End of Year Reflection: A Gentle Pause before the New Year

While many of us may have been lounging with a cold drink in hand, Sandra Stanofsky, the Wellness Vision Health Coach, was reflecting on her challenging 2025: “For me personally, 2025 has been a challenging year. Launching my own practice while juggling my responsibilities at home, launching another business with my partner, and trying to do everything myself – from the website to marketing and social media – has been challenging. And like many of you, I am tired and looking forward to a much-needed break, to recharge my batteries.”

She wrote a thoughtful and meaningful blog post on this very topic, reflecting through the lens of the five pillars of health: Exercise, Nutrition, Community, Sleep, and Stress.

This message hit home like a ton of bricks and felt like a fitting approach as we move into the new year. Even though it’s written as a 2025 reflection, her words are just as inspiring for 2026.

#1 Exercise

I have never been very sporty but in the last 2–3 years I have really upped my game and would go as far as saying that I am fitter now, at the age of 50, than I’ve ever been in my life! I have found exercises that I really enjoy, look forward to, and am proud of my achievements. My weekly Parkrun, Pilates, and Yoga top the list, and I feel so much better when I exercise. My mood is lifted, I have more energy, and it is “me time” – there are no other demands on me, no phone, no mails or messages during that hour when I’m at the gym, at a class, or outside in nature. It’s only about me, and I thoroughly enjoy it.

#2 Nutrition

As a health coach, food is always top of mind, and the majority of my meals are prepared fresh, from scratch. I take care to eat a balanced plate of protein, carbs, and non-starchy vegetables. Baking my own wholemeal & rye sourdough, avoiding sugar, and trying to limit my caffeine and alcohol intake. But I’m only human, and I am grateful for all the times when I was too busy to cook, and my partner got us takeout. The healthy 80/20 rule is good to live by. Perfection is not necessary – progress and persistence are what pay off at the end of the day. My weight is stable, and I feel good in my body.

#3 Community

This year I tried hard to keep in touch with friends and family, and although I didn’t always manage to see them or talk to them as much as I wanted to, their presence, messages, and words of encouragement have kept me grounded and going, and I am forever grateful for their support. At this point in my life, I can truly say that I cherish the people in my life and truly value them. Community, real human connection, is essential for our well-being, and I will continue to focus on it in the new year and look forward to more walks and time spent with friends, as well as shared pictures and stories on WhatsApp with those who are far away.

#4 Sleep

This is a biggy that I’m struggling with, mainly due to circumstances outside of my control that often leave me feeling tired. This will require some more careful planning, boundaries, and adjustments going forward. And that’s okay – awareness is the first step.

#5 Stress

In the beginning of the year, I was very good, practicing meditation and breath work daily, but as the year has worn on, I do not practice these stress management tools as often as I should … there just never seem to be enough hours in the day. What I did keep doing, and what kept me positive, is my gratitude journal, and I notice immediately when I skip it how my mood shifts and negativity creeps in. Keeping a gratitude journal truly is something I would recommend to anyone. It keeps me grounded, softens stress, and does not take a lot of time, but the benefits are huge.

That’s why I created my own beautiful Gratitude Journal, which is available as a digital file in the shop on my website, so you don’t have to compile your own. If you take up just one new mindfulness habit next year, let it be gratitude. It only takes a few minutes but gives back so much more. Please visit the store here: Gratitude Journal

Sandra reminds us that reflection isn’t meant to feel like punishment. We don’t need to reinvent or fix ourselves. We are not broken, and reflection isn’t about correcting the past; it’s about gently noticing what worked, what didn’t, and deciding what to carry forward.

Sandra writes: “Try not to think of it as a test you passed or failed. Think of it as a story you get to re-read and learn from. Start with what went well!”

“We are programmed to notice problems, but you can train yourself to notice progress, satisfaction, and growth. So before you think about what you want to change, acknowledge your successes – no matter how small. What felt good this year? What helped you feel more like yourself? What made a difference?”

By being honest with ourselves, we can also identify patterns or triggers that reveal where a different approach might be needed. Sandra encourages us to set intentions, not ultimatums. There’s no need for a strict plan – just direction. What do you want more of in 2026? How do you want to feel in your body and life? And then, make peace with everything in between.

You can read Sandra’s full blog post here: End-of-Year Reflection: A Gentle Pause Before the New Year

Reflecting on 2025 at Cuppa Daisies

This year, our focus has been on creating meaningful content that reflects how we live, work, and support others, especially women building businesses. Every blog post shared, every conversation explored, was an opportunity to connect, inspire, and empower.

Community and Connection

At the heart of everything we shared was community. We built relationships with creators, entrepreneurs, wellness advocates, and everyday people who inspired us with their courage and commitment. These connections reminded us how valuable genuine collaboration is, how much growth comes from showing up and listening, and how much impact we can make when we support each other. Every interaction, whether smooth or challenging, offered insight and strengthened the network we continue to nurture.

Empowerment Through Knowledge and Confidence

Empowerment, both personal and professional, was a strong theme this year. We explored the importance of confidence, mindset, and trusting your own abilities. Practical guidance on tools, systems, and workflows encouraged readers to work smarter and embrace their unique contributions. The message was clear: your voice matters, your expertise counts, and acting with confidence opens doors.

Creativity with Purpose

Creativity flourished as a guiding principle. We celebrated the ways people transform ideas into meaningful action, whether through storytelling, business innovations, or wellness initiatives. Intentional creativity became a powerful tool to connect, inspire, and make a positive difference. This year reminded us that creativity paired with purpose is not just fulfilling – it’s transformative.

Health, Awareness, and Real Conversations

Wellness remained central to our content. We engaged in practical conversations about prevention, self-care, and informed decision-making, emphasising that health encompasses both body and mind. By providing clear, actionable guidance, we empowered readers to make choices that strengthen their wellbeing and the wellbeing of those around them. Health is a journey, and every step we take matters.

Lessons and Growth

Every interaction in 2025 offered an opportunity to learn. Engaging with a variety of people – both those who collaborated wholeheartedly and those who tested our boundaries – strengthened our discernment, resilience, and commitment to integrity. These experiences became part of the wisdom we shared, showing that challenges can become lessons, and every encounter is a chance to grow.

Looking Forward

As 2025 draws to a close, these themes that guided us, connection, empowerment, creativity, and wellness, continue to shape the path ahead. We look forward to 2026 with enthusiasm, ready to build stronger connections, inspire confidence, foster creativity, and champion wellbeing for our community.

From De Werf to Table Bay Mall Christmas Market

Remember those incredible entrepreneurs we met at the De Werf Family Market while we were trading with seafood? Well, at our very first day at De Werf earlier this year, we found ourselves trading between Mike from Lost Crocodile and Marcus with his 3D printed creations. From the moment we arrived, both welcomed us warmly, shared laughs, and made us feel like we truly belonged. That sense of generosity and camaraderie is something we’ve come to associate with the De Werf market community.

A few weeks later, we met Vicky from Oh My Fudge! Factory, and let’s just say we were completely blown away. One taste was enough to understand why her fudge has such a loyal following; her sugar-free chocolate biscuit is a specific favourite in our family, as our son is a Type 1 diabetic and this sweet treat is just delicious, with no unpleasant aftertaste.

Today we want to share with our readers that they are currently trading at the Table Bay Mall Craft & Gift Fair and we are so thrilled to be sharing trading space with them at this market.

Vicky’s Oh My Fudge! Factory

Vicky’s Fudge is sure to be winning hearts!  From classic favourites to eye-catching Christmas-themed packs, her fudge is all about comfort, indulgence, and sharing something sweet with the people you love.

Proudly local and made in small batches, it’s the kind of product that keeps customers coming back.

You can reach Vicky on +27 82 954 0100, email ohmyfudgecpt@gmail.com, or find her on Facebook and Instagram @ohmyfudgecpt.

Lost Crocodile – Artisanal Goodness in Every Jar

Lost Crocodile specialises in handcrafted onion marmalade, pesto, preserves, and virgin olive oil products that elevate everyday meals into something special. Each jar reflects a commitment to quality ingredients, thoughtful preparation, and local production. It’s the kind of stall that makes you slow down, read the labels, and imagine your next cheese board.

Marcus and Cuppa Daisies, A Creative Collaboration

Marcus, a 3D printing enthusiast, has partnered with Cuppa Daisies to offer a range of locally made keychains that blend humour, trend awareness, and practicality. His designs tap directly into current internet culture, drawing inspiration from popular Italian “brain rot” characters and phrases such as 67, Tralalero Tralala, and other well-known references that instantly resonate with Gen Z shoppers.

The result is a collection of fun keychains that are easy to give, easy to use, and guaranteed to spark a smile or a conversation.

This collaboration reflects the strength of small business partnerships, combining technical skill and creative vision to bring something fresh and relevant to the local market.

You can also find Marcus at the De Werf Family Market every market day, Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, where he regularly showcases his unique collection of topical and relevant 3D printed characters.

Feel Good Moment

Seeing familiar De Werf vendors also trading at the Table Bay Mall Christmas Market is a festive feel-good moment. It’s a reminder that quality, passion, and community support help build sustainable businesses, no matter the venue.

These stalls represent courage, creativity, and countless hours of behind-the-scenes work. When you support local artisans, you’re not just buying a product, you’re investing in people and their dreams.

Whether you are regular shoppers at De Werf or you’re discovering them for the first time, please do make a point of stopping by.

Timely Interactions: Creating Safe Spaces for Healing, One Dialogue at a Time

There are moments in life when we are forced to pause. Moments when we notice the heaviness people carry in their bodies, their relationships, their posture, their silence. That is the space where Timely Interactions was born – a space rooted in listening, really listening to people’s stories.

Timely Interactions is not just a programme or a project. It is a movement of compassion, healing, and community. We focus on emotional self-care, storytelling, identity, healthy relationships, and the delicate process of reconnecting with our humanity. When people feel seen, heard, and grounded, transformation becomes possible, and that is at the heart of every room we step into.

Why Timely Interactions Exists

Our inspiration came from people; women, teens, community leaders, everyday individuals all silently carrying their emotional burdens.

It came from working in underserved communities, organisational spaces, and on youth programmes across Africa, where resilience is abundant but so is emotional exhaustion.  Many, many individuals are navigating trauma, pressure, financial instability, family responsibility, identity struggles, and stigma – and most of them are doing it quietly.

Timely Interactions began as a response to that silence – it became a way to say:
You are not alone. You are allowed to feel. Your story matters.

What We Do

Our work is intentionally holistic – mental well-being does not exist in isolation. It is tied to relationships, culture, community, safety, identity, and access.  So, we facilitate sessions that support:

  • Emotional self-care and mental grounding
  • Healing and storytelling
  • Identity and personal expression
  • Healthy relationships
  • Community support and belonging
  • Well-being in the workplace and youth spaces

The sessions are conversations, guided experiences, and shared reflections where we hold space, gently and respectfully, without judgment.

Impact Across Communities

Our journey has taken us far beyond one neighbourhood or one demographic. We’ve worked with youth groups, women’s circles, schools, organisations, and communities across South Africa and into Africa.

Some of our proudest partnerships and sessions include:

  • Workshops in Joe Slovo and Phoenix, Parow
  • Youth training on healthy relationships with Tilting Futures
  • Sessions with the Scalabrini Centre of Cape Town
  • Identity, confidence, and well-being workshops with young girls in Belhar, Wynberg, and Retreat
  • Conversations and shared learning with the Kisumu community in Kenya
  • Workshops at the Sozo Foundation

Each one of these partnerships has stretched us, grounded us, and helped us refine the way we hold space for others.

Values That Guide Us

Our values are simple, intentional, and non-negotiable:

  • Empathy – every person deserves to be seen with compassion
  • Community – we are stronger when we heal together
  • Respect – dignity is at the foundation of every interaction
  • Healing – we honour the emotional, not just the practical
  • Honesty – vulnerability creates authentic growth
  • Connection – relationships are the roots of personal change

Every room we enter must feel safe, welcoming, and real.

The Reality Behind the Work

Doing mental well-being work is tender and deeply human. It comes with emotional load, burnout, limited resources, and the stigma that still surrounds mental health, especially in underserved communities.

A lot of the work has been done pro bono, funded through personal savings, passion, and perseverance. The demand is growing, but support and infrastructure have not grown alongside it.  And yet, it’s the people that give us the strength to keep going; the young person who finds their voice, the woman who rediscovers her worth, or the community leader who says, “This is what our children needed.” It’s the faith that healing doesn’t need to be loud to be powerful, because sometimes one timely interaction is enough to change a life.

How You Can Support the Journey

We are small, but we are doing work that changes lives. To continue this work sustainably and reach more communities, we welcome support in many forms – financial contributions, donations in kind, partnering on programmes, volunteering your time or skills, or connecting us with organisations and schools in need. Every gesture allows us to reach another woman, teen, or community searching for hope, grounding, and healing.

Direct contributions can be made to:

Timely Interactions
Capitec Business
Account 1051573688
Branch 450105
Swift Code CABLZAJJ

You can also sign up on our website to receive updates on volunteer opportunities and training sessions. https://www.timelyinteractions.org.za/

Every act of support helps us extend safe, healing spaces, one dialogue at a time.

Our Campaign: Hope, Help and Heart

Last week, we set aside our vulnerability and launched a fundraising campaign with Back a Buddy to help us get back on our feet. The response has been nothing short of remarkable, reminding us that community is powerful and precious.

One of the most beautiful parts of this journey has been seeing people from every chapter of our lives step forward: old colleagues, childhood friends, past clients, friends-of-friends, and even people we haven’t seen in decades. It’s proof that connections are never wasted; they weave together into the safety net when we need it most.

We also want to be transparent: this campaign exists because of a serious financial betrayal. Agreements, promises, and assurances were broken, leaving us with a devastating loss of over R1 million. The emotional impact has been heavy, and yes, it has affected my heart health, but this experience has also shown us the strength that comes from honesty, resilience, and family and community support. 

It’s important to share that we are working and generating income to cover our daily needs. This campaign is not about replacing our own responsibility, it is specifically to fill the enormous hole created when we still believed the long-awaited funds and back pay would be paid. That trust was misplaced, and the consequences were devastating.  

Beyond the financial loss, our family does face ongoing medical needs that make our financial recovery even more urgent. These are not optional expenses; they are vital to maintaining stability and wellbeing by ensuring that my family (myself included) receive the essential medical care.

What we have found to be so incredible is that: 

  • For every one person who breaks trust, there are a hundred who stand with you.
  • For every harmful action, there is an overflow of kindness.
  • For every moment of doubt, there is a donation, a message, or a share reminding us we are not alone.

Thank you for every bit of help so far – every contribution has made a real difference. Every share carries the story further. Every comment gives us strength. Thank you for walking this road with us.

If you would like to donate or share the campaign, the link is here: 
👉 Back a Buddy Campaign