Making Expert Positioning Work

I am writing here with a heart filled with gratitude, a mind filled with many dreams and a life filled with wonderful examples that show that with hard work and commitment, everything is possible.

I guess by now most people know me as someone who does a lot of things, in spite of people telling me that I shouldn't; that I should be known for only one thing. Well, if I would do that, I would be throwing the other talents and passions that God gave me, right back in his face. I chose to develop them all, to make money using them all, to ensure that I am in an even better position to contribute to others.

In this competitive world we live in, it is in our best interest to know something about more than one thing. This is what I believe. Indeed, you cannot do it all, all of the time. This is why, when you get to a certain stage, after laying solid foundations, you should find the right people to work with you in building your dream. You'll not only create employment, but this would also allow you more free time to lay the foundation for the next initiative. This is what “speaks” to me and I intend doing it this way.

Doing more than one thing, has just secured me wonderful credits towards my Psychology qualification. Some of us are wired to do more than one thing, just like others are meant to do only one; some people are meant to be employees, while others do their best work when they are an employer.

Just last week, I read a blog post where the author addressed the same issue – how it is the no. 1. mistake to do more than one thing. Because I heard this before and strongly disagree, I proceeded to read the blog post. Everybody was “ooohing” and “aaahing” about the great blog post. I thought that it was great writing, but I told the author that I disagree with him on a few points. I used this larger than life example: Richard Branson. Look at everything that he does: Fitness centres, an airline, space craft, an NPO for entrepreneurship, music, he is an author & speaker, etc. He lays the foundation and then he employs people to work with him on building his dream further. That way, he has enough time to think up the next initiative.

Some people have an urge to give unsolicited advice, telling me that I should do only one thing. Today, I have wonderful credits, because I dared to do more, because I risked being seen as “wrong” for having more than one passion. The most important thing, is that I do not feel “wrong.” I simply feel that I'm following my passion. And I will continue to do so. More wonderful things to come my way, because I made it my business to know something about more than one thing.

Some people have one thing that they are passionate about. Others have more than one. Regardless of the category in which you fall, don't allow anybody to tell you that you are “wrong.” Be you and live your individuality. We were not meant to be the same, anyway.

And it is okay to sometimes deviate from the norm, from doing something the way it's always been done and to make a few new rules.

Wondering how you could position yourself as an expert?  Enquire about my training programmes.

And because I made it my business to know something about more than one thing, chances are that I'll be able to solve your problem.

Yours in Empathy,

Andeline Williams-Pretorius

CEO, Andeline's Motivational Training

Inspirational Speaker, Trainer, Author

Empathy & Relationship Expert on Afrikaans radio station: RSG

Life Coach & Columnist to Kuier magazine

Creator of The Empathy Campaign

Mobile: +27 72 856 0218

Http: www.andeline.co.za

You can also find me on Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter

To hug or not to hug... This morning on RSG, during my regular Empathy slot

Every Tuesday, between 09h00 & 10h00, we get into the shoes of others.

Join me this morning, as I focus on another enquiry from a listener who is concerned about the rules around hugging.  "RSG - Dis die een."

She mentioned that she is generally friendly and that she loves people, but that she doesn't like it when people want to hug her.

What are your rules around hugging? Do you like to give or receive hugs?

Image - free hugs campaign

   

When it comes to empathy and our relationships with other people, it is important that we are aware that people are different and that they have likes and dislikes. And when we would like others to respect our differences, likes and dislikes, we have to be willing to grant them the same.

This is obviously not always the case, because all too often, we find that people have a different perspective and they do not know how to communicate that. They are afraid that they will hurt someone else's feelings.

Respect and empathy

Very often we see that people do not voice their opinion, because they are afraid of offending the other person. But in keeping quiet, we are actually sacrificing our right to be happy and free.

Wearing a t-shirt with the words: Please do not hug me or putting a note on your office door, would be a bit extreme. It may be a solution when you have tried everything else.

There is no better substitute for open, honest and respectful communication. Why not create an environment at home, at your work place or in your family set-up, where you can talk and share about these and other issues. When we are willing to voice our opinion, with respect and empathy and without deliberately hurting the other person, then we should do so. This could lead to better communication and better relationships.

If you do not like to give or receive hugs, be honest and tell the person who wants to hug you. If you can relate a story about what has brought on your objection to hugging, it is even better.

Creatively get out of a hug. When you see it coming, hold out your hand for a handshake instead.

Another option, is to pretend to not see that the person wants to hug you, to briefly look away and when you look back in their direction, to then hold out your hand for a handshake.

Etiquette

Hugs are more common these days and we often see that they are not necessarily only reserved for family members. Friends, acquaintances and even strangers hug each other.

Some people who do not like hugging, object for various reasons. These may include: hygienic reasons, a previous bad encounter where they encountered bad body odour, cultural or religious reasons, or some may feel uncomfortable with having another person in their personal space.

Whether we like hugging or not, it is important to realise that for everything that we like or approve of, that there is someone out there who dislikes or disapprove of our preference. When in doubt, educate yourself by speaking to people and finding out.

With social media, we often start talking to strangers who are our “friends” in cyberspace. It can be awkward when we get to meet some of these “friends”. Do you hug them or not?

Some people love hugs and will hug everybody. For others, hugging is reserved to family and close friends.

Friends and close relatives

Most people would say that it is appropriate to hug them. In some case there has to be an agreement that it is okay, because some people also object to hugs from relatives.

Acquaintances

Some people are very close with their acquaintances, because they work together and often spend a lot of time together, outside of working hours.

When both parties are comfortable, I guess that it is okay to hug.

The opposite sex

This can be a tricky one if you don't know the rules and like to hug people. Unless it is a really good or close friend, you have to take time to find out whether it is okay to hug them. They may have a girlfriend or spouse who do not like them to be hugged by someone from the opposite sex, more so when it is an attractive someone.

Be careful, because hugging in this instance can be seen as inappropriate and you do not want a sexual harassment case filed against you. Know the rules and boundaries.

When we consider respect and empathy, we can't go wrong. Be willing to walk in the shoes of others and see things from their perspective. And if you are not sure about what the right or appropriate thing is, ask.

.....................................

What is your empathy or relationship challenge?

Send a text message to 33343 (R1, 50) or an email to brinkm@rsg.co.za to let us know. I might be focusing on your challenge next time.  

You can stay anonymous.

Thank you for your participation.  We appreciate it.

.......................................

A copy of my book, up for grabs!!!

"Like" the page of The Empathy Campaign on facebook, by Friday midday (28 September 2012), send and email to info@andeline.co.za to let me know that you have "liked" the page.  

http://www.facebook.com/empathycampaignsa 

You could be the winner of: In Mekaar Se Skoene.

You are welcome to post words of wisdom about empathy on the page.

If you would like to order your copy, you can contact me, by sending an email to info@andeline.co.za  I'll email you the banking details for payment.  As soon as I receive your payment, I'll mail your copy.  R159,00 + R24,00 postage.

Thank you.

In mekaar se Skoene, has been described as "one of those books that needs to be on the bookshelf of every South African household."

Do connect with me on Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin.

See previous blog entries about my upcoming event: The Wellness & Networking Event For Women, to be hosted on 16 October 2012, at the beautiful Alice Art in Ruimsig.

Should you require more information about the event, do contact me.  I will upload the invitation shortly.

Thank you and have a blessed day.

Geniet Braaidag, hou matigheid voor oë en ry veilig. 

Andeline Williams-Pretorius 

CEO, Andeline's Motivational Training

Mobile: 072 856 0218

Nominated in the ROCCI - Business of the year awards, 2012.

Andeline is Resident Life Coach & Columnist at Kuier Magazine. 

PR Consultant; Inspirational Speaker & Trainer

Empathy & Relationship Expert on Afrikaans radio station: RSG.

Recognised by African Innovations as one of South Africa's Most Inspirational Women

Their glossy page coffee table book, featuring Andeline and 29 others (including industry leaders), coming soon.

Http://www.andeline.co.za

http://za.linkedin.com/in/andelinewilliamspretorius

https://twitter.com/andelinewp

https://www.facebook.com/andelinewilliamspretorius

Empathy to / for ourselves

In order to effectively demonstrate empathy to others, it is important that we first show empathy to ourselves. With the nearing Women's Month, I can't help but think of the countless women who are fulfilling their role as mother, wife, community worker and / or in the work place.

The needs of others often come before their own and sometimes their needs are not even part of the list of items on their to-do list.

The foundation of empathy for ourselves is based in a healthy self-esteem (self-care) and assertiveness. Many people struggle with this, even though they have empathy for others. The secret is about balance. Too much empathy for others, while having none for ourselves can lead to you being taken advantage of. You'll end up being one of those people who are always wondering: “Why is this always happening to me?” This will lead to frustration and resentment, because the person with too much empathy, (while having none for themselves) are often unable to express their needs. They say yes to people when they are supposed to say no.

Where do you start when wanting to rectify such a situation?

Change takes time and practice. The most important point to remember is that you deserve the good treatment and care that you are willing to give to someone else. You have to claim that for yourself. Women in particular should lose the super-woman syndrome, believing that they have to be there for everybody.

Showing empathy to people when you feel resentful, because you feel used, is not good at all.

Together with the knowledge of knowing that you deserve better, comes a healthy self-esteem. If you do not feel good about yourself, work on improving your self-esteem.

Learn to say “No”. Do not become that person who runs around, making sure that everybody is happy and have what they need, while neglecting yourself.

It is all about balance.

Some people may have to ask God for permission to have at least one swear word in their vocabulary, especially when they start out making the changes. Let's face it, some people do not respond to kind behaviour and communication, because they see it as a weakness. Your one swear word may come in handy here.  And NO, you do not have to go around swearing at people; you use this word in privacy, after someone has made you mad or after you have allowed yourself to be abused yet again.  You may find that it is a wonderful stress reliever.

When you are healed, are more assertive and have the balance right with showing empathy to others and yourself, you can lose this word...or keep it. The choice is yours.

On the flipside of this, is the person with a lack of empathy for others. This may be an indication of too much self-importance that may indicate a personality disorder. On the other side: a lack of empathy for others may be an indication of a person who has had enough of showing empathy and being abused and reached that stage where they say: “Enough is enough.” Neither options are good.

When you take care of yourself, your needs and wants and see them as as important as the needs of others, you do not have to get to the stage where you turn your back on empathy.

This is the topic that we will focus on tomorrow morning, between 09h00 & 10h00. Do stay tuned.

What is your empathy challenge or what would you like me to focus on?

Let us know by sending a text message to the RSG studio – 33343. You can send your message every week day, between 09h00 & 12h00. Text messages are charged at R1,50 each. We may be focusing on your suggestion next.

“RSG, Dis Die Een.”

Andeline Williams-Pretorius is an Inspirational Speaker, Trainer & Author. She is passionate about making a positive contribution to South Africa. She does this through her speaking and training and her passion for empathy.

If you struggle with Empathy, Self-esteem or Assertiveness and feel the need to participate in a programme, contact Andeline to enquire about her one-on-one sessions.

You can also visit her website for more information about her topics: Http://www.andeline.co.za

You can also visit the Facebook page of The Empathy Campaign: Http://www.facebook.com/empathycampaignsa

Contact Andeline with your enquiries.

Mobile: 072 856 0218

Email: info@andeline.co.za

Empatie met / teenoor onsself

Om empatie effektief aan ander te betoon, is dit belangrik dat ons eerstens empatie aan onsself moet betoon. Baie mense sukkel egter hiermee of om daardie balans reg te kry. Met Vroue Maand om die draai, kan en nie help nie om te dink aan al die vroue wat hul plek volstaan as ma, gemeenskapswerker en ook in die werksplek. Ander se behoeftes is dikwels eerste prioriteit, terwyl baie vroue se behoeftes of dit wat vir hulle belangrik is, dikwels nie op hul lysie van prioriteite is nie.

Die fondasie vir goeie en gebalanseerde empatie teenoor ander, lê opgesluit in 'n goeie selfbeeld (omgee vir self) en in goeie selfgeldendheid.

Is daar iets soos te veel empatie teenoor ander?

Inderdaad. Wanneer jy te veel empatie aan ander betoon, ten koste van jouself, is dit 'n aanduiding dat daardie balans uit proporsie is. Te veel empatie teenoor ander, veroorsaak ook dikwels dat jy deur ander uitgebuit of misbruik word. Dit lei tot frustrasie omdat jy nie oor die vermoë beskik om jou behoeftes aan ander te kommunikeer nie. Jy sê dikwels ja vir goed waarvoor jy eintlik nee moes sê. Later wanneer jy alleen is, tob jy daaroor: “Ek moes nie ja gesê het nie.” Hierdie is 'n tydrowende aktiwiteit en indien jy hiermee kan identifiseer, hoop ek dat jy sien hoe belangrik dit is om jouself te laat geld. Indien jy in hierdie kategorie val, vra jy dikwels: “Maar hoekom gebeur dit dan altyd met my?” Klink dit bekend? Indien ja, dan is dit tyd om die nodige veranderinge aan te bring.

Om die nodige veranderinge aan te bring, is iets wat nie oornag gaan gebeur nie. Dit vat tyd en baie oefening. Dis egter belangrik om te besef dat jou behoeftes en dit waaraan jy waarde heg, ook belangrik is, dat dit ook op jou lys van prioriteite behoort te wees. Kyk wat jy kan doen om jou selfbeeld te verbeter.

Leer om “Nee” te sê. Dis 'n klein woordjie, maar jy mag nie die waarde van hierdie woordjie onderskat nie. Om “nee” te kan sê wanneer nodig, kan baie bevrydend wees.

Sommige mense mag dit nodig vind om vir God toestemming te vra om een vloekwoord in hul woordeskap toe te laat. Kom, laat ons nou maar eerlik wees. Baie mense reageer nie goed op bedagsame optrede en omgee nie. Inteendeel, sommige dink dikwels dat jy 'n swakkeling is wanneer empatie vir jou belangrik is. Soms sien hulle jou as vloerlap en elke vuil skoen, soek jou uit wanneer hulle hulself aan iets wil afvee.

Nee, jy moenie begin om mense links en regs te vloek nie. Daardie woordjie is sommer vir jouself, om te gebruik wanneer jy alleen is, agter die rug van daardie misbruikers. Jy sal vind dis 'n wonderlike stres verligter.

Wanneer jou balans reg is, wanneer jy kan vra vir dit wal jy wil hê, wanneer jy goed voel oor jouself en jouself kan laat geld, kan jy hierdie vloekwoordjie laat gaan...of hou. Dis jou keuse.

Daar is ook mense wat daarmee sukkel om empatie aan ander te betoon. Vir sommige kan die rede hiervoor te veel self-belangrikheid wees wat dalk op 'n persoonlikheidsafwyking dui. In baie gevalle is daar nie juis iets wat hieraan gedoen kan word om dit te genees nie.

Aan die ander kant, is daar die persoon wat 'n tekort aan empatie het, omdat hulle genoeg gehad het daarvan om misbruik te word. Dit is ook nie 'n goeie opsie nie. 'n Goeie selfbeeld en selfgeldendheid kan veroorsaak dat jy nooit hierdie punt bereik nie. Net soos wat jy vir ander omgee en hul belange op die hart dra, net so behoort jou belange ook 'n prioriteit te wees. Dit gaan oor 'n gesonde balans.

Wat dink jy van empatie teenoor jouself? Is jy 'n slagoffer wat gereeld misbruik word deur ander?

Gesels gerus môre saam, tydens my gereelde empatie bydrae op RSG, tussen 09h00 & 10h00. Laat weet ons wat jy dink. Stuur jou sms na 33343, tussen 09h00 en 12h00. R1, 50 per sms.

Wat is jou empatie kwessie?

Is daar iets spesifieks waarmee jy sukkel wanneer dit by empatie kom? Wonder jy hoe jy empatie aan iemand wat jou seergemaak het, kan betoon of of dit enigsins moontlik is? Sukkel jy met empatie teenoor iemand wat anders as jy doen of glo?

Laat weet gerus deur jou sms te stuur na 33343. Ons fokus dalk volgende keer op jou spesifieke kwessie. Vir jou spesifieke empatie kwessie, kan jy elke weeksdag (tussen 09h00 & 12h00) jou sms stuur na 33343. Sms koste: R1, 50 per sms.

Wie is Andeline Williams-Pretorius

Andeline is Inspirerende Spreker & Skrywer. Sy ia passievol daaroor om 'n positiewe bydrae tot Suid Afrika te lewer en doen dit met haar opleidingsprogramme en praatjies.

Indien jy sukkel met Empatie, 'n Swak Selfbeeld of Selfgeldendheid, kan jy haar kontak vir meer inligting oor die individuele sessies wat sy aanbied.

Sien ook Andeline se webblad vir meer onderwerpe: Http://www.andeline.co.za

Besoek ook die facebook blad van die Empathy Veldtog (The Empathy Campaign) vir inligting oor wat hierdie veldtog behels.Http://www.facebook.com/empathycampaignsa

Mobile: 072 856 0218

Email: info@andeline.co.za

EMPATHY ANGELS

The Empathy Campaign is about MORE than the translation of my book on Empathy. Yes, I am a dreamer and a visionary.  But with that, comes responsibility and the commitment to work at achieving these dreams.  Indeed, I am committed.  It takes a lot from an ordinary South African citizen with only a dream, to decide to follow that dream, in spite of a lack of support.  I completed my book on empathy had it published (see image below), secured a regular empathy slot on radio.  Here I am, still committed to continue with this great cause, a cause that South Africa needs; a cause that needs South Africa's commitment.  

I dream about the wonderful and positive contribution that I and every other South African who believes in nation building could contribute to South Africa. Apart from the other voluntary work that I am involved with, the foundation for my passion to contribute to nation building, is based on The Empathy Campaign http://www.facebook.com/empathycampaignsa

This passion came from understanding what it feels like to be on the receiving end of unkind and inconsiderate behaviour, of severe discrimination that were justified because of who I am, where I come from, what I look like. My powerful journey of personal growth made it possible to forgive.

The pain from my past, brought a wealth of good. It made me say: “Because I know what that feels like, I can never do it to another human being.” Let's re-consider our unkind actions.

Let's Ask: “How would I feel if I was on the receiving end?

Let's Act: And perhaps we'll be inspired to decide against such actions.

I was further inspired by ordinary South Africans and some, not so ordinary South Africans. I call them my EMPATHY ANGELS.

My dream with EMPATHY ANGELS, is to inspire South Africans to identify people in their communities, people who are making an empathic difference in the lives of others. With the necessary support from Government and Corporate South Africa, we'll be able to pay tribute to such individuals with what I call, an Empathy Angels Awards. Until it happens, I'll continue doing what I am absolutely passionate about, sharing the empathy message with South Africa on various platforms.

I am always looking around and getting inspired by the work that other people do. Stories about their kind and empathic gestures that they display, gestures that deserve to have that snowball effect. Today, I would like to identify some of these individuals who, with their actions, inspired me to choose between getting revenge and doing what is good for South Africa. Yes there are many individuals out there, making an empathic difference in their communities and South Africa. Today I'll focus on a few who stand out for me. These individuals include:

Mr. Nelson Mandela

His wonderful example set for people of all races in South Africa and around the world. An example that was instrumental in my journey towards healing and letting go of emotional pain and bitterness. I was able to forgive, because I had a great example to look at.

Angelique Fuhr

She is the 83 year old widow who discovered James Bhemgee, winner of "South Africa's got talent", season 2. He worked as a street sweeper and was always singing while doing his job. She realised his talent and sponsored singing lesson, among other things. As they say, the rest is history. Her investment has paid off.

She deserves all the praise for doing this, as a white South African nurturing the wonderful talent of a coloured man, a street sweeper at that, living on the Cape flats. May her soul rest in peace.

Apparently she still has a daughter, living in Cape Town. I'll be in touch with her as soon as the Empathy Angels Awards become a reality.

Prof. Jonathan Jansen, Rector at Free State University

Well, it takes courage to do the thing that eventually will contribute to the greater good of humanity- especially when there is so much criticism. It could not have been easy to be in that position. One thing I believe that we cannot deny, is that his decisions around the painful incident that took place at Reitz, was done with good intention, to eventually contribute to the greater good of South Africa. Love him or hate him; how would you have handled the situation?

Prof. Jansen also wrote the Foreword of my book on EMPATHY: In Mekaar Se Skoene.

Mr. Willem Maree

A homeless and jobless white South African saving a little black girl from drowning. He didn't say: “She's black, I'm white and I will not save her.”

He saved her life. What a wonderful example for nation building?

http://www.rapport.co.za/Suid-Afrika/Nuus/Meisie-9-van-waterdood-gered-deur-werklose-20111105

Blaine Vlantis

I recently discovered this young lady on Twitter. After reading her blog post, I knew that she deserves to be on this list. And hopefully one day soon an Empathy Angels Award will mean something, hopefully one day soon, the recipient will have something that they could hang on their wall.

How often do we fail to empathise with those who do not belong to our racial group, our cultural group, our religion? How often do we justify unkind treatment of those who represent the group or institution of that one individual who caused us pain? How often?

Blaine's blog post starts with: “How weird is it that they’ve put all the black girls in rooms on the bottom floor together?”

Read her complete blog post by clicking this link:

http://vryestudent.com/profiles/blogs/yeah-but-you-said-it-hetero-racialism-in-stellenbosch1

My dearest mother: Maria Williams

I do not recall that she has ever worn shoes that didn't belong to someone else first. In spite of extreme poverty, she was a woman of strength, a woman of great wisdom. “Never do unto others what you do not want done to you.” These words she spoke on a regular basis. By the time she passed on, these words were engraved in my mind and her valuable teachings guided me through many challenges in the past.

She struggled with raising seven children by herself after my father left. More often than not, the cupboards were bare, but she raised her children, always emphasising respect and good manners, treating other people well, “because you want them to treat you well”. In spite of all the hardships, she was our rock. She always told us that if we wanted to see our father, that she would not stand in our way. How noble? So often we hear those sad stories about parents splitting up, where one parent keeps the children from having a relationship with the other parent, often simply because they blame the other for the break-up.

It was heart-warming to hear the words of Dr. Frank Chikane on television news the other day. He said: “We should get to that place where we are able to get into the boots of others.” This tells me that our politicians are realising the importance of nation building. They too need the support from citizens. I pledge mine.

I believe in nation building and I am willing to contribute towards it, for the greater good of all. I will never think of myself as so powerful that I could manage and grow The Empathy Campaign by myself. No, I can't and do not want to. This campaign needs all the support that it can get.

If you have any enquiries, do contact me.

Thank you, South Africa.

Andeline Williams-Pretorius

CEO, Andeline's Motivational Traininig

Creator Of The Empathy Campaign

Speaker / Trainer / Author / Counsellor

Http://www.andeline.co.za

Http://www.facebook.com/empathycampaignsa

http://andelinewilliamspretorius.blogspot.com/2012/05/help-spread-important-message-of.html

Listen to my regular Empathy contributions on Afrikaans radio station RSG, Tuesday's between 09h00 & 10h00.

Andeline is one of thrirty women recognised by African Innovations as one of South Africa's Most Inspirational Women. Their glossy-page coffee table book will be available in August 2012. Contact Lonwabo Jabavu with your enquiries about this fabulous and very inspirational book.  Lonwabo@africaninnovations.co.za

Help spread the important message of Empathy

You can help spread the very important and much needed message of Empathy.

http://www.facebook.com/empathycampaignsa

How?

By making a contribution of towards the translation and production of my book on empathy:

In Mekaar se Skoene; making it available to more people in South Africa and perhaps, around the world.  Your contribution also helps spread the message, through the work that we do through The Empathy Campaign. 

As an individual or organisation, your contribution of R300, 00 will assist us with achieving this goal.

What you get in return

You are not only contributing to a good cause, but you also receive an autographed copy of the English translation, with your name / company name at the back.

Here we have space for 100 - 150 names, under the heading: Sponsors.

If your organisation contributes 5 X R300, 00 or more, you get your logo printed in the book.

Approximate size of logo: 3 x3 cm.

Space limited to 15 company logo's only.   First come first serve.

More about the important message of Empathy

Over the last two weeks, South Africa and the world were shocked by the horror of rape of mentally handicapped teenagers. Sadly, these are the cases that we hear about.  There are countless more.
And then more recently, there was the racist tweets by two models: one white, one black.

I am not sure whether removing titles and dispelling are necessarily a solution.  When we look at the above issues, it is clear that we need to find better solutions, solutions that will INSPIRE perpetrators to do the right thing, to walk in the shoes of the person on the receiving end and hopefully decide against such hurtful actions.

When we look at all forms of hurt, destruction or crime, it is obvious that at the foundation of all of these acts, is a lack of empathy; a lack of empathy for our fellow human being or for animals.

We'll soon be celebrating another Madiba Day.  The SABC slogan says it best: “Make every day a Madiba Day.” Will this objective be all forgotten at the end of May 2012?

With your contribution, you and / or your organisation assist Andeline and The Empathy Campaign with ensuring that this is not merely a chiché, but that we turn it into reality.

We can all do something to create the country that we dream of.   We can do more when we work together.

Andeline now regularly contributes expert advice on Empathy strategies for various kinds of relationships, on Afrikaans Radio Station, RSG.  Stay tuned every Tuesday between 09h00 & 10h00.  The programme: "Oggend Op RSG"

About “In Mekaar Se Skoene”

Andeline wrote this book as part of her contribution to the greater good of humanity. Her passion for empathy comes from knowing what it feels like to be on the receiving end of unkind treatment. Her healing process took a few years. Her personal growth and decision to not respond with reciprocal negative action, but to show empathy and make a difference, was inspired by the wonderful example of Mr. Nelson Mandela.

Her experiences of pain taught her about getting into the shoes of others.

“For me it became a matter of truly considering my actions, especially when it comes to other people, because I know what it feels like to be on the receiving end of unkind treatment and / or rejection.”

In the book Andeline focuses on various kinds of relationships and how we can build, re-build or improve these relationships with Respect and Empathy.

The Foreword of the book was written by Prof. Jonathan Jansen, Rector at the Free State University.

The section: About The Author was written by Dr. Regina Malan.

Recommendations for In Mekaar Se Skoene

“Dear Andeline,

I finally finished reading your book. I am impressed. It is indeed a must read for everyone. I would recommend it to all South Africans, irrespective of race, gender, culture or status. It would make me very happy if people in leadership positions could get to read your book. Your book can contribute to making South Africa a better place. Well done!

(All that is needed now is for it to be translated into English, to ensure that all people are able to read it.) Congratulations with a fantastic publication!”

Magdel Pretorius.

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"Hi Andeline, Ek sit met jou boek wat ek nou net by poskantoor gaan haal het. Weereens baie dankie! Ek het vinnig deurgelees, maar dis duidelik nie 'n boek wat ooit "klaar gelees" is nie; dis 'n boek waarheen mens MOET terugkeer elke keer as jy die spoor (wil) byster raak... Mooi wense!"

Heidrich Wyngaardt

About Andeline Williams-Pretorius BA (Health Sciences and Social Services) Unisa

"Andeline Williams-Pretorius is an Inspirational Speaker, Counselor, Trainer, wife and mother.

She is CEO of Andeline's Motivational Training, and creator of The Empathy Campaign, which is affiliated to Andeline's Motivational Training.

She was recently identified by entrepreneur, Mr. Lonwabo Jabavu from African Innovations as one of South Africa's Most Inspirational Women, and is featured in their glossy-page coffee table book, titled: South Africa's Most Inspirational Women. This book will be available in book stores from the end of June 2012.

Andeline was recognised for overcoming severe low self-esteem and lack of assertiveness, in the book: Miracle Women, authored by Dave Metzler. She is the Founder of NPO In-Law Support, 070-849. http://www.inlawsupport.com

Andeline is Columnist / Life Coach for Kuier Magazine, Author of self-published: Success it's your choice and her latest book on empathy: In Mekaar Se Skoene, published by Naledi.

Andeline has a passion for contributing to the greater good of humanity. Her voluntary work can be traced back over the last thirteen years. It includes working with teenagers, speaking at schools about Self-esteem & Assertiveness.  She also did voluntary work with in-mates at George and Johannesburg Correctional Services.

She is regular expert (Tuesdays between 09h00 and 10h00) on empathy and relationship challenges (from family to society and the work place) on Afrikaans radio station: RSG."

I thank you in advance for your contribution. We will confirm your contribution, as well as details to be included at the back of the book.  I will also post regular updates via Twitter.

We will appreciate it if you would be so kind to share this information with your friends or connections.  In order to start this process, we need at least 100 people.  With enough help, we can get there in no time.

Banking details: Andeline's Motivational Training, ABSA Bank, Menlyn, Account Number: 4061007354, Branch Code: 632005.

Please fax or email proof of payment, together with the name or company name that you would like us to add in the book. Please include contact details and your postal address.

If your organisation would like to make use of the logo option, by sponsoring 5 X R300, 00 or more, remember to email us your logo for inclusion.

Should you have any enquiries, please contact Andeline.

Mobile: 072 856 0218

Fax: 086 546 9069

Email: info@andeline.co.za

empathy@mweb.co.za

Do connect with me on my social media pages:

http://www.facebook.com/empathycampaignsa

https://twitter.com/#!/andelinewp

http://za.linkedin.com/in/andelinewilliamspretorius