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17 Things to Let Go of in 2017

Published

9 years ago

3 January 2017

Shelley

2016 has been a bad year for many people.
Let’s start off 2017 on a good note by letting go of 17 things!

1. Go Figure
Let go of the belief that you have to have everything figured out right now. That you have to know exactly who you want to be, exactly what you want to do, exactly who you want to have a life with. Be okay with the fact that you’re going to go through life feeling blind and unsteady and never fully sure of what you’re doing, because that’s how it’s supposed to be.

2. Never Judge A Book by its Cover
Let go of the idea that people are either 100% good or 100% bad. Focus on learning as much as you can about a person, about their past and their present and their struggles and their pain, before you succumb to the human instinct of instant judgement.

3. Love Yourself
Let go of your hatred of your body. Understand that it’s okay to want to be healthy, to want to be proud of your body, and to want to look good and feel well. But also understand that you are only mortal, that there will always be something that you don’t like about yourself, and that it’s more of a journey of figuring out how to love yourself anyway than it is about ‘fixing’ what you are convinced is wrong with you.

4. Forgive Friends
Let go of your anger towards the friends who have hurt you but have also repeatedly tried to make it up to you. Forgive them, bring them back into your life, and watch how much happier and lighter you are because of it.

What are you letting go of this year?

5. Let Go of Those Friends
Let go of friends who don’t put effort into your relationship. It doesn’t have to be a fight, or a dramatic, official goodbye. But let go of the energy that you spend on them that never gets returned. Come to peace with it, and with them. Be okay with the fact that you can still love them while also letting them go, in order to make room for the friends who always meet you halfway.

6. It’s Okay to be Wrong
Let go of the idea that you must be right all the time. You’re human and you make mistakes and sometimes you’re wrong and that’s okay, as long as you own up to it.

7. Start that Career
Let go of your belief that it’s too late to start the career that you actually want. It is never too late.

8. Don’t Change
Let go of people who make you feel like you have to change in order to be loved by them.

9. Go with the Flow
Let go of your passivity, of the tendency to watch life as it happens to you instead of taking charge of it yourself. Stop convincing yourself that you don’t have that much control over your life, that this is the job you’re stuck with or this is the city you’re stuck with or this is the partner you’re stuck with and you just have to deal with it, even if it makes you unhappy. Decide for yourself that you are powerful enough to change things, then start small and don’t stop.

10. Be Kind to Yourself
Let go of the idea that anxiety or depression are things to be ashamed about. Be kind to yourself, get the help you need and deserve, and understand that you are not alone.

11. Embrace Yourself
Let go of the pressure you put on yourself to be perfect. Embrace your flaws, embrace your screwups, embrace all the reasons why you are not perfect and figure out the numerous ways that they actually make you stronger.

12. Don’t be Bitter
Let go of bitterness over tiny things – traffic, loud people on the train, an annoying coworker. Stop letting the little things ruin your day. They can become pretty powerful, if you let them.

13. No Mediocrity
Let go of mediocrity, of any tendency you have to not give it your all. Don’t be a mediocre friend, a mediocre employee, a mediocre partner. Don’t feel mediocre about your job and don’t feel mediocre about the things you spend your time on outside of your job. Work towards greatness, in everything that you do. It doesn’t mean you have to be great at everything all the time, but you have to at least aim for it.

14. No Negativity
Let go of negative self-talk. Of telling yourself that you’re not good enough or you’re not successful enough or that you are undeserving of love. You will probably never fully get to this point, of being truly immune to negative self-talk. But you can certainly make a dent in decreasing it, and in making a conscious effort to be more kind and loving towards yourself.

15. Don’t be Wasteful
Let go of wasting stupid amounts of money on things that are not worth it or things you don’t care about.

16. Take a Break
Let go of the loud world you let yourself live in, with constant notifications and noise and scrolling and liking and sharing and clicking. Let yourself have some peace, or even just a moment to live in your own mind and to listen to your own thoughts, without someone or something trying to steal your attention.

17. Get Rid of Toxins
Let go of toxic thoughts, toxic things, toxic people, your own toxic behavior. Focus on being kind, on putting more goodness into the world, on giving and loving and making other people happy and relishing in how happy that makes you in return. Spread love and spread light.

Taken from the Thought Catalog.

Author: Shelley

Related Topics:17 things durban letting go new year resolutions

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Community

Oceans 8 Charity Swim Returns to Durban

Published

1 month ago

7 March 2026

Carla Wynne

The Oceans 8 Charity Swim returns to Vetch’s Beach at the Durban Undersea Club on 23rd & 24th (25th ) May 2026, bringing together swimmers, supporters, partners and 14 beneficiary charities for a two-day ocean event rooted in community and shared impact.

Founded by charities, for charities, Oceans 8 was created with a simple but ambitious vision: to unite people through a shared love of swimming while raising funds for non-profit organisations with a footprint in KZN. Since its inception, the event has raised over R3million, directly supporting 23 charities and the communities they serve.

“Oceans 8 is about shared purpose and the belief that when we come together, we can strengthen the work already happening in our communities,” says Nicci Carvalho, event spokesperson. “It’s ordinary people doing something challenging and creating lasting impact.”

What to Expect in 2026

This year’s event continues that mission – bringing together swimmers of all abilities across the 1-, 4-, 8- and 16-mile distances to use their sport to make a difference.

Durban’s mild winter conditions and the protected waters of Vetch’s Beach offer a rewarding ocean experience for seasoned open-water swimmers, while remaining accessible to those stepping into open water swimming for the first time.

The 1- and 4-mile swims support the event’s 10 invitational charities, with funds raised shared equally among them. Swimmers taking on the 8- and 16-mile challenges direct their fundraising towards one of Oceans 8’s four founding charities. Schools once again form an important part of the weekend, with interschools’ participation encouraging learners to raise funds, earn community service hours and represent their schools in the 1-mile swim. Trophies are up for grabs!

The event remains proudly volunteer-run, supported by a committed local network of businesses, safety teams and community partners who help bring the weekend together. Returning sponsors Arena SA, Stanley, IPSS Medical Services and ALU Direct continue to stand alongside Oceans 8, sharing a belief in building something sustainable for the charities and the communities they serve.

Environmental responsibility is also central to the event’s planning. Oceans 8 minimises single-use plastics, prioritises recycled materials, and collaborates with partners who align with its sustainability values – recognising that caring for the coastline is inseparable from swimming in it.

As Oceans 8 continues to grow nationwide, entries are open to swim with purpose and join a community committed to turning personal challenge into meaningful impact.

Oceans 8 Charity Swim 2026 Events

1 Mile Event:
Choose one of 4 events on Day 1 or Day 2.
Cost: R200 per person + minimum R800 raised for invitational charities.
4 Mile Event:
Swim 2 miles on Day 1 and 2 miles on Day 2.
Cost: R700 per person + minimum R3 000 raised for invitational charities.
8 Mile Event:
Swim 4 miles on Day 1 and 4 miles on Day 2.
Cost: R1 100 per person + minimum R5,000 to be raised via Given Gain for one of the four founding charities.
16 Mile Event:
Swim 8 miles on Day 1 and 8 miles on Day 2.
Swimmers will swim the 1 Mile course twice during each event.
Cost: R1 100 per person + minimum R5,000 to be raised via Given Gain for one of the four founding charities.

For more information or partnership enquiries, visit www.oceans8swim.co.za
Keep updated on all the action by following @oceans8_charityswim on Instagram and @oceans8swim on Facebook.

8- and 16-mile charities supported by the Oceans 8 Charity Swim 2026:

1- and 4-mile charities supported by the Oceans 8 Charity Swim 2026:

Author: Carla Wynne

Just a 30something plant mom, nature enthusiast and happy wife, adventuring through Durbs and life!🌻🌿🤍✨

Business

Award-Winning Tutoring and Extra Lessons with Qualified Teachers

Published

3 months ago

12 January 2026

mrjoelmagic

Quality Tutoring and Extra Lessons That Build Confidence and Results

Every child learns in their own way. Some enjoy the classroom setting, while others benefit from extra time and focused support to strengthen their understanding. Many families also choose extra lessons simply to give their children more confidence and a stronger foundation. That is where Kip McGrath Westville makes a difference. Recognised at the Best of Durban Awards, the centre is trusted across KZN for helping learners grow in both skill and self-belief.

Qualified Teachers, Local Understanding

One of the things that makes Kip McGrath Westville stand out is its team of qualified teachers from schools in and around the community. These are professionals who understand both the curriculum and the challenges learners face, and who bring classroom experience into a focused tutoring environment.

Sessions are available across a wide range of subjects, including English, Maths, Maths Literacy, Afrikaans, Science, Accounting, Physics, Study Skills and, School Readiness, supporting learners from Grade R through to Grade 12.

This variety means support is available for early foundational learning, exam preparation and everything in between.

Building Strong Foundations

The journey begins with a free, no-obligation assessment. This looks at a child’s current year and the two years prior. English is the language of instruction for most subjects, so having a solid grasp of it helps learners better understand everything from Maths problems to Science concepts.

By identifying areas that need strengthening, tutors can design a programme that gives each learner the support they need to feel more confident and prepared.

What to Expect from a Kip Session

Each learner follows a personalised programme that matches their needs and goals. Extra lessons are structured to be focused, engaging and supportive:

~ A session concentrating on one subject at a time.
~ A maximum of four students per session.
~ A combination of computer activities and written work to keep learning interesting.
~ Guidance from qualified teachers who provide encouragement and structure.
~ Clear goals that help learners see their progress and celebrate achievements.

More Than Just Better Marks

Kip McGrath is not only about improving results. It is about helping children feel more confident in their learning, giving them the tools to manage challenges and the reassurance that they can succeed. Parents often see a positive shift in how their children approach school, noticing greater independence and a more relaxed attitude to their studies.

Working Together with Families

The best results happen when families and tutors work together. At Kip McGrath:

~ Learners receive weekly homework to practise what they have studied.
~ Parents are kept up to date with regular feedback on progress.
~ Kip McGrath facilitates an open line of communication between its tutors, parents, the school, and the child’s teachers for full transparency on extra lessons.

This teamwork ensures that each learner feels encouraged and supported throughout their academic journey.

Lasting Results

The programmes at Kip McGrath are progressive and measurable. Children start at their level and build step by step toward their goals. With consistency and encouragement, learners gain confidence, improve their understanding, and feel more at ease with their schoolwork.

Why Families Choose Kip

With 50 years of international experience, and branches all over South Africa, and other areas of the world including the UK and Australia, Kip McGrath has supported generations of learners. Families choose Kip McGrath Westville for its caring approach and proven results. Recognition at the Best of Durban Awards is a reflection of the impact they continue to make in the community.

Book a Free Assessment

Whether your child could use some extra support or simply wants to strengthen their foundation, Kip McGrath Westville is here to help. Start with a free, no-obligation assessment and see the difference a little extra guidance & a few extra lessons can make.

At Kip McGrath, it is not just about lessons. It is about building confidence, supporting growth, and giving every child the chance to feel secure in their learning.

Contact Kip McGrath Today!

Call: 031 267 2734

Email: accounts@kipwestville.co.za

Web: www.kipmcgrath.co.za/westville

Instagram: @kipwestville

Facebook: @KipWestville

Author: mrjoelmagic

Business

Barkies: Homemade Pet Treats

Published

4 months ago

9 December 2025

Shelley

Freshness You Can Trust, Impact You Can See! 🐾
Looking for treats that are genuinely good for your furry (or hoofed!) family members?

Welcome to Barkies—where every treat is baked with love, fresh ingredients, and a commitment to animal welfare.

We believe in complete transparency. Our treats are always homemmade with fresh, natural ingredients, and we are proud to tell you exactly what goes into every single bite.

✨ Year-End Combo Special: Spoil Your Pup! ✨
To celebrate the year, we’re making it easy to spoil your dog with the best of Barkies:

Item Details
12 Pupcakes Choose your dog’s favourite flavour!
500g Fresh Dog Treats Choose your flavour!
Combo Price R220

This is the perfect package for holiday gatherings, puppy parties, or just showing extra love!

🌍 Treats with a Heart
We’re not just about delicious treats; we’re about giving back. Barkies donates 20% of every single sale to incredible animal charities right here in Durban. When you buy from us, you’re directly helping local animals in need.

🥕 Simple, Delicious & Safe
Our treats are simple but delicious and contain no nasty preservatives. Please store all Barkies products in the fridge or freezer to keep them fresh.

We make treats for dogs, cats, and horses!