Wendel Abel

Many readers have been expressing concerns as to whether I had discontinued my weekly column. Obviously not! I had only taken a break. This was a well-needed break to recharge my physical, emotional and spiritual batteries. It was an opportunity to renew and reinvent myself. I encourage everyone to do this from time to time. We all need to renew ourselves at times.

My personal space: I took time off to clean up my personal space. This should be an ongoing process but every now and then we need to pause and clean our offices and other personal spaces, reorganise files, discard documents and throw out those items that we do not need.

That can sometimes be difficult, especially when we are attached to certain things. It is important, however, to reduce the clutter and confusion in our personal space. Start your personal space cleaning today; bit by bit you will chip away at the block. It is such a refreshing feeling when you clean your personal space. It gives a sense of renewal.

Taking care of my health: I have been grappling with my weight gain. I had started to feel embarrassed when I told people to manage their weight and start exercising. I took this period to start exercising again this should be a part of our daily lives, pursuing a healthy lifestyle is still a challenge for many people.

Take time out, despite the busy schedules, to take care of our health. Your regular physical examination is important. Struggling with your weight? Why not join me? I have started to walk again in the mornings. This means that I will have to reorganise my life and schedule. It is worth it. Regular exercising enhances our health, adds years to our lives and it certainly is one of the most significant investments we can make in our lives. I find that when I start the day with exercise, I feel renewed.

Managing my debt: Don't worry, I am not drowning in debt but I have certainly accumulated some. During this period, I took some time to revisit my debt and to review my personal habits. A reminder to all of us - spend less and save more!

Dealing with personal addictions: Many of us have addictions, whether it is work, drugs, shopping, gambling, eating or whatever. Remember, any activity that has become compulsive and consumes too much of our lives and resources to the extent that we neglect other things and other persons has become an addiction. This was an opportunity for me totake stock of my life and to put in balance and harmony.

Setting my personal priorities: This was a great opportunity for me to reorder my priorities. We have to pause and reflect on the things that make a difference in our lives. For me, like most persons, what certainly matters most are friends, family and faith.

This was a period for spiritual renewal. When last have you been to church? Maybe you have been planning to make contact with relatives or friends for the longest while but you have not yet been able to do this. Why not do it today? The next time you see that person may be in a coffin.

My friends, join me and embark on your personal journey of renewal. Look forward to hearing from you!