Use It or Lose It

There are so many appropriate uses for this kiwaha (saying), "Use it or Lose it"

I remember my grandparents seemingly spending a lot of their life in their lazy boy chairs working their way slowly through their flagon of beer.  They always seemed to me to be so much older than they actually were.  As I reflect now there is a possibility that they were in their chairs because we were visiting but I'm not convinced of that. They both passed on a number of years ago now. My Nana died one evening, seated in that very chair.  This is a little reminder to myself that I need to start using my body more or I can expect it to start caving in on me more completely than it already is!

But, this is not why I write.  I write because I am convicted of my lethargy when it comes to learning & using Te Reo Maaori - Te Reo Rangatira & of late we have heard much of the challenge that unless the Reo is spoken it will be lost.  If Te Ao Maaori is to flourish the language also needs to be alive & well, for it is in the language that a culture is communicated.  The things we value, believe & hold true & dear.  So, I can not afford to sit on my arse any longer.  My language needs me!  Yes I am only one, but you & me makes atleast 2!..& if we can find a friend - well we have community, a space amongst us where others can come & listen & learn & speak.  I figure if it takes about 10+years to become fluent, then I will be in my cough, cough 50somethings.  I'll still be a young sheila by then!  Sweeeeet.  Ko te Reo Maaori toku Tikanga Whakahaere Hou.  There I said it.  Now for some action & pushing through some pain barriers!!  Who will join me on this Haerenga??! I will need some friends.  Haere mai koutou, haere mai