us with distraction of “I think I need to move to the next thing in life.” But if we measured the amount of time we spend fantasizing about “the next thing”, we’d discover the actual reason why our “current situation” is in the shape it’s in. Diversion is liability and applying that time and focus to what is now, the grass on this side would get watered immediately and would become greener before we know it. Let’s not be mistaken; contemplating the future isn’t all bad.

But when daydreaming distracts you from being responsible with the present, not only will you lose sight of what’s possible, but your current dream will also likely become the nightmare it was never meant to be. Give your present circumstances the commitment they deserve.

Mbalenhle Ndaba is a freelance creative, storyteller, self-taught writer, entrepreneur, and human rights activist. Her writing is called expressive writing. It is a brief writing technique that has helped her deal with emotional upheavals. It is like self-help therapy without outlandish claims. It is all about taking risks and moving beyond secure comfort zones. Reading her articles can be a cathartic way to work through emotions like loneliness, confronting your fears and being mindful of what one is currently happy about, as well as what is wished for the future. Mbalenhle’s articles aim to inspire, to stimulate the reader to think, or provoke a plan of action. The titles aim to charm, amuse, intrigue, or buttonhole the reader in some way through shared experiences. Mbalenhle is also the Founder of House Minder 4U, a cleaning service. Its name is derived from the unity of keeping spaces homely and clean. A woman owned company with the aspiration to satisfy commercial and residential sectors, the company is optimistically thriving.
WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | EMAIL mbaly.ndaba@gmail.com

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