Day 180

Wow! Today has been one of those awesome full days with so much on - yet feels balanced - if you know what I mean. Today was a day that allowed me to realise that you can have balance you just have to work at it, and continue to do so. 

So today, I did some playful paws work, Nutrimetics work, Disability work, cooked for the week (vegie lasagne & zucchini slice), caught up with mum, sister & grandma, saw my boyfriend, played with Buddy, AND pampered myself (a facial and foot scrub!) ... oh and I am halfway through my second movie! WOW! 

When I stop and look at that all I feel tired...but instead I feel accomplishment and am satisfied I spend my day well! And I can now spend tomorrow with my boyfriend without feeling like I have heaps to do! I was discussing this just the other day - the importance of writing a to-do list and prioritising it. Then you know that you have completed the most important things, which then allow you to do all the fun things you want guilt-free!! Or since guilt is a wasted emotion...be fully involved in what you are doing at the time rather than feeling like you 'should' be doing something else!

Whoop! Bring on the productive days!! :)

...Until Tomorrow xox

Day 179

I love jigsaw puzzles! I am playing a jigsaw puzzle thing on Facebook at the moment and once you have selected a puzzle all of the pieces are heaped together in the middle of the board. THen you need to separate them, then find the edge pieces, then you systematically work on small areas and once you have finished it's a beautiful picture.

It's a lovely analogy of life. Sometimes you reach a point where everything looks like a mess - nothing is in order, or feels right. Yet piece by piece you start sorting through the pieces for the edges which in life are more your foundations. And then you sort through the little sections for all the bits relating to 'life' and they start to fit. There are times in your life when things don't seem to fit or be working, but persevere and take your time - for if you stay positive that everything will fall in place, and continue to work on yourself, it will all fit together and work. 

I know myself, that the last 9months (since my accident) has been a rocky road, where at times everything seems to look like the start of the puzzle. Yet each time I started again, looking for the edges to keep me grounded. And slowly, everything started to happen. Yet this still required work and perseverance. I haven't ever given up - even if I felt like it. I have and continue to have days that are just - blurhg- and that's okay!! 

Never give up on what you want. If you want to lead a happy life on your travels, only YOU can decide to do so. And once you have decided to, it requires DAILY work - it doesn't just happen. Even the happiest people work at remaining that way. 

Are you going to take control of your life and happiness? 

…Until Tomorrow xox

Day 178

I'm having a sensitive day today - we all have those once in a while. (A fact I was just discussing with a disability client this morning!) I received a message - completely innocuous about wanting to speak to me tomorrow - I think it's just about work and more shifts. Instead my brain has immediately gone into the - "Oh no! What have I done wrong?"

A fact which occurs often, it's just whether or not you choose to listen to it, and pay it attention. Of course we all have that little gremlin who creeps up on us (particularly if we have relaxed a little on the 'self care') and tells us all the possible negative things and wants to drag us down. And like I have mentioned before (but one of the many reasons I love writing this blog, is to constantly remind myself!) its about acknowledgment, sitting with it. Rather than resisting the thought - or worse feeding it!

What I mean by that, is the vicious circle of "oh my goodness, what have I done? Maybe last shift I…(insert something probable…forgot to put on the washing, spoke about something in front of the client…etc)..then did I really do that? Oh maybe I did? Oh and that reminds me of the time five years ago that my boss pulled me up and I…." And so it goes on…continually fed and blown WAY out of proportion, generally for the simple fact that your boss wants to simply ask you a question - or offer you a shift - or just to see how you are going…!!

So…Sitting with it…I'm reminded yet again of having to identify it - what colour does it represent , in this case red!, what shape is it? SHARP! Does it move? Yes, almost flashes like Los Vegas signs. Any other defining characteristics? Yes it's really hot, sits in my stomach occasionally will 'punch'. Now that you have identified it, how do you feel? I am starting to feel better - more in control!! 

Now…onto meditation and my journal! 

…Until Tomorrow xox

Day 177

Happy Australia Day!!

Wow! What does Australia Day mean to you? Why do we celebrate it? The funny thing is, when I asked a few people these questions the answer was almost unanimous - "A day off" and the other response "A few drinks and a BBQ" and "Triple J's hottest 100". This made me laugh. Majority of people I spoke to didn't know why the day came about - or the purpose of it! 

I was just watching something on TV (unusual I know) and they had a whole lot of Australian celebrities talking about "burning a snag on the barbie" and then one very wise celebrity said "it is a time to reflect on what Australia means to you and do what you feel you need." Yes! I totally agree. I think as an Australian myself, we have lost sight of what it means to be Australian, and where our history comes from. So I thought perfect opportunity to expand my own knowledge!

I find indiginous Australian culture really interesting, so am looking forward to exploring this in my local area. 'Australia Day' itself refers to the day 26th January 1788 - the first European settlement in Australia in Port Jackson (now a part of Sydney). I love looking into and expanding my own knowledge. And have made the decision each year on Australia Day to go somewhere different, and learn more about a heritage. 

In the meantime, enjoy a beer and a barbie and have an amazing day with friends and family :)

…Until Tomorrow xox

Day 176

I love being excited by little things in life. Like having a sneaky unexpected nap. Having time to spend with the animals. Having uninterrupted 'me' time. Getting an unexpected phone call from a friend. Getting to see my boyfriend after he has been offshore for a week! Birthdays! Presents! Wow!

I love that excited, butterfly feeling that goes along with the thought of something that you love! Which started me thinking about how we don't appreciate the little things in life often enough. And so many good things happen in the course of the day. It's like keeping your grateful journal, making you aware of all the fun amazing things that happen daily. Even if you work a 12 hour day, I bet if you think back through the day, there will be a time that was a highlight. Something someone said. A funny meme. A phone call. 

The list goes on! Once you start focusing on the positive exciting little things, you'll be amazed at how many things actually happen throughout the day - even MORE when you start looking for them. It's so easy to be negative, so why not work on yourself and focus on the positive until it becomes an easy habit?!

A few of my top tips: 

- Surround yourself with positive quotes / images

- Take 5-10 minutes in the morning to breathe and get in touch with who you are

- Write! Write a journal - if that's too hard, write a grateful journal, write  a blog - WRITE anything!!

- Surround yourself with like-minded positive people!

- Do something that makes you smile everyday. 

- Allow yourself to get excited and happy by any and everything! 

- Exercise daily

That's just the tip of the iceberg! Many more to come!

…Until Tomorrow xx

Day 175

"Do what you love". Interesting concept. What I think is better is follow your heart and don't be afraid to try new things and let them go if they don't feel right. A bit of longer statement, but the concept is a bit deeper. Not all the time will you be able to 'do what you love' - as long as what you are doing is in-line with your belief's and morals then you can bide your time until you find the things you love.

I love SOOO many things, that often to do what I love would mean I was busy and doing something 24/7!! Balance is also so important. I don't LOVE stopping and being and reflecting - I am learning to like it, but it's difficult, and if given a choice I'd much rather be doing something! But finding a balance in all the key areas of your life is crucial. And is, I think the most difficult thing to master. 

How easy is it to be totally immersed in work, and forget to play - or forget to play with your dog, or exercise or eat healthy. There are 7 areas of your life that need to be in balance…I know I will feel out of whack and anxious if there isn't balance. I tend not to reassess them regularly enough, which is why I NEED to meditate and reflect daily. Things need to be done often to form a habit - once formed, it will be hard to break. 

WHat are the 7 areas:

1. Mental/learning/personal development

2. Vocational/career/business

3. Financial

4. Family

5. Social

6. Physical

7. Spiritual

So tonight as you read this, take a moment to reflect - are you in balance with the 7 areas of your life? If not, what are some changes you can make? 

…Until Tomorrow xox

Day 174

Something I have been asked a few times over the past little while, and that keeps cropping up in conversation is…How much help can you give a friend in need? Or how long can you be a shoulder for someone to lean on. 

Now this is a difficult topic, as each individual relationship and circumstance is different. However I believe if you have offered support - mostly by listening and someone is still not improving. It is imperative that you look after yourself and take a step back. We all know if we hang around with negative nancies then we start to become negative as well. But most importantly is to assist your friend to get professional help. 

This is where it gets trickier. Professional help for a lot of people - especially those in the country, seems to be a sign of weakness. I "should" be able to work this out on my own…or "It's ok, I have a strong supportive network of friends". That is important, but professional help offers an independent and objective view of your problems, and are able to assist with strategies to help you over whatever you need. 

Statistically speaking nearly half of the Australian population (45%) will suffer from a mental illness at some stage of their life (http://www.sane.org/information/factsheets-podcasts/204-facts-and-figures-about-mental-illness). So realistically you or someone you love will have a troubled time. This is not a sign of weakness. The best thing you can do for someone you know needs some additional help, is be supportive and WAIT until they ask for, or are ready to accept professional help.  

There are so many other options of help (many of which I have discussed so far in my blog) 

- Eating Healthy and Regularly

- Adequate exercise

- Reducing Alcohol and Caffeine intake

- Reducing sugar and refined foods (takeaway, fast food etc)

- Meditation 

- Relaxation

- Allowing yourself to 'be' 

- Acknowledging and accepting your thought are just thoughts and you are able to let go of them

- Surrounding yourself with positive people that pick you up

- Completing a grateful journal

- Doing something you love DAILY

The list is endless. Yet we so often get caught up in the mindset of what we AREN'T doing. I spoke with someone yesterday who is going through a challenging time at the moment and she said "But I haven't done meditation and I haven't done anything off my to do list". When I asked what she had done - her reply was "nothing" - which I said was preposterous and went on to list ALL of the things (however minute) she had done thus far today (getting up, putting on make up, going to work, eating a healthy lunch etc) to which she scoffed. However every little thing you do in a day can be marked off as an achievement. 

…Until Tomorrow xox

Day 173 - My 30th Birthday

Wow! 30! When I was a child I thought 30 was SO old! That old, that you would be on your last legs. Now…well I feel like life is just beginning. I've figured out who I am, I've worked out the people I choose to surround myself with - positivity! I know that life is not meant to be figured out by a certain time, or be 'perfect' and that where you thought you would be and where you end up can be different - or more importantly can change! 

I thought tonight might be a good night to reflect on the past 30 years and what I have learnt or found out about myself as the time has continued. Ever since I can remember I have loved celebrations - I've loved parties, not just my own but others. I love games - I especially love it when everyone at the party feels included and plays the games! I'm energetic, excitable and easily distracted. 

This attribute reflects in my work - all the way through. I have always taken on a leadership role - and hence an organisational one - one where I am making others (volunteers, colleagues, downlines etc) feel a part of something bigger. I always have something to share, offer or talk about (reflected in my 'little miss chatterbox' singlet I got today!). 

Mum did a photo board for me - I love it…now to make it into something smaller and able to be transported (it is currently on an old door…!!) From a young age (I think my first photo is around 1…?) I have loved animals..there were countless photos of me with different types of animals - dogs, rabbits, mice, rats, horses, turtles..etc. And still is a huge part of my life - all of my children (lizards, birds and dog) and my dog training business. 

And the other thing that continues to crop up is personal development and never settling…always wanting more…Grade 6 Somers camp, YMCA young leaders camp, part of Victorian Police Youth Corp., SRC secretary, School Vice captain, Drama workshops, mental first aid, all the further education…the list goes on…

So in closing, I wanted to say, that life is a continual adventure, where one door may close, but another will open. And the main thing is, no matter what you do with your life at any given point, it will reflect your true morals and your true self. Only today whilst writing this, did I realise this. That you are born YOU - all of the crazy quirks - think back, I am sure they have been with you since you were a young tot!!

I've had a great birthday, and know that this..my 30th year, will be one of many more discoveries and happy beginnings and endings. 

…Until Tomorrow xox

Day 172

The aftermath of organising your own party. 

2 months of organising.

2 days frantic preparation

7.5 hours of flitting between guests

1.5hours winding down

7 hours sleep

14 hours cleaning and reorganising house

1 blocked toilet

7 rubbish bags filled

and of course the greasy bacon and eggs brekky. 

It was an awesome night. Lots of fun and games! I had a whirlwind of a night and was quite touched and emotional at how many people came! :) (around 40-50) At the end of the night though I felt guilty. Not sure why - perhaps because my family was running around just as much as I was…or that I felt like I didn't really get to see anyone..

The feedback I have had though was all positive and everyone had a great time. Monday I was quite low. I felt on the verge of tears all day…everyone had left and gone home, the house was empty, and I was just tired, had a cold and emotional. Its so interesting, since my accident I have done a lot of work at allowing yourself to feel how ever you are feeling and not judging it, however yesterday (even though I kept saying I would view things differently after a good sleep) I couldn't stop feeling low. 

Being a hostess is actually quite difficult. And often we put that pressure on ourselves to be a good hostess. (Which funnily enough is all comparative!) Perhaps next time I'll get a big chair and put it in the centre of the room and make everyone come to me…hahah! As if I could do that!! 

…Until Tomorrow xox

Day 171

Party preparations full steam ahead. Work 32hours check. Food shopping, check. House cleaned, check. Dog bathed, check. Washing, check. Last minute preparations…well they're still going! 

I love planning events. I get excited and nothing else matters for that period of time! I love working out activities, fun things to do and … oh my goodness I just realised I haven't organised the music! Yes that is much what my brain is like at a time like this. But I love it. I feel like me…even though I won't be able to wear high heels at my party…or go for a run to get out pre-party jitters!! 

I am just soo grateful to be celebrating my birthday with so many amazing people that I love!! I'm blessed, and very lucky to have such an awesome amount of people in my life. I am overwhelmed actually at the amount coming…and when I stop to think…they are actually coming JUST FOR ME! Wow…around 60 people…I'm awed… 

I need to be off now…to write another to do list as I have lost my other one/s!! ;) 

…Until Tomorrow… (the day before the big 3-0 party!!!)

Day 170

How do you know what you are meant to do to make your heart sing? Through trying that's how. You are not born into this world with a stamp on your head telling you what you will do in life. I'm pretty sure no-one knows exactly what they want until they've tried things first, even those that are at the top of their game. 

I was thinking a lot about this and how I have been putting so much pressure on myself to find what I love, what makes my heart sing, what I'm fantastic at. But you know what? I've had it all along. You are fantastic at whatever you are doing at a time. Only you can enjoy the journey, enjoy the trials and even the errors. 

Some people are lucky and find the thing that they love straight up, some it take longer and they find it later in life. Some find it in work, some in pleasure, some in both! Only YOU can decide what it is that makes you so excited you can't rest your head on the pillow, that you would jump out of bed and go running to. Have I found that yet? I don't think so…but I'm on the way to! And I am so happy and excited with where I am, and do you know what? At the moment having a loving family, boyfriend, friends and being here with them is all that matters to me. 

That sounds a little airy fairy…but when you get down to the crux of it all…life is short. Life is limited. Life could end now, in two days, or in 100 years…you just don't know. So whilst you are on your way to discovering what you are meant to be doing on this earth at this time…ENJOY IT! Appreciate what you have right here, right now. 

…Until Tomorrow xox

Day 169

Some days are harder than others to be positive. That is hard to say as a naturally positive person. But it's true. Today my tolerance cup was pretty full, meaning that it didn't take much for me to feel overwhelmed and start to get grumpy. Yes Mr Grumpy Pants was out in full force. 

What is interesting to note as a positive person normally, is that people are very quick to say - "put things into perspective" or "don't worry about it, she'll be right" or "Just breathe". All comments that on a normal day would seem ok and when looked at with clarity, it's probably what I would say as well, well mostly the 'breathe' comment. But when you're tolerance is not there and you are angry about something - you get very angry by it and all you need to do is vent that anger. 

There are positive and not so positive ways to get this anger out. Positive would be to do some exercise, (running use to always help me), meditate, play with your animals, talk to someone. Not so positives would be to continue on the negative path and not stop what you are doing to have a wee break or deciding to use alcohol or food or anything else that is unhealthy. As generally when you are that mad, you are doing things unconsciously, eating or drinking etc. 

Yes, we all have grumpy pants days. And yes we are ALLOWED to be angry. It's important though to reflect on what you are angry about, is it really the fact that someone didn't put away their shoes and you tripped on them, or the other 20things that occurred throughout the day? Today I have had so much spinning around my head, that I was working at full capacity as soon as I woke up…I literally had no little space to put anything, so when something went a bit wrong, I snapped. Now upon reflection I realise that I need to stop, write, breathe and meditate. If I don't, I'm not looking after myself and I can find myself in that same situation. 

Lots to think about tonight. How to you overcome your intense feelings (can be anything)? Do you make sure you look after yourself at times of heightened stress?

…Until Tomorrow...

Day 168

I have spent the day organising things for my birthday party which is this weekend. I am very excited, but a little bit overwhelmed! So much to organise, and the really exciting thing is that I have almost everyone that was invited coming along! 

The most exciting thing about this birthday, is that I made it! This is the first big milestone since my accident. And it's so nice to know that I will have everyone I love around helping me! I have had enormous help so far from my friends and family! 

I am just doing a little research on Disney quotes. He was such a man before his time, he was a thinker outside the box - definitely one I would invite to my dinner party (you know that question..if you could invite 5 people to dinner who would they be…). I love that as I come across so many of his quotes, they reflect so much of what I believe in…

Just to name a few… Yes a definite positive influence on this world :) 

…Until Tomorrow xox

Day 167

Phew! What a week! My apologies for not writing each day - I was on 'holidays' - no excuses though. I had switched off for the week. It was amazing! I helped my boyfriend move into his new place, met some new people, went swimming and played with some animals!  

Although it was a full on week, I managed to be able to recharge a little - the most frustrating thing is on my arrival home, my house looks like I have just moved in here! Stuff everywhere!! But that's ok, I have all day tomorrow before starting back at work on Monday. The thing that I realised most this week again, is the importance of taking a break, stopping your mind from the daily humdrum thoughts and allowing yourself to recharge. What do you do on your holidays? 

I must admit, I am still in 'holiday' mode! Time to get back into it all tomorrow! But for now, it's time for a movie, cup of tea and puppy cuddles!

…Until Tomorrow xox

Day 166

Over the past few days I have had a few epiphany's and realised where my passions lie. So often we get caught up in what I like to call "white noise" the day to day hum drum, other people's negativity, the "why be different" people. When you schloff (one of my favourite words!!) off the 'white noise' you begin to be able to get in touch with you 'gut' feeling, you know the feeling you get when you think about something and you are so super excited that you can't sit still and have loop-de-loops in your tummy?? 

This is where I found meditation came in handy - to get more in touch with what I want to be doing in life. But the best thing that has helped me the past few days is talking about it. You know that saying "shout from the rooftops"??!! Do it! Talk about it to friends, strangers, people you meet…The more you talk about it, the bigger picture you will paint for yourself and the more your passion will shine through!!

All you need the the strong desire, belief in yourself and for me a scrap book. When you start to feel like you are listening to 'white noise' again, stop and reflect - where am I headed? What am I doing? Is that what I want to be doing? The other thing that comes with this, is the people you surround yourself with. You want the "can do" people, not so much the "I'll wait for it to come to me" or worse "I've given up so I don't understand anyone else going for something..". 

Interestingly enough, the people you need once you are focussed on where you are going, will stay, the people that bring you down will naturally fall away. This is not a bad thing! People drift in different ways. It's also not a conscious decision, but one that happens over time. 

The other thing I do is surround myself with pictures, books, photos and watch movies or listen to music that reminds me of what I am after out of life. I rewatched "we bought a zoo" and went YEP I am having my own animal park one day. DEFINITELY! So out came my scrap book and I have been frantically scribbling down ideas since. 

The best thing about this, is that you then attract the right people in your life. I will talk more about this tomorrow, but I was offered something exciting and life-changing today! :) 

…Until Tomorrow xox

Day 165

I spend so much of my time reflecting on my journey and what is the 'right' thing to do. Should I…or…or…or… 

So I have decided to take a step back from my thoughts. And breathe. Meditate. Have a break. 

Sometimes when you do this you get clarity. It gives you the power to take the steps to have a go, or "just do it". In the end there are no wrong choices. Whatever you do, you will be ok. You can take a risk and have a go. If it isn't what you thought, or doesn't work the way that you want it to, that's ok. You can try something else, or go back to before. 

I met someone at work the other day and we got talking. I had been so focussed on my short term, that I  had forgotten to revisit my long term dreams. What exactly I want. Having a discussion to her reminded me about how much I am still sooo passionate about it. And I am looking forward to getting out that dream book and continuing to scribble ideas. 

The good thing that this reminded me, was that you can do anything if you BELIEVE in yourself and not listen to any outside influences - including that little negative man in your head that tells you that you can't do it! 

Dream. Believe. Love yourself. Only give yourself the power to achieve your dreams, no one else. 

…Until Tomorrow xox

Day 164

New Years Day. 

Waking up with a sore head, and little to remember of the night before…??? What were those resolutions you promised yourself….? Surely there was one in there that said you wouldn't drink so much…??!

All jokes aside, today is the start of a new, fresh year. What would you like to fill it with?? You have the rest of your life to do whatever you want. And you can make it start today - or any day really, but we all like to start it on a specific day, so this is a perfect day to start. Leave any negativity behind you and focus on the future. 

Today is the day to get out the butchers paper and coloured textas and write down things you would like to work on this year. And by work on, I mean on a personal level. What aspects will make you better? Will you  work on meditation, self development, balance in your life?? 

I know one of my major things that I will be continuing to work on this year will be balance between work and personal life - so I am not working 24/7, but enjoying 'play' time and also 'being' time. Setting aside time to continue working on myself - attending seminars and personal development. 

And the most important thing to do is REWARD yourself! What will you do when you have achieved x amount of days working on yourself? I want to go sky diving! And have a white Christmas in New York!!

Looking forward to hearing what you are doing! 

…Until Tomorrow xox