Did I manifest this?
For over forty years, I’ve had the privilege of saving lives—specifically, the lives of countless cats and dogs. I’ve nurtured sickly strays and cared for healthy companions, traveling to South Africa, India, and Dubai to heal these furry friends. In all of this, I found purpose. I found fulfillment.
But life has a way of surprising us, doesn’t it?
After spending 16 years in Dubai, a place that felt like home, the dream of gaining citizenship seemed out of reach. As a non-Arabic expat, the reality sank in: my life in the UAE would remain temporary. So, we packed up—lock, stock, and barrel—and returned to South Africa, seeking a new chapter in the place we once called home.
At first, it was everything we had hoped for: luxury, community, love, and happiness. But soon, that idyllic dream began to be overshadowed by an ever-present fear. The fear of violence. The fear of being attacked.
The post-COVID riots in Durban were a turning point, shaking our belief in the safety and tranquility that we had grown accustomed to in Dubai. The violence left scars, not just on the city, but on our hearts, eroding our sense of peace and security.
So, once again, we packed our bags—just the essentials—and boarded a 36-hour flight to Toronto. A fresh start, we hoped.
But this too came with its own set of challenges. After three long years, our dream of securing permanent residence in Canada still felt out of reach. At the ages of 64 and 69, we found ourselves starting over—not the easy retirement we’d imagined, but working 12-14 hour days just to ensure we could maintain some semblance of the life we had hoped for.
And here’s the kicker: my job, a position I never anticipated in a million years, involves ensuring that the meat produced at the abattoirs I inspect is safe for human consumption. From saving lives to working in an industry that processes them—it’s a stark contrast, and yet, somehow, it all feels connected.
How did I go from healing animals to managing risk at meat production plants? How did I move from a life of compassion to one that feels so distant from it? The answer, I’ve come to realize, is manifesting.
You see, for years, I believed in the power of mindfulness, meditation, and abundance. But I never truly understood the extent to which these practices shaped my life—until now. It turns out that everything I’ve achieved, every twist and turn, has been part of a larger manifestation of my journey.
Ever heard the saying, “It’s never too late to learn”? Well, I’m living proof. I’m still learning. And in my next episode, I’ll share the insights I’ve discovered about how I’ve manifested my life, for better or for worse.
Curious? Come back and join me as I continue this wild ride of self-discovery.