Karlien Kruger

With October being Down Syndrome Awareness month, I couldn't think of any one better suited to have a conversation with than Levien Smit.  A mother and teacher who knows the journey so well.  Not only on a personal level but also in her day to day dealings and teachings at Side by Side Early Intervention Centre. Initially I thought I knew exactly what to expect from the interview, that I'll […]

Today we commemorate World Mental Health day. You don't have to look far to see the effects of depression and anxiety and how it can affect everyday life. If not for you personally, then probably with a family member or a friend. Many of us have lost someone to suicide. People who just didn't know how to carry on living. Tired of life. I've felt like that many times. Especially […]

In September the world celebrated World Physio day, and with back pain being so prevalent in Namibia and the rest of the world, Karlien spoke to Gabriel Mulenga, a registered physiotherapist that has been practicing in Namibia for 8 years, working in both the private sector and public hospitals.   He is a member of the Executive Committee of the Namibian Society of Physiotherapy; this is the sole representative organization for […]

Die lewende legende Anton Goosen het onlangs 'n nuwe album vrygestel. Ek was baie nuuskierig om sy nuwe musiek te hoor, want daar is so baie van sy liedjies wat my terug neem na verskillende tye in my lewe.  Ek dink aan liedjies soos Blommetjie Gedenk Aan My en Geelperskereën.  Ek sien op Wikipedia dat 'n voorligtings onnie vir hom gesê het dat hy eerder moet vergeet van 'n loopbaan […]

When is the last time you did something nice for someone else, without expecting anything in return?  Did you know that there are proven benefits to random acts of kindness?  And not only to the person on the receiving end, but also the giver/do-er.  It increases the love hormone Oxytocin which helps to lower your blood pressure, improve your overall heart health and it also increases your self-esteem.  Kindness even […]

When I speak to friends and loved ones about the new year, one thing becomes clear to me.  This is the year of doing.  But it's not necessarily about doing MORE things or doing monumental things.  It's about doing more of the things that make you happy, that brings you peace.  Whatever that means to you. What are you doing differently in 2023 to make your dreams a reachable reality? […]

    Most of us end off the year with so many good intentions of the things we want to change in the new year.  Loose weight, stop smoking, budget better, etc. But have you ever considered making happiness a priority in the new year? I don't know about you, but in the past, every time I try do these typical resolutions, they last about a week before I just […]

I look at the newspapers and see the stories of poverty and hunger in my beautiful country, and it breaks my heart.  It's not supposed to be like this.  Not in a country with such a small population and abundant natural resources.  We can no longer turn a blind eye and just accept things as they are.  When are we going to start taking accountability?  When are we going to […]

I've been spending a lot more time in the garden lately.  I'm still learning, and there's been a bit of collateral damage, but I've had success as well.  It felt really great when I could cook a stew with the pickings from my Lazy housewife green beans. I strongly believe that we all need to start growing some of our own food.  And I wish community gardens were a thing […]