I had a very bad car accident that left me in a wheelchair, my eye sight not clear, couldn’t talk and unable to do anything basically a vegetable; but because I was still alive for a reason, I knew I have to get every part of me restored. So I took it one step at a time, until I was completely restored. I was emotionally scared and the church healed and instilled hope in my heart again, then I started gym to be able to walk and do everything again,  because I believe that as long as you are alive, you are alive for a reason and you have a purpose to fulfill. . It didn’t happen overnight, it took patience. I don’t see it as a misfortune, I see it as preparation for what lies ahead, so I can be in a position to motivate and inspire those that are dealing with stuff right now…so you too can bounce back up after the COVID 19 storm. _{Cordious Shelembe}

How to get over losing a loved one? I don’t think “getting over” is the right phrase but rather how not to be overcome by the grief of losing a loved one is more accurate. As people, we are different and respond differently to pressure points, particularly death. I had one relative that was telling me to cry if I wanted to after my aunt passed away, because naturally, I’m not an emotionally open individual.  So I looked at death not just as a robber that took her away from us but a transition that ushered in my aunt’s peace, it’s how I processed her passing. I suspect people dwell a lot on missed moments, opportunities and thus open a door to the spirit of grief that binds them and wreaks havoc in their lives, so they question God and even become for what we don’t understand. I have seen it but I always try to remember that God still loves me and that he wants what is best for us all. So to someone who has lost their loved one to COVID 19 I would say trust in God, even if you don’t understand why this happened. Spend time listening to the Word, particularly on the love that God has for us. He died on the cross 2000 ago because of His love for us. Remind yourself that you are not alone; God said He would never leave us. That no matter what you are going through, you will push past this season and come out stronger on the other side (Ps 23) as long as they don’t give up on God. He hasn’t given up on us. _{Rhulani Maluleke}

When I heard about Cordi’s Bounce back campaign I was really inspired and it reminded me of how I bounced back from my own struggles. Everyone always sees me happy and smiling and positive, and this may create the perception that this is because I don’t have any stress or worries and that everything has always been perfect in my life. This is not the case. I simply realised that being able to focus on the solution instead of the problem, learning from mistakes and misfortunes, getting up and moving forward, and learning better coping skills and having a positive outlook, is what will determine my true strength and has kept going.  It is not what I have, but what and who I appreciate that makes my life valuable. I always remember these wise words: “This too shall pass”, and it reminds me that both pain and sorrow, as well as luxury and good times, will pass and then I have to be in my own mind space and the best I can do is learn to be happy, and have an understanding, compassionate and positive outlook. Having gratitude every day is what changed my life from victim mentality to successful motivated achiever mentality. It is amazing how one can change your world by changing your mind and attitude. I am just grateful for the possibilities I will create to improve, manage and maintain my life on an physical, emotional and mental level and value my time, opportunities and the positive people I now surround myself with. _{Colè Van Dais}

Being an educator at a High School was quite vital and challenging to protect ourselves, our staff team and children against, what has been on everyone’s lips- the word-Covid! We followed every rule, sanitized more than often to assure we obey to all rules and regulations. It was a Tuesday morning when it hit me. I was robbed from my energy, feeling exhausted and sleepy. My mood has been numbed and bruised. Woman down for a week, I realized how we take health and energy for granted. So often we tell our students/ children to be strong and that everything will be okay, however when we are in a similar situation, battle to cope and be strong ourselves. It gives you a new perspective to things around you, a better understanding to the needs and shortcomings of those close to you. The worst was to not be able to visit family and loved ones. Being isolated from them killed my vibrancy. Time waits for no man neither nor woman. There is nothing worse than to spend your time sleeping for you have no other choice than to be active, appreciating the clouds, flowers, chirping of birds, watching a waterfall or even visiting your favorite clothing store or coffee shop. It is very easy to feel trapped, depressed and alone. Fear starts triggering your thinking. Negativity becomes a new home and in an instant, we realize how valuable a positive support base is and to feed the mind healthy thoughts for recovered survival. Here is a word of motivation to help you also to bounce back from any obstacle you may face. 

Often life hands us challenges that test our faith, ability to cope as well as our inner strength. We randomly get ourselves in situations we never visualized could be possible. Our inner security is challenged, broken down and tested. We often fail in our very possible ability to believe in a stronger inner self as well as bringing forward our gifted battle that releases our strongest strong, only if we could believe that we can and that we ARE enough. For as long as we face a problem, our answers lie waiting to serve us. The biggest problem we face, is that we might know the now, the problem we face, however don’t know the HOW. The how to a solving process, the WHAT that needs to get done in order for freedom and peace. Good news is, we all are capable. We are designed by our creator to survive. We should just believe in ourselves. Life will always be changing; we need to learn how to become flexible and adapt to constant change. Nothing is guaranteed. We must be wise enough to master techniques that will bring balance and understanding to the unfamiliar, the unknown. Being flexible within knowledge that leads to wisdom through time and experiences, creates a deeper understanding and self-discovery. Push your limits to thrive. Embrace your pain and transform it to power. Free negativity and doubt. The best advice I often share is that we need to master the following:    Find your focus

Redirect your responses

Reset the mindset

Activate your authenticity

Deliver your brilliance

Question is HOW? To be able to bounce back into the brilliance you carry within it is necessary to know the HOW TO….