From SA to the UK - Life is a journey
It’s time to reintroduce myself to the Wealthy Affiliate family with the long version of my life story.
Why now ? I have stuck around for a few months and with the exciting email from Kyle about being chosen to become a super affiliate in the next year, I decided it’s time to share my story and connect a bit more with the wonderful community here.
South Africa (SA)
I was born in 1970 in the rainbow nation the place the World calls South Africa.
Growing up was brilliant, the outdoor life, the sun, the care free life, but we were sheltered from what was really going on.
The hidden shocking world of apartheid. I didn't have a clue until I hit my late teens. It’s shameful to think a small minority of people could oppress the large majority due to the color of their skin.
Thankfully the politicians changed and so did the country.
That glorious day came and the first democratic vote was held for the whole nation. I stood in line all day for 9 hours as a proud South African with the masses to cast my vote.
I can still picture that moment when I placed a tick for my hero right next to the name Mr Nelson Mandela.
A man who spent all those years in jail and when’s released never held a grudge against anyone he just wanted to make the world a better place.
How lucky am I to have lived in that moment to be a part of history changing forever?
The honeymoon lasted for a while and then reality set in. The country became violent and dangerous to live in. No one was safe. Laws did not seem to apply. It was a crazy time.
Things changed for me is when I was held up at gunpoint. 2 men with a gun each pointed either side of my head. To this day I don’t quite know how I got away with my life. Stuff like this messes with your mind and I guess that is when the seed was planted that my home was broken forever. A change was needed for my life.
The United Kingdom (part one)
I emigrated with my then girlfriend and arrived in the UK in 2002 on the first of February. With the plans to get married and have a child. Both happened, in 2003 I got married and 2004 my beautiful son Joshua was born.
I had been working from day one that I arrived so it was happy days.
Life throws you a curve ball when you least expect it.
The love disappeared from the relationship and the unthinkable happened - Divorce.
I moved to a one bedroom flat. Alone with no friends. Times were tough. Thankfully I always try to stay positive and my sons visits and my job pulled me through.
I have always believed in the law of attraction and so I picked myself up and stopped sulking.
Life moves forward it’s always changing.
The United Kingdom (part 2)
I found love again and my new partner and I got married last year July on a cruise ship it was amazing from the moment we climbed on board the ship. One of the bet days of my life.
My world is constantly changing.
So how did I end up at Wealthy Affiliate?
I have had massive expenses along the way moving my life to a different country, a divorce, the marriage costs, and maintenance payments. Yes all my own doing, that's life in all its glory for most of us. :) I'm not complaining.I am happy for all my life experiences , the fun and the tough times.
During these years I have found the money coming in is not enough for the money going out debts have piled up and the worst problem was I keep it all to myself for along time. Not a good idea. Please talk about it to your loved ones if this is you. It causes a lot of stress. I learnt the hard way.
This caused me to look for a different way, The 9 to 5 over 50 hours a week, has worn me down and left me broke. My job just about pays all my bills each month.
That’s when the law of attraction worked for me again and Wealthy Affiliate found me.:)
It has allowed me to keep my job...for now and give me the opportunity to set myself financially free. It’s a work in progress. lol
Where next in my journey?
I will go with the flow and live in the moment for now and try to take this opportunity to become a super affiliate.
I always get asked why not move back to South Africa?
I say the UK is my home now. Happily married and watching my son grow up into a fine young man.
Happy days.
Yes we could all have more friends so drop me a message and say hi
Why would I want to move back to the sunshine when I have the cold and rain?
Recent Comments
10
From an American ex-pat who chose Ukraine to spend my next 50 years, good luck in all your endeavors and much success here at WA. It is like a second home.
Make a living, make a difference.
Mark
What a moving story Matthew. Everything that has happened to you has made you the man you are today. Which sounds like a pretty well-adjusted person. Congratulations on being chosen for the Challenge and I wish you the best of luck on your new marriage and in all your online businesses.
lol...goes for Alaska, too...why would I want to move back to the sunshine when I have the cold and rain? Sure, I'd like to change Alaska's climates sometimes, but I love it here.
Your story is very interesting. Thanks for sharing. I hope your life becomes a bit smoother now and that your journey in WA takes you where you want to go.
Thank you for sharing this story with us. Whilst you have had many ups and downs it is inspiring because you continue in spite of all the hurdles you have in the past and still face. Good luck with your WA journey, I am sure you will be successful.
Great personal story, thank you for sharing it with us.
I am not sure if you ever knew Prophet Kim Clement from South Africa who emigrated to the US and set up a worldwide ministry in Southern California.
Unfortunately he passed away a couple of years ago after a long battle with ailments.
I came to know Prophet Kim after his passing but I was blown away by his faith, his love for God's nations and America. His prophecies were amazingly accurate.
I still mourn his passing, and while we may disagree on this one, he is for me the most amazing South African I have ever known.
His ministry, House of Destiny, lives on as an online worldwide platform for Christian faith.
Blessings!
Belated welcome to the UK Matthew.
It was very interesting to read your story and I am pleased life is turning out good for you.
Good luck with your Super Affiliate Challenge.....I am sure luck will have nothing to do about it though and keep enjoying the rain (byetheway, the sun does shine sometimes :))
Cheers,
Richard
Hi, Matthew, you have packed a loy into your life and in sharing your experiences a lot of folks here will be able to identify, it can be strange where life's winds blow us, at the end of the day that positive attitude seems to pull things together and everything flows.
Congratulations on being accepted for the challenge, the timing of it may make all the difference for your online journey.
Best wishes.
I enjoyed reading your journey. Thank you for sharing. I wish you the best with the affiliate challenge.
Thank you for sharing your story it is a great post and a beautiful story.
It is also encouraging and inspiring on what you have gone through but you are still here and that is great.
You keep on doing what you are doing because success is just around the corner for you.
Best wishes to you on your journey with WA.
Mary