You can’t really pursue happiness # 1

Same as you can’t really pursue love - for the simple reason that it normally finds you when you’re doing other stuff. Importantly, you must be open to find it, know its voice, and be prepared to stop whatever you’re so busy with and digress to follow it.  Then in a heartbeat your eyes will brighten up and you’ll sing along to:

“You can reach me by caravan

Across the desert like a Arab man

I don’t care how you get here

Just get here if you can.”

What has all this got to do with wine you ask? Well, in my mind good wine starts before you actually pour it. First you get into a relaxed vibe and chill. You, whites and reds too. Assemble great company and scrumptious food. Then let the conversation flow. In doing so comes wonderfully romantic moments, and momentous philosophical thoughts. But at least fill up your glass before we tackle these serious issues.

“I’d much rather eat pasta and drink wine than be a size zero.” Sofia Loren

This is the basis of my wine philosophy. Follow your intuition. Enjoy life!

“Those who are not looking for happiness are the most likely to find it, because those who are searching forget that the surest way to be happy is to seek happiness for others.” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Encourage someone else in following their dream, supporting them all the way. Congratulate them when they’ve achieved their goal, spreading their good news story for their benefit.

“I don’t know what your future has in store, but what I do know is that you will only be really happy if you have sought and found how to serve.” Dr. Albert Schweitzer

When you lose yourself in helping others, you will be amazed at the joy and warmth you feel inside you.

“Happiness consists of living each day as if it were the first day of your honeymoon and the last day of your vacation.” Leo Tolstoy

Carpe Diem! Home is always there, yet you are here, now. Make the time to give her an extra long hug, whispering into her ear, “I love you”.

“Rules for happiness: something to do, someone to love, something to hope for.” Immanuel Kant

No man is an island. We are created for a purpose and formed as social beings, living constantly in the hope to be found worthy.

“When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us.” Helen Keller

It used to take me forever to close a door, but lately I’ve become very attentive and now even see a door open on the side at ever such a slight crack, just before the main door in front of me shuts with a clang.

“My happiness grows in direct proportion to my acceptance, and in inverse proportion to my expectations.” Michael J. Fox

Accept yourself as you are, accept those around you, including the so-called bad news just delivered, and move on. Rest assured that new opportunities and some wonderful lessons will come from this.

“It isn’t what you have or who you are or where you are or what you are doing that makes you happy or unhappy. It is what you think about it.” Dr. Dale Carnegie

Be happy inside your own skin. Truly love and admire yourself. You are special and you are loved by the Creator.

“Since you get more joy out of giving joy to others, you should put a good deal of thought into the happiness that you are able to give.” Eleanor Roosevelt

Giving of yourself is really what counts – your time, your memories, your expertise, and your take on living in peace and harmony.  Share these authentically and in humbleness.

“Faith makes you happy.” Dr. Henry Cloud

Isaiah 52: 7 says, “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, "Your God reigns!"”

“Happiness is nothing more than good health and a bad memory.” Dr. Albert Schweitzer

Whatever harsh circumstances prevailed, it is always the love, the laughter, and the fun that is remembered.

“Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

“Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole road, just take the first step.” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Take heart even in doing what you fear. It will soon pass once you act. Not only that, but having shown the courage to make that phone call, write that note, confront someone, you will be absolutely thrilled with pride, flowing over into a deep inner peace.

So there you have it, some thoughts over a glass or two of excellent wine. But don’t let me stop you in your pursuit, or not…

Acknowledgements:-

“You can reach me” by Anita Baker

Giulio Bertrand, Morgenster Estate – Sofia Loren quote

“Wat gelukkige mense weet…” Dr. Jannie le Roux ©2014 Carpe Diem Media – other quotes

Creating a legacy

How do you go about creating a legacy? Something substantial that will outlast your lifetime? You can write that book, star in a movie, sing on stage, become a sports star… While there are a myriad ways with each person having his own views according to their God-given talents, one surefire way could be to create your own successful private brand.

But similar to each of those other fields, this road also has no guarantee of success when you start out. In fact, as all successful entrepreneurs will testify to, creating a new brand is filled with trials and tribulations along every step of the way. Meaning that getting over the first hurdle does not automatically get you to the finish line. And this is actually only the gateway to get your product into the market and onto the shelves.

So why bother? Well, ask anyone who has ever achieved any degree of success. Or rather, look at the enthusiasm and confidence that emanates from them. Then most likely you’ll want something of the same. But first of all you’ll need a great desire to achieve despite all the odds stacked against you. And achieving does not always have to be about you. What about the guy who goes full out to give back from all the blessings that he’s received in life?

Just be very sure that in all instances it is incredible hard work to reach that pinnacle and you’ll need a good team to support you along the way. See building a brand as a lifelong journey – separate from yours and with a life of its own, sometimes actually much more exciting. So take time to acknowledge and celebrate each milestone achieved. Then before you know it, that little brand has grown and stands proudly on its own feet on the world stage. This is of course time to have a great party. But also the time when you should recognize in gratitude all those around you and contemplate whereto from here? Am I there yet? Is my job done yet? Where to next?

FMS has been fortunate to be part of several teams this year that created some very innovative wine brands. Each has its own distinct character, target market, purpose and vision. Let’s salute those brave men who dared to step out of their comfort zones, and in creating something unique took the bold steps to each give birth to a new international brand.

The Full Fifteen Africans Malbec 2013 – Denmark 

www.skovgaardvine.dk/the-full-fifteen-africans-malbec-2013

Africa Promise Chardonnay Sauvignon Blanc 2015 &

Africa Promise Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2015 - USA & SA www.AfricaPromiseWines.com

Jacques du Mont Vinho Espumante Premium  - Bolivia, Brazil & Angola

With the wines now all dressed up and some already in the market, the next step for these brand owners and FMS as facilitator is to grow these wine brands into a legacy, introducing it into new countries with careful planning.

Photo credits: 

Incisioni Grafica Pubblicita & Jacques Germanier - Africa Promise Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2015

Peter Rimell Photography – The Full Fifteen Africans