As Seen on TV.

I have a strong desire to make the most out of my life, and that includes pushing myself to the limits.

I want to extract every ounce of potential from within myself.

Life to me is about exploration and embracing every opportunity that comes my way. I'm always open to trying new things, even if they make me uncomfortable, because that's where personal growth happens. A life/career coach once told me that stepping out of our comfort zones regularly is crucial for self-development. He compared it to camping, where we find a comfortable spot but eventually move on to the next camping zone of our choosing to keep progressing.

One day, a friend from whom I buy my cut flowers in the wine lands sent me a link to apply for a national flower competition called "Die Groenste Vingers Season 2."

Initially, I had some doubts, but the next day I received the application again via email and decided to go for it. I recorded and submitted my introduction video, which took a few attempts because I kept getting my age wrong! (LOL)

A few weeks later, while on my way to set up a wedding in Knysna, I received an email informing me that I had been selected as one of the 15 florists nationwide to compete in the show. Little did I know what an incredible opportunity awaited me—to meet new people, acquire knowledge, and make lasting friendships.

The contestants were flown to Johannesburg, where everything was filmed for the TV show.

On my first day, as I arrived at the Hotel where we were residing, I had the pleasure of meeting an immensely talented lady whose work I had long admired on Instagram. Being among such amazing individuals was truly surreal.

The competition consisted of rounds with three contestants each, and I participated in the second round. We had two challenges, and I won the main challenge for that round for going trough to the Top10, which involved creating a bridal table. It wasn't until the sixth round that I met the other contestants of the top 10.

The entire experience was an absolute blast, and it came at a time when I needed it most. I focused on having fun, embracing the adrenaline rush, and overcoming the challenges presented by the judges, who had specific criteria. Listening to their instructions was key to success. Once we understood what we needed to create and what the judges expected from us, we planned our designs and went to the nursery to select the flowers we wanted to use.

After the first five rounds, the show continued with eight more episodes, and I made it to the finals, ranking in the top 3. Along the way, I won several challenges, including the "Goue Skêr," which provided immunity to play before the end of the 10th round.

The entire experience was surreal, something I will cherish for the rest of my life. I learned a great deal about myself and realised that having fun and believing in oneself are vital ingredients for achieving more than we ever thought possible.

During the final round, our task was to create a flower tutu dress for a model to wear. I took a risk by predominantly using green leaves, which aligns with my usual preference. With time running out, I had to adapt to the flow of the dress and make adjustments as I progressed. After four intense hours, I stood before the completed dress, adorning an actress, and felt a surge of emotion and joy. Despite exhaustion from lack of sleep the previous night and the pressure of the challenge, I was overwhelmed with satisfaction and happiness at the final outcome of my creation.

I eagerly anticipate the opportunities that lie ahead. Challenging ourselves and venturing into uncomfortable situations is the only way to grow and achieve our dreams, no matter their magnitude. I encourage you to take a chance, create your own destiny, and conjure up magic. Don't down grade your dream to match your reality, upgrade your faith to match your destiny.

This unexpected journey has brought valuable lessons that I am eager to share. While I would love to delve into every detail, let me highlight a few key takeaways.

First and foremost, I learned the importance of having fun in everything we do.

Life is meant to be enjoyed, and infusing a sense of joy into our endeavours can make a significant difference.

When we embark on a task, we must strive to do it in the best possible way. There is no room for half-hearted efforts. Instead, we should aim to give our all and produce outcomes that we can be proud of. It's about maintaining a standard of excellence and constantly pushing ourselves to deliver our best work.

While planning is essential, we must also embrace the reality that things can change unexpectedly. Being adaptable and open-minded is crucial. We need to cultivate a mindset that allows us to adjust, adapt, and gracefully navigate through the twists and turns that life presents.

Flexibility is key in dealing with unexpected challenges and seizing new opportunities that may arise along the way.

Disappointment is a natural part of life, but we can mitigate its impact by managing our expectations. It's important not to set our hopes too high, as this can lead to greater disappointment if things don't turn out as planned. Instead, by approaching each situation with realistic expectations, we can find contentment and gratitude in even the smallest victories.

Ultimately, life is a journey, and it's the process that matters as much as the destination. Embracing the ups and downs, learning from our experiences, and continuously striving for personal growth are all integral parts of this journey. So, let's savour each moment, make the most of every opportunity, and find fulfilment in knowing that we've given our best, regardless of the outcome.

Photo credit: Sarie Magazine

Model: Marlee van der Merwe