1 April 2015 – today = a decade of Matis Fourways under my (sometimes failing) leadership.
The past few weeks have been filled with anticipation. The (still live, enter HERE NOW) Instagram giveaway has managed to be a back-up countdown & tbh, I just cannot figure out how to feel!
I was chatting to a close friend of mine yesterday & he showered me with compliments and well wishes, telling me how very proud he is of me & I should feel the same. These oxymoronic emotions trying to put up their hands begging to be recognised are throwing me on a pendulum between the proudest accomplishment of my life & the quiet voice asking “is this as good as it gets?”
I have put off writing this blog for weeks, and still scrambling thoughts on the screen in the hope it all comes together in the end. I suspect this could be what writer’s block feels like? Also, is it still writer’s block when you’re writing a few paragraphs, exactly 1 person is excited to read each month? 🤣
After much wafting about, I finally landed on a question I’d like to answer for myself on this public platform.
Q. What is the 1 most important thing I’ve learned over the past decade?
A. Do it slowly.
I sat at the Woolworths Café at Cedar square, ended the call to my friend & just slowly sipped my skinny cap. I opened the novel that’s recently captivated me & sat with my nose in the book, slowly taking in my very special Monday off. As I lifted my head to gaze out of the glass ahead I caught myself exactly where I planned to be. Blissfully enjoying a Monday morning, & doing it slowly and ever so intentionally. Also, we as a nation are sleeping on the Woolworths chilli eggs…
“It always pays to dwell slowly on the beautiful things – the more beautiful the more slowly.” – Atticus
How can this simple phrase be the biggest lesson in 10 years? Those who know me can attest to the speed at which I tackle every task. I often emerge from my office, loudly proclaiming the many ticks accomplished on my to-do list; looking for a “wow” from my staff *insert giggle🤭 *
Well, every time I tried to fix things by pushing & rushing, I always ended up only frustrating myself. Now, I’m not by any means saying that I’ll be confidently dragging my feet. I’m saying having the courage & faith to hand things over has been the hardest & most eye-opening lesson. Many times I still have to remind myself to slow down & just remember. Every single time I felt that I needed to work harder I packed all the stress, lack of sleep, and anxiety into a heavy camping back & carried it around constantly, only draining my energy, amounting to no forward movement. Now, when I look back, I can see moving forward was always inevitable, I just need to keep putting 1 foot in front of the other. Every time I felt like it was the end, the slow and steady decision to JUST take the next step has proven to be enough. Every low point was overcome, slowly. Stepping into the 2nd decade of steering the ship, I want to dive in with the reminder that slowly is how I smash these goals. I don’t have to prove how busy I am to anyone.
Yes, I admit, it’s been me in the driver’s seat. I must also admit, I didn’t do it alone, I did it with loved ones, with consistent clients, with amazing staff, and most importantly, with God. Giving me the certainty to move in a different direction has consistently worked in favour of this little business, I’m so thankful I remained obedient.
Closing this chapter feels bittersweet. A part of me wants to cling to the safety of remaining within the bounds of the decade, not feeling quite ready to take up new territory. And yet, the other part of me is so excited to find out how much I can stretch, how much I can believe in my ability as a leader. How good can it get?
My heartfelt thanks to everyone who has had a hand in ensuring Matis Fourways made it to the 10 year milestone under my leadership. A humble request to keep choosing us, and a hope that you will also take it day by day, slowly.
All my love,
Laurien
