The Envelope That Held More Than R50

Sometimes, the universe has a beautiful way of saying “I see you.” Mine came in the shape of a sealed blue envelope.

It all started during our coaching program. We were asked to write a thank-you letter to ourselves — not the kind you’d post or email, but the kind that travels inward, finds your soul, and settles there like a hug from your future self. The task felt both emotional and refreshing, a moment of self-reflection I didn't know I needed until the pen touched paper.

I sat quietly with my thoughts, and a wave of emotions washed over me. Gratitude, pride, and memories I had almost forgotten. My letter to myself began:

"Greetings Nozinga,

This moment, right at this moment, I’ve taken a little self-introspection. And I thought — you know what, let me just ndiku bulele...

Today I have two blogging sites: Vocal Media and Google Blogger. You gave me a voice so that I could be heard. Today, I can say I see achievements that are in order for me. You let me lose myself at times so that I could learn on my own. You gave me strength, patience, and resilience.

I thank you for the growth you brought me personally and professionally. I may not have materialistic things, but I know those will come on time, as rewards. What’s more important to me is how far you have pushed me up to this point in life.

I know it’s a continuous journey, but I just wanted to acknowledge how proud you have made me."

After we completed our letters, our facilitator asked for four volunteers to come up and read. My heart fluttered but I stayed in my seat. Until she made one last request: “Can I have just one more person to seal today’s session with their letter?”

It felt like a soft whisper from the universe — Asanda, this is your moment.

Without even thinking, I stood up and walked to the front.

As I began to read, a deep stillness fell across the room. More than 20 people were in that space, facilitators and fellow participants alike. I didn’t look into faces; I looked above their heads, not out of fear, but because I was feeling the moment rather than seeing it. I could sense their attention, their hearts leaning in. It was as if the room held its breath for me.

When I finished, there was silence… the kind that follows truth. The kind that tells you your story just settled inside someone else’s soul.

Then came something unexpected. Each of the five of us who shared received a sealed envelope. Inside mine was R50.

I blinked. I smiled. I knew.

You see, before that day, I had been trying to get R50 so my daughter and grandson could travel for Easter. I had asked around, tried borrowing, and nothing came through. But I wasn’t anxious. Something in me had said, It will work out.

That envelope didn’t just carry money. It carried a message from life itself. “I see you, Asanda. I heard your voice.”

It reminded me that sometimes, when we show up for ourselves — not with a performance, but with honesty — the world meets us right there. And maybe, just maybe, it hands us exactly what we need.

Not always money. But magic. Kindness. Alignment.

That day, I left the session a little taller. A little softer. A lot more grateful.

And every time I think back to that envelope, I remember: when you speak from the heart, it echoes in places you didn’t know were listening.