Something big happened in my life this year…

I started university!

As I’ve stepped into this new season, some big changes have happened and will happen. One of these changes is that I’m living alone for the first time. I know everyone experiences university differently or may not be in the same season, but with this shift in my life, received some advice and encouragement from older woman and have learnt some lessons that I hope will be helpful for you too.

I won’t lie, I’ve been wanting to post this newsletter since the beginning of the year. But rather late than never and I’m glad I’ve finally gotten around to it!

The very first piece of guidance I received from my sister was to incorporate protein into my diet through chicken, mince and canned tuna. These are some of the most versatile foods that can keep you healthy while being budget friendly. So far I have successfully made some very nice and filling meals with these proteins (along with some flops). I would also add that chickpeas or eggs are easy and tasty ways to make a meal more filling. I am planning to share some recipes in my newsletters as I learn to cook for myself, so stick around for that if you’re looking for some delicious and adaptable meals!

The second person I asked for encouragement told me to have no expectations when entering this new season of life. For most of us, university will be filled with completely new experiences and environments that we are not even aware of. There is so much we don’t know yet and so little we’ve been exposed to. How can we possibly know what to expect?

I moved into my own place recently and I really could not have expected any of the social chaos that orientation week brought, followed by trying to navigating my way through unfamiliar and new places, and attempting to take care of myself and my new home. This advice really did help me to accept and be comfortable with the discomfort and I’m really grateful that this was something I was told before this change in my life.

This advice goes hand in hand with the previous point. The last person I spoke to tolf me to embrace these new surroundings and not be afraid. I have caught myself multiple times avoiding entering random places (like an unknown wing of my university building) simply because I don’t want to look lost or actually get lost. But having confidence and doing it anyways has ironically made me feel more comfortable in my environment.

Some of the other things she mentioned was to make sure to get involved with communities to help create a home away from home and to see every person as someone with a story and a life that we can be curious to learn more about. I always saw myself as someone who was not super outgoing but since being in the beautiful town of Stellenbosch I have become a social butterfly seeking a conversation with whoever I can. It’s been so exciting to meet new people and once you’ve started a conversation it really isn’t that daunting after all.

The last piece of advice I would like to leave you with today is to do things alone. I moved to this town without any of my close friends or family. I am here alone and navigating friendships all over again. I learned quickly not to rely on other people to show up to plans you make or that someone will be interested in doing what you want to do. Schedules get so busy and don’t align and if you want to do something, you simply just have to do it on your own. This is not to say compromise your safety but do what you want to do, even if you’re alone. And who knows, you may land up meeting your people along the way. After all, this is your life you are starting to live. Everyone says “you figure out who you are in Uni” and how can you do that if you’re too scared to spend time alone?

I can’t believe this is the third post of The Growing Seed newsletter already. I hope you have been enjoying it and thank you for being on this journey of figuring it all out with me.

If you want to become more involved, we have a WhatApp group where you can receive these newsletters, get extra tips and resources, and get involved with the community we are building. Here is the link if this sounds like something you want to be part of.

I hope you have a lovely long weekend and a blessed week ahead.

We’ll chat again soon x