MyPE

Community Business Directory, Event Listings, News and Views from Gqeberha, Nelson Mandela Bay

Are you a Closet Soutpiel?

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In the old days we used to call people with one foot in a new life and one foot in an old life a ‘soutpiel’ (a rather rude way of saying to an English person that they had one foot in England, one foot in South Africa and an appendage that dangled in the ocean in between). My rejoinder to that was always; “Well, at least my appendage reaches the ocean!”

Let’s consider this statement for a while; “The greatest lesson I have learned this year is that you cannot have one foot in your old life and one foot in your new life and expect change. You have to fully commit to the new life.”

Let’s break that down for our politicians; “You cannot hold up the past (the National Party) as an excuse for your failings in the present (ANC etc.). You have to fully commit to positive change and not rely on an excuse.”

Let’s break that down relationship wise; “Your continuous sadness and rage at what your former partner/parent/sibling/friend did to make you sad is not an excuse for your failings in the present, nor is it ‘sexy’ in any way. You have to fully commit to positive change and not rely on an excuse.”

Let’s break that down in terms of religion; “You cannot move forward in love unless you forgive everyone their failings – especially yourself. You have to fully commit to positive change and not rely on an excuse.”

At the end of the day we all need to live in the present as today and now is what will shape our future and how we react to that.

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Views Since 15 July 2022: 56

Gqeberha’s Latest News and Events can be accessed on MyGqeberha.com.

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.