My laissez faire attitude towards social media means that I miss the hysteria of breaking news these days. If my current affairs queens on Whatsapp don’t post it, I get it later. Like in the old days of print newspapers. This is how I missed the announcement of Kuli Roberts’ sudden death in February.

 

Talk about a queen. She was the original celebrity journalist/socialite, a trailblazer for sure. And as Sonia Motaung, also a media legend, said at her memorial, it’s hard to image a world without her. As a young PR professional, she was a mainstay at any event worth its champagne. Once Kuli arrived, you knew that you’d scored a hit, column centimetres for the client. 

 

I was aware that her and Sonia worked together back then but had no idea that the friendship bond was so strong. On the surface, Kuli’s life was glamourous and many times, superficial. But in death, I got a glimpse into the depths of her soul, her purpose, through her friend. The power of friendship and connection.

 

Later this year, I will ascend to the ‘5th floor’ as I heard it described by a Kaya FM caller the other day. The analogy resonated with me immediately. I just love the sense of elevation. Getting closer and closer to the penthouse suite. Oh, the view from above.

 

So, today’s reflection is around friendship and purpose.

Since we’re living, breathing energy fields we ignite and inspire as much as we are recipients of the same. So, today’s reflection is around friendship and purpose.

 

I’m continually inspired by the confluence of spirits as we journey together. Those we have chosen; not those who are connected by blood. Some of us are fortunate to have family who also become friends, by the way.

 

The fact that one is able to consider one’s life purpose is a privilege. Many are so consumed in the daily, elemental struggles for basic needs that purpose is superfluous. Sadly, some never get there.  

 

To influence, in whatever way, small or large, recognised or silent, for one or many.

Then, to have those in one’s orbit on the same search, is priceless. That doesn’t mean that everyone we meet or connect with must be searching for purpose. No. That’s the blessing of the journey. To influence, in whatever way, small or large, recognised or silent, for one or many.

 

My 2022 kicked off with a clear goal to ‘discover my purpose’. What am I here for? That complicated simple question. Honestly, the thought of purpose has rendered me immobile many times. Especially in an age of hyper-success that’s thrown in our faces as we scroll through online feeds.

 

Sometimes I’ve felt as though I’m here, aimlessly sauntering through life, wasting the talents I’ve been given. Not ‘working’ them as I should. Have I even uncovered all the talents I’ve been given? Having kids made me feel somewhat better; you know, taking care of others is my ‘purpose’.

 

But it’s an illusion. Surely, people without children have purpose. Oprah immediately comes to mind.

 

A side note, that’s one of our biggest faults as women. We confuse a role – what we do – with who we are.  As Eckhart Tolle says, “We confuse the doing with the Being”. Powerful.

 

So, what is our purpose? Surprisingly, we all have the same purpose. To be present. To live in the moment. Life is only ever a series of ‘nows’ according to Tolle. Once you immerse yourself in Being, your gift emerges, much like the delicate butterfly, for the world to experience and enjoy.

 

Each butterfly is unique and special.

No effort. No pressure. No stress. And that’s where the difference comes in. Our gifts. Each butterfly is unique and special.

 

But I know it’s hard to get away from equating our lives to success. What is a life of success?

 

As my childhood friend, Shehaam, puts it; “in this life of superficiality, it’s all good and well to look successful but success is really each and every obstacle that we overcome with poise and grace”.

 

Here’s to living in the moment, dear hearts. And the power of friends on a journey of purpose.