Enjoy the journey

 

I wrote this poem during a morning commute to work. The journey would take 1 hour at the best of times but with the traffic you could add at least half an hour of stop start frustration. Once in these situations you really only have two choices: to be stressed, angry and frustrated at your situation or to find a way to pass the time in an enjoyable way. Some days I get dragged into the muck of bemoaning the situation, however most days I choose the latter, usually listening to an audio book I am interested in.

On this day, I put on my favourite music, turned it right up, opened the windows and sunroof and smiled my way to work. It felt so much better!

At one point, I passed a bus full of commuters and couldn’t help but notice that most of the passengers were wearing earphones and sullen expressions. I wondered what was going through their heads? What was going on in their lives? Do they endure this apparently awful experience every week day? Did they really choose to be there? Not one person on that bus appeared happy or even slightly content!

I would have loved to see just one of those commuters crack a smile. Even better, like in the You Tube clips, what if one person decided to start a contagious round of laughter? How would that change everybody’s day?

The truth is we always have a choice. In every moment of every day we can choose how we feel and how we react to the situations we find ourselves in. We can choose to become zombie clones, just going through the motions day in and day out. Or, we can choose to find a way to truly live life, to enjoy the journey, even if you are stuck on a bus in peak hour traffic!

What do you choose?

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Be good to yourself. If you don’t take care of your body, where will you live?

Keeping a blog is a bit of a luxury. It takes time, energy and brain space to write something worthy of posting for the world (or even just your family and friends) to see. And, it has been quite a while since I have had the energy and brain space to write a blog post.  

Back in March, I was struck down by a mystery virus. More than a month of obligatory rest and healthy eating had me back at work. I launched in head first, at break-neck speed, working long hours and catching up on everything that had accumulated during my convalescence.

Hand’s up if you can see where this is going?

You’re absolutely correct.

It appears this was by no means the correct strategy as I have been struck again by the virus. It went dormant (or latent in medical terms) for a while and then resurfaced recently to take advantage of my body one more time.

Point taken.

So what’s the moral of the story?

In this day and age, a good and proper rest is really hard to achieve. When we have a variety of smart phones, tablets, TV’s, laptops and other electronic distractions lying around, it takes good discipline, and a firm decision to take exceptionally good care of oneself, to get genuine rest.  And this, by the way, is all the Doctor could offer me to deal with the situation.

Also, our brains often override the signals our bodies send us because there are so many things we just have to get done. So if we’re working on an important deadline, and we start to feel tired or the brain goes a bit fuzzy, we persevere at our detriment.

Second time around, I have learned my lesson. I have been listening to my body, spending much more time in bed and have also sought second and third opinions from other health care professionals who were able to give advice on additional steps I could take to kick this bug once and for all.

So, this week I am due back at work and I fully intend to approach it from a different, and more sensible, angle.

Wish me luck!

If you have any great advice on taking good care of yourself, please post it here. Thanks J

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There is more to life than increasing its speed.

Hands up if you feel like you need a weekend to recover from your weekend? 

All too often these days pack way too much into each and every day, forgetting to slow down in every moment or even having a “chill out” day every once in a while. So if you’re reading this on Monday wondering how you’re going to get through another hectic week, this post is for you!

It’s a comment I hear all too often from friends, family, neighbours, colleagues, acquaintances . . .

“Life is just so busy these days, I never seem to have enough time to do the things I want to do!” and yet, if you look at how you spend your time, I guarantee you it’s not all 100% necessary (i.e. vital to your ongoing survival and wellbeing).

As a Gemini, I am totally guilty, often falling into the trap of checking emails and Facebook too many times in one day or taking multi-tasking to a whole new (and very unhealthy) level when productivity plummets.  Sometimes at work I get so busy that I catch myself breathing shallowly or even holding my breath.  This is not a good sign! It’s an extreme case of being “disembodied” or so busy in the head that your body is forgotten; and it’s harmful to your health and wellbeing.

The good news is it’s a situation that’s easily improved.  You are in control of your life and recognising that the speed of your life is exponentially increasing is the first step toward slowing it all down to a more comfortable, and sensible pace.  The second step is making a pact with yourself to do something about it.  After that it’s actually quite easy. If you’re not sure where to start there are some suggestions below.

When was the last time you spent a day doing absolutely nothing?  And I mean nothing? Phone and computer turned off, no chores or social engagements, no plans. Just doing what you feel like doing when you feel like doing it?  Can you even remember?  I know I’m well overdue for a day like this, so am booking it in the calendar for next Sunday J

Hope you have a magnificent week and remember to slow down, just a little.

Some further information/tools to assist you:

Photo: Remember to breathe  http://bit.ly/1e6gxfs

     -> Print this and put it where you will see it or make it your wallpaper.

12 ways to simplify your life . . .  http://on.fb.me/18GOjAM

     -> Some excellent advice from the very wise Dr Wayne Dyer.

What highly successful employees and entrepreneurs do to create more time for their lives.  http://bit.ly/1e6hB2N

     -> Some more excellent advice from the life coach of life coaches Cheryl Richardson.

The Chopra Centre free online guided meditations  http://bit.ly/16d1fj7

     -> If you haven’t tried meditating this is one way to start, it really helps you to slow down!

 

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Your well-being is the most important determinate for the future of your family and the world.

Two weeks ago I took time out to visit extended family in Melbourne and to attend a conference for my own self development. It’s always grounding to spend cherished time with family, especially when they are so far away and catch-ups are rarer than you would like.

The conference had me reinvigorated, inspired and keen to put what I learned into practice. I met some wonderful people and learned many profound lessons; one is the quote from today’s post and many more I will share through this blog in time to come.

On my last morning staying with my Dad’s side of the family, my beautiful cousin Rachael was leaving for school.  As we said our goodbyes I gave her a big hug and she said to me “thank you for being happy”. Wow! Talk about teenage wisdom. Rachael, that means more to me than you will ever know!

Up until then, I had been thinking hard about what I could buy for my husband as a present to say thank you for supporting me and “holding the fort” while I was away. I am always grateful for being given the freedom to follow my dreams, even when that means taking time out, and spending our money, to do things that interest me.

Rachael helped me to realise that I didn’t have to buy anything. Simply coming home a better and much happier person was the greatest gift I could give him!

There are times when I battle with the guilt that arises when making a decision to do things just for me. I have many friends who are the same (you know who you are!). But it’s not selfish and you’re not doing something just for you, because when you look after yourself you become a much better Wife, Friend, Cousin, Teacher, _________________ (. . . Mother, Sister . . . fill in the blanks for yourself).

So do the world a favour. What is one thing you can do for your own well-being this week? Now, go out and do it - guilt free J

Thank you!

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The question is are we happy to suppose that our grandchildren may never be able to see an elephant except in a picture book?

 

Last week was an amazing week, the highlight being an evening with Sir David Attenborough.  He has some amazing stories to tell, one of the most special being his encounter with Dian Fossey’s wild Gorillas in Rwanda. He was in absolute awe of how these huge, powerful creatures were so gentle when interacting with him.  It reminded me of my own life-changing experience . . .

I was very fortunate to do my high school work experience at SeaWorld. It was a wonderful time, but also not exactly the type of ride you might think.  Yes, there was the glamorous side of the job: observing training sessions with dolphins, conducting health checks and feeding penguins. There was also a large proportion of the day spent doing less than desirable tasks such as scrubbing algae off pond fixtures, “breaking out” the boxes of frozen fish for the next day’s feeds and scrubbing down the stainless steel food preparation areas. Just to be clear, I am in no way complaining, just pointing out that this job which so many people desire is not all fun and cuddling dolphins.

On the very first day, the keepers taught us that dolphins aren’t exactly the sweet, gentle animals they’re made out to be. They can be very cheeky and like to give a little nip here and there with those exceptionally sharp teeth that are designed to hold on to slippery fish and squid. We were warned not to be tempted to touch the dolphins if they approached us while we were working near the pools on our own.

Another day, I was sent to scrub the algae off the side of the stage in the show arena.  This pool was open to the animals to access even if there wasn’t a show taking place. They watched with curiosity while I worked and even tried to “offer” behaviours in case I had a fish handy to throw them as a reward. 

Then along came Mia. Mia was the only false killer whale at Seaworld and she was absolutely beautiful.  I fell in love with her from the very first day. One of Mia’s favourite things was to rest her chin on the side of the stage with her mouth wide open and the keepers would stroke her on her very large tongue. And this is exactly what she wanted me to do.

I stared into her huge mouth and couldn’t help but notice her many, sharp teeth. There was absolutely no way I was going to put my hand in there! I imagined what might happen . . . Mia closing her mouth over my hand, pulling me to the bottom of the pool and holding me there until I drowned. With no keepers around and that very stern “no patting” warning in the forefront of my mind I looked at her and said “no way Mia”. 

But she wouldn’t give up. I noticed there was a gap between her front teeth about the width of two fingers. Against my better judgement, I decided to place my forefinger and middle finger in the gap, as a sort of compromise, hoping not to get caught out by the keepers. What happened next I will remember forever. Mia ever so gently closed her huge mouth around my two fingers in the gap between her teeth and just held them there for what seemed like an eternity. It was as if she had recognised my fear and took what I was able to offer her.

. . . Animals possess much greater insight and intelligence than we give them credit for.  It is for this, and many other reasons, that each species we lose from our planet is an absolute tragedy.  It is also every person’s responsibility to do what we can to conserve them all, even the ugly, small, annoying or little-known ones. So please go about your week remembering who you share the earth with, and do what you can to lighten your impact.

     Thank you!

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God long ago drew a circle in the sand exactly around the spot where you are standing right now.

 

It is a well known fact that I am a worrywart. This is not to say that I am a negative person, quite the contrary I am a very positive person, just with a tendency to worry sometimes. My Doctor (who is so much more than a Doctor) often tells me about the importance of learning to trust. Trust in the universe, trust in other people, trust in myself, trust that everything is exactly as it is supposed to be. It’s a very big, and extremely important life lesson. Especially for a worrywart!

This last week I have been caring for my husband after he had some rather serious eye surgery (a Pterygium removal and graft). It has been the perfect situation to put this trust lesson into practice. Trusting that the surgery would go to plan, trusting that his recovery would be swift and smooth, and trusting that he can handle the enormous pain that is unavoidable when such a sensitive part of the body has been operated on. And test it did.

I found the 4 hour wait while he was in surgery enormously uncomfortable.  I have spent the last week wishing that I had a magic wand to wave his pain away. And I flipped out (just a little bit) when it looked like there might possibly have been an infection starting on the edges of the graft (just for the record, so did he).

So what really did happen this last week? The surgery went beautifully, the specialist is very pleased with his progress, the “infection” turned out to be absolutely nothing to worry about and my brave Hubby has mostly slept off the pain with a bit of help from some drugs, acupuncture and the odd glass of wine.

So what is the moral of the story? Worrying never achieves anything! My very wise Doctor’s words are a universal truth, much the same as this week’s quote.

Everything, really is as it should be.

Wishing you all a positive and worry free week! J

P.S. – if you would like to know more about Pterygiums, and how not to end up with one, some information on prevention can be found here http://bit.ly/118dQ4R

 

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True wealth is not measured in money or status or power. It is measured in the legacy we leave behind for those we love and those we inspire.

 

Time spent with true friends is like an unlimited treasure chest. It’s always there waiting to be found, opened and enjoyed. And when that moment is over, for the time being, you know the treasure is still there waiting to be opened again another day.

It does not deplete, in fact, the more you draw on it the more it grows. It recharges your batteries, feeds your soul and reminds you that life isn’t only about earning your keep and looking after your home affairs. And knowing you can access it when you need to helps you feel secure and at ease.

This is true wealth. Even the poorest people in the world can be joyful if they are surrounded by people they love. And even if those people are many, many miles away, simply remembering they are there is enough to bring you peace and contentment.

I am privileged to have many true friends, including an extraordinary bunch of people who I’ve known since high school. Though we are all so very different, we each motivate, help and boost each other. Time and distance never diminishes our friendship, and precious moments together are life’s ultimate treasure.

A heartfelt thank you to my special friends for your continuous love and inspiration, you have left a real, lasting impression! Thanks to you all, I am starting my week renewed, deeply happy and feeling very rich indeed.

Wishing you all a wealthy week ahead! J

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There is no difficulty that enough love will not conquer

We all have “our lot” in life.  We have our trials and our triumphs, our joys and our sorrows.  Some people seem worse off and others better off, but in reality we all have our fair share of the full suite of experiences and emotions throughout our lives.

There is only one thing that can singlehandedly conquer them all and that is love. 

It has been shown that children raised without love and affection fail to thrive.  Just because we have grown up to become adults doesn’t change that.

Quite a few of my friends have been through difficult times of late, but it was the sad news from one of my closest friends this morning that inspired me to post this message today.  And to that very dear friend I would like to say . . .

Your road may be a little rocky for a while but you are surrounded by many people who love you, and if you need us to, we will carry you through until your path becomes smooth.  We are here if you wish for company and we also understand if you prefer the time and space to be alone with your thoughts and feelings.  Whatever happens, know that you are loved and supported always.

And to everybody reading this message, please give a little love to somebody who needs it today.

Thank you.

At any moment the fully present mind can shatter time and burst into the now.

This morning I got up early with my husband and cooked him bacon and eggs for breakfast (the least I could do given he was working at 6:30am on a Saturday).  I kissed him goodbye at 5:30 and set about cleaning up in the kitchen.  I was in my own little world, totally absorbed in washing the dishes, and oblivious to the world waking up just outside the kitchen window. Then, all of a sudden I looked up and noticed the forest was aglow in shades of pink and peach, and echoing to the sounds of one of my favourite birds (the Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoo).

My very wise mother in law (an accomplished philosopher) talks a lot about being in the present moment and the concept of “right time”.  This was a perfect demonstration of these truths.  There was no decision to be made.  The only thing to do in this moment was to drop everything NOW! and go outside to enjoy the glorious sunrise.  And what a treat! (see video below or click the link to view on Youtube)

 

http://bit.ly/12OZ1q0

It’s in moments like these that any troubles, fears or concerns melt away and you’re left with pure enjoyment, happiness and love.  What a gift!

The dishes will eventually get done, but right now my dog is telling me it’s time for her breakfast.  If you’re looking for a good role model to learn how to live in the present moment, you can’t get any better than your dog, or any animal for that matter.

Wishing you a remarkable weekend J

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Today make it a point to choose only loving words as you speak.

What’s the first thing that goes through your mind when you wake up in the morning?  What are the most common words and phrases you use throughout the day?  And the last thing you are thinking as you go to sleep in the evening?  How does that affect your life?

Renowned, inspirational author Louise Hay suggests never use the word “should”.  When we say we “should” do this and then don’t get around to it, we make ourselves wrong.  For most people, when they make themselves wrong they spend a lot of time beating themselves up about it.  So, replacing “should” with “could” is a better option.  If you say “I could do that”, and then for some reason you don’t, you aren’t making yourself wrong.

Another word to pay close attention to is “but”.  For example, “I would love to go out and exercise today but I don’t have time” or “I would love to enjoy my weekend but I can’t afford to do anything fun”.  Remove the word “but” from your vocabulary and see what happens J

One phrase I have been guilty of saying for many years is “I can’t wait” . . .  e.g. “I can’t wait for the weekend” or “I can’t wait to go and get a coffee”.  If you take time to think about what you are literally saying, it isn’t true.  Of course you can wait.  What you really mean to say is “I’m looking forward to the weekend” and “I would really like to enjoy a coffee”.

How do you respond when somebody says to you “hello, how are you going?”  Think about it . . .  The standard response is “good thanks and you?”  Every now and then you might get “fantastic!”, “terrific!” or as my very special friend Marj says “damn fine splendid!”  One thing you notice with this type of response is the person’s energy.  They’re not just “ho hum” they’re happy and energetic.  They’re people you just want to be around because they lift your energy and make you feel good.

This week, try being more aware of what you say.  See how it affects your mood and the people you interact with.

Oh, and have an awesome week!

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A heartfelt smile gives warmth enough for three winters

The world could do with a lot more kindness right now; and we all could benefit from the kindness of others every day.  Giving and receiving is vitally important, it’s part of the energy flow on this planet.  Like breathing, we do it all the time, often without thinking about it.  It makes us happy and gives us purpose.

This quote is a reminder that you don’t have to spend all your hard-earned money to give to others.  You can give away smile, a compliment, a helping hand, or my favourite, a flower from the garden.  The great thing is that both you and the person you are giving to will benefit.  You have nothing to lose and so much to gain!

If you are reading this, you are likely to be one of the fortunate people who can afford to give in material ways such as donating money or goods to charities, or volunteering some of your time.  Traditionally I only support animal and environmental charities to protect myself from “compassion fatigue”.  However when I first learned about Kiva, it was obviously such a great idea that I joined up and contributed to my first loan straight away. 

Today, a woman in Kenya is able to build a classroom to train her students in thanks to an $875 loan that 22 strangers, including myself, contributed to.  There are many more stories like this on the Kiva website and the beauty of it all is that one loan of $25 can keep giving over and over because once it’s paid back you have the opportunity to loan it to another borrower.

What can you do this week to give a little back and generate some kindness?  Feel free to post your ideas in the comments section below.

Here’s a video which should help get you in the mood for kindness and giving: http://bit.ly/vSuXvk

And if you’re looking for ways to do this for free, please use this link to give a free trial loan on Kiva: http://www.kiva.org/invitedby/renee4853

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Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has plenty not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.

 

For the last couple of days, I have been reflecting on the many mentors who have positively influenced different areas of my life.  I am blessed to know so many amazing people who have shaped and guided my career, life, well-being and spirituality; some of them quite deliberately and others by just being great role models.  

I was wondering if these people realise just how important they are in the lives of others and how the effects of their guidance can have a profound impact on a person’s life for many years to come.  

Maybe the only way they will know is if we actually take the time let them know . . .

Mentors are just one of the many blessings we have to be grateful for every single day.  Do you have an amazing role-model who has influenced your life in the most positive way?  Are they aware of how important they are to you?  Why don’t you write them a message of thanks and make their day!  Feel free to write your message in the comments section here and then send them a link to this page.  

Wishing you a week with many blessings J

A huge thank you to all of my teachers, I am lucky to have so many that I can’t name you all here, but a special shout out to Mum and Dad: my first and ultimate mentors.  And to Tabitha, my first work supervisor to whom I owe my strong work ethic and have learned so many valuable lessons from.  In case I haven’t said it earlier, thank you!

Photo Jundah, Qld. © Renee Chamberlin 2013. If you would like to purchase images, click here

No tree has branches so foolish that they fight among themselves.

 

I am still under the weather with a virus and so have missed a few weeks of this blog, however I feel it’s important to post an ANZAC day tribute.  Regular Monday posts will start up again soon all going well.

This photo is from Tyne Cot cemetery in Ypres, Belgium which I visited with my family in January 2012.  There are countless graves of unknown soldiers, some of which were identified as ANZACS or other nationalities, and many of whom are “known only to God” which is what is written on their head stones.  One can only imagine how badly damaged a body might have been that they could not even tell which army the soldier belonged to let alone their name.

We toured other significant WW1 sites that day including some of the trenches and Hill 60.  It was freezing cold, windy and raining and this gave us a tiny glimpse into what the Australians fighting there may have endured many years ago.  But we were wearing high-tec thermals, snow jackets, and socks made specifically for  -30°c conditions; and when it got too cold we had a warm, comfy bed and local hospitality to retreat to.

I still cannot fathom what it would have been like for a young Australian, to be so far from home, in such inhospitable conditions notwithstanding the violence they witnessed and the terror and hopelessness they might have felt.

We may think the world has come a long way since then, and in many ways it has, however some people say we are currently living in the most violent time the world has ever seen.  This is a bit hard to digest given what we know about the two great wars that have preceded the current conflicts going on in the world.

This quote is a poignant reminder that war is unnecessary and stupid.  There are so many other ways to resolve our disputes, and they all have one thing in common. 
Love.

Lest we forget {

To all the Men and Women who suffered and gave your lives so that we may live in beauty, freedom and peace, words cannot express how grateful we are for your sacrifice.

If you’re interested in seeing Ypres, go ahead and do it!  Apart from war history the area is famous for it’s beer & chocolate; the local people are amazing and very welcoming to Aussies.  We stayed at Camalou and could not recommend it highly enough.  The owners are historians and will custom build a tour of the local, historical sites just for you.  http://www.camalou.com/

Photo Tyne Cot Cemetery, Ypres, Belgium. © Renee Chamberlin 2013. If you would like to purchase images, click here

Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.

 

 

What a beautiful time of the year it is!

In the Southern hemisphere we are enjoying the cooler, Autumn weather after a Summer of extreme heat and other memorable weather events.  Family and friends in the North, are enjoying spring time and the anticipation of Summer after what sounds to have been a very harsh Winter indeed.

Many people spend their Easter break doing projects around the home, and as owner builders we would normally be no exception.  Instead, we took the invitation this year to camp and enjoy nature with some great friends, and like-minded souls.  We were rewarded with beautiful weather (for the most part), an abundance of birds, wood-fired pizza (the best I’ve ever tasted) and lots of laughs.

There are so many rewards to be found in spending a bit of time outside.  There is also a very serious flip side.

Vitamin D deficiency has long been known as a health issue in some Northern Hemisphere countries, where the weather is often less conducive to BBQ’s and Beach Cricket.  Recent research in Australia, however, has found that between one and two thirds of Australians are now lacking adequate Vitamin D intake.  

How on earth does this happen in the sunburnt country with a population who largely enjoys an outdoor lifestyle?

I have always been an outdoorsy person, but find these days that it’s getting harder to make the time in a very busy schedule to go out and enjoy nature.  But it’s vital that we do, spending time outside is not only good for your health, it’s great for your soul.

How do you like to get out and enjoy nature and what miracles have you been rewarded with?  I would love to hear your ideas and comments J

Wishing you a week full of miracles!

If you would like to read more about the Vitamin D issue, here are two articles to get you started:

The great Aussie paradox: vitamin D deficiency rates soar
http://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/diet-and-fitness/the-great-aussie-paradox-vitamin-d-deficiency-rates-soar-20121023-282kg.html

 
Vitamin D are you getting enough?   (Article by ABC ) http://www.abc.net.au/health/thepulse/stories/2012/04/03/3459266.htm

 A huge thank you to my good friends Adam and Steph for an amazing weekend with great food, an abundance of nature and awesome company, just what the Doctor ordered! xoxo

And to John, Happy Birthday, hope you enjoy your week.  Brrrr!

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We are never more than one grateful thought away from peace of heart.

 

 

Many people I know, regularly notice and comment on the fact that our lives are so much busier these days than they ever used to be.  We can fill every minute of every day and yet still never seem to have enough time to do the things we need to, or want to, do.

This constant rushing around often leaves us tired, unhappy or sick and there is also a very real danger of it leading to burnout.  I know this only too well as I am writing this post from my bed while awaiting test results to confirm which virus has struck me down.  

When the Doctor wisely told me to take some time off work to rest and recuperate, my immediate response was to protest “I don’t have time for that!”  In return, she threatened that not resting up for a while may result in more serious consequences such as chronic fatigue syndrome.  Point taken.

Regardless of how you are feeling, it is so important to take a little bit of time-out for yourself every day to find peace.  It doesn’t have to be long; even a few minutes will have you see, and more importantly feel, results in your life.  You just need to make the commitment to do something for yourself daily, because you’re worth it! 

And there’s also the small matter of how our inner peace affects everyone we come into contact with:

“If we are peaceful, if we are happy, we can smile and blossom like a flower, and everyone in our family, our entire society, will benefit from our peace.” ~ Thich Nhat Hanh

 

What could you do on a daily basis to bring some peace into your life?

Here are some ideas to get you started: 

Try Deepak Chopra’s 21 day meditation challenge 

www.chopracentermeditation.com/

Or maybe a spot of cloud watching J

 http://positivityapplenty.blogspot.com.au/2012/12/cloud-watching.html

Start a Gratitude Journal

http://www.jillhutchison.com/gratitude-journal/

Or simply appreciate the beauty of nature

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58kwmEsoIfQ

Finally (I like this one for obvious reasons) eat some chocolate slowly and attentively making sure you enjoy and appreciate every second of it’s deliciousness!  Now that’s a great way to find inner peace.

Wishing you a peaceful week!

A huge thank you to my good friend Joanna, who provided the inspiration for this week’s blog post; Jo thanks for reminding me that finding some peace each day is so important.  May you find some of your own in the midst of this busy & exciting time in your life xo

Thanks also to Mary, Jill, Amanda and Tony for inspiring the Peace practices suggested above.

Photo Main Range National Park © Renee Chamberlin 2013. If you would like to purchase images, click here