Personal Reflections – Holistic Hazel

The Cluttered House

Hazel Moono — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 14:16:03 +0000

My dwelling is filled with clutter, from the past and present. As I clean the house, I realize that mold has found a safe haven in this cluttered house, the same house I’ve lived in all my life. The clutter, which once sparkled like polished silverware, is now engulfed within layers of dust, dust that could easily print my name.

It’s 4 a.m., and I’m awake, trying to declutter. I take a look at the flower vase by the windowsill. At the bottom of it, there’s a crack. I’ve always wondered why my beautiful lilies and daffodils withered so quickly. They were deprived of water because of a well-hidden crack at the bottom of the vase. Oh dear! Didn’t the vase shine on the outside and attract compliments from my visitors? It was once a beautiful vase that has now become clutter in my house over time. As I turn around, I see mold protruding over fresh paint like Pinocchio, choking me. I quickly open the double-glazed windows that I always keep shut for some air. How did I allow my house to become like this for so long, I ask myself.

The clutter, dust, and mold clogged up my stairs. As the air ran through the house, the dust moved majestically, covering my face. I couldn’t see, and my eyes teared up, unsure if it was both dust from the past or present as it hid in corners I could not reach. I pushed through the jumble and noticed a few cuts on my hands, the clutter that cut my hands as I tried to rearrange and polish, yielding very little pleasure. I’ve lived in a cluttered house and have become the custodian of dust and mold that I’m now trying to straighten up.

I will open the windows of my house to allow the dust out, and for the mold, no fresh coat of paint will be applied — I’ll let it dry out.

It’s 5 a.m., and I feel a winter breeze on my face through the open window that has been shut for a long time. I breathe.

In hindsight, the mold, clutter, and dust have found unauthorized residence in my dwelling. As I take in the soothing breeze, I realize I am my own housekeeper.

Sipping a cup of tea, I contemplate how my dwelling is going to be kept, the coming and going, the furniture and residence holistically considered, by my own housekeeper.

Holistic Hazel

Unleashing Your Authenticity: Discovering Your Personal Style

Hazel Moono — Fri, 04 Aug 2023 07:38:32 +0000

Personal style is more than just fashion; it is an expression of who we are, reflecting our personality, values, and unique flair. Discovering your personal style allows you to feel confident, comfortable, and authentic in your appearance. Allow me to guide you through the journey of self-discovery to help unleash your true style and embrace your individuality.

1. Explore your influences

To discover your personal style, start by exploring your influences. Look at the people, cultures, and eras that inspire you. Collect images, create mood boards, and gather inspiration from fashion magazines, blogs, and social media. Pay attention to the colours, patterns, and silhouettes that resonate with you. This process will help you uncover your preferences and provide a foundation for your personal style journey.

2. Experiment and play

Discovering your personal style involves experimentation and playfulness. Try on different styles, mix and match outfits, and step out of your comfort zone. Visit thrift stores, boutiques, and online platforms to explore diverse fashion options. Attend fashion events, take part in clothing swaps, or organize styling sessions with friends. This process will help you refine your style, uncover hidden gems, and discover unexpected combinations that truly speak to your personality.

3. Embrace confidence and comfort

Feeling great in your personal style is about embracing confidence and comfort. Choose clothes that make you feel empowered, comfortable, and aligned with your true self. Consider your body shape, lifestyle, and practicality when selecting outfits. Remember, the key is to feel authentic and at ease in what you wear. Embrace your unique features and celebrate your body, as confidence shines through in how you carry yourself.

Discovering your personal style is a journey of self-expression and self-discovery. By exploring influences, experimenting, and embracing confidence and comfort, you can unlock your authentic style. Remember, personal style evolves over time, so be open to exploring new trends and influences while staying true to yourself. Embrace the joy of fashion and let your personal style become a reflection of your beautiful individuality.

All for the Birds

Hazel Moono — Thu, 22 Jun 2023 14:10:21 +0000

As my visit neared its end, I couldn’t help but realize how fleeting time can be. It seemed like my experiences were insignificant, just meant for the birds. A smile that appeared genuine turned out to be nothing special. The lovely melodies of the birds became irritating noises, like hungry mosquitoes buzzing around. The footprints I left behind faded away, barely noticeable, as they went up into the sky with the birds. All that remained was a faint trace of their feeding spot.

The chattering lips fell silent, and a deep silence took over, as reality sank in. It became clear to me that it was all for the birds, as if a tiny voice whispered those words to me. The unique sounds of the Khoi language diminished, and even the clapping hands grew tired, becoming inconsequential. The impressive jumps, like those of a kangaroo, became as short as a frog’s leap. It was all for the birds, gone with the wind as they soared high above.

When I picked up my suitcase from the shaky wardrobe, I discovered it was filled with air bubbles, where sneaky mice had found a cozy spot to relax. I quietly watched, realizing it was all for the birds.

Sitting on my patio, sipping tea, I admired the birds flying overhead. Their various types and vibrant colors fascinated me. Their captivating beauty was unmatched, yet they remained free and unreachable, even by long-necked giraffes. Truly, it was all for the birds.

The floor I walked on was as slippery as a snail, covered in soft sheepskin. A voice within reminded me that, indeed, it was all for the birds.

As the day turned into evening, conversations grew strained, and emotions became tangled. Stomachs growled like broken musical instruments. When I counted the few coins left in my purse, I realized I didn’t have much. The eyes of a hawk followed me, sharp and hungry, like a crocodile in search of prey. In the blink of an eye, people straightened their rumpled clothes and bid farewell with synchronized gestures. It was all for the birds.

I lay down, raising my feet in the air, feeling as relaxed as a camel. A smile of disbelief spread across my face as I let go of the past, embracing a fresh start. I watched the birds chirping and soaring, breathing in the crisp air.

Truly, it was all for the birds, and I woke up from my enchanting dream. The whistling kettle on my stove alerted me that my cup of tea was ready. Sitting on the same patio, I sipped my tea with a smile.

Indeed, it was all for the birds!

Keep smiling

Holistic Hazel.

How to Feel Good About How You Look

Hazel Moono — Mon, 05 Jun 2023 10:25:45 +0000

In a world that often focuses on physical appearance, it’s crucial to foster a positive mindset. Embracing our unique beauty and cultivating self-acceptance not only boosts our confidence but also allows us to radiate authenticity and inspire others around us. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Embrace your individuality

Each of us possesses a distinct combination of features, characteristics, and quirks that make us beautifully unique. Embracing our individuality is the first step towards feeling great about our appearance. Celebrate the aspects that make you stand out, whether it’s a captivating smile, expressive eyes, or the way you carry yourself. Remember, you are a masterpiece, and no one else in this world is like you!

2. Focus on Inner Beauty

True beauty extends far beyond outward appearance. It resides in kindness, compassion, and the ability to connect with others on a deeper level. When we shift our focus to nurturing our inner selves—cultivating self-love, practicing gratitude, and pursuing personal growth—we begin to radiate a magnetic energy that captivates others. Feeling great about how we look starts from within and reflects outwardly in our confidence and overall presence.

3. Embrace Self-Care

Treat yourself! Taking care of our bodies and minds is crucial for feeling great about our appearance. Engage in activities that make you feel good, such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep. Pamper yourself with self-care rituals, whether it’s indulging in a bubble bath, taking yourself for a nice meal, or treating yourself to a new outfit that makes you feel confident. Prioritizing self-care not only enhances physical well-being but also boosts self-esteem.

4. Surround Yourself with Positivity

The people and environments we surround ourselves with greatly influence our self-perception. Choose to be around individuals who appreciate and uplift you for who you are. Surround yourself with positive influences that celebrate diversity and promote body positivity. Seek out role models who inspire confidence, reminding you that beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, and colors. By creating a supportive network, you’ll foster an environment that encourages self-acceptance and empowers you to feel great about your appearance.

Feeling great about how we look is not a destination but a journey of self-discovery and acceptance. Embracing our unique beauty, focusing on inner qualities, practicing self-care, and surrounding ourselves with positivity are powerful steps in cultivating confidence and radiating authenticity. Remember, you are beautiful just as you are, and the world needs your unique sparkle. Till next time, keep smiling!

Free to say NO

Hazel Moono — Tue, 16 May 2023 13:23:17 +0000

As I say “No”, deep down in my heart, I second guess myself. I smile.

A constant fear that embroiders my unseen mind disposition. I halt my thoughts like a child placed in a naughty corner – a corner of approval from my acquaintances.

“I close your eyes and breathe” the voice tells me, “You are safe” Slowly, my turmoil mind rest.

The heavy burden off my chest disappears. I say “No,” – with no feeling of guilt. My body and mind become a team at that moment, I breathe and smile.

My curved posture similar to a camel of second-guessing myself straightens itself like a newly built motorway of the Mongu-Kalabo road: the gateway to my motherland. I breathe and smile.

With an eloquent button, I walk upright, causing the commotion in my household – feathers falling off their healthy egos like a diseased bird – I smile and breathe.

Stitches fall off my mind – it is not caged anymore – I am free to say, “No,” a word unfamiliar to me.

A word that signifies a lack of empathy! Dear me, it feels good to say “No,”

Second-guessing my feelings presently evaporate like dew on a spring morning – I breathe and smile. ‘No’ is an excellent tool to cure my gauged mind; the unforeseen emotions of seeking approval and love.

As my bent posture straightens with confidence – my lengthy neck similar to an ostrich elongates out like a windmill with large ears of an elephant picking up all the literary sounds of disappointment from my comrades for saying “No,” to their demand of expectations. ‘No’ to protect my heart – a perception taken as pride.

My neck taller than the surrounding of my present space, I breathe a fresh sense of freedom and I smile. Freedom to trust my judgment without second-guessing my decision, I breathe and smile.

The room is quiet; I see lips moving with no sound; faces are frowning; I wonder as it’s almost Christmas time only to the displeasure of my saying “No,” Yet I breathe and smile.

I feel the peace and power meandering to every part of my body; I am free. I say “No,” to cure my caged mind; I have lived seeking approval.

I say “No,” to being bullied.

I say “No,” to being manipulated.

I say “No,” to abuse.

I am, a strong independent woman.

Finally, I say “Yes,” to peace and love.

I Breathe and smile.

I am me because I am Holistic.

I Have Weathered the Storm

Hazel Moono — Tue, 16 May 2023 08:39:40 +0000

Sitting by a fireplace, puffing my cigar, I watch the smoke swirl through my cottage as the mouthpiece of the tobacco sits on my thin, cracked lips.

My thoughts engulf me, only disturbed by my housekeeper.

“Sir, your breakfast is ready!” she screams from the other room.

“What?” I yell.

“Breakfast!” she screams back with a heavy croaking voice like a lousy vocalist.

Melon, my housekeeper, walks in with my breakfast: a plate of freshly smoked salmon and a glass of brandy—a drink that has helped keep my mean body frame.

“I wonder when you will stop having brandy for breakfast,” she mumbles between her discoloured teeth.

“What?” I ask because I am short of hearing.

“This is why you should not have brandy for breakfast; your marbles are collecting dust!”

“My dear, I have weathered the storm; I deserve this.”

Melon raised her eyebrows upon hearing my response. She opted to leave my room, giving this senior citizen a sight of her backside to behold.

As Melon steps out, I reach for my hearing aid. Being deaf as a bat, I need those ridiculous things in my ear to make any sense of the world. After putting them on, I picked up the sharp strut of stiletto shoes. My eyes work better than my ears, so I look at the door and anticipate it opening.

“Good morning,”

The relaxing voice of my young wife massages my wrinkled ears. She steps in, holding the designer bag I bought her to replace the previous designer bag I bought her. She may lean toward the finer things of life, but I am gladly married to a spring chicken of a woman. As I weather the storm and gain more wrinkles each day, her job is reduced to good morning and goodnight kisses.

My wife loves to talk. So she rumbled about the latest gossip from her circle of friends without accounting for her absence through the night. Only God knew where she went off to after sunset, but at this stage, I am too exhausted to entertain the reality of her finding greener pastures—I would not blame her! After all, I have weathered the storm, and my marbles are collecting some dust.

On the other hand, Melon has been good company. She somehow can still stir me up and make my blood boil, especially when I watch her walk away.

I am a dinosaur wandering about in his seventh marriage. Even at 90 years old, I still have the wandering eye that got me into trouble over the years, and this time it settled on Melon. I know she senses my intrigue, otherwise, she wouldn’t give me a majestic show each time she walks away from me.

My body is a letdown—a fossil worthy of a museum. It has weathered many storms so well that Melon is now a faraway beauty that can only please my eyes.

My wife continues to rumble about who did what and who stole whose man. It’s a shame that this is where I’d wind up. I have indeed weathered the storms and dozed off to Lala Land.

Keep smiling

Holistic Hazel

A Life Short-lived Unforgotten

Hazel Moono — Thu, 11 May 2023 14:41:24 +0000

In my dreams, I see you.

I hear your voice.

I feel your presence.

You are my guiding angel, and your everlasting smile brings me joy.

Your afro, with its shiny and beautiful hair, has grown, and I wonder how you still manage to take care of it. I remember how women used to stretch their necks like giraffes just to catch a glimpse of you whenever you walked by. Whispers in the vineyard would spread like wildfire, announcing your arrival. I watched as nosy ladies, or Pinocchios as I’ll call them, blew hot air in an effort to catch your attention, but their efforts were in vain.

You used to watch from the terraces, your big, beautiful, round eyes balling out each time the wind blew southward. I remember how the wind brought a pleasant aroma, and you would put on your favourite blue shirt that accentuated your dark melanin, which dripped like honey. This honey attracted a goddess with a pointed nose and a waist like an hourglass. You marvelled at her beauty as she strode by in her Scottish skirt, with her hips swaying from side to side. You gasped for breath and ruffled your afro, not knowing how to approach her.

As time went by, your desire and meaning for her outweighed the scale. The simmering bubbles underneath your breath each time her aroma reached your nostrils were a sign that it was time. The compound’s wondering eyes popped out like popcorn on a hot surface, and the competition for the goddess grew bigger. It was a fight between the cats and dogs

In a few days, you were leaving for a faraway nation. Leaving the goddess behind without extending your olive branch filled with Italian olives felt like a bee sting, a sting that engulfed your heart. As the sun rose, you sat on the chair, crossed your legs, and wrote something on a piece of paper only you knew. It was a message to the goddess, a message that the goodness had been waiting for all the time she swayed from side to side to catch your attention. The goddess’s smile sparkled like the lunar rainbow, showing her well-arranged teeth like a piano keyboard.

As she came to sit next to you, after being summoned by the Alpha male, the grapevine, and the noises from the Pinocchios went quiet. Her neck tilted downward as an acknowledgement to your advances. She was smitten by your charming, well-polished mannerism.

As the sun set, hand in hand, you walked down the alley with the goddess. And the compound knew she was the one who you were waiting for, the one who later you married, the one you loved and built a home together, the one who you shared your short lives on mother earth together. I called her Aunty Patricia, and I called you Uncle Moses. To this day, I still call you that because I feel your presence and hear your good guidance of being good to people. It does not change who you are but makes you a wealthy person in spirit.

I sign off this tribute with a smile on my face, knowing that you will read it wherever you may be, and you will always have a chair reserved at the table and a light lit for you.

And I will keep smiling as you did.

Holistic Hazel

A Crack in a Wall

Hazel Moono — Thu, 11 May 2023 13:48:57 +0000

As you walk past my dwelling every day, you may not realize that I am watching you through a cracked wall. It’s a small imperfection that I have been meaning to fix, but I haven’t gotten around to it yet. Nonetheless, it allows me to observe the world outside without being seen myself.

On windy days, like today, the cracks in the wall let in a whistling wind that blows through my home, causing me to shiver and reach for my old, ragged jumper. Despite its worn appearance, it still serves its purpose and shields me from the cold. I press my back against the cracked wall and wait for the wind to subside.

As I sit in my old rocking chair, which has been my faithful companion for as long as I can remember, I hear the creaking of its aged wood. It’s a soothing sound that helps to ease my mind from the whistling wind outside. Looking out from my perch on the hill, I see the narrow and thorny road that leads to my dwelling. It’s a difficult journey for those who attempt it, but I love my home, which I have built with my own two hands.

Despite its imperfections, my dwelling is a beautiful home on the hill, with a rocking chair on the porch that offers solace to anyone who sits in it. As I close my eyes and listen to the birds singing their melodies, I feel a sense of peace and contentment. I know that, despite the challenges I face, I am still here, alive and well.

Today, I noticed that the tiny window in my home was open, allowing the wind to enter and disturb my peace. But upon checking the plaster on the wall, I found that it was still intact. I closed the window and sat back down in my rocking chair, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. The birds continued to sing their sweet melodies, and the rocking chair creaked in time with their music.

As I reflect on my life here on the hill, I realize that it’s not about having a perfect home or a life without challenges. It’s about finding solace in the little things, like the creaking of an old rocking chair or the songs of the birds. It’s about persevering in the face of adversity and taking pride in what you have accomplished. And it’s about finding joy in the simple moments of life.

So, as I sit in my old rocking chair, I smile and take comfort in the knowledge that I am me, and that’s enough. I hope that wherever you are in life, you can find solace in the little things and take pride in what you have accomplished. Remember to keep smiling and appreciate the beauty in the world around you.

Keep smiling

Holistic Hazel

My Uneven Pathway

Hazel Moono — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 10:30:32 +0000

As I walk through the dust road, my eyes hurt due to the dust particles getting in my eyes. Sweat is dripping on my forehead as it gets poured from the unseen heavens.
My eyes tearing down while I carry on the this even pathway.
My ability to see gets obscured, I wonder whether it’s the dust particles entering my eyes or a row of past and present emotions silently whispering like a river stream inside me.
The pathway is uneven, my feet hurt and the rough edges of the rope I am holding onto is equally fatigued.
As I hear my inner noises, my hands tremble and my sight becomes more blurry due to the rise and falls of the dust on the path.

Will I reach my destination?

The luggage am carrying on my back becomes too heavy for my curved back, but I hold on.
I sigh.
With a walking stick in my other hand, to ease up my overused feet, I find a drop inch of strength to carry on this uneven path.
Ox carts and donkeys bypass me, due to my snails pace, but I forge on.
The pain in my palm as I hold on to the rough edges of the rope get the better of me.
A tear drops a from one eye.
I am tired, hungry, and thirsty. All I need is shelter to solace my being, but the pathway to my haven is uneven

Will I reach my station

The old rucksack with my belongings on my back tears up.
I panic.
Oh no! Mum.
I hear a voice from behind.
Are you alright?
With a smug look on my face I vaguely say, yes.
My heart swirls with emotions of my past as I walk to my future from my present.
With one eye squinting, I can see the candlelight of my reached destination.
I pace up but the winds get stronger, and the candlelight goes off.
As it gets dark, I worry. The pathway way meanders, and I lose a sense of my direction.
I have no torch on me and dawn sets in. But I hold on hoping that the beautiful rays of the sun soon beam my passage.
It is still dawn and I wonder why the Sun is not raising. My heart wrapped in cotton wool. I feel it palpitating.
How did I get here?

Swiping off the salt sweat on my face, I feel a goose egg on my forehead.
Ouch! I scream in anguish.
What happened? My mind is foggy due to the long walk on the uneven pathway.
It is painful. Quietly I mumble to myself, soul oh be silent, a spring view is
nearing. The uneven pathway is getting my feet stronger as they get pricked
thorns along the way. My bruised palm cries for a lavender oil soak to smooth and heal as I reach my station.
I am still walking to my unknown destination. And it is still dawn hoping the candlelight will lit up again in a distance.
The luggage is getting lighter on my back and the curved back is slowly getting better.

I will see you when I arrive

Chameleon Colours

Hazel Moono — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 07:16:43 +0000

It’s been a long time since I have seen a chameleon in my village. Whenever I see them, I learn more

about its thoughts of colours. The chameleon colours are as loud as an irritating whistle kettle on a coal

stove. They’re as bright as spring sunflowers and sometimes as dull as poorly arranged mosaic

ornaments.

The chameleon thoughts are everywhere I look! On a cold, miserable grey sky day, the colours become

brighter and evident for one to see through their thoughts without binoculars.

On the days when the pots are empty and the heat in the kitchen is unbearable, the chameleon changes

colour to camouflage – a confusion that brings sadness to my heart as I stare at it.

I wonder why a chameleon cannot stick to one colour; why it cannot go without its misleading thoughts

of deception. I’m in a pickle trying to tell the actual colour of these disguised chameleon thoughts!

Oh, what a display of chameleon thoughts of colour which most times hurt the sight of an eye. They hurt

because of the inconsistency of deception every step it takes; with its slow undecided strides. Oh, what

a palaver!

The chameleon’s thoughts of colour border on their present space – and those are the colours I see most

times I look around my village.

The warmth of the chameleon’s colours is felt when the sun is shining, and now that it’s wintertime in

my village – the thoughts are cold and grey like the typical English weather.

Oh well, as the chameleon colours become more unseen, the chameleon itself gets lost in the rainy mud

and gets trampled on.

“Blimey! Did I step on something?” I exclaim as I lift my foot. I see a flat-faced chameleon which I had

mistakenly thought of as a tiny heap of compost. When my thoughts cleared, I sighed.

What a day it has been mistaking compost for a chameleon – oh how there are many colours of a

chameleon.

I cleaned up my foot and smile – a chameleon indeed!