NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2018

It`s that time of the year again, where we're supposed to say that things are winding down, but once again they sure as heck aren't…So much still to do, so much still to give…And of course, the daunting realisation of so much we have failed to do. The American comedian Darrel Hammond once said: “At the end of each year I make a list of my mistakes and it's pretty fricking long”. Maybe this year, when we reflect on 2018, taking stock of all our successes and failures, maybe we should, for once, be less hard on ourselves.

“I’ve missed more than 9,000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times I’ve been trusted to take the game’s winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over again in my life and that’s why I succeed”, said Michael Jordan.

Maybe things weren't perfect in 2018, and yes, maybe there were many disappointments, but maybe, instead of accelerating and going into autopilot, maybe we should all slow down a little, breathe deeply, and applaud ourselves for that which we HAVE accomplished.

In the studio we had an amazing year, reaching an all time high number of 205 members. That was in September, and although a few have dropped out again, our classes are still packed. I'm proud and thankful to say that 94 members completed our Summer Challenge successfully, and many others who didn't manage to complete the 32 sessions, still manage to reach the goals they set for themselves regarding their body stats.

A warm welcome to all our new members: Seipati Ngcobo, Khity Sikhosana, Nonkosi Matiea, Dee Dinake, Natacha Bleeker, Marlene Kruger, Boineelo Sibeko, Jeanne Sikhakane, Mpume Ngomane, & Fatima Jajbhay.

Happy happy birthday to all our November birthday members: 2 Dedré de Villiers

3 Celia van der Walt

4 Veronica Wahlstrand 6 Anet Pelser

7 Elsa Kuhn 10 Cecile Jong-Vischer

11 Frikkie Odendaal

22 Thoko Khumalo, Corné Kemp

23 Helen Lengenhager

26 Najma Tayob 29 Lara Pringle

30 Helga Keulder

Congratulations on your engagement, Anje! Tersia, Liezl, Natasja, we are so sorry for your loss… Lilly, ons het nog nie een oomblik ophou bid en glo nie…

On Thursday, the 22nd of November, we are hosting our legendary end-of-the-year function at the studio – I do hope to see as many of our members there as possible, for this function is NOT only for challenge members – you all receive a certificate, and there are lots of prizes and lucky draws at this fun-filled event. Even if you have only been with us for 1 month, you are invited. Please book and pay your R50 (dinner, dessert and drinks included) before Thursday the 15th of November, and don`t forget to dress up like anything or anyone that starts with the letter “D”. We are celebrating the momentous occasion of our studio`s tenth birthday (so D for decade, duh!)

The studio will be open until December the 21st, so please make sure that your membership fees are settled before the 7th in order to avoid paying re-joining fees. We are hosting our December special again meaning that if you bring a friend or your mom or your daughter (13 years or older) to join us for the holidays, they don`t pay joining fee, only the monthly fee.

Thank you for everyone who regularly visit our website and Facebook pages – last week we reached 1000 likes on our page. Thank you, Mari, for keeping our audience engaged. We are soon upgrading our Instagram account as well – so watch this space. Then, I have a heartfelt request…When you have a minute or two to spare, won`t you please send me a short e-mail (mirnas@vodamail.co.za) or WhatsApp with a special message or testimonial about our studio? Dit kan in Afrikaans ook wees…I would really, really appreciate it…!

Last Friday we had a very special photo shoot in the studio with Hanru Marais, professional photographer from Cape Town. All 6 of our studio`s instructors were present – thank you Elanza, Elsje, Sarita, Anél, Doempie and Cecile, not only for being there, but for your passion, and also to you Marné!

It`s my sincere wish that amidst the rush, the packed inbox and close deadlines, that the last 6 weeks of 2018 will be joyful, and that you will never forget the passion that got you here. As human beings, we often overestimate what we can accomplish in a short period of time (e.g., six-pack abs in two weeks), but we drastically underestimate what we can accomplish in a year or two. Give yourself some MORE time. Keep on putting in the effort. And never forget that when we add value to other people`s lives, everything else tends to fall into place.

We get one chance at this life – everything we do is important. I pledge to keep on giving every shred of everything to keep our studio world-class, to work hard, to stay noble and to keep my commitment to excellence. To never slack, and never settle. We have done incredible things in 2018. It has been epic. Let`s finish well. Together. Let`s have fun but have fun with purpose. Let`s be intentional about everything. Let`s make memories…

Mirna