OWN IT

Have you ever seen the difference in attitude of someone who takes ownership of something?

It’s a delight to experience this firsthand. Above all, it is reassuring to know that this job will be done and done properly, whatever it takes. 

Recently I did so in quite an unusual situation. After a long working Saturday I took my usual (not lately though) walk across the road to Sunset Beach - to watch the sunset of course, hear the waves, smell the sea, feel the sand beneath my feet. As always I am alone on the beach, except for a very enthusiastic guy – picking up debris and putting it on a heap next to the wall at the roadside. There must be a dozen big mounds already. Jogging past him he smiles, greeting me. Coming back I stop at a huge heart – built from rocks previously strewn all across the beach. The wall is built with big rocks while the interior is sand with shells on top. Simba explains this all enthusiastically to me. It took him two weeks to build. He sleeps there, pointing towards the gangway on the far edge.  “It’s tough living in the open. Here used to be drug dealers but I chased them away. They can do it on another beach, but not here. I have a black belt in karate - striking a pose - they leave me alone.” Being a karateka myself, I understand where he is coming from: taking pride in years of training. 

We part, with Simba asking: “If you have some spare clothes or food, it would be nice.” He continues with his self appointed job. And I know this beach is safe and clean because of Simba’s passion for life; not because someone told him to do it, or somebody pays him to do it. He has made this place his home, and he takes care of it. Won’t it be great if everybody has the same attitude: taking ownership and taking care of the space around them, thanks only to self-pride? 

Since then I have seen Simba in animated conversation with various people as he goes about his self-appointed task. Its 13 months later and I am on my usual routine. Simba rushes past me, saying “I recognize you.” The beach is still in pristine condition. I am still impressed but not surprised. 

Photo credits:

Sunset Beach – Anton Blignault