From the team
HELEN SCHOER | EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
A few mornings ago my husband and I were having one of those deep discussions on the meaning of life. We’ve been having them for more than 20 years and we’re no closer to a conclusion. In those days it was over red wine; these days it’s over coffee.
Inevitably, one of us ends the discussion by saying “42”. If I’ve lost you, you clearly aren’t a fellow Douglas Adams fan. In his famous book series The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, 42 is the answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe, and everything, calculated by a supercomputer named Deep Thought over a period of 7.5 million years. Funny, but cynical, right?
My daughters are now old enough to join in on these meaning-oflife discussion, but young enough not to be cynical. As challenging as teenagers can be, this is such a precious time with them.
My resolution for 2020 is therefore to be a better listener when they want to talk about this big, messy thing called life, and to check that my own views aren’t becoming fixed and jaded, as sometimes happens with the creep of the years. In 2020 I will not settle for “42”. I want to dig deeper.
TINA OTTE SPECIALIST EDITOR
I used to be one of those many people who would make New Year’s resolutions, only to slip back into old habits. As I get older, I realise that life is to be treasured and every day is a blessing, and will bring challenges that we learn from. So, not only do I celebrate a New Year, but I celebrate every new day! I plan to be more in the moment, spend more time with my family, especially aging parents and young grandchildren, and value any time I still have on this earth. None of us are promised tomorrow!
ROBYN LAWRENSON DEPUTY EDITOR
I want to make my 2020 about meaningful changes, both big and small. I want to make lifestyle changes like decluttering more often, spending more time outdoors, taking more Epsom salt baths, and reading more books (I love a good self-help book). Spending more quality time with my daughter, where I can let my inner child run free, is also a top priority this year. I’m letting go of all the false conclusions I came to in the past about who I am as a person, and living my best life, as a person I love and appreciate.
DENISE KHOELE ART DIRECTOR
The new year usually brings about new stressors that we never anticipated and because of that I want to start carving out a life of balance and joy for myself starting now. I’ll be spending more time in nature with bare feet and my phone on airplane mode; reading while lying in the sun with a refreshing drink in hand and learning new skills. Hopefully I won’t stress myself out with my new life.
ELAINE SCHOEMAN LIFESTYLE & SHOPPING EDITOR
My New Year’s resolution will simply be to live a healthier and happier life. My goals: healthy eating, lots of running (my exercise obsession), enough sleep, daily gratitude and spending more time with friends and family.
ZOE SMITH MARKETING EXECUTIVE
Every year I say I’ll read more. The problem is that I don’t, so I really want to commit to that for 2020. Perhaps writing this to all you wonderful readers will keep me accountable! Pilgrim’s Progress, Robinson Crusoe, Knowing God and so many more are on my list. I also want to learn IsiZulu. I’m already trying hard, with my own Twitter account to motivate me (@LearnZuluToday). May I be disciplined enough to start the ball rolling early, and keep the momentum going! In the back of my mind, I know I have your support and encouragement. May your 2020 be a great year!
CATHY MUTHEE MARKETING ASSISTANT
To live your best life requires prioritising the best in your life. For me, it’s my convictions, my husband and my two kids. I desire to be a good wife to my wonderful husband and to be the best, funloving, truth-speaking mom to my children. I want to raise them with excellent morals and values, and teach them that no matter what they do in their lives, it won’t change my love for them. This year, I will prioritise the needy. I desire to live a generous life, with my time, my money and my love.