We planted a veggie and herb garden outside our kitchen window. I don’t have a cooking (veggie) clue on how to grow them, but I’m going to try. A veggie garden is something KK has been talking about forever but we just never got around to doing it because we were always busy.

Yeah, yeah. That famous Jo’burg uttered phrase. But I don’t think “being busy” had anything to do with it at all. It’s about priorities.

Before I left my job at the Blue Bank, I used to wake up at 05h30, dash out the house by 06h30, slump home exhausted after 18h00 in the evenings. No time spent with my dogs, no time available to go for sunset walks, and certainly no time to spend in my garden.

The plants gasped for sunlight under the overgrown trees, the grass died, the pool paving became brittle in the sun. But I never took notice, because I was busy…

A year ago, I sat down and drew up a vision board. If I was to leave my job after 20 years in corporate, I needed to know what I was giving up and what I wanted out of life. What mattered?

Besides the obvious one of being happy, I wanted my life back. I wanted to be free, less anxious and to start being passionate about things that mattered in life. That really mattered to me. On my list was a healthy body, sharp mind, being passionate about the work I do.

But also finding joy in things outside of work.

Shit! I have no idea how to grow veggies. I’ve been Googling and watching YouTube videos, even following new accounts on Instagram. Learning a new hobby is thrilling! Digging my hands into the damp soil is such an incredible feeling!

It’s a small thing but you have no idea how excited I am about picking my own butter lettuce!

When last did you take stock of the things that matter? Before you answer, go look at your garden and ask your plants what they would say.

Ps: If you grow your own vegetables or herbs, I seriously welcome any advise! Or an invite for supper. LOL