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Anél Potgieter
Chasing money as the single source of wealth may be a foolhardy investment, says Fin24 user Anél Potgieter. She writes:
MONEY is not the only measure of wealth.
Chasing my passion has brought me wealth in so many shapes and forms. This may sound rather whimsical, even odd to any right-minded capitalist. Let me explain.
My life and aspirations currently resolve around two things: architecture and zoo biscuits. I know that neither one is going to make me rich, but I have found wealth and happiness.
The reason for this is that I am living and breathing my two passions – media and food.
You may ask, well, how does this all fit together?
In a professional capacity I am currently the head of communications at a leading architectural and design firm, dhk Architects.
It’s a great firm to work for, not only for their outstanding talents, but more so for the people that work there. I have great admiration for the boss, my fellow colleagues and the environment. I get to engage and interact with the media - it makes me happy and this for me is wealth.
I also get the opportunity to live my second passion… food.
Where does this food thingie fit in…? Well, it has been an incredible journey (only late in life I might add…).
Just over forty something I decided to enter the first series of Masterchef South Africa. I became so depressed after my “Masterchef Rejection” episode (this after reaching the Top 35), that I started eating my favourite cookies – zoo biscuits – and lots and lots of them.
A week later – still eating the cookies – I woke up one morning (April 12 2012 to be exact) and decided enough is enough. I needed to write about food and so I started my blog lifeisazoobiscuit.
Well, since then nothing has been the same. Shortly thereafter I won the Dinner Divas Series 1 on national television and my blog has won the 2013 Eat Out DStv Food Network Best Local Food Blog of the Year award.
Can you believe it?
I have been able to follow my passions and dreams. The contentment created where one is happy in one’s work environment and the opportunity to chase a dream I had long given up on, has brought with it remarkable happiness and satisfaction.
The road may not be paved with riches and gold as it still takes much sweat and toil, but this journey, which continues, has made me wealthy beyond my years and dreams.
My heart has healed and the goddess of food has opened her arms to me. My life is a zoo biscuit… Happy, colourful and full of joy and excitement.
Be forewarned that chasing money as the single source of wealth may be a foolhardy investment. It pays in life to spread your investments. Look beyond the paper bills and richness and see the real wealth that lies within.
Happiness is not always measured in financial terms, but where your life and soul finds happiness.
Here are a few tips I would like to share on moving you to that “wealthy” point:
* Identify your talents and passion;
* Invest, believe and skill yourself in your unique talents;
* Be prepared to work your normal eight hours and another two hours at home per day;
* Have a support structure. For me it is my husband, mom, family and friends;
* Never be afraid or scared to take chances and to fail. (Some of life’s greatest lessons lie in those times that we think we have failed.);
* It's healthy to doubt yourself – and helps to keep you grounded;
* Don’t be stupid and resign and just follow an interest or some unrealistic passion – you need to think logically and make sure you have sufficient money to live your other passion.
- Fin24
* This is a Fin24 user submission. Add your voice to our Women's Wealth Issue and help empower others this Women's Month.
Write a guest post
Share your coping tips
Ask the experts
MONEY is not the only measure of wealth.
Chasing my passion has brought me wealth in so many shapes and forms. This may sound rather whimsical, even odd to any right-minded capitalist. Let me explain.
My life and aspirations currently resolve around two things: architecture and zoo biscuits. I know that neither one is going to make me rich, but I have found wealth and happiness.
The reason for this is that I am living and breathing my two passions – media and food.
You may ask, well, how does this all fit together?
In a professional capacity I am currently the head of communications at a leading architectural and design firm, dhk Architects.
It’s a great firm to work for, not only for their outstanding talents, but more so for the people that work there. I have great admiration for the boss, my fellow colleagues and the environment. I get to engage and interact with the media - it makes me happy and this for me is wealth.
I also get the opportunity to live my second passion… food.
Where does this food thingie fit in…? Well, it has been an incredible journey (only late in life I might add…).
Just over forty something I decided to enter the first series of Masterchef South Africa. I became so depressed after my “Masterchef Rejection” episode (this after reaching the Top 35), that I started eating my favourite cookies – zoo biscuits – and lots and lots of them.
A week later – still eating the cookies – I woke up one morning (April 12 2012 to be exact) and decided enough is enough. I needed to write about food and so I started my blog lifeisazoobiscuit.
Well, since then nothing has been the same. Shortly thereafter I won the Dinner Divas Series 1 on national television and my blog has won the 2013 Eat Out DStv Food Network Best Local Food Blog of the Year award.
Can you believe it?
I have been able to follow my passions and dreams. The contentment created where one is happy in one’s work environment and the opportunity to chase a dream I had long given up on, has brought with it remarkable happiness and satisfaction.
The road may not be paved with riches and gold as it still takes much sweat and toil, but this journey, which continues, has made me wealthy beyond my years and dreams.
My heart has healed and the goddess of food has opened her arms to me. My life is a zoo biscuit… Happy, colourful and full of joy and excitement.
Be forewarned that chasing money as the single source of wealth may be a foolhardy investment. It pays in life to spread your investments. Look beyond the paper bills and richness and see the real wealth that lies within.
Happiness is not always measured in financial terms, but where your life and soul finds happiness.
Here are a few tips I would like to share on moving you to that “wealthy” point:
* Identify your talents and passion;
* Invest, believe and skill yourself in your unique talents;
* Be prepared to work your normal eight hours and another two hours at home per day;
* Have a support structure. For me it is my husband, mom, family and friends;
* Never be afraid or scared to take chances and to fail. (Some of life’s greatest lessons lie in those times that we think we have failed.);
* It's healthy to doubt yourself – and helps to keep you grounded;
* Don’t be stupid and resign and just follow an interest or some unrealistic passion – you need to think logically and make sure you have sufficient money to live your other passion.
- Fin24
* This is a Fin24 user submission. Add your voice to our Women's Wealth Issue and help empower others this Women's Month.
Write a guest post
Share your coping tips
Ask the experts
