Over the years, this column has been many things: catharsis for the writer, a moment of levity for readers, and a little pocket of shared humanity. We mused over elephants in the Chobe, the eccentricity of World Naked Gardening Day, and the whimsical art of hobby-horsing. Each week brought a dash of curiosity, humour, and a connection that transcended inboxes.

But life changes. The world feels busier, in some ways heavier, and though we still carry echoes of that time, the energy has shifted. Monday Musings, once a lifeline, feels like a chapter that has run its course.

Just as all things must evolve to stay relevant, so too must Monday Musings. What began as a comforting voice during uncertain times now seeks to adapt to the needs of a world that is constantly moving forward. While its original purpose has been fulfilled, its spirit – the desire to connect, inspire, and provoke thought – remains very much alive. This is not the end of our musings; rather a transformation, one that aligns with where we are today and where we aspire to go.

In the spirit of this farewell, we reflect on the art of goodbyes, beautifully captured in this musing by Jared Miller (Thank you Melissa for sharing this little gem when I needed it most). It is particularly poignant to me having just had to say goodbye to some of our team in our restructuring.

Goodbyes, whether personal or professional, are never easy, but they create space for growth and renewal. They honour what has been while paving the way for what’s next, reinforcing the trust and values that guide us.

This evolution of Monday Musings mirrors the journey Big Ambitions is on. As we embrace a more focused strategy, our musings will shift to reflect our redefined purpose. Future columns will provoke meaningful conversations and align with our goal of delivering impactful, outcome-driven solutions in the travel and tourism sector. They will challenge us to connect the tasks at hand with the bigger picture of driving positive impact for people, places, and the planet.

This transformation doesn’t mean leaving behind the heart and humour that defined Monday Musings; rather, it means weaving those qualities into a new narrative. Our Musings will explore not just what’s happening but why it matters, guiding readers through the complexities of a rapidly changing world while staying true to our purpose of driving positive impact for people, places, and the planet. It’s not just the end of a chapter – it’s the beginning of a new story.

And so, as we bid adieu to Monday Musings, we do so with full hearts. This end is not a loss but a transition, a space created for new energy, ideas, and adventures to take root. Let this be a gentle reminder, as the year winds down, to embrace endings with the same excitement as beginnings. Because in every goodbye, there’s an invitation to begin anew.

To all who’ve read, laughed, and reflected with us over the years – thank you. Your engagement has been a gift. And as we step into this next chapter, remember: How we say goodbye shapes how we think about saying hello again.

Here’s to 2024 and all the new beginnings it holds. May it be filled with curiosity, connection, and the courage to embrace the unknown.

Mindful Musings

What the world was musing over this past week

Expresso yourself! The year we all mispronounced everything

From “Espresso” (it’s not “expresso,” people) to “Flygskam” (yes, that’s Swedish for flight shame), 2024’s linguistic slip-ups prove we can mispronounce just about anything. Thanks, Babbel, for saving us from ourselves.

61 Gifts so odd, even Father Christmas is thinking ‘hard pass’

How about a Grinch costume for your dog or tequila in Santa pants? This bizarre gift guide proves no idea is too strange for the holiday season.

Hong Kong banks on ‘Panda Power’

With 2,500 panda sculptures and six real-life bears, Hong Kong’s panda craze is turning cute into cash as the city embraces its “panda economy” to attract tourists.

Smells like happy hour? Miller launches dive bar ‘barfume’

Sporting notes of cedarwood, leather, and sea salt, Miller High Life’s sold-out “Bar-Fume” captures the essence of your favourite dive bar—minus the sticky floors.

As someone whose musical career peaked with the triangle in nursery school (though I did have Majors for Minors on repeat during my boys’ early years), I found myself wondering what it takes to transform from novice to virtuoso.

The legendary Yo-Yo Ma said, “Music enhances the education of our children by helping them to make connections and broadening the depth with which they think and feel.”

The discipline required to master an instrument teaches invaluable life lessons and according to the Royal College of Music, regular practice not only improves musical ability but also develops emotional awareness, time management skills, the ability to accept and learn from criticism, and perseverance through difficulties. This is why the CPO’s work with South African youth is so important.

And the orchestra itself? It’s like a masterclass in teamwork. Orchestra members learn how to listen while performing, follow while leading, respect timing and spacing, blend individual talent with collective harmony, and trust in the process – and their fellow musicians.

And what about for someone just sitting in the audience and soaking it all up?

Science says our brains light up like a Christmas tree when we listen to classical music, improving everything from our focus to our emotional IQ. Research published in the Journal of Neuroscience suggests that regular concert goers often report an improved ability to concentrate, better stress management and a deeper appreciation for complexity and nuance.

But Wednesday evening had another lesson in store for me. It taught me, that even if you’ve had a tough week (with some tough goodbyes), unexpected social events can fill your tank in ways that Netflix never can!

In his book, The Fun Habit, Mike Rucker explores how the pursuit of joy and wonder can change your life. For Rucker, fun is integral to a well-balanced life – and not the scrolling through reels kind of fun, the type that gets you up and dancing to life’s rhythm.

Moments of fun (planned or unexpected) do a lot of heavy lifting. They:

• Restore our energy
• Improve emotional resilience
• Lower levels of anxiety and depression
• Boost productivity and longevity
• Increase our ‘oomph’ – or as author Elizabeth Birkeland puts it, ‘our excitement about being alive’ (her novel Northern Lights in Provence is wonderful, read it!)

Put simply, fun strengthens our relationships, reduces stress, and creates moments of relief when life sometimes feel like an unrelenting rollercoaster.

Even better? Spontaneous invitations can also introduce you to new people, new conversations, new ways of thinking AND a brand-new cocktail: The Philharmonic.

This liquid symphony of premium brandy, vanilla syrup, pineapple juice, lemon juice and MCC has been specially curated for the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra (by a very talented mixologist). It is an ode to summer, joy and meaningful moments. Each cocktail comes with a printed pineapple ‘wedge’ containing a QR code that patrons can scan to support the talent and work of the CPO.

To find out more about the work of the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra, where to hear them play, how to support their projects, or where to enjoy a Philharmonic please email louise@cpo.org.za.

And if you’re looking for a few things to fill your tank this summer, consider Maynardville’s festival schedule, (how good does Sunday in the Park with Sondheim sound?), the Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra for orchestral events around the country, and seek out a range of outdoor concerts, markets and festivals under sunny skies – South Africa does summer well! Cheers to a season rich with fun, rhythm and revelry!

Mindful Musings

What the world was musing over this past week

Bosses: Gen Z and millennial workers have no clue what you’re talking about when you use these acronyms

LOL, WTF? Why Gen Z is drawing blanks at Boomer business speak. Read more.

Update your bucket list with a few of these bizarre destinations

Forget seeing the northern lights, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro or hot air ballooning over Cappadocia. Moss & Fogg just put together the most bizarre (and intriguing) destinations to visit. Read more.

New airport planned for Gauteng

According to Gauteng’s Finance and Economic Development MEC, Lebogang Maile, there are plans afoot for a new airport, expanded Gautrain service and a high-speed train to Limpopo! Read more.

Iconic Time Out Magazine is headed for SA!

As of 1 December, Time Out Cape Town will expand to Time Out South Africa with a mission to be the go-to publication for the best cultural, culinary and travel experiences for both locals and tourists alike. Read more.

In 1957, when overseas travel was strictly for the champagne set, Frommer wrote “Europe on 5 Dollars a Day.” It was a declaration that travel shouldn’t just be for those with private jets and trust funds.

The best thing about Frommer wasn’t his budget tips (though they were handy). It was his unwavering belief that the best travel happens when you get out of your comfort zone and into the real life of a place. He basically gave us permission to ditch the tour buses and fancy hotel lobbies.

These days, we think nothing of booking a family-run pension in Greece or hunting down the best street food in Bangkok. We’ve got the confidence to explore Istanbul’s back streets or find that perfect local wine bar in Rome. That’s Frommer’s influence right there – this idea that authentic travel beats packaged experiences every time.

Mind you, he’d probably have a good laugh at today’s ‘influencers’ posed in identical spots at infinity pools around the world. He was more interested in the story you’d tell over dinner than the one you’d post on Instagram.

What makes his passing worth noting is how much we need his philosophy right now. In an age where travel often feels like a competitive sport, his message is refreshing: the point isn’t to tick off sites or snap perfect photos – it’s to understand a place and its people.

The $5 a day is long gone (wouldn’t that be nice?), but his core belief stands: whether you’re booking a luxury hotel or a backpackers’, real travel is about getting under the skin of a place. No one ever came home with their best travel story starting with “So I never left the resort…”

Next time you’re planning a trip, pour a glass for old Arthur. He’s the reason we know that the best travel memories often happen when we step off the well-worn trail, and just see where the day takes us.

Cheers, Mr Frommer. You made us all better travellers.

Mindful Musings

What the world was musing over this past week

This AI grandma is making scammers regret ever picking up the phone

Meet Daisy, Britain’s sweetest AI grandmother who’s secretly making phone scammers lose their minds. This charming digital trickster might just be the most entertaining weapon against fraud you’ve never heard of. Read more

Cape Town just shocked everyone by becoming the world’s favourite food city

South Africa’s favourite city just beat out Milan, Tokyo, and Rome in Condé Nast Traveller’s rankings for best food destinations. Who saw that coming? Read more

How photographers captured National Geographic’s best shots of 2024

From waiting motionless in freezing water to hiking 20 kg of gear up a volcano, discover the extraordinary lengths photographers went to capture these stunning moments. Read more

Sure, I could have caught the main sessions online, but can Zoom replicate the experience of my Australian colleague force-feeding me “the world’s greatest sweets” every 30 minutes? I think not. And while pigeons can apparently distinguish between a Picasso and a Monet (seriously, you can read all about it here), they can’t appreciate the delicate art of navigating a cross-cultural conversation conducted primarily through charades.

For example, our wonderfully hospitable Greek hosts, enthusiastically declared their mission was to “pleasure us during our stay.” My British colleague and I spent the rest of the evening meticulously avoiding eye contact and desperately trying not to dissolve into giggles. (Sometimes sharing the same twisted sense of humour can be dangerous in professional settings.) Or my Korean dinner companion, with whom I conducted a fascinating dialogue using mostly hand gestures. Or the tears of laughter with my Chilean colleague as I butchered yet another translation.

These moments? Pure gold. Unreplicable. Unzoomable.

All this IRL interaction made me curious about the why, so I did some digging and found some fun facts:

• People used to say “prunes” instead of “cheese” when taking photos (because nothing says “joy” like constipation awareness)
• Face-to-face requests are 34 times more effective than emails (so maybe stop sending those passive-aggressive “per my last email” messages)
• A handshake activates the same brain centres as chocolate (though I still prefer the chocolate)
• In-person socialising, even for just a few minutes, has been shown to significantly boost well-being. (So, those coffee breaks and hallway chats aren’t just procrastination – they’re essential for a happy brain!)
• When you smile, part of someone else’s brain smiles too (it’s like a neural party)
• People appear more attractive in groups (aka the “Cheerleader Effect” – yes, that’s the actual scientific term)
• Anxious people benefit more from social interactions (finally, a perk of being perpetually nervous!)

So while Big Ambitions will stay proudly remote (because, let’s face it, traffic is nobody’s friend), I’m carrying a renewed appreciation for these irreplaceable in-person moments. And about three kilos of Australian sweets.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to expense those sweets as “crucial research materials.”

Mindful Musings

What the world was musing over this past week

Florence says “Ciao” to tourist chaos

Florence just banned tourist golf carts, loud tour guides, and, um, key boxes? Looks like the Renaissance city is going back to basics (and maybe hiding everyone’s keys under a rock).

Swedish minister has gone bananas (Or rather, anti-bananas)

Forget diplomatic immunity, a Swedish minister’s staff demands banana immunity. Leaked emails reveal an unusual pre-meeting requirement: banana-free zones.

Don’t let Trump ruin your next 4 years: cruise away!

Can’t stand another four years of Trump? This cruise company feels you. They’re offering a “Four-Year Skip Forward” package—because who needs democracy when you have unlimited buffets?

Twitter’s (aka X) secret weapon returns to haunt it

Remember Twitter’s abandoned decentralisation project? It just nabbed 1M users in a week. Now flying solo, Bluesky’s winning over the old-school Twitter crowd with algorithm-free feeds and zero drama. Looks like X’s forgotten child might be social’s next big shake-up.

Move over sphinx, there’s a new dog in town

Egypt’s stray dogs are having their moment, thanks to a viral video that’s changing how tourists see Giza’s ancient wonders. These local ‘pyramid pups’ are now drawing crowds, boosting businesses, and turning an age-old problem into an unexpected attraction.

Luniko recently lit up social media while wearing a Spiderman costume and performing a spirited African warrior dance – and it just doesn’t get any cuter!

But what can we all learn from our South African spider-warrior? Turns out, quite a bit. According to research from Harvard Medical School, dance is brilliant for your brain and body. Studies show that synchronising music and movement stimulates the brain’s reward centres, reducing stress, boosting memory, and creating new neural connections.

In fact, dance has shown such profound effects that it’s even being used to treat neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease, significantly slowing down the progression of the disease.

Keen to try dance as a natural remedy? There’s power in how you dance depending on the feeling or problem:

1. For anxiety or stress: Try simple, repetitive movements – think rocking or gentle spins. These actions help your brain lock into a rhythmic, calming pattern, lowering your heart rate and easing tension.
2. For sadness or anger: Crank up your favourite high-energy song and go wild with freestyle dancing. The wilder your dance moves, the more frustration and serotonin you’ll release.
3. For mental clarity: Intricately choreographed dance moves challenge both body and brain, increasing focus and giving your mind a much-needed break from all that political or personal madness.
4. For joy: Need a pick-me-up? Pull a Luniko! It doesn’t matter which dance moves you choose – it’s the feel-good factor that matters most.

When the world gets heavy, dance can lighten the load.

In the words of Lady Gaga: Just dance. It’s gonna be OK.

Mindful Musings

What the world was musing over this past week

Did Americans steal our milk tart?

South Africans have humorously rallied against Americans over a perceived ‘theft’ of our beloved milk tart, ignited by a viral TikTok video from Thabo Baloyi.

Hops, barley… and breaking barriers

Beer has long been branded a ‘man’s drink,’ but change is brewing thanks to South African women like Wendy Pienaar of Just Brewing Co. and Megan Gemmell of Clockwork Brewhouse.

Robert Irwin and Prince William explore the Western Cape

The duo recently visited South Africa for the 2024 Earthshot Awards. Read all about where they went and what inspired them.

Everyone’s scrambling to try these viral egg recipes

From cloud eggs to shakshuka, viral egg recipes are hatching endless creativity, proving there’s no limit to what you can do with a clutch of eggs and a sprinkle of social media inspo.

Let me backtrack. The week before, I realised I spent 11 hours in front of my laptop in one day. I told my French class about it, and from the concerned looks on their faces and my teacher’s solemn comment, “Ce n’est pas sain!” – that’s not healthy – it dawned on me that this is no way to live.

So, in the name of mental and physical health, I decided to start walking my dog in the morning (as well as the evening). She is very happy with this development.

I took my coffee, my dog, and my husband to the nearby Silvermine Wetlands, and, in the beautiful early morning sun, as I was using stepping stones to cross the low stream, I lost my footing (mornings aren’t my strong point) and fell forward, dismally looking at my coffee dispersing through the water and shoes going out to sea, soggy and sad.

Shout-out to my husband who ran into the stream, jeans, sneakers, and all, to save my shoes.

Luckily, I didn’t hurt myself, and we ended up laughing, calf-deep in the wetlands, confusing other early-morning dog walkers with our fully clothed frolic in the stream.

I wonder if it was life’s way of humorously teaching me that ‘failing’ is in the eye of the beholder.

Society often sees failure as a punishable offence. From when we are little, we are told to go to the dark naughty corner; we sit there crying, feeling epic shame. I think it’s high time for a shift in narrative, and I love Matt Matheson’s approach. He created ‘The Church of Fail’, where the staff ‘congregated’ and confessed their biggest work fail for the week.

The ‘church’ had amazing results. Employees realised that everyone makes mistakes, and they learnt from each other’s. It normalised, essentially, being human. It built a culture of honesty and compassion, and allowed the team to improve.

The other life lesson I gleaned while falling into that river? Quite literally, to go with the flow. To surrender. If I had tried to fight to stay upright and hold onto my precious cup of coffee, I would have seriously injured myself. As I fell, I just said, “Oh well,” and accepted my soggy fate. It was deeply liberating.

I’m currently listening to an inspiring audiobook by Miranda Hart, I Haven’t Been Entirely Honest with You and I love how she puts this: “The world shouts at us, ‘Fight, battle, push, fix, control, achieve, override… Happiness is your goal, and success makes you a good person… The truth gently shouts, ‘The way to peace and healing is acceptance, trust, hope, self-compassion, and rest. Vulnerability is strength and surrender is a place of transformation’.”

And according to the ultimate life expert, my dog, splashing in the wetlands on all fours is the best way to begin the week.

Mindful Musings

What the world was musing over this past week

Ghost stories you won’t want to boo

Got Halloween FOMO? Catch up with the best ghost stories you’ve never heard before.

Heidi Klum becomes E.T. for Halloween

Her costume was out of this world and took one year to make!

Halloween dog parades – a long-standing tradition

Have a look at the best pooch Halloween costumes over the years, from Frida Kahlo to Superman, ahem, dog.

Lost Mayan city discovered in Mexico

An Indiana Jones-worthy discovery of an ancient city hidden in the thick of the jungle has revealed thousands of buildings including pyramids!

In a series of podcast interviews with experts and celebrities, including actors, singers and sports coaches, “uncomfortable” topics are discussed, as well as conditions like addiction and depression. Interviewees candidly reveal how they overcame their particular demons.

Burnout is a predominant topic and significant at this time of year when workloads and stress spike in the rush towards the December holidays. It also ties in with the official 2024 theme of World Mental Health Day: prioritising mental health in the workplace.

One of the discussions delves into how burnout has become a “badge of honour” in South Africa. Our workaholic culture has us comparing how much overtime we worked and how stressed we are at the water cooler as if it’s an achievement. But, the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) cautions that constant, high levels of stress are unsustainable, and burnout has a massive impact on us and those around us.

Emotional symptoms include feeling drained, unable to cope, being sad, angry, irritable or not caring about anything and reaching for alcohol and other substances to feel calmer or “zone out”. The physical symptoms include high blood pressure and low immunity, resulting in us being constantly sick. 

So how can we manage or reduce stress effectively, when for many of us, the advice of doing meditation, mindfulness and yoga is way outside our comfort zones? Here are a few evidence-based, practical suggestions:

• Exercise – regular exercise, no matter what it is, and only 30 minutes of it, reduces your stress levels and perks up your mood (and your butt, if you work hard enough!).
  
  
• Digital detox – ok, did that freak you out? Well, the good news is there’s no need to go hardcore. By reducing your screen time – albeit significantly – you’ll sleep better and feel less stressed.
  
  
• Spend time with your (furry) friends – anyone with pets in their lives knows their power to heal just by being in your space. And there’s science behind it. Petting your fur kid causes your body to release oxytocin, one of the “happy hormones”. According to the SA College of Applied Psychology, pets can help us lead mentally healthier lives.
  
  
• Schedule me-time, also known as “self-care” – this is an oft-neglected area in our lives and can even feel selfish. Wrong, say the experts! “People who engage in self-care typically have lower levels of stress and improved quality of life, while a lack of self-care is associated with a higher risk of stress and burnout.”
  
  
• Change your scenery – “Travel has been linked to stress reduction and can alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression,” says WebMD.com. You don’t have to go large and cross-continental with your travel plans. Even a weekend away has mental benefits. And if you can’t travel, explore a new venue or try a new experience and enjoy the benefit of “rewiring” your brain – aka neuroplasticity – helping it break the old patterns that get you down.

But if you could do with a little counsellor support and advice, SADAG has several 24-hour, toll-free hotlines with a caring voice on the other end. Remember: it’s okay to not be okay.

Mindful Musings

What the world was musing over this week

Pizza and cocaine, anyone?

A pizzeria in Germany has been bust for delivering its top-selling pizza with a side order of cocaine!

The Chinese send their fur kids to work

With pet popularity soaring in China and pet cafés on the rise, people are dropping off their fur kids at these venues to “work the crowds”. And earn a salary comprised of snacks!

Airport farewells slapped with a time limit

At Dunedin Airport in New Zealand you may not hug goodbye for more than 3 minutes in the drop-off zone!

Going with your gut pays off

An American man who didn’t buy a lottery card felt compelled to return to the store and buy it after all. Guess what? He won big time!

So, what was the book I lost that had me so distraught? Amphibious Soul by Craig Foster, he of My Octopus Teacher fame, who put our beautiful kelp forests on the map. It also happened to be a signed copy that everyone at the SATSA conference* was so generously gifted.
*Hint: If anyone wants to send me a spare they have lying around, it’d be greatly appreciated!

Even though I don’t plan on bracing the icy waters like Foster, I found the book so meaningful because it spoke of our connection to nature and the observation of tracks and signs, something I notice on my daily dog walks. While exploring the bush in my local neighbourhood for the last seven years, I have also sought out new discoveries, observed behaviour and watched the natural cycles of life.

I saw how the beautiful pink orchids, the Satyrium carneum, blossomed after the fire when they had all the sun. They were stocky, hardy blooms, but since the bush has regrown, they must now fight for that light. As a result, they grow on thinner stems, reaching almost a metre high. I am constantly reminded that every flower has its time to bloom and that although its beauty fades, it passes on its seeds to the next generation. I watch the birds breeding, and I marvel at the tortoises taking life at their own pace.

I remember the words of a long-passed fisherman, who abdicated from ‘normal’ life and instead chose to live out his days on his own remote paradise along the Cape Point peninsula. He had the privilege of observing the seasons for more than 40 years from this vantage point. One day, he said to me, “The grass is seeding; the canaries will come.” And the canaries did come. Every October as I walk in the long, seeding grass, I am reminded of the passing of the seasons and that those canaries will come – they always do.

Nature guides – bush, coastal and marine – will appreciate that every day, they have the incredible privilege of working in this space and reconnecting people with nature. New approaches such as forest bathing, zen guiding and citizen science are changing the way we see the world.

In tourism, we have the incredible gift of watching travellers experience life-changing moments. I saw it in the eyes of a visiting cousin, who was aglow as we watched the southern right whales frolic off the De Kelders coastline. I have seen experiences like this change the lives of young students on ocean voluntourism projects, who have gone on to switch careers to study species we can help preserve. Seeing the gorillas in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest in Uganda changed the trajectory of my own journey.

In the never-ending search for the meaning of life, these moments of reconnection remind us that we are part of something so much bigger. And, in travel, we get to make dreams come true or even inspire new ones.

Mindful Musings

What the world was musing over this week

Change your brain

If you need any more inspiration to get outside and reconnect with nature, research shows that your brain literally changes based on your daily behaviour and mental state. So, enjoy that soothing walk, knowing that your brain (and body) will thank you for it.

Better than the All Blacks?

Siya – the real springbok! In a rare event, a black springbok was born at Kingswood Golf Estate in George. The public was invited to share some names, and despite some goodies like ‘Marmite’ and ‘Oreo’, the vote went to ‘Siya’ in honour of our Springbok captain. Of course, the option ‘Allblack’ was not chosen.

Pets on board

At last, pet travellers have a ‘lounge’ of their own at OR Tambo International Airport. Thanks to Swissport Pet Lounge for providing a calm environment for our beloved dogs, cats, and other animals.

It’s a thriller

Astrology lovers can find their perfect movie match for Halloween. We are just wowed by this underwater dance routine by Kristina Makushenko of Michael Jackson’s Thriller. Hold your breath (literally). This could be the next TikTok craze.

Now, before you roll your eyes and mutter something about yet another social media trend, hear me out. There might just be something to this one. With over 36 million posts on TikTok, the #OctoberTheory has quickly become an internet sensation.

The gist? October is being hailed as the new January. A time for fresh starts, goal-setting and general life-sorting. It’s like someone’s hit the reset button on the year, giving us all a last-minute, second chance at those New Year’s resolutions we abandoned probably somewhere around the end of January.

Start a habit now, and by the time January rolls around, you’ll be 90 days in. That’s well past the often-quoted (but slightly misunderstood) 21 days it supposedly takes to form a habit.

In fact, let’s bust that myth wide open. James Clear, author of “Atomic Habits” and a bit of an icon here in the Big Ambitions digital office, has dug into how long does it actually take to form a new habit (backed by science). Clear reports that in a study published in the European Journal of Social Psychology, researchers found that on average, it takes more than 2 months before a new behaviour becomes automatic — 66 days to be exact. And it can vary widely, from 18 to 254 days, depending on the person and the habit.

As Clear puts it, “Understanding this from the beginning makes it easier to manage your expectations and commit to making small, incremental improvements — rather than pressuring yourself into thinking that you have to do it all at once.” So, October gives you a nice head start.

But why might we be more inclined to dust off those resolutions in October? Psychologists point to the “fresh start effect” associated with temporal landmarks and also the fact that our behaviour can be influenced by seasonal changes. For those of us in the Southern Hemisphere, we’re shaking off the winter blues and embracing the energy of spring. Historically, springtime was a period of abundance after a scarce winter, inspiring a mental shift towards setting new goals and embarking on fresh projects.

Research by Meyer et al. (2016) found that cognitive function, particularly sustained attention, tends to peak around the summer solstice. Interestingly, working memory performance peaked around the autumn equinox. This variability in cognitive function across the year might explain why October feels like such a potent time for change and growth.

Now, here’s a game-changer for your October reset: habit stacking. James Clear introduces this concept as a powerful way to build new habits by linking them to existing ones. The formula is simple: “After/Before [CURRENT HABIT], I will [NEW HABIT].” For instance, “After I pour my cup of coffee each morning, I will meditate for one minute.” This method takes advantage of the neural pathways you’ve already established, making it easier to stick to new behaviours.

Whatever your October goals might be, remember this: change doesn’t happen overnight. It’s about small, consistent steps. And if you stumble? Well, as James Clear would say, treat failure like a scientist. Give yourself permission to make mistakes and develop strategies for getting back on track quickly. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got some October goal-setting to do. After all, why should January have all the fun?

Mindful Musings

What the world was musing over this past week

No skinnies for spring!

Millennials, Gen Z and cancel culture has come for your skinny jeans. Here’s how to make a fresh style start.

Love in the air – and mud

A fresh start for your marriage? Couples in Maine, USA, are getting down and dirty in this wacky wife-carrying competition.

This pup’s commute is better than yours

Move over, grumpy commuters! Minnie, the golden retriever, is brightening everyone’s day on the Mumbai local trains.

Need Halloween costume inspo?

Google’s here to help. Browse Frightgeist, Google’s experiment of costumes so good, it’s scary.

It’s important to note that he didn’t do the official race (which doesn’t actually finish on the famous steps), but bought a grey tracksuit in South Africa, packed it in his bag, and headed to New York (where he first shared a corndog with his partner on Times Square, another bucket-list experience), and then onto Philadelphia to run in the footsteps of Rocky – the world’s ultimate underdog and symbol of resilience, perseverance and redemption. (And yes, he got the best photograph at the top of the stairs!)

Over the years, studies have shown that achieving goals (including bucket-list items) triggers the release of dopamine in the brain, a neurotransmitter essential for overall mental and physical well-being. Dopamine acts on the ‘reward centre’ in our brain, and is responsible for everything from pleasure, satisfaction and motivation to memory, mood and sleep.

In fact, researchers believe that:

• Engaging in new experiences is linked to increased neuroplasticity – the brain’s ability to form new neural connections.
• Travelling can reduce the risk of cognitive decline and dementia, even slowing down the ageing process.
• Planning and anticipating positive experiences, like bucket-list activities, can reduce stress and improve overall mental health.
• Having a sense of purpose, which is often reinforced by pursuing bucket-list goals, is linked to better cognitive function and reduced risk of neurodegenerative diseases.

The good news is that bucket-list experiences don’t always require a long-haul flight or Lotto win. An example? I’ve always wanted to spend a morning with the meerkats. So, this July, we embarked on a road trip to Oudtshoorn. We spent a few days in the Klein Karoo, where early one morning, we braved the cold, met our guide (Devey), wandered about 200 metres into the scrub, set up our camp chairs, enjoyed our coffee and watched the sunrise as the local meerkat mob popped their heads out of their burrow. Best day ever. 

These ‘micro’ bucket-list items are also important. As Brita Schumacher from Somewhere Sunny (a company focused on transformational travel and coaching) explains, ‘micro’ bucket-list experiences are the things that make you say: “That looks fun.” Or “I’d love to go there.” And “I’d love to see/do/taste that.” Because when you check them off your list, you get all the positive benefits associated with bucket-list travel, like increased neuroplasticity, a dopamine boost, and plenty of fun and excitement.

As we approach peak holiday season – a busy and stressful time in our industry – make sure you have a few ‘micro’ bucket-list experiences lined up for yourself. On my list? South Africa’s first ‘slow overnight hiking trail’ in De Mond Nature Reserve and the Christmas market at Standford’s River Gate Guest Farm.

And remember, we’re all different. Some of us want to run like Rocky, while others want to do the sloth walk in Costa Rica. Or visit one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world (including East City, Cape Town). As long as it brings you loads of joy (and dopamine).

Mindful Musings

What the world was musing over this week

South Africa named top culinary destination on the continent

Add some foodie destinations to your ‘micro’ bucket list because SA has just been named the culinary capital of Africa!

Summer schedule means more flights
to SA

Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has announced new flight routes and additional flights to several of its airports – just in time for our summer season.

Robo-hotel rises in Texas desert 

Forget room service – how about a robot-built room? El Cosmico is set to become the world’s first 3D-printed hotel, sprouting from the Texas desert like a high-tech mirage. 

AI creates your future self’s chatbot 

Ever fancied a heart-to-heart with your wrinklier, wiser self? MIT’s new AI whips up a chatty 60-year-old you, complete with “synthetic memories” and life advice.  

Scientists race to save vanishing banana 

The world’s favourite banana is on the brink of extinction, threatened by a relentless fungus. Scientists have cracked the case, but the solution might surprise you – it involves shaking up your fruit-bowl choices.