Letter 3/24: Kodwa

 Hi 2024, 

It’s Tuesday. I’m deciding to choose peace for our reflection today. You’ve been tough 2024 but, you had your moments. Let’s call these moments the kodwa (but) moments. 

Kodwa moments are a tricky space. You want to acknowledge what you can about a situation. You’re adamant that your views are final and then the but sneaks up on you. Kodwa moments are like being served the last piece of chicken - which happens to be your least favourite portion but, you can’t be unhappy…because at least you have meat. Kodwa moments can be compared to being squashed in a taxi. You feel pressed but relieved that you don’t have to deal with the maths that comes with that front seat. Kodwa moments are like finally reaching your weight goals and suddenly realising you need new clothes. And no, they’re nothing like “grey areas”. Kodwa areas come with more complexities and emotional rollercoasters. 

You’ve been my kodwa year 2024. Today I just want to acknowledge that and sit in that acknowledgment. Saying that you’ve been tough doesn’t mean that I’m saying you were all bad. I just can’t get myself to not acknowledge that it wasn’t an easy ride. There were times when I got off track and even wondered if the track was even the track…

You’re reaching me that acknowledging my struggles is not the absence of gratitude…

Letter 2/24: Siyajabula

 Hello 2024, 

It’s Monday. My least favourite day of the week. My beef with this day extends far beyond your timeline. I must say that you didn’t do much to remedy this. 

This year, I’ll be adding two features as part of our conversation. One of them is letters I’ll be writing to friends based on lessons they’ve taught me. While these will be public, their privacy will be respected. And Yes, I couldn’t face you alone. Made plans for back up immediately when you made that “after school is after school” threat to me. 

Sis wam, where do I begin?! 

Let’s start here, it’s Monday. Another day in the “struggle”. 2024 has me by the washing and has me ducking and diving. Jonga, the wrestle is on. You know the drill - mind all the puns. 

I’m busy trying to catch my breath and then Naima Kay’s song hit me - lelilanga! Today is no typical Monday. Today is YOUR day! I do not have the vocabulary to describe the joy it brought. Whaaaaaaaat?! 

A particular memory from my childhood pops up when I reflect on how our timelines got to link. I remember how we used to be fascinated by seeing teenagers or young adults passing by and looking good. After discussing the fascination amongst ourselves, the bravest of us would be brave enough to say: sisi, umhle! (You look good, sister). Now this usually had two main reactions. One where the person in question would ignore us and walk straight on. Another would be a blush accompanied by a “thank you”. Now the latter would leave you hoping if you’d also be like that one day. Let’s not talk about the former 🤣

You happen to fall into the category of the latter but, with a twist. An IT girl who is available for those who come after her to walk with her. I am always in awe at how you are able to do this - your humility and being available. Being available to share parts of your journey. Being available to share wisdoms learnt. Being available for deep and meaningful conversations. 

Thank you for sharing parts of your journey. It is such a privilege to have you as umhlali (resident) in our village. Congratulations on your milestone!

As Bongi Maffin have said, namhlanje siyajabula! 

Letter 1/24: Iyhooo

2024, 

I hope this finds you. 

Usually that sentence is accompanied by well wishes and manners. I’m not quite sure what to say to you. How does one address a villain? Homegirl, if you weren’t the Thanos of years, I’d probably have nice adjectives. You were. So, I’m just hoping this finds you…

Welcome to a longstanding tradition of reflective epistolaries which mark the end of the year. I must confess, things were so hectic on your timeline that I almost broke this tradition. I mean, how do you say “it was hectic” in 24 different ways? I know I don’t have the enough English to do that. Luckily for you, fate decided otherwise. 

You’ve served painful lessons, 2024. They came in different shapes and sizes. Lessons I can openly talk about, lessons I can laugh at to lessons which shook my being to the core. You may be the reason why I one day need a slightly bigger grave space…because I’m definitely taking some lessons you served with me there! 

You’ve been the iyhoooo to my Solomon, a dictator to my system and just crippling. I don’t know who put up my name on the strong persons list on your timeline but, I pray they forget the correct spelling next year. I hope they forget it even the year after. Infinity wouldn’t even be enough. Iyhooo! 

I look forward to wrapping up your final days…

Point of order

 Hello fam! 

Welcome back to my YouTube Channel (read blog😂)! 

First things first, thank you for continually observing the annual universal Linda day. I don’t mention it enough but, I appreciate your support to my craft. 

Secondly, A very warm welcome to all the first timers. Name is Linda and I’m an occasional reflective blogger. Every year, I write reflective pieces to different versions of myself. 

Thirdly, let’s get to the business of the day. It’s been tough putting this one together. Life is currently set at Welele. On a scale of Iyhoo to Hybo, I’m finding myself constantly hitting ha a! I’ve been hoping that a rosey experience will come at the eleventh hour and I’d wing it. Where? After 30, it seems like the only constant smell, after fresh air, is that of reality. Jonga, now I know why they said “wake up and smell the coffee”. Reality will wake you up quick quick…

Dear me, this current phase of your life feels like you’re a disgruntled member of parliament who is constantly calling out a point of order to the speaker of life. She looks at you, asks: what is your point of order honourable member?”  Jonga, we have a whole list:

• To who I used to be: Chief, I am here bearing the consequences of your actions. You know that subtle voice that said “it’s going to be tough” and you decided to listen to the loud “do it anyway”? Well…I sure wish you would have listened. Okay, not all the time but sometimes I wish you were less tjatjerig! This friendshipnyana that you and Hope have needs the Hawks to investigate it. No way! 
• To who I am now: sigh. Yho girl. You’re in it shame. Somehow someone added you on God’s list of the strongest in 2024. I don’t know who is responsible for this glitch in the system. Not only is it offline but, the back up generator is faulty. That comrade has betrayed the struggle. Let’s hope the 2025 team has more precision ngoba wow! Senzeni na?! These weapons have me questioning the real meaning of “shall prosper”.  For now, remain strong - you are part of the revolution! On a serious note fam, where do they get those tenders that give you inner peace with the conundrum that is adulting? I’m asking for fellow comrades and my constituency. 
• To who I will be: Have you and the gym formed a GNU yet? 😂 I doubt that you’re louder or less private but, I hope you’re celebrating the victories. Even the ones that seem small and insignificant. Leadership, you see this life thing requires one to be resolute - be exactly that. Repeat after me: asijiki! I hope you’ve kept our smile and awesome heart. I pray that peace is your strongest ally. 

To life, basically what I am saying to you, as I reflect on this milestone of my revolutionary existence is: POINT OF ORDER ! 

Mini emnandi kuwe Nokwindla! 🥂