There are two lessons from this book that I’d love to share and I hope will get you to purchase it and read it:
Bluebeard & Vasalisa
The story of “Bluebeard,” where Clarissa, the author, challenges us as women to keep alive our curiosity and not allow our souls to be stunted, ignored or senselessly imprisoned. She tells the tale of “Vasalisa” and opens up and sheds light on the invaluable asset of intuition.
We are born with intuition, it is the compass we are given at birth. And then we give it up oh so easily for the voice of our parents, teachers, bosses, partners, lovers, etc…
All you need to know is already inside of you.
Deep down inside there’s a wild woman, she whispers answers to your ear and if you only trust her, she will lead you through life.
The author illustrates this process as she gives us the story of Vasalisa the Wise and the process of sharpening your instincts.
Vasalisa, is a young naive girl who has been separated from her intuition at an early age, she then goes through a terrifying process of initiation before she’s granted the light of understanding – maturity.
She really did not have to marry Bluebeard, but sometimes that’s what we must do to regain our intuition – to go into the unknown and face whatever’s hiding there. In some very hard moments, that’s when we hear the voice of inner wisdom the clearest – lean into it. It will guide you to what will save you and then enlightenment begins to set in.
Sometimes going into the woods might be your solo journey, a divorce, a new project you are embarking on… Listening to your own inner voice will lead.
The Little Match Girl
And then there’s another great story by Hans Christian Andersen called The Little Match Girl. The analysis here was so scary for me… But I’m such a dreamer! The analysis speaks to the fact that daydreaming without actions or results can be calamitous.
I’m such a dreamer and fantasiser. Part of my process of acquiring and moving towards what I want involves a lot of dreaming and imagining. I manifest in this way.
But Clarissa here speaks to the kind of fantasising that becomes an escape. An escape from reality and an escape from doing.
This usually happens to those that the world was unfriendly to and have emotional scars that they need to heal from and feel as though the world couldn’t care less about them.
Little Match Girl is not even trying to abandon her destructive surroundings in order to find her pack… Her saving grace.
Litlle match girl is the little Amanda Dambuza (If you have read her book Baked In Pain), who got onto that taxi to Johannesburg to come be with her mother after living in an environment where people did not care.
But, injured, broken and oppressed, she accepts her role in life and instead she escapes mentally… Dreaming and dreaming ‘til she rises up into the sky with her dreams.
Sometime your “dreaming” or escape is in alcohol, drugs or random sex, in order to feel alive and then dead again when it’s all done. The only way out, which the Little Match Girl failed to do, is be with the real people who endorse us, love us and appreciate our flow and as Clarissa puts it “exalt our creativity”. The Wild Woman does this. Sometimes as women when we are out in the cold, we lean on fantasising rather than action. Lean to nurture. Find your tribe. The way out of your situation right now is where the warmth, the love and support for your dreams reside.
Lessons in Sharing and Self-Sufficiency: Shaping Values from Childhood to Adulthood
A recent chat with my son about sharing his lunch sparked a reflection: as parents, we can empower our kids to make choices, protect what’s theirs, and share generously. These early lessons shape how they approach boundaries and relationships throughout life.
Serenity in the Safari: A Rejuvenating Escape at Safari Plains
Tranquil escape at Safari Plains: Game drives, gourmet dining, and pure relaxation.
The Crucial Role of Arch Support During and Post-Pregnancy
Proper arch support during & post-pregnancy reduces pain, improves posture, and enhances stability, helping mothers move comfortably. #PregnancyCare #FootHealth
Language, Heart and Relationships
Language can strip away the heart, leaving us with words that carry less weight. We use vagueness as a shield to avoid vulnerability and rejection, but it hinders intimacy and personal growth. Embrace openness and vulnerability for meaningful connections.
The Growing Parent – Ep 4 (Finale): The Mental Blues
Join us for the final episode of The Growing Parent Podcast, as we discuss the vital link between nutrition and kids’ mental wellbeing. Meet our expert guests and let’s prioritize mental health alongside physical health.
2023 Lessons On Embracing Your Authenticity & Staying Anchored
In 2023, significant lessons have reshaped my perspective, including the cautionary tale of trees deprived of seasons. Whether you’re a successful woman or facing your own challenges, life’s juggling act can be demanding. As the year ends, resist the adrenaline rush and stay true to yourself. Embrace change with courage, find beauty in each season, and anchor yourself in core values. Pursue dreams tenaciously, visualize success, break them into milestones, and manage time wisely. Build a supportive community, seek and offer help, practice self-care, and reignite neglected dreams. Embrace change and continuous learning, knowing they fuel growth. Remember, your potential is boundless.
Kiya & the Kimoja Heroes: A Super Adventure for Your Little Superheroes
Disney Junior is about to take us on a thrilling journey with “Kiya & the Kimoja Heroes,” a fantastic animated series that premiered on Disney Junior (DStv channel 309) this September, this show is set to light up your family’s screen and spark important conversations about values like community, empathy, compassion, and diversity.
Celebrating Womxn’s Month: Join Us for a Month-Long Art Showcase in South Africa
After Paradise and USURPA Gallery are thrilled to announce a month-long art showcase, dedicated to celebrating Womxn's Month in South Africa. This curated artistic journey promises to entertain and inspire audiences through a diverse array of immersive activities. The...
Nurturing a Thriving Relationship as Parents: The Art of Merging Different Parenting Styles
The article discusses the challenges that arise when partners have different parenting styles, leading to conflicts in raising children. To have a thriving relationship as parents, understanding, respect, and finding common ground to merge diverse parenting approaches are essential.
The Growing Parent – Ep 2: Culture & Diet
With rising rates of malnutrition and obesity among South African adults and children, it is important to keep track of what our young ones eat to avoid nutrient deficiencies. In this episode we’ll tackle traditionalist approaches to caregiving and how they affect our diets.