50 Perspectives: The Value of Things Unseen

By Kris Moller

Author Kris Moller has lived and worked on several continents and in Eastern Third World countries through tumultuous times and personal hardships. These circumstances have given him the opportunity to form unique and thoughtful perspectives on life and our approach to it. In 50 Perspectives, Moller presents a compendium of fifty personal viewpoints.

Offering a look at relationships, appreciation, improvement, health, and spiritual and financial matters, 50 Perspectives provides an opportunity to analyze your spiritual, intellectual, emotional, mental, social, and physical reaction to an array of topics. It suggests action steps to move forward in life in each of these areas.

Moller shares how perspectives change with hindsight as you live through times of abundance and peace, hardship, danger, and even tragedy. Events and decisions may appear to be outside your control, cause you to lose much of what you own, and lead to a personal hell. But sober decision-making, steely resolve, inner strength, and belief let you recover and in retrospect connect the dots to help you emerge much the wiser.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Partridge Publishing Singapore
• Release date: Nov 13, 2015
• ISBN: 9781482853940

Kris Moller

Kris Moller opted for early retirement at age thirty-four, only to reenter the workforce after three years. Experience has since extended him an insight into the important areas and steps to address in the run-up to and for an active and purposeful retirement. Kris is married to Ervina “Bokkie” Moller.

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50 PERSPECTIVES

The Value of Things Unseen

KRIS MOLLER

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Copyright © 2015 by Kris Moller.

ISBN:      Hardcover      978-1-4828-5393-3

                Softcover        978-1-4828-5392-6

                eBook             978-1-4828-5394-0

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Note: The information presented in this book is for informational purposes only. This book is not intended to offer specific legal, tax, accounting, medical or financial advice. The author is not giving business or financial or personal advice. Readers should consult with their accountants, doctors, financial advisors and / or lawyers and other specialists on their budgets, finances, and other matters. The author and publisher are not liable for how readers may choose to use this information

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Toll Free 800 101 2657 (Singapore)

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www.partridgepublishing.com/singapore

Warning - Disclaimer

This book is a compendium of personal perspectives. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher and the author are not engaged in offering or rendering legal, tax, financial, accounting, and medical or other professional/personal services. If legal, tax, financial, accounting, medical or other professional/personal expert assistance is required; the services of a competent professional should be sought as these fields change on a regular basis. It is not the purpose of this book to reprint all the information that is otherwise available to readers of this book, but instead summarize a personal point of view. You are urged to read all the available material, learn as much as possible about the subject and to tailor the information to your individual needs if required. This book is not a motivational manual. Anyone who decides to use any of the material in this book for personal or professional reasons do so at their own choice. Every effort has been made to make this book as complete and accurate as possible. However, there may be mistakes, both typographical and content. Therefore this text should be used only as a general guideline and not as the ultimate source of information on the subjects that are discussed in this book. Furthermore, this book contains information that is current only when it was researched. The purpose of this book is to educate and to entertain. The author nor the publisher shall have neither liability not responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damage caused, or alleged to have been caused, directly or indirectly, by the information contained in this book.

Dedicated To

My dear mother Anna Moller who raised four sons and never shrank from supporting us all in every way through-out her life.

My dear wife Ervina who is now the one to keep the pot boiling in the face of late and lonely nights and quiet weekends, but still keeps nudging me to keep on writing.

My dear brother Hennie who departed before I completed my first book, leaving me with an unequivocal understanding that I should prioritize life since it is too short and that I should not delay doing what I want to do as soon as I can.

My two younger brothers Jan and Abe who departed this world much earlier but still left an indelible memory in our hearts.

My teachers, who taught me much more that the Three Rs.

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Author’s Note

Two years have passed since my first book. These years brought with them a maturity in years as well as a number of perspectives – some of them framed by internal factors, others due to external happenings.

We have moved home, which in our case meant that we also moved countries. We built our first house together as a couple, and I broadened my relaxation activities to now include gardening, baking (mainly cakes), doing live demonstrations in supermarkets and walking.

Walking is now integral to three elements in my life i.e. health, contemplating my next few books and delivering newspapers. Where I grew up there were no newspapers, i.e. no newspaper rounds available for boys. And as all things do come full circle I have decided to do a late-life newspaper run of free newspapers in our suburb. With around 160 houses and more being built on a weekly basis, I may have to expand my 2 x 1 hour midweek walks to perhaps even 3 or 4. This is not necessarily a bad thing since the walks also positively affect the other 2 elements, i.e. health and more fresh-air thinking time on future books (three of which are being contemplated).

There is also a large green park in front of our house which begs on sunny days for me to go and swing a 6 and 9 iron. My excuse is that this is also part of my keeping fit program.

I should perhaps have included a Perspective on Walking in this book as well, but then I would not have had anything to write about in my Author’s Note.

Please respond with any comments to [e-mail].

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Preface

Perspectives.

What are perspectives? The Latin root for perspective means look through.

We all have perspectives and opinions on events, people and things. Perspectives are not facts. They are subjective and therefore liable to change over time.

This book is a narrative that looks through a number of items that most people will probably also have a view on.

Perspectives are always seen from personal corner – and mine will in all probability change over time on some of these matters. There were at least 90 items that begged for inclusion but I elected to retire at 50 not out.

The fact that we can all have different perspectives on the same events, people and things show how complex we are as people. I, therefore, do not expect everyone who reads this book to see things my way and agree with what I have written but I hope that it would strike a pensive chord with some.

I have divided the book up into 6 sections i.e. Relationships, Appreciation, Improvement, Health, Spiritual Matters and Financial Matters since all of these drew my attention as I readied myself for semi-retirement.

Some of the perspectives are themselves divided into 6 areas, i.e. Physical, Social, Mental, Emotional, Intellectual and Spiritual since I thought it would be easier to read them that way. Others were written as a single contiguous piece for the same reason – not wanting to disturb the flow.

Please drop me a line if you feel so inclined, at [e-mail]

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Acknowledgements

In alphabetical order by first name

(except for my wife – who is first but mentioned last).

I would like to say a special thanks to those who supported me through this writing – some discussed a point of view with me, some commented, some listened and some prodded me years ago to write – all of which was valuable. I of course accept full responsibility for the outcome of what I took on board and ignored.

Hennie and Charlotte Greef - My brother and sister-in-law who showed me that life is very short and that I should get up and be alive every second rather than to sit and wait for the next sunrise or sunset. Hennie has now left us permanently on 15 July 2012.

Chris (classmate) and Annelise Carstens – Friends. Chris regularly made us jealous with their overseas trips which we will also do when the ship with money comes in. Chris needs someone to explain to him that when he sits by the dam at night and sends me an sms about frogs that it is 4 a.m. on my side of the world!

Conrad Trinidad – Friend and erstwhile colleague, who had only good things to say about my writing even though I know a bit better. Thank you Conrad.

Danie Cronje – Friend and classmate for his line Don’t let other people manage your financial affairs and also for regular emails and commenting on my blogs.

Dieter Pakendorf – German language teacher and one of my teacher-mentors. Dieter left us permanently on 12 February 2015, survived by his wife Maureen and children Kurt, Anton and Hans and their respective families.

Gillian Martin – Friend and erstwhile colleague for a short period, who prodded me to keep writing my quirky pieces – which will see daylight as my 3rd book Welcome to the One Broken Leg Club named after an event that followed – what else – a parachute jump.

Gunther Boettcher (and wife Heidi) – Friend and classmate who with Johan Maritz shared in many discussions but was diplomatic enough never to take sides.

Gustav and Audrey Spann – Friends who keep my dear wife Ervina and myself entertained with great Sunday lunches. Gustav and I regularly spend time discussing much including the lonely life of artists. BiBi, G&A’s gem of a Maltese doggie can hardly contain his excitement when we visit – and has stolen Ervina’s heart. So I suspect there might be a Maltese in our future.

Gustav and Audrey’s daughter Jacqui and her husband Eric – Friends with a flair to treat over lunch (tableside or a BBQ in a park) and their daughters Gabrielle and Miquette who are accomplished students.

Hamman Prinsloo – Friend and classmate and one of our Gang of Five who also included Johan Maritz, Chris Carstens and Gunther Boettcher. Hamman and his wife Erna entertain me with humour and comments on social media, albeit not at 4 a.m.

Herman van Wyk – English language teacher, mentor and friend, who showed me that the real meaning of Teacher is Mentor.

Johan Maritz – Friend and classmate who is a hard but welcome taskmaster to have as a proofreader. We shared an apartment during university and often debated many contentious subjects. School ventures included publishing an Esperanto newspaper and establishing a stamp club, but our best was reserved for classroom debates where teachers enjoyed pitting us against each other.

J. P. Blaauw – Afrikaans language teacher who seems to have become almost incommunicado. Boet Blaauw was one of my three language teachers who all left me with a love of languages.

The remainder of our Class of ’62 - for being in the cauldron of formation with me. Perspectives start young.

Dan Poynter – self-publishing guru, author, consultant, professional speaker and publisher – for convincing me that there is a book in all of us. Writing has now developed into more than a serious hobby.

And lastly my dear wife Ervina (aka Bokkie Moller) – my life’s partner who faced very lean and challenging times with me during our first 10 years together. She is constantly spurring me on to stay home and write, write, write rather than to try and re-enter industry to make myself more useful that way. Thank you!

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Contents

Dedicated To

Author’s Note

Preface

Acknowledgements

Chapter One – On Relationships

Chapter One - One Pick Your Level Of Involvement

Chapter One - Two There Are No Lesser People – Only Different People

Chapter One - Three Loyalty – May Yours Never Be Questioned

Chapter One - Four Live A Principled Life

Chapter One - Five Relationships Matter

Chapter One - Six Don’t Succumb To Technology

Chapter One - Seven Numbers Count – But Passion Triumphs

Chapter One - Eight Remember Anniversaries

Chapter One - Nine Nobody Is Irreplaceable

Chapter One - Ten Apologize When You Are Wrong – It Is Good For The Soul

Chapter One - Eleven Sometimes You Have To Say No

Chapter One - Twelve Do Not Become Jealous Or Vain By Comparison

Chapter One - Thirteen Be Weather Wise

Chapter One - Fourteen Write – Words Matter After All

Chapter One - Fifteen To Have A Friend – Be A Friend

Chapter One - Sixteen Teachers Hold Us In The Palm Of Their Hands

Chapter One - Seventeen Appreciate The Roles Within Which Your Life Has Meaning

Chapter Two – Self-Appreciation

Chapter Two - One Greet Everyday With Zest!

Chapter Two - Two You Are You – Not Your Job

Chapter Two - Three Fear Nothing But Fear Itself

Chapter Two - Four Don’t Be Bullied. It Is Not Ok!

Chapter Two - Five Escape The Prison Of Regret

Chapter Two - Six Whatever Your Age - Wear It With Pride

Chapter Three – On Improvement

Chapter Three - One Ideas – Mightier Than Words And Swords

Chapter Three - Two Structure Your Day

Chapter Three - Three Learn A New Thing Every Day

Chapter Three - Four Read

Chapter Three - Five Travel – It Teaches

Chapter Three - Six Transition – Or Stagnate

Chapter Three - Seven Mentor

Chapter Three - Eight Crises Are Opportunities To Grow

Chapter Three - Nine Luck Is For The Ill-Prepared

Chapter Three - Ten Procrastination – Thief And Assassin

Chapter Four – On Health

Chapter Four - One Keep Laughing – It Is A Powerful Activator

Chapter Four - Two Enjoy Wellness – Look After Your Health

Chapter Four - Three Don’t Grumble

Chapter Four - Four Do Not Harbour Guilt - It Keeps You Awake At Night

Chapter Four - Five Remember - Age Is Mostly A Number

Chapter Four - Six Your Body Is Not A Waste Bin

Chapter Four - Seven Sleep Well

Chapter Five – On Spiritual Matters

Chapter Five - One Enjoy The Gifts Of Time And Life

Chapter Five - Two Watch A Sunrise. Then A Sunset

Chapter Five - Three Believe

Chapter Five - Four Be Prepared For Lightning

Chapter Five - Five Prayer Works Powerfully

Chapter Six - On Financial Matters

Chapter Six - One Become An Expert On Your Own Finances

Chapter Six - Two Live Debt-Free. Start With Your Credit Cards

Chapter Six - Three Manage Your Financial Planning

Chapter Six - Four Retire Anytime You Like

Chapter Seven - Bringing It All Together

CHAPTER ONE –

ON RELATIONSHIPS

CHAPTER ONE - ONE

Pick Your Level of Involvement

We are who we choose to be…. Spiderman

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Life is short.

Spend your energy on that what is of value to you. Bypass discourses and arguments that will steal your Time and Life away. Walk away from an argument rather than spend emotional currency on something you possibly cannot change.

Then again, when you commit to something important - commit 100%. Give it your all.

Physical

Choose to stay physically well. It will help you stave off illnesses, give you a sense of determination, direction and enhance your self-esteem. Learn to understand the signs and signals that your body gives you. Engage in activities that will build cardiovascular and muscle strength, increase flexibility and balance as you age and challenge yourself.

Social

Live in harmony with fellow human beings and other life forms by developing positive relationships through compassionate behavior. Respect yourself and others and build a strong social and support system that includes both family and friends.

Become culturally astute.

Mental

Re-affirm your purpose in life. Be optimistic. Believe in yourself. Embrace change. Learn to face challenges and develop the skills to resolve them. Become resilient. Know that Life will throw the odd curve ball and that setbacks are part of it. Never see yourself as a victim. Get enough rest and sleep but guard against becoming lazy – mentally and otherwise.

Emotional

Emotional wellness is more than just the ability to handle stress. It includes being attentive to your thoughts, feelings and behavior – both in terms of the positive and that which may be contradictory to yourself, and which often includes the isms, such as racism, sexism, ageism and others.

Make personal choices and take responsibility for your own actions and inactions. Adjust to change when and where required to enjoy a balanced life despite occasional disappointments.

Build and maintain your relationships on trust and respect.

Intellectual

Develop a lifelong learning attitude. Get involved in intellectual activities, stay abreast of and explore new ideas. Take on challenges and start creative endeavors – and appreciate that these will make you stretch and grow throughout life.

Spiritual

Cultivate spiritual wellness. It is part of being well and whole. Participate in activities that are meaningful to you. Make time in your day for relaxation, meditation and appreciation of the Life of which you are in charge.

Look at your values, beliefs, morals, principles. Do they guide and anchor the purpose of your Life? You are not alone on this planet. How do you fit into the larger picture? Which Stitch are you in the Carpet of Life? Is there love, forgiveness, compassion and joy in your heart?

Transcend yourself on your path to find the meaning and value of your Life.

Pick your level of involvement.

KEY POINTS

• Physical wellness gives you a sense of determination, direction and enhances your self-esteem.

• Compassionate behavior leads to positive relationships.

• Resilience will overcome the odd curve ball that Life will throw at you.

• Emotional wellness includes being attentive to your thoughts, feelings and behavior.

• Intellectual activities, new ideas, creative endeavors and challenges will make you stretch and grow.

• You are not alone on this planet. Which Stitch are you in the Carpet of Life?

ACTION STEPS

‰☐Choose to get and stay well – all round.

‰☐Live in harmony with fellow human beings and other life forms.

‰☐ Become resilient. Know that Life will present challenges and setbacks for you to overcome.

‰☐Make personal choices and take responsibility for your own actions and inactions. Adjust to change.

‰☐Develop a lifelong learning attitude. Get involved in intellectual activities.

☐‰ Look at your values, beliefs, morals, principles. Do they guide and anchor the purpose of your Life?

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CHAPTER ONE - TWO

There are no Lesser People – Only Different People

"We are all equal in terms of rights; it is not birth but virtue that should make the difference"

…. Adapted from Voltaire

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Inequality in conditions is a fact of life. But equality of rights and opportunity should be the keystone.

It is a fact that due to a number of factors beyond your control you are different from any other person