“Don’t Forget Your Keys!”
I recently locked myself out in the rain. Now I know, you are probably rolling your eyes thinking wowzers… smart much? But there’s a back story…
The Back Story
The past couple of weeks have been manic, I am sure its been the same for you as we tried to boil the ocean in the last two months of 2025. With multiple meetings almost back to back, and me trying to commute between cities, I was not winning. So while a friend was away - I got the generous offer to take an evening meeting from their apartment. With keys in hand I unlocked and entered, settled in and set up for my meeting. But then I started to feel cold, and needed my jacket from my car. So I grabbed my car keys and headed out, and pulled the door behind me (after all its joburg and I was taking no chances with someone else’s home) but as that door closed behind me - it hit me, this door locks automatically (don’t judge me - I live in the bush veld and we don’t even lock doors where I live). Anyway… I stood starring at the door thinking…. its raining outside - I have a meeting starting in 10mins, and I have no phone to call anyone in an apartment building that I also don’t know anyone.
But….I had the good sense to look for the building care taker and was able to call my friend. Luckily for me, he was away for work but still in Johannesburg, who then drove at the speed of light in the rain to let me in and make my meeting (friend goals right?). On his way out he left me a note stuck on the door that read “Don’f forget your keys!” Whilst this was a little cheeky it was very thoughtful and extremely kind.
The Deeper Story
I’m now sitting and reflecting back on 2025 and I have this sudden realisation that those forgotten keys are metaphorical and the note “Don’t forget your keys” is a clarion call each time I leave….(okay stick with me here).
My sister and I travelled to Uganda in January 2025 and arrived in Entebbe with our luggage still in South Africa. Travelling light, we took no hand luggage, this means no spare set of clothes, no toiletries, nothing! We landed and had to get essentials and went to our meeting the next day looking rather sketchy! As seasoned travellers we left home and “forgot our keys!” We forgot the cardinal rule of travel - be prepared for the worst (lost luggage).
What about personal or professional relationships. Ever left one of those and forget your keys? Keys could mean different things to different people, it could mean you leave with those relationships or friendships intact and in hand as you transition a job or a city. . Those keys could mean you leave a bad relationship with your dignity and self worth intact and in hand, or leave a toxic workplace with your peace, joy and your talents intact and in hand!
As you leave your home - you grab your house keys, car keys (if you drive that is) your phone and wallet - but there are some other keys you should grab too.
A positive attitude - the world will respond to the attitude you show up with.
Hope in your pocket - you will be surprised how many doors hope opens.
Kindness in your heart — the streets are rough out there — and kindness is the universal language of the enlightened!
Some doors lock automatically. So do seasons. So do moments. So do relationships. And when they do — you want to be the person who walks away with what matters still in hand: hope, kindness, dignity, peace. Don’t forget your keys.
