Life in Germany, making each day a masterpiece and opening your best
Creators' Corner #6
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On the menu this week:
Reflecting on my first two years as an expat in Germany
Thought of the week
Creator in the spotlight: Nic Rosslee
1. My Life as an Expat in Germany
I often get asked about my life in Germany.
My friends and colleagues in South Africa want to know more about the land of Oktoberfest, Körperfreiheit and Bratwurst. The people known for their love of football, being on time and drinking beer by the litre. The country that provided the world with Einstein, Beethoven and that guy with the funny moustache [sorry - that was Austria].
On my two-year anniversary here, it feels like the right time to reflect on my life in Deutschland. Here are seven lessons (and some funny stories) for anyone considering moving to Germany.
Click the link, mom ;).
My Life as an Expat in Germany
2. Thought of the week
Writer Ralph Waldo Emerson on making each day a masterpiece:
"Finish every day and be done with it. For manners and for wise living it is a vice to remember. You have done what you could; some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; you shall begin it well and serenely, and with too high a spirit to be cumbered with your old nonsense. This day for all that is good and fair. It is too dear, with its hopes and invitations, to waste a moment on the rotten yesterdays."
3. Creator spotlight
I got to catch up with my mate Nic Rosslee while I was in Cape Town last week. We discussed our personal monopolies and how writing online could replace business school in future.
(This was once my brain defrosted following a 20-minute cold water submersion at ten degrees Celsius. I might think twice if he invites me for an early morning coffee again.)
Apart from his cold water bravado, Nic is a seriously talented writer. He has a gift for making his personality shine through in his work. His stories are relatable and filled with humour. He 'bleeds on the page' - something I always try to incorporate when I write an essay.
Here is one of my favourite atomic essays of his. (Turns out Sideways is also my dad's favourite films, which gave Nic instant fame via forwarded screen shots on my dad's Whatsapp groups.)
1. open your best pic.twitter.com/P75sy6JdLS
— brother nic (@nicrosslee) September 2, 2021
In addition to writing, he has a passion for flowers. Nic and his wife run a stunning online flower business called Julep. Visit their page if you're based in South Africa. I've relied on them a bunch of times to make my mom's day.
Have a wonderful week everyone. Remember to open your best and make each day a masterpiece.
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