Week One: Piece by Piece, I Rise

My first week at Nedbank felt like being handed a 2,500-piece puzzle, daunting at first glance, but slowly, steadily, I began to piece it together. One login, one meeting, one acronym at a time. The systems and applications were new, the processes unfamiliar, but with each step, I felt myself settling into the rhythm of this new journey.

Once my access was sorted, I began connecting with the team, introductory sessions, broader team engagements, and walkthroughs of the core processes that will eventually become my focus. There’s something energizing about touching the new, familiarizing yourself with the lay of the land, and simply allowing yourself to learn. I’ve enjoyed every moment of it.

The team has been incredibly welcoming, supportive, patient, and generous with their time. It’s made all the difference. I can feel the transition taking root. This is a new beginning, a fresh space for growth, and it carries that evergreen feeling of new life. A reminder that even after seasons of uncertainty, renewal is always possible.

A growth mindset is essential in spaces like this, and from my interactions this week, I believe I’ve found a place where that mindset is not only encouraged but nurtured. Every time I decode a new acronym, every meeting where something clicks, every lightbulb moment, I feel myself getting closer to laying the foundation I need to truly add value. And for that, I am deeply grateful.

It’s been a wonderful first week. And now, I look ahead with excitement to the next, starting with a trip to Johannesburg to meet the team face-to-face and engage in some team building. The timing couldn’t be more perfect. These are the people I’ll be working closely with, and I feel blessed to connect with them so early in the journey.

As I reflect on my first week, I’m reminded of the quiet symbolism in the small things. A photo taken in the morning light, felt like a soft affirmation. A reminder that I’m exactly where I need to be. That this new chapter is not just about work, but about heart, alignment, and rising into purpose.

Here’s to another amazing week, more learning, more connection, and more rising.💚💚💚

~Nerusha

The New Chapter Begins - Day 1

Sleep was elusive last night, my excitement carried me through the hours as I prepared, in mind and heart, for this new beginning. Today marked my first day as a Senior Quantitative Analyst aka Quant, at Nedbank, a role that both humbles and excites me. I know it will stretch me, challenge me, and grow me in ways I can’t yet imagine, and that’s exactly what I’ve been praying for.

The morning started with prayer, a quiet moment of gratitude for this opportunity and for the journey that has led me here. By 7 a.m. I was out the door, nerves and anticipation dancing inside me. My heart raced, not just because of the unknowns of traffic heading into town, but because I was stepping into a whole new chapter of my life.

For the first time in many years, I wore a suit to work. It may sound simple, but it carried a powerful weight. There’s something about putting it on that makes you stand taller, it’s more than fabric, it’s a feeling of presence, professionalism, and readiness.

Walking into the building, I felt the unmistakable energy of new beginnings. My team lead greeted me warmly and helped me get set up with IT. Soon after, the rest of the team arrived, and we gathered in the boardroom. What touched me deeply was that although the team works fully remote, they all made the effort to come into the office just to welcome me. That gesture alone spoke volumes. It made me feel supported, valued, and truly part of something bigger. Later, over coffee, I began building those first connections that I know will grow into meaningful relationships.

The rest of the day was spent setting up my home office and familiarising myself with new applications. It was a mix of the practical and the emotional, the small tasks of logging in, the quiet excitement of realising, this is my space now.

Day one was everything I could have hoped for, structured yet welcoming, energising yet grounding. I know the learning curve lies ahead, but for the first time in a long while, I feel anchored by routine, discipline, and purpose.

This is not just a job. It’s the start of something significant. A reminder that resilience bears fruit, that prayers find their answers, and that with every ending comes a new beginning worth stepping into wholeheartedly.

~ Nerusha 

 

A Day of Grace, Gratitude, and New Beginnings

 Sunday morning greeted me with rain and a slightly scratchy throat, so I decided to stay in, rest a little, and allow my body the pause it clearly needed. The day ahead was special, we had our Ladies High Tea planned, and I had the privilege of being asked to capture the moments through photography. It felt like such an honour to be trusted in this way, and I silently prayed for two things: for the weather to clear and for me to feel well enough to fully enjoy and be present.

My prayers were answered. As I pulled up to the Mandir, the clouds parted and the sun appeared, as if blessing the day ahead. From there, everything just seemed to flow beautifully. The function unfolded seamlessly, filled with joy, connection, and inspiration. By the end of it, I felt deeply fulfilled and grateful to have been part of something so meaningful.

Being on the planning committee gave me an even greater appreciation of the event. It was moving to see how so many talented women came together, pooling their skills, creativity, and time to bring the vision to life. It was collaboration at its finest. And to top it all off, we were each gifted a beautiful flower arrangement as a gesture of appreciation, a thoughtful surprise that touched my heart.

As the day drew to a close, I made my way home, my thoughts shifting toward preparation for my first day tomorrow. The excitement was building, so was the anxiety (a healthy mix of both, I’d say 😅). But underneath it all was a grateful heart, grateful for the women I shared the day with, the blessings of answered prayers, and the promise of a new chapter unfolding.

This journey has taught me that prayers are often answered in the simplest ways, and that when women come together with purpose and heart, true magic happens.

~Nerusha

Saturday - A Day of Connection and Celebration

The day began the way so many of my weekends do, with a refreshing walk along the promenade, this time with my family by my side. There’s something grounding about starting the day together, taking in the sea breeze, sharing conversations, and simply being present. Today was extra special as we celebrated my cousin’s birthday, and that added layer of joy made the morning feel even brighter.

Later, I joined a friend for a dance class, a chance to move, let loose, and feed my soul with something lighthearted and fun. Dancing has this incredible way of releasing tension, and by the end of it, I felt both relaxed and energized. We rounded it off with a quick cuppa, small but meaningful moments that carry so much weight in this season of my life.

The afternoon swept me into celebration mode again as I got ready for a baby shower. The hours passed quickly, filled with laughter, conversations, and that unique joy of celebrating new beginnings.

As the day wound down, I spent the late afternoon and evening with a loved one. We explored the malls in Ballito, unhurried and content, and ended the night with a cozy movie. It was the perfect close to a day that had been full yet fulfilling, a day stitched together with connection, celebration, and love from all directions.

These are the kinds of days that remind me of the beauty of balance. Life may be busy and uncertain at times, but when it is filled with family, friends, and love, it feels abundantly rich.

~ Nerusha 

Friday – The Closing of a Chapter, the Beginning of Another

 The rain this Friday morning may have deterred me from my usual walk, but it didn’t stop me from rising early and easing into the day with admin, the sort of thing we can’t ever quite escape. Today carried extra weight: it was my last day of being unemployed. I’m still letting that truth sink in, still soaking in the idea of stepping back into the rhythm of work, into a new chapter.

I made a stop to bid farewell to my nail technician who is leaving for greener pastures. It reminded me of how important it is to acknowledge and express gratitude for the people who leave their mark on our lives, no matter how big or small their role may seem.

Later, I visited a dear friend who has been walking this same uncertain path alongside me. She too secured a job this month, and it has been such a comfort to share this season of challenge with someone who truly understands the highs and lows. There’s a bond that forms in times of trial, something unspoken, rooted in resilience. Our conversations, no matter how they start, always end in laughter. They leave me lighter, brighter, and deeply grateful for the company of kindred spirits.

The next stop of the day was my side hustle: a corporate team-building and birthday event at Create Ceramics. It was the perfect opportunity to put my photography skills to work, and I felt alive behind the lens, capturing smiles, connections, and those small, precious moments that tell a bigger story. Being surrounded by people, energy, and creativity filled me in ways I can’t fully describe.

The evening was sealed with a celebratory dinner with dear friends, a chance to catch up, laugh, and toast to new beginnings. My day was full, my heart was fuller, and as I look forward to a jam-packed weekend, I feel ready to step forward into the next chapter with gratitude and excitement.

Unemployment tested me in ways I never imagined, but it also shaped me. It taught me patience, resilience, and the importance of leaning on love, laughter, and faith. And now, as I step into what’s next, I carry the lessons and gratitude with me, proof that even in the most uncertain seasons, we can rise.

~Nerusha 

Thursday – A Full Day of Grounding, Gratitude, and Grace

As Thursday began, I knew it would be a busy one, the kind of day where everything needed to fit neatly into its place. I started with a quick morning walk to centre myself, followed by coffee and a catch-up with a friend, a small but necessary pause before diving into the rest of the day.

Back home, my focus shifted to creating social media content and prepping ingredients for dinner later. I also had to prepare for a meeting with my financial advisor. On days like this, being present amidst the busyness doesn’t always come easily, but I’ve learned that grounding myself in the small tasks helps me stay balanced.

After my meeting, I met family for a late lunch and another quick catch-up before heading home again to prepare for the evening offering at Mandir and to finish up dinner for myself and a loved one.

We made it to Mandir on time, and as I stepped inside, I felt a deep sense of fulfilment, gratitude for the blessings of the week and a quiet reassurance that I am being guided, even when the road feels uncertain. The service was vibrant and captivating, filling my heart with peace and presence.

Later that evening, we shared dinner, and in those simple moments of connection, I was reminded once again where my true sense of purpose lives, in faith, in family, and in love.

~Nerusha

Creativity, Connection, and Centering

The day began as many of my favourite ones do, with a walk along the promenade, the sea breeze against my face, and a cappuccino in hand. There’s something about those early moments that ground me, centering my mind and setting the tone for whatever lies ahead. It’s in these pauses that I feel most aligned, ready to take on the day with intention.

My focus today was on my side project, bringing my photographs to life as marketing content. There’s a certain joy and freedom in creativity, it makes me feel alive, purposeful, and deeply connected to myself. Every image tells a story, and shaping them into content feels like carving out a little piece of meaning in the midst of this journey.

Later, I ran a few errands, picking up something special for a temple offering and a baby present for an upcoming shower. Life’s small tasks may seem simple, but I find they carry their own sense of grounding. They remind me that even in the uncertainty of career transitions, life continues to weave in celebrations, faith, and acts of love.

One of the highlights of my day was visiting colleagues at Derivco. I felt it was important to share my news in person with the very people who helped shape my career. Walking back into that space, I was reminded of the relationships I’ve built, the challenges we’ve shared, and the camaraderie that comes from working in such a complex industry. Their empathy and understanding of my journey meant so much, it’s a kind of support that goes beyond words.

It was a full day, creative, connective, and meaningful. By evening, I allowed myself the simple gift of rest and unwinding, grateful for the people, the projects, and the quiet rituals that keep me steady as I rise.

~Nerusha