tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81048119036461909402024-02-18T19:34:31.804-08:00Finding the joy withinI am currently in the process of writing my autobiography, which is called "Finding the joy within" and so I am dedicating this blog to sharing the process of my publishing journey, my life, self-help and healing principles from an Aboriginal woman's perspective.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00997442349713788257noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104811903646190940.post-28449400976480986852014-09-25T19:32:00.000-07:002014-09-25T19:32:27.901-07:00Where in the world have you been?<h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGfPjr4KuekllQA4hxJ9n_0hSglCTatlLkdYqRL7iUxQz1VnxZvHuNY3PN0UYO246QAKVMKHmgY_t_BTy3yBoLM5E6zkfbpjlW4Z8CV2CEY7QvWeWpyHJ0rDlh17ilaaSyRgs1FjPrHVo/s1600/where-in-the-world-have-you-been.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGfPjr4KuekllQA4hxJ9n_0hSglCTatlLkdYqRL7iUxQz1VnxZvHuNY3PN0UYO246QAKVMKHmgY_t_BTy3yBoLM5E6zkfbpjlW4Z8CV2CEY7QvWeWpyHJ0rDlh17ilaaSyRgs1FjPrHVo/s1600/where-in-the-world-have-you-been.jpg" height="240" width="320" /> </a></div>
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<span style="clear: right; color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;">Oh my goodness, it's been way too long between catch-ups. I've just realised that it's actually nearly been a year since my last post on here. So I thought it's time to let everyone know where in the world I've been. I even missed my annual nutshell moments, so yes I apologise for my slackness.</span><span style="clear: right; color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"> </span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So what has been happening for the past couple of years. Well I've basically been licking my wounds for the past 2 years and know that it's time to dig myself out of the trench that I've found myself in and it's time to shine once again.</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">It's been 2 years since my mum passed away and since then a lot of changes have occurred in my life. Looking back I can see that 2012 was the most trying year I've yet seen, but it has definitely been onwards and upwards since then. I turned 40, had a big reunion with old friends, continued to do some art work, started a new facebook page and concentrated on my business <a href="https://www.facebook.com/changeofartmindandbody">Change of Art, Mind and Body.</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">By 2013 I was really ready for change. So by April 2013, I left my secure long-term permanent position and ventured out into the supposedly unsafe seas of society. I started working part-time in schools, which freed up some time for me to work in my own home-based holistic healing business. Having this freedom was really what my soul needed at the time and due to my openness and thirst for knowledge and healing I attracted many other like minded individuals that helped me to take this new journey together. I managed to travel on an adventure with my new found soul sisters to Melbourne "You Can Do It" conference which delivered an amazing array of guest speakers and provided an an immeasurable shift in energy. </span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">From this moment I spring boarded into the decision to travel around Australia with my once again strengthen little family. So we hooked up the caravan, took along the cats and dog and rented the house out and off we set, planning to never return to Adelaide. Well some of that did occur, but since indeed have returned to Adelaide, but not as the same people who had originally left. I can not begin to capture the best time that we had while travelling. We were in actual fact only gone for 10 weeks, but it did feel like a life time. We traveled from Adelaide, Uluru, Kings Canyon, Alice Springs, Mount Isa, Townsville, Mackay, Bundaburg, Brisbane, Newcastle, Sydney and back to Adelaide. There are just too many photo's to share, but it was a magical time and I once again grew immensely from this experience.</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSuhvT5YNPdxX4Sfo3eGHB8bZobIpmU26lDBk7Z2uqU8wgIV17si7YwAJRgBmcY9eIlItzMMEF3NKznXn2-Mg3L3TXd9St4dldoxZWL552qPx9uGA_nIpvj6qcCWVcBVvWxc26f_iw998/s1600/1374734_10152116283768128_112471543_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSuhvT5YNPdxX4Sfo3eGHB8bZobIpmU26lDBk7Z2uqU8wgIV17si7YwAJRgBmcY9eIlItzMMEF3NKznXn2-Mg3L3TXd9St4dldoxZWL552qPx9uGA_nIpvj6qcCWVcBVvWxc26f_iw998/s1600/1374734_10152116283768128_112471543_n.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDdDnUHRw00qT6P4A59nOHGPizXcat6xv2iU63VL0fo8fiaMIAD8xc1eI6sP3VzCfGsqNtN3gkFoBHnYPzA05xKb4Kz-MfTFJeQRlzfR0CkP8rQvyQENUe3jVN0Mxpc5D_4rFYN2WoMWY/s1600/1441476_10152088218408128_867707808_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDdDnUHRw00qT6P4A59nOHGPizXcat6xv2iU63VL0fo8fiaMIAD8xc1eI6sP3VzCfGsqNtN3gkFoBHnYPzA05xKb4Kz-MfTFJeQRlzfR0CkP8rQvyQENUe3jVN0Mxpc5D_4rFYN2WoMWY/s1600/1441476_10152088218408128_867707808_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJTUG8RkWj3QjVkyoMGtAlmurVA82AjsmhP8THirnED_x1GGLUh-7gcs_qH9NkusdTzzyMopaUOmUF-CEteUTS8Yx_Ui7dA4WzJV6-V2fqv-bJ6Ie8KUsn47FbVrXSCPdf_yvNG2H3CCM/s1600/1535385_10152265228358128_932683641_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJTUG8RkWj3QjVkyoMGtAlmurVA82AjsmhP8THirnED_x1GGLUh-7gcs_qH9NkusdTzzyMopaUOmUF-CEteUTS8Yx_Ui7dA4WzJV6-V2fqv-bJ6Ie8KUsn47FbVrXSCPdf_yvNG2H3CCM/s1600/1535385_10152265228358128_932683641_n.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWkaZXMnALGZrVT0mZJUyn6XVpvbOrNK43WESt8j1S-QnOfGIkqy9bdX_r47_odk8yOy8Gf3RhWABsWxoK2u6-74pHWD6vBOYpV86-qteFEoqwme5taizQXxe5QUTpLVP_9IUx9DoQ1OI/s1600/1525323_10152172001838128_958333555_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWkaZXMnALGZrVT0mZJUyn6XVpvbOrNK43WESt8j1S-QnOfGIkqy9bdX_r47_odk8yOy8Gf3RhWABsWxoK2u6-74pHWD6vBOYpV86-qteFEoqwme5taizQXxe5QUTpLVP_9IUx9DoQ1OI/s1600/1525323_10152172001838128_958333555_n.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYBT-MpfbtcWDAC94RMBwoQNKv4IkGO3bUvAK0lWYP1TXeWPe5jdFw0oMf4DCRtfrDOmNGYyQdDlybFe_tBd1gvsolA71rC7lfIRqYiL6hKTH-CIZYUGlhrqxJh9dwt6Sn8mfXDcu9x88/s1600/10649879_10152775782553128_659196090504026233_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYBT-MpfbtcWDAC94RMBwoQNKv4IkGO3bUvAK0lWYP1TXeWPe5jdFw0oMf4DCRtfrDOmNGYyQdDlybFe_tBd1gvsolA71rC7lfIRqYiL6hKTH-CIZYUGlhrqxJh9dwt6Sn8mfXDcu9x88/s1600/10649879_10152775782553128_659196090504026233_n.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So 2014 began and I gained another part-time position back in my children's school and loved every minute of it. I was in my element working one-on-one with young Aboriginal students teaching them how to strengthen their reading skills. I later got to work with another student who had been disengaged from school. I loved this relationship building too. From the 2nd half of the year I once again stumbled across an opportunity to change directions again and I actually was encouraged to finally after 20 years register as a teacher and work as a counsellor in a school. I did do this and it was very rewarding. </span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I've now found myself taking a slightly different direction and am about to start working part-time in yet another area that is somewhat new to me. I'm excited and apprehensive, but know that I fully trust in life and the direction that it, without question is safely guiding me. </span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Since I have left the safe harbours, I know within myself that I have continuously been challenged by circumstances that are beyond my control and that is really what I've had to come to realise. We believe that if we set goals and plan and put things into place that it will all work out just as we visualised. What I've actually learned from experience is that I am not truly the captain of this ship, I am really just another sailor that is going along for the ride. Along the way the sea's have been rough at times but it's how I've managed to ride the waves that has been what the experience has ultimately taught me. </span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So the point of all this jibber jabber is that just keep doing what your doing. Yes put your plans into place loosely, but don't get disappointed if everything doesn't work out exactly as you've thought they would. Be flexible, go with the flow and know that there is truly a force beyond your control that has your back and won't let you down, as long as your let go of your expectations and learn from the lessons that are purposely been delivered directly to your doorstep.</span><br />
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And ultimately "Do what makes you happy!"</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDQUZNNyQDWVd96R_V1EyxD-sqxx6Ibca7CD4uZ43mh0nFj1DqX5Hprqiy-jdi-3dHPiSAYqj9syX6q4BydeDoCSHKz0phlcrHHRP_XetsM4rQdb2It2827vFafG8x2NfKN5klRAFzha8/s1600/54705.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDQUZNNyQDWVd96R_V1EyxD-sqxx6Ibca7CD4uZ43mh0nFj1DqX5Hprqiy-jdi-3dHPiSAYqj9syX6q4BydeDoCSHKz0phlcrHHRP_XetsM4rQdb2It2827vFafG8x2NfKN5klRAFzha8/s1600/54705.gif" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So until next time. Hopefully before 2 more years have passed. Get out and travel the world, you'll be nicely surprised at what you will find.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Sorry for the late posting. Tonight I thought that we’d have a rest from the hard yakka. So because I’m a Pisces and I love the rain, I thought I’d share this You Tube video with you all. I find it so relaxing and thought you might too. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So put your feet up and your earplugs in and maybe even wrap up in a blanket, so you don’t get cold and wash away the worries of the day. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now as I was listening to the rain falling, I was occasionally watching the odd leaf falling here and there. I was visualising the rain, washing my soul, cleansing my spirit. Washing away my worries and then filling me back up with clean rich revitalising crystal clear water. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">To you the rain might represent the tears that you have shed or the tears that are yet to come. Release them and feel safe knowing that at the same time you are being renewed. Let them flow like a river, carrying with it broken promises and withheld feelings of grief and loss. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you want to take it a step further you can say out loud the below statement. Just insert your name and then the name of someone that you would like to either forgive or release from your life.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-AU"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I _______________, forgive you __________________ for ___________________. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I wish you had done ________________________, but you didn't and I now set you free. </span><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(Source: Louise Hay)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Continue to listen to the rain. Let it wash away those last bits of lingering emotions. Then finally let it refill your spirit. Let it pour in much strength and love and compassion and healing with every single drop. Then know in your heart you are strong and filled with much love that is very replenishing. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And remember this! American Indian’s are renown for their rain dances. When asked about the secret of their rain dance. They said there’s no secret, we just keep dancing until it rains. So there my friends you have one of life’s deepest secrets! Keep on dancing.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #38761d; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Until next time. Stay deadly!</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00997442349713788257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104811903646190940.post-17756116551485984032013-06-17T00:35:00.000-07:002013-06-17T02:51:25.634-07:00What a relief to release<div class="MsoNormal">
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Have you ever been on a roller coaster ride and been hanging
on for grim death?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I find it amusing that some people actually get a kick out
of repeatedly doing this to themselves.
Putting themselves in this predicament must give them pleasure after the
momentary pain. When you seriously
think about it, I don’t know anyone who openly invites pain on a daily basis
into their lives. Why would they? </span></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Yet sometimes life is just like this roller coaster and we
grab hold of something, anything to try and find some stable ground. Sometimes we hang on longer than is required
and even though the ride has stopped we often still haven’t released our grasp.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">I specifically didn't say “let go” because to use the term
suggests that it was something that was ours, therefore we need to hold on to
it. When in fact nothing in this world
is ours. We are just passing through
it, as is everyone else and in fact every thing else too. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Yes we love to gather things like bower-birds, attracted to
bright colours and sparkling things that make us feel warm and fuzzy and
happy. But do they really bring you the
pleasure that you imagined would occur in your fantasy world. When in reality you have to find a place to
house them, you have to dust them, clean them, move them, shine them and polish
them up again when they no longer sparkle. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">They no longer bring the pleasure that once enticed you to
bring them home to display like prized possession on your mantle piece. Now you feel so attached that you can’t
release them. It’s like they have
become part of you and help you distinguish who you are. Without them you are nothing. But is this really the truth? Of course not, because if you finally
decided that you wanted to release them then you could do just that, filled
with love. If you remind yourself that
they were never yours and you were never their owner then you would happily
release them to travel the next part of the journey. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The minute you realize what a relief it is to release, you will
no longer feel the need to continually collect, possess and obsess. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So give yourself a gift and release what you no longer need in your life and set yourself free. </span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you need help to move forward in your life drop by </span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://joymakepeace@webs.com/" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 25px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: blue;">Change of Art, Mind and Body</span></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 25px;"><span style="color: #8e7cc3;"> </span><span style="color: #674ea7;">today, were there's "Healing for every body".</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Until next time, stay deadly! :)</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00997442349713788257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104811903646190940.post-17697277524925227512013-06-13T03:18:00.002-07:002013-06-13T03:18:53.718-07:00Getting back on the horse!<div class="MsoNormal">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHwXNngV6CWA-auE_x5JXy05APYItGYA5nf78wwf0xnvotERX4Gn064B7ksBb6Bl-nvh-9MKrqJHMFxTqaMOsD6Yj9Awsi0zm2QkNC1dSB5hZ3VPZqTrQrsORAWyG5d0VOrLGL2JYG1Kw/s1600/IMAG3370.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHwXNngV6CWA-auE_x5JXy05APYItGYA5nf78wwf0xnvotERX4Gn064B7ksBb6Bl-nvh-9MKrqJHMFxTqaMOsD6Yj9Awsi0zm2QkNC1dSB5hZ3VPZqTrQrsORAWyG5d0VOrLGL2JYG1Kw/s1600/IMAG3370.JPG" height="236" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">If you've ever ridden a horse before, then I’ll guarantee
that you've also fallen off. How
many of you feel as though life has bucked you off some times and you've just
not known how to get back on the horse?</span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Well I guess that’s why it’s taken me a while to get back to
writing my blog posts. So this is me
saying up front to you, I'm sorry. I'm seeking your forgiveness and hoping
that this is the start of something new and inspiring once again. Hopefully we can all ride off into the
sunset together.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So without playing my violin too much, I just wanted to
acknowledge that yes life does get busy, stuff happens and sometimes no matter
how positive you want to feel, sometimes nothing seems to be able to bring you
back to that space you were, before you fell off the horse.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">But who’s to say taking a break from life (or a task in
life) is a good thing or a bad thing.
Only you know within yourself what you can manage and cope with and what
needs to give way, so that you can keep travelling along the path of life.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Now even though when you’re sitting high up in the saddle
and you are moving forward, as soon as you hit the ground, yes the world does
stop for a moment. Maybe things aren't
moving as fast as you are used to or maybe you can’t get to where you want to
go as fast as you’d planned, but the one thing for sure, is that life does still
go on.</span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">So next time your world seems to grind to a halt, instead of
saying giddy up, maybe it’s time to rein it in and slow from a canter to a trot
and then to a steady walking pace. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">You'll know when you're ready to get back on the horse and if not, I'm sure something in life will undoubtedly
spur you on once again. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">To find out what I've been doing lately check this out <a href="http://joymakepeace@webs.com/">Change of Art, Mind and Body</a> </span></div>
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<span style="color: #4c1130; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Stay deadly! </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00997442349713788257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104811903646190940.post-53886651151877989852012-02-17T20:43:00.001-08:002012-02-17T20:57:46.010-08:00In memory of my beautiful mum ~ Audrey Orwin<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Yesterday we laid to rest my beautiful mum Audrey Orwin. Today's post is just to try and capture and share some of the memories I have of mum and to honour her life. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGpDfFBvTz3pmWyDg_qooa_MGr4iddEweBWf0JLexQrgINikKIb9TOEac0utPjI950die_bIfKHpzM1-b6LaummTg0VPMNyAqApo0xQJcyxqL1yC7dh6AaLvFAuYdLo1uLn3S0ex-M0TI/s1600/Scanned+Mum+at+Xmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGpDfFBvTz3pmWyDg_qooa_MGr4iddEweBWf0JLexQrgINikKIb9TOEac0utPjI950die_bIfKHpzM1-b6LaummTg0VPMNyAqApo0xQJcyxqL1yC7dh6AaLvFAuYdLo1uLn3S0ex-M0TI/s400/Scanned+Mum+at+Xmas.jpg" width="290" /></span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>~ Eulogy ~</b></span></div><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Audrey Orwin was born in 1940 in Maidstone, Kent, England to parents Phillis & Herbert Collison.</span><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Audrey was the 2<sup>nd</sup> eldest of 5 children. Ken, Maureen, Rosemary and Jean.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Audrey was the proud, loving and devoted mother of 4 children, Katherine (Kate), Fenwick, Robert and Joy. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Audrey was the best Nana in the world to Suzanne, Belinda, Kristy, Teneill, Narelle, Jordan, Jai and Violet and also a special Nana Audrey to Hunter. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Audrey has 3 great-grandchildren whom she loved very dearly Lily-Rose, Billy and Ruby.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Audrey also always remembered & loved her interstate grandchildren especially on every birthday Alicia, Benjamin, Damien and Sarah and Aiden.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To Audrey, family was her life and gave her a purpose to live. Audrey was never happier than when caring for someone else. Audrey would always put others needs before her own and always only wanted to best for her children.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Audrey was the loving wife of Cecil and is now finally back in the arms of her life partner and best beloved, forever together.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Audrey was never one to have too many friends, but those that she did have all know that they were near and dear to her heart and many quality life time friendships were born. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Audrey’s long time friends Janice and Bert, Annette and Vicki and Natasha, we know will miss Audrey immensely.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Audrey loved to travel she especially loved exploring much of Australia. Audrey didn’t mind how she traveled but often preferred a long inter-state train ride, rather than a plane so as to happily take in the countryside.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Even though Audrey had dedicated her life to raising a family and did not get paid to do so, she was the hardest worker we’ve all known. Audrey would always work until the job was done and then some more. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Audrey was a strong willed, strong minded and at many times stubborn woman who would never take no for an answer. When Audrey set her mind to a task it wasn’t a matter of if it would be done but more like when. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As you would all know Audrey was a very talented individual in the area of knitting and crocheting and we have all worn many a warm wooly jumper or socks made with pure love from Audrey. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In her younger years Audrey played softball and netball. However later in life Audrey’s mad love of cricket, tennis, soccer, rugby & AFL would often end up in Audrey literally being tangled up in knots on the couch watching a nail biting match. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Over the years Audrey donated many volunteer hours to the Lyell McEwin Hospital, particularly in the Childrens Creche, which is where her heart and soul felt most at home. She loved this place of acceptance and will undoubtedly be sadly missed by the staff and volunteers. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Audrey has never been a spend thrift, but one thing we know she could never walk past was a new “Sea horse” to add to her collection. Often taking pride of place in her display cabinets and fridge door.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We all know that Audrey’s favorite colour was blue and her grandson Jordan recently painted her a dot painting, which he named the “River of Dreams”. Audrey cherished this painting and found much meaning and peace in it. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Audrey never loved the kitchen, but she was well renowned for her original unlike-any- other “Bread puddings”. Her secret ingredient was without doubt LOVE!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Audrey had a love for a few things as mentioned, but most of all Audrey loved to talk….and talk…..and talk…..and talk some more. As frustrating as it was at the time, I’m sure we will all miss her voice and daily tales. Most of all we will miss her listening to us & being right by our sides in our times of need. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Audrey has beyond doubt impacted on each and every one of our lives, some in a small way, but most in a way that will be hard to fill the gap. Her love was as deep as an ocean and as tall as a mountain and all encompassing. She will be sadly missed, but forever remembered and always loved. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To the most Special lady, Mother, Nana and one-of-a-kind Friend in the world, travel safe on this new journey, til we met again. Forever in our hearts!</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br />
</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>~ Some of mum's favourite songs ~</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRZNeE8sEX3l7rk9TfPmASCumrbvmglMdk8NZSSpHS3l4oqp8VvF4jR-U4NDD6d5i9A2B3iOhOEeKrj9L-4TKJeKZtiwuu6ncsQYGFldrrLE2gzpRVaWHzXpnSm8P6lHviYDILU8f-QxQ/s1600/3367BlueSeahorse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRZNeE8sEX3l7rk9TfPmASCumrbvmglMdk8NZSSpHS3l4oqp8VvF4jR-U4NDD6d5i9A2B3iOhOEeKrj9L-4TKJeKZtiwuu6ncsQYGFldrrLE2gzpRVaWHzXpnSm8P6lHviYDILU8f-QxQ/s200/3367BlueSeahorse.jpg" width="86" /></a><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://youtu.be/LmJSWgWNCFQ">Mario Lanza ~ Ava Maria</a></span><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ciframe%20width=%22560%22%20height=%22315%22%20src=%22http://www.youtube.com/embed/gxZG0w8YS7A%22%20frameborder=%220%22%20allowfullscreen%3E%3C/iframe%3E"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nat King Cole ~ Unforgettable</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ciframe%20width=%22420%22%20height=%22315%22%20src=%22http://www.youtube.com/embed/4Ga9Bs4fzSY%22%20frameborder=%220%22%20allowfullscreen%3E%3C/iframe%3E">Seekers ~ I'll never find another you</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Love you Mum forever more. Travel well! </span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Until we meet again. </span><span style="color: #3d85c6; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">xoxo</span><br />
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</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00997442349713788257noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104811903646190940.post-7442275090948942452012-01-20T18:25:00.000-08:002012-01-20T18:25:07.133-08:00Southerly Journal articles<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A handful of Aboriginal authors, including myself have recently been published in the Southerly Journal. Check out this fantastic edition at <a href="http://southerlyjournal.com.au/2012/01/15/a-handful-of-sand-words-to-the-frontline/">http://southerlyjournal.com.au/2012/01/15/a-handful-of-sand-words-to-the-frontline/</a> . The two articles that I have written are about Reflecting on Addictions and Learned Helplessness; Australia's Black History. </span><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Until next time. Enjoy! :)</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00997442349713788257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104811903646190940.post-16000585697692852011-12-30T06:10:00.000-08:002011-12-30T06:10:22.981-08:00Joy's 2011 Life Lessons in a Nutshell<div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Joy's 2011 Life Lessons in a Nutshell!</b></span></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><br />
</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Everyone is given a second chance!</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><br />
</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Everyone needs a good girlfriend!</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><br />
</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">No matter what, never ever quit!</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><br />
</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Good things come to those who wait!</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><br />
</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Art heals the heart!</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><br />
</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Follow your dreams!</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><br />
</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Laughter is the best medicine!</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><br />
</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Always have a team spirit!</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><br />
</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Give yourself permission for regular time-out!</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><br />
</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Life is one big circle (Life-death-life)</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><br />
</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Never miss the opportunity to catch up with family before it's too late!</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><br />
</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Practice what you preach!</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><br />
</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Life goes on!</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><br />
</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Patience is a virtue!</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><br />
</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">There's always hope!</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><br />
</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Art is in the eye of the beholder!</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><br />
</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Let go of the past to heal the future!</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><br />
</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Drugs and alcohol don't fool your problems, they only fuel them!</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><br />
</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Culture heals!</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><br />
</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Overcome your fears and do it anyway!</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><br />
</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Disappointments are your choice!</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><br />
</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Our bodies are the vehicles for our souls, so keep them well tuned!</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><br />
</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Feed your soul regularly!</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><br />
</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">No excuses!</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><br />
</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Time flys when you're having fun!</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><br />
</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Hard work always gets noticed and rewarded!</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><br />
</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">To have a few close friends is better than a room full of strangers!</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><br />
</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Quality time counts!</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><br />
</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Give without expecting a return!</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><br />
</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Love unconditionally!</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><br />
</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Karma is inevitable!</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><br />
</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Everyone needs to know where they come from!</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><br />
</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">The apple doesn't fall far from the tree!</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><br />
</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Write straight from the heart!</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><br />
</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Every cloud has a silver lining!</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><br />
</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">It's never as bad as you expect!</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><br />
</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Don't make mountains out of mole hills!</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><br />
</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Dreams really do come true!</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><br />
</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">God hears every prayer!</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><br />
</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">With every fall we must rise!</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><br />
</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Giving is better than receiving!</span></b></i></div><div style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left; text-indent: -24px;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b><i><br />
</i></b></span></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Do something with the spiritual gifts you have been given.</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><br />
</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">What you do now sets the foundations for the future!</span></b></i></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><br />
</span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You will always </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">reap</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> what you sow!</span></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alcohol doesn't make a party... you do!</span></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Never rely on other's to complete you!</span></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There's always an option and choice!</span></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There's always plenty of opportunity to learn!</span></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you don't succeed the first time, try, try and try again!</span></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The seeds of self-confidence are planted by parents!</span></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Money doesn't buy love or happiness!</span></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Memories are made every minute ~ remember that!</span></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nothing can not be overcome once you make a decision!</span></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Listen to life's whispers!</span></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Life is too short!</span></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Appreciate what you do have not what you don't have!</span></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Everyone has a purpose in life! What's yours?</span></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our bodies know how to heal themselves, they just need the right ingredients!</span></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Big is not always best!</span></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gratitude is the attitude!</span></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Disappointment makes victory all that much better!</span></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;">So until the new year, Joy! :)</b></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00997442349713788257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104811903646190940.post-67270565497378897682011-12-30T06:06:00.000-08:002011-12-30T06:58:32.671-08:00Quick look at Joy's Life during 2011<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I can't believe that 2011 has nearly ended! As tradition would have it at this time of the year I like to have a look over my past year, so hold on tight & come on my life's journey! (If you want)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">You will see that I have written down all of the things that I have done each month and then I go over them and remind myself of what I am grateful for. At the end of my year I like to see what lessons I’ve learned along the way. If you don't want to wade through all of the in's and out's of my year, you will find the summary at <a href="http://joymakepeace.blogspot.com/2011/12/joys-2011-life-lessons-in-nutshell.html">Joy's life in a nutshell 2011</a>. Enjoy :)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>January 2011</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Mum had 2nd cancerous tumour removed.</span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Out with the girls for Karaoke. Good night had by all!</span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Submitted my manuscript "Finding the joy within" for the Stanner Award with AIATSIS (Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>February 2011</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Had a reflexology with my favorite friend Marilyn from Happy Feet Reflexology at Mawson Lakes.</span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Continued working with Marra Dreaming (Board of Management meeting).</span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Gave a speech at SA Link-Up to commemorate the </span><a href="http://joymakepeace.blogspot.com/2011/02/apology-acknowledgement-of-3rd.html" style="text-indent: -0.25in;">3rd Anniversary of National Apology</a><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Checkout my blog post </span><br />
Out with the Marra Dreaming girls, birthday dinner night!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Attended the 3rd Spirit Festival at Rymill Park - Adelaide. My son Jordan sold his first ever dot painting. Proud moment!</div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Did a reading from "Finding the joy within" at the Writer's Tent!</div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>March 2011</b></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Went to "Sista Act" play - Brilliant! (My small b'day celebration)</span></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Went to the Nunga Funnies at Tandanya, great turnout (again) lol!</span></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Went to the Deadly Funnies at Tandanya. Was OK!</span></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">This year it was my turn to go the to Clipsal 500 for the first time with the Marra Dreaming Girls. BRILLIANT!!! Am totally hooked! Vrrroooom vrrrooom!</span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkrTY55QYYXOwx9Huh7rP5EhsomkDMWypf7H0BDxxNgwzwOyGMVPF1r7qRKFAc4aoGhj-V9pjmtL7QGX2qDWTHNiao18PVA4A6OmZoLwVNSICAMon924f7LNm3-s05Y9mMA7rc3DdTCoc/s1600/Clipsal+500+Marra+Dreaming+girls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkrTY55QYYXOwx9Huh7rP5EhsomkDMWypf7H0BDxxNgwzwOyGMVPF1r7qRKFAc4aoGhj-V9pjmtL7QGX2qDWTHNiao18PVA4A6OmZoLwVNSICAMon924f7LNm3-s05Y9mMA7rc3DdTCoc/s200/Clipsal+500+Marra+Dreaming+girls.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Marra Dreaming mob at Clipsal 500</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Went to Blak Nite 2011 (Hip-Hop) event for the young ones! </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Adelaide's</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> got some great talent 4 sure!</span></div><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Started my long service leave so that I could spend some quality time with my mum! Took 11 weeks - was worth every minute!</span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Mum and I watched my 14 yo son Jordan compete at his Eudunda Area School Sports Day!</span><br />
<b style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">April 2011</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mum started intravenous chemotherapy.<br />
Jai started soccer training and games for Andrews Farm Soccer Club!<br />
I had a pampering beauty session at Elizabeth TAFE! Ahhhh!<br />
School holidays! Fun, Fun, Fun!<br />
My little niece was born! <br />
Lunch with my work team mates! Even though on LS Leave I couldn't resist a catch-up!<br />
Quiet Easter at home!<br />
Had a devastating phone call that my brother that I was yet to meet had passed away! <br />
<b>May 2011</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lodged my manuscript for the Queensland (QLD) Literary Awards!<br />
Went to a "Red Faces" funny night out with the girls! Laughs all round!<br />
Mothers Day - well that was an interesting lesson! <br />
My 3 beautiful nieces and my great niece and nephew came down from QLD for a week to visit my Mum! <br />
Keiths birthday - came and went.<br />
Lovely lunch with a girlfriend at the "Watershed" in Salisbury! Lovely feed and friendship and lots of unexpected laughs!<br />
Attended a funeral of a dear writing friend who took her own life. Inspired to keep on gardening and get my book published in her memory!<br />
Undertook a exciting project at Marra Dreaming that is yet to be unveiled!<br />
Massage for me! Ahhh!<br />
Speech at Tarndarnyanga - Adelaide for <a href="http://joymakepeace.blogspot.com/2011/05/national-sorry-day-2011.html">National Sorry Day speech</a>. Check out my blog post!<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMD1mAlYx7CNNYxgBGclK1TnfrO6O9xe9871TU5RLj5Ycj6EOerZuDoo8nhhAw0G0ktQ049QAWkvWudQsb_-NgveAlTVzWnDGAf9TOT7qO6xssVCyKcpMB4L5o34mx0pxRgDU_OXK0b4w/s1600/Inner+Scents.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="117" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMD1mAlYx7CNNYxgBGclK1TnfrO6O9xe9871TU5RLj5Ycj6EOerZuDoo8nhhAw0G0ktQ049QAWkvWudQsb_-NgveAlTVzWnDGAf9TOT7qO6xssVCyKcpMB4L5o34mx0pxRgDU_OXK0b4w/s200/Inner+Scents.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">"Inner Scents"</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Lodged my "Inner Scents" piece of art at the Tea Tree Gully Exhibition as part of Reconcilliation Week!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>June 2011</b><br />
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Had Violets 5th</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">birthday party!</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"></span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Back to work! Hi ho, hi ho it's off to work I go!</span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Violet started school! Oh my last little baby is growing up. ;(</span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Washing machine decided to take a long term break! Ouch said the bank account!</span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Went to Coffs Harbour for my brothers Memorial Service! Thank you SA Link-Up.</span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Attended the "2011 Alcohol and Tobacco and other drugs Aboriginal Workers Conference" at Barossa Novatel. Very informative conference!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>July 2011</b></span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Attended Lord Mayor’s Morning Tea and the 2011 NAIDOC (National Aboriginal and Islander Day of Celebration) Awards and Flag Raising Ceremony. </span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Attended Statewide women's health Aboriginal womens meeting with "Bilawara Lee". Fantastic!</span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Violet graduated from Kindergarten! Yehhh!</span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Attended the NAIDOC Ball this year with Keith (shock / horror) at Adelaide Festival Theatre. Great entertainment and night!</span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">School holidays yet again! </span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Mum moved to my brothers!</span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">“Our Metro Mob” exhibition was cancelled this year! :( My big project, still on the boil for another day!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>August 2011</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Started walking in the "Corporate Cup" again, once a fortnight for 12 weeks! 4.5km around the River Torrens! Relaxing and healthy! <br />
Attended UniSA Open Day! <br />
Started attending Aboriginal Women's Leadership workshops through Relationships Australia! Very helpful and insightful!<br />
<b>September 2011</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Went to Geoffrey Gurrumul's Yunupingu's concert at Thebarton Theatre with Keith! A completely spiritual experience, highly recommend it to anyone. A messenger sent straight from heaven!<br />
Been a year since started going to Marra Dreaming. Wow how time flys!<br />
Mum came with us when we went to Jai's Andrews Farm Soccer Club and trophy presentation day! <br />
<b>October 2011</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Jai’s 7</span><sup style="text-indent: -0.25in;">th</sup><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">birthday – Small party at home with a few of his little school and soccer friends! Followed by the AFL Grandfinal between the Geelong Cats and Collingwood! Need I say who won? Carn the CATS! Yah!</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRpBmhyphenhyphenlrKGMLIMr0d-a3C-Te2EI1VBHB6L7doKDs_VFVVPzmsFOk7TvrD6yLhlldFqLsCdonXMCVcQ255KpdqattAomJsPVqX4XTpbNVVIYEEq97XEsh4LEiaViBI5H5xJLoxh2axzDk/s1600/Keith+%2526+kids+Goolwa+holi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRpBmhyphenhyphenlrKGMLIMr0d-a3C-Te2EI1VBHB6L7doKDs_VFVVPzmsFOk7TvrD6yLhlldFqLsCdonXMCVcQ255KpdqattAomJsPVqX4XTpbNVVIYEEq97XEsh4LEiaViBI5H5xJLoxh2axzDk/s200/Keith+%2526+kids+Goolwa+holi.jpg" width="119" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Keith and kids - Goolwa Holiday</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Keith and I took the 3 kids away to Goolwa for a little holiday! </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"></span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Helped mum through a rough patch and helped her move into a Nursing Home!</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"></span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Jai met his big brother Gordy for the 1st time!</span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Attended a 1 week training workshop at the "Koolunga Aboriginal Writers Retreat". Met some fantastic people and learnt sooooo much! Thank you for this great writing opportunity Ali, you lit the fire in my belly again!</span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Submitted my manuscript "Finding the joy within" to the South Australian Wakefield Press Unpublished manuscript award! (Still eagerly awaiting results).</span><br />
<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Went to Semaphore beach with the family and Gordy and Lorelle!</span><br />
<b style="text-indent: -24px;">November 2011</b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Attended Nunga's Writers Group meeting for the first time!<br />
Attended funeral! <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitawuOOisIw8olh1JMoTIAY6T0pQFnVwfkT-UkkTcV2Io_Eyj7W6ffo9ttZ_Ga2AwqTisaytMgCBcWZUB7DYh-QQPhdxdQMbcihV1j6HmScWOUY1yOCvhejEX2lWiio9SFWoA7pxi84Sw/s1600/Soon+to+be+40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitawuOOisIw8olh1JMoTIAY6T0pQFnVwfkT-UkkTcV2Io_Eyj7W6ffo9ttZ_Ga2AwqTisaytMgCBcWZUB7DYh-QQPhdxdQMbcihV1j6HmScWOUY1yOCvhejEX2lWiio9SFWoA7pxi84Sw/s200/Soon+to+be+40.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Soon to be in our naughty 40's</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Caught up with my old school girlfriends for dinner and resolved to save up for a cruise in 2012 to celebrate our upcoming 40th birthdays! Excellent night!<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDKkWTrX9SEHy3t5Ua209IaOUXZV95UXl_BJPBQbIm1EvbzCnWkKJKEpGfAcCm1ZWfgUke5hSN2HBzRbkQS31sZCHQqJLVgoLGxdA-CY-ZW0bp-X0pD5Hg0n7f5ld6cNXDrp-IJj6Ux20/s1600/Joy%252C+Jazz+and+Lowitja.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="119" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDKkWTrX9SEHy3t5Ua209IaOUXZV95UXl_BJPBQbIm1EvbzCnWkKJKEpGfAcCm1ZWfgUke5hSN2HBzRbkQS31sZCHQqJLVgoLGxdA-CY-ZW0bp-X0pD5Hg0n7f5ld6cNXDrp-IJj6Ux20/s200/Joy%252C+Jazz+and+Lowitja.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Me, Jazz and Lowitja!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>Attended the "Long Walk Luncheon" on behalf of the Marra Dreaming team. Got to have a photo with legendary Michael Long and icon Lowitja O'Donohue.<br />
<br />
Mum's in hospital again. :(<br />
Attended Kaurna Plains 25th Anniversary celebrations!<br />
Attended the Australian of the Year 2012 awards with Mr John Browne! Very humbling experience, I witnessed that there are some completely dedicated individuals in this world who give 100% without expectation of returns! Amazing!<br />
Attended my neighbours daughters 18th (alcohol free) Bday party! Very different and fun experience, nice fun filled night! <br />
Attended a family funeral. :( Sad sad day!<br />
Was accepted and attended a 1 week "Curatorial Art Workshop". Absolutely amazing learning and networking experience! Brilliant and inspiring, kick started the desire to continue with my art work too!<br />
Exhibited my "Inner Scents" painting again and this time it sold. :) Happy much! lol!<br />
Attended Violet's Reading Superstar Assembly with Mum! What a proud moment for us all! <br />
<b>December 2011</b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx8dOiasDLD4C-Yv4i2Nxuia0sp3QKD76EYnvoRmfkHv9cPEqY3D1tjzrIfONqc4nWPXq5yQP20HQW0x6SMtY9_0LAANhAXGjmX8kBfePdW9nPd03rbJ51HG7GqDOHO8TBTrw-9tcMAC0/s1600/Big+Boy+Oliver.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx8dOiasDLD4C-Yv4i2Nxuia0sp3QKD76EYnvoRmfkHv9cPEqY3D1tjzrIfONqc4nWPXq5yQP20HQW0x6SMtY9_0LAANhAXGjmX8kBfePdW9nPd03rbJ51HG7GqDOHO8TBTrw-9tcMAC0/s200/Big+Boy+Oliver.jpg" width="119" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Big Boy "Oliver"~ RIP</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lost our Big Boy Oliver our cat! Most devastating day of the year! I cried for a week! </div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Took Jai to the Zoo with his Dad, Big brother, Lorelle and 2 of his new found little cousins. </div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Woke up with THE WORST EVER back pain in my entire life!</div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Took my Mum to the kids Christmas Concert (despite unbearable pain)! All the extended family came to watch Jai and his "shuffling" moves and Violet's ballet and singing! Once again it was worth the world and more. Thank you Universe for allowing me and my mum and family to share in this special little event! </span></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Found out that I had actually ruptured 2 discs in my back and had the most physically painful week in my entire life. Thought that my life was over! Was the biggest scare I've ever had. Yes my life did flash before my eyes, I can hardly believe that I managed to get through it. In retrospect I realised that every physical injury has an underlying emotional cause. The next task was trying to work out what that was! Think I've worked it out and am continuing to work through it and process it. It really has become the focus of my life. Sometimes when we don't hear life's little whispers it just pulls you straight up in your tracks with a SCREAMING HALT! So take my advice and listen to the whispers! Costs a whole lot less </span></span><span style="text-indent: -24px;">in the long run </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">(in all aspects) ~ trust me! This experience got me to get in touch and to utilise every bit of advice I have ever given and ever preached, certainly an interesting experience - (she says now it's over). lol!</span></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Must also give credit to all of the alternative therapists that assisted in my recovery - Chiropractor, Acupuncture, Massage, Reiki, Ngankari (Traditional Aboriginal Healer), Reflexology, lots of water, vitamins and mineral replacement, anti-inflammatory foods and lots and lots of prayer! </span></div><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Mum in hospital again :(</span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Due to my above temporary illness I missed 3 of my most looked forward to festive season events, my work Christmas party, Marra Dreaming Christmas party and my ISS work team Christmas dinner. </span><br />
<span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Went to a small Christmas Carols event held at Marra Dreaming, organised by my close friend Mary Graham. Lovely night with lovely company! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Officially now on Christmas holidays and attended the SA Link-Up Family BBQ with Keith and the 3 kids at the Belair National Park. What a beautiful event to finish off yet another very productive and insightful year. Thank you SA Link-Up was once again reminded what my purpose in life is all about and will make it my new years resolution to help other people less fortunate than myself with their self healing.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finally, finished off our year with a lovely little get away with the 3 kids again to Port Pirie. Despite my earlier back injuries which by this stage were well and truly on the mend, we went bike riding, swimming and walking on the beach with the kids. I realised from this trip that I love my life, I love my kids, I love my partner and I love my body and myself, most of all I love God!<br />
<span style="text-align: center; text-indent: -0.25in;">Well that was the year that was, many lessons learned! Check out <a href="http://joymakepeace.blogspot.com/2011/12/joys-2011-life-lessons-in-nutshell.html">Joy's 2011 Lesson in a Nutshell</a> for my shortened version of insights!</span><br />
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-size: small; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">Until next time :) Joy</span></span><i style="color: #a64d79; text-indent: -0.25in;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></b></i></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00997442349713788257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104811903646190940.post-15520081491111226982011-12-30T00:30:00.000-08:002011-12-30T00:30:34.339-08:00What's your goals for 2012?<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">With today being the eve of the new year for 2012 I thought I'd set some of my own goals and dig up last years post about "Goal Setting". <br />
<br />
Did you know that the majority of people spend more time planning a holiday than they spend setting goals for the future?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have you ever set goals in the past or have you thought about setting goals for the New Year, but just didn’t know where to start?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well maybe today is the day! As I said in my last blog <a href="http://joymakepeace.blogspot.com/2010/12/loss-or-gain.html">“why put off tomorrow, what you can do today?”</a> So let’s set some goals together!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I have always had goals and I suspect, so have you, but I bet like most people you never actually wrote them down. This is a really important aspect of goal setting and one that I will encourage you to actually do!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now before we get started, I just wanted to point out <i><b>why</b></i> it is important to have goals. So this next point might seem a bit left field, but stick with me and see where I’m travelling with it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How many of you either play a sport or watch sports? Football, netball, basketball or soccer? What is the one common thing that each of these games have? That’s right, they all have goals. What would be the point of playing these games if there were no goals. You wouldn’t know who was winning or how hard you needed to keep trying to reach your goal or even exceed your goal. Therefore goals are important, they are the guide post that keep you on track and let you know how you’re going.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiNrw_xiGwf5MieEuAz_m_Lq8Mt8Ig9axhwXEDYtaL5evlcU3szbnH3S8MKCf0kxq5yjnV1fQ3um4G8sP1SxF3PIp1bobtQEb8cLCLRX9CNYhkzWa6UHGWsmSLfg4yUSad6dY9ahnq0cg/s1600/Goals.BMP" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="155" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiNrw_xiGwf5MieEuAz_m_Lq8Mt8Ig9axhwXEDYtaL5evlcU3szbnH3S8MKCf0kxq5yjnV1fQ3um4G8sP1SxF3PIp1bobtQEb8cLCLRX9CNYhkzWa6UHGWsmSLfg4yUSad6dY9ahnq0cg/s200/Goals.BMP" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What's your goals for 2012?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Now there are many books, websites and professionals such as life coaches that are dedicated to helping you set and achieve your goals. Sometimes these can be costly, so I am going to try and keep this basic, so that you actually can put these goals into action.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When setting goals, I think that it is important to not only have <span style="font-size: large;">big</span> goals that may take longer, but also lots of <b><span style="font-size: 10pt;">smaller</span></b> goals that help you work towards achieving the bigger goals.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Often (but not always) bigger goals take longer to achieve, so it’s good to give yourself some more time to achieve those goals. I find it easier to work from biggest back down to smallest goals. So let’s break it down into 3 goals per time frame. (you fill in the blanks). You will notice I am using the words “I will” which I also referred to in my <a href="http://joymakepeace.blogspot.com/2010/12/loss-or-gain.html">Gain or Loss</a> post; this is because we need to call upon your “will power” to help achieve your goals.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Before I die</b></div><ul style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal">I will</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">I will</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">I will</li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>In 20 years time</b> (I will be 60 years old)</div><ul style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal">I will</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">I will</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">I will</li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>In 10 years time</b> (I will be 50 years old)</div><ul style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal">I will</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">I will</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">I will</li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>In 5 years time</b> (I will be 45 years old)</div><ul style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal">I will</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">I will</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">I will</li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>By the end of 2012</b> (I will be 40 years old)</div><ul style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal">I will</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">I will</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">I will</li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>By the end of January 2012</b></div><ul style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal">I will</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">I will</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">I will</li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>By the end of this week</b></div><ul style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal">I will</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">I will</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">I will</li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>By the end of today</b></div><ul style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal">I will</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">I will</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">I will</li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now you still might be sitting there reading and thinking I still have no idea what areas of my life I want to improve. Well to help you work on this, you can approach it in two ways.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>1.</b> What areas of your life do you want to <b>improve</b> from 2011?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>2. </b> What areas of your life do you <b>currently value</b>?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">When thinking about these questions, also remember that often our lives are affected holistically. This means, that when we have a healthy mind, body and spirit, we think, feel and act so much better.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So under each time frame heading, set one goal for each area of your life (mind, body, spirit)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>For example</b></i>:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By the end of today</div><ul style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal">I will read a chapter of a book <b>= MIND</b></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">I will do 30 minutes of stretching exercises <b>= BODY</b></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">I will spend 10 minutes in quiet meditation <b>= SPIRIT</b></li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">How will you know if it is a mind, body or spirit goal?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Mind goals</b> are things that make your think, get your brain working such as reading, writing, blogging, internet surfing, crosswords, card games, board games, sewing, knitting, talking with others, watching a documentary, scrap-booking, playing, listening to music, painting, singing or acting. (please beware of gaming as these sometimes deaden your mind instead of stimulate it)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Body goals</b> are usually anything that takes physical effort and energy. Any of the above sports that I already mentioned or swimming, walking, bike riding, table tennis, boxing, golfing or playing darts are also great body goals.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Spiritual goals</b> are very wide and varied. I want you to remember that this is a very individual goal and basically anything that “makes your heart sing”. If your heart is singing then you have found your spiritual goal. So find your most favourite thing in the world to do and just do it! It’s usually something that you love doing and you loose track of time when you’re doing it. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The last thing that I want to bring to your awareness, is that most things in this world are better shared. So share your goals with others and make yourself accountable. Think about how these goals will impact others in your life and remember that sometimes <i><b>“less is more”</b></i>.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So here’s to a prosperous and Happy New Year so until next time! Enjoy!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00997442349713788257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104811903646190940.post-12395964309187338592011-11-14T04:22:00.000-08:002011-11-14T04:22:28.182-08:00"Safe Cognition" - Be Careful What You Let into Your Brain<a href="http://www.buildingpersonalstrength.com/2010/01/safe-cognition-be-careful-what-you-let.html#.TsEH9MK1H3g.blogger">"Safe Cognition" - Be Careful What You Let into Your Brain</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00997442349713788257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104811903646190940.post-71738944574747717592011-11-13T19:30:00.001-08:002011-11-13T19:39:47.857-08:00Please help make a difference<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Dear friends,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>Please check out this fundraising page: </strong><a href="http://www.gofundraise.com.au/page/MyorsR">http://www.gofundraise.com.au/page/MyorsR</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rebecca is trying to make a difference for a great cause that is close to her heart.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rebecca has created a fundraising page through GoFundraise to help support <span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; color: #333333;">Indigenous Literacy Project and raising awareness about depression and where support for depression in Australia can be found</span> and raise some much needed funds.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rebecca would greatly appreciate your support by making a donation through her web page. You can also leave personal messages and get involved yourself.</span><br />
<strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Together we can make a difference.</span></strong><br />
<strong><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></strong><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thank you for your help!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<a href="http://www.gofundraise.com.au/page/MyorsR"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">http://www.gofundraise.com.au/page/MyorsR</span></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00997442349713788257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104811903646190940.post-76455352995855260652011-05-26T01:11:00.000-07:002011-05-26T01:11:25.155-07:00National Sorry Day 2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggHcOwtaZT4DIgBx8bY7WwWOHXJu-5MVFG18afiUPmFcXAFrJYRFMRh19_40a0H-dWdva2-a4NIIMxl2nc-KsnyKcgQaTxPvusEKjrG_thK-t3zGL0m9fHSI1mHNj7HbkmjIYQ-sAlM6A/s1600/National+Sorry+Day+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggHcOwtaZT4DIgBx8bY7WwWOHXJu-5MVFG18afiUPmFcXAFrJYRFMRh19_40a0H-dWdva2-a4NIIMxl2nc-KsnyKcgQaTxPvusEKjrG_thK-t3zGL0m9fHSI1mHNj7HbkmjIYQ-sAlM6A/s320/National+Sorry+Day+2011.jpg" width="209" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">Today is National Sorry Day 2011 and I attended the Adelaide event which was held at Tarndanyangga (Victoria Square). </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">John Browne the Chair of the South Australia Journey of Healing Committee asked me if I would give a brief speech regarding the significance of today.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;">So here it is;</span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">I would like to acknowledge the land that we meet on today which is the traditional lands of the Kaurna people.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><span> </span><span> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">My name is Joy Makepeace and I also acknowledge that I am not from </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">South Australia</span><span style="font-family: Arial;"> as I am a Kamilaroi woman from </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Northern New South Wales</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">. <span> </span>I must admit that I haven’t always known who my people were and where I was from and even who I was. <span> </span>The reason for this is because I was separated from my Aboriginal family when I was a baby and became a ward of the state, then fostered and later adopted to the Makepeace family.<span> </span><span> </span>In my birth family I am the 9<sup>th</sup> child of 12 children, which is made up of 7 boys and 5 girls. None of the 12 of us grew up with our birth mother.<span> </span>So yes I do identify as being a member of the Stolen Generation.<span> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Today I have been asked by John Browne – the Chairperson of the SA Journey of Healing Committee to say a few words regarding the significance of National Sorry Day.<span> </span>Some of you may have heard the speech that I gave at Nunkuwarrin Yunti earlier this year regarding the 3<sup>rd</sup> Anniversary of the National Apology, so today instead of repeating what I said there I wanted to highlight why todays “National Sorry Day” is and always has been and always will be significant despite the recent National Apology.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Therefore today is not just another day on the calendar.<span> </span>Today marks the 14<sup>th</sup> anniversary of when “The Report of the National Inquiry into the Separation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children from their families” was tabled in Federal Parliament.<span> </span>This report resulted in 54 recommendations.<span> </span>Holding a National Sorry Day each year on 26 May “to commemorate the history of forcible removals and its effects.” <span> </span>is just one of those recommendations. Today is a day to pause, to grieve together and to re-commit ourselves to a better future.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">One of the other 54 recommendations was that a National Apology be delivered.<span> </span>We know that this has occurred and many believe that this is where the story ends.<span> </span>However, unfortunately there are still many recommendations that have been overlooked and not yet fulfilled.<span> </span>Undoubtedly there is still much work to be done.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Today’s National Sorry Day theme is “Still living on borrowed time” and I agree whole heartedly that time is running out.<span> </span>How much more time do we have to wait for reparation, compensation, restitution, record preservation and freedom of personal information.<span> </span>Much of this is based on amending legislation and the development of memorandums of understanding, which undoubtedly takes much consultation and negotiation.<span> </span>Meanwhile we are “living on borrowed time” and are expected to have rehabilitated, reconnected and reunified our broken hearts and communities.<span> </span>I understand that this is not something that is going to happen overnight, but it is also something that should not take a life time.<span> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">My message to you today is already written within today’s “National Sorry Day” theme “still living on borrowed time”.<span> </span>As hard as it may seem, the point is exactly that, if you are here today then you are “still living” and your job is not done.<span> </span><span> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Every one of us here has the ability to make a difference and to change our future. <span> </span>We do not have to be chained to our past and if we want change then we have to be the change because things will not change unless things change.<span> </span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">In saying this, I encourage you to stop waiting to die thinking what if and start living in hope, of what could be.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Thank you.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Joy Makepeace</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial;"><br />
</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00997442349713788257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104811903646190940.post-60976748559276640362011-04-25T05:32:00.000-07:002011-04-25T05:32:19.730-07:00Hate to love!<div style="color: #741b47;"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
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</style> <![endif]--> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47;">How many times have you heard yourself saying “I really hate it when ……”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47;">I remember when growing up my mum always told me that “hate” was a very strong word and to be careful whenever I used it.<span> </span>I can honestly say that I don’t hate anyone, but sometimes I think that I hate what they DO, not who they are!<span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47;">In the past week I have held 2 new born babies and when I looked into both of their precious little eyes, I knew in my heart of hearts, that there is no such thing as an evil baby, a devil child or a hateful, revengeful, angry, bitter bone in their bodies.<span> </span>When we are born, we are pure love, no matter what circumstances may have lead to our creation and being ness.<span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47;">If we are not born to hate, then hate must be a learned behaviour.<span> </span>Just as we learn to eat, crawl, walk and talk, we also learn what we like and dislike.<span> </span>This is all based on our personal experiences or what the people we love tell us from their experiences.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3lgFZrji2CtENJ37wNoqcaosiwV7uDmVwljRqtS8Qb_0YfLbinZ_Iy2eKuoDZkRLGAJtWOPBy5NeV00VyVs0_qsyMBiCcX43Lh-vE3FPll2x0qw9EpTlIa_4DYZF4dFSSIZpmtCg9xN8/s1600/love-hate.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3lgFZrji2CtENJ37wNoqcaosiwV7uDmVwljRqtS8Qb_0YfLbinZ_Iy2eKuoDZkRLGAJtWOPBy5NeV00VyVs0_qsyMBiCcX43Lh-vE3FPll2x0qw9EpTlIa_4DYZF4dFSSIZpmtCg9xN8/s200/love-hate.jpg" width="200" /></a>In most dictionaries hate is described as “to DISLIKE intensely or passionately”.<span> </span>It therefore makes sense that the opposite of hate is love.<span> </span>Hence, we “LIKE something intensely or passionately.”<span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47;"><span></span>So what are some of the things that we have LEARNED to hate.<span> </span>Throughout our lives we constantly use our senses to help guide us in our learning.<span> </span>We are always reacting to how something tastes, feels, sounds, looks or smells.<span> </span>Some of these things will make us feel good and some of these things will make us feel bad.<span> </span>All of these experiences are sent to our MEMORY bank and stored for future reference.<span> </span>These memories are later grouped together with other life lessons and an overall personal judgement is made.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47;">Usually when we come to the conclusion that we strongly don’t like (hate) something, this is based on an accumulation of all of these bad experiences and this decision is intensified when combined with other people’s bad experiences.<span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47;">Usually when we don’t like (hate) something we are silently saying that we are quite scared of it.<span> </span>This is commonly known as FEAR.<span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47;">Now the problem is, sometimes FEAR is just;</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1079273072" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNGAlzQNvqBB_nIFDViT6Spkrccg_vrvLtFf_Q6wHr-Z2xMai7oZhWJcGEFofPmTXN8K9LOVB0RJ3iMlZ30WsFPDFk4Sjt2-991cY6c89tgIPMi3LkLSUDmcXhDJcOrRBBqNWmVFUs4nE/s1600/fear.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr style="color: red;"><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.self-improvement-advice.org/low-self-confidence.html%20">False-Evidence-Appearing-Real</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47;">So before you come to the conclusion that you hate someone or something, perhaps you might want to come back to your SENSES and ask yourself is this TRUE or FALSE!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47;">Until next time!<span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47;">Joy </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00997442349713788257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104811903646190940.post-25555886208072131092011-04-23T05:15:00.000-07:002011-04-23T05:15:49.673-07:00Anita Heiss Blog: Anita’s Black Book Challenge (BBC)<a href="http://anitaheissblog.blogspot.com/2011/04/anitas-bbc-black-book-choice-reading.html?spref=bl">Anita Heiss Blog: Anita’s Black Book Challenge (BBC)</a>: "Most of us have heard of the BBC’s Book Challenge listing 100 books. Somewhere (probably on Facebook) it was claimed that most people had o..."Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00997442349713788257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104811903646190940.post-27190504401843304742011-04-17T05:50:00.000-07:002011-04-17T05:50:46.857-07:00Am I happy<div style="color: #741b47; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
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</style> <![endif]--> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">How many of you regularly ask yourself “Am I happy?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Do you cruise through life thinking, I wish I was happier?<span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Do you even know what happiness is?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I bet you have a huge list of things that you know make you happy and feed your spirit.<span> </span>Some of these make you happy right now and some of these are on a wish list of “things to do” that will make you happy later.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Some are free and some cost a lot of money.<span> </span>Some may take a little while, yet others may take a lot of time and effort.<span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I’m sure you would agree that no one knows you better than yourself.<span> </span>So it makes sense that YOU know, what makes you happy.<span> </span>However, if this were so true, then why are you still asking yourself “Am I happy?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I have pondered this question and searched relentlessly for the answer, but it wasn’t until I opened a book called “The Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren that I realised that “It’s not all about me!”<span> </span>Shock, horror!<span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Up until that point in my life, I had attended a million self-focused workshops that were completely aimed at improving my level of self-esteem, self-satisfaction, self-worth, self-determination and self-happiness.<span> </span>At the end of all of these workshops I always walked out feeling very self-inflated.<span> </span>However, looking back, I can now see that the one thing that these workshops helped me to become was very SELF-ISH!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Now hang on a minute I hear you screaming!<span> </span>I<span> </span>I<span> </span>I<span> </span>I<span> </span>I!<span> </span>Yes that’s right, Rick Warren was right and yes life really isn’t about you!<span> </span>(or me).<span> </span>What I’ve since discovered is that the greatest happiness in life actually comes when we take the focus off ourselves and meet the needs of others.<span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">When we can unconditionally love, forgive, share and help others FIRST then amazing things begin to happen in our own lives.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">When we put our own needs first we are FORE-getting before we FORE-give.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">How many of you are prepared to give without expecting anything in return?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Do you have an attitude of gratitude?<span> </span>Are you thankful for everything you receive?<span> </span>Do you help others before you help yourself?<span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I challenge you to honestly spend 1 week putting others needs and wants first.<span> </span>This needs to be done without any resentment or expectation of rewards in return.<span> </span>Then wait patiently and see what flows back to you.<span> </span><span> </span>I’m sure you will be pleasantly surprised and this will undoubtedly make you happy.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Until next time!<span> </span>Are you up to the challenge?<span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Joy </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00997442349713788257noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104811903646190940.post-77516936676250199552011-03-31T01:22:00.000-07:002011-03-31T01:22:51.875-07:00Stressed out!<div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style>
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</style> <![endif]--> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">How many of you have heard yourself saying “I’m so stressed out?”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Did you know that in most traditional Aboriginal societies, there isn’t even a word to describe stress?<span> </span>I wonder why that is?<span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">To unpack this we need to work out what “stress” is before we can work out what it is not!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In the past, stress used to be defined as “the physical pressure, pull or other force exerted on one <b><i>thing </i></b>by another”<span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In more recent times physical stress has taken on more of a psychological meaning and <b><i>we</i></b> have become the subject or thing of the strain and tension and it becomes our physical, mental or emotional well-being that is put under stress or pressure.<span> </span>The question is are we really under all that stress, strain and pressure or do we just think we are?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Now some times pressure is good, but sometimes it feels like it becomes too much and we become stressed and de-pressed, hence the term “I feel flat”.<span> </span>This is when everything in life just becomes too much of a challenge and feels like the world and all the responsibilities are on your shoulders.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">When we feel stressed, instead of focusing on what we can do, we become wrapped up in thinking about all of the things that we can’t do.<span> </span>We then focus on what everyone else thinks that we should be doing.<span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Now in the past the main difference was everyone actually knew what they were supposed to be doing. <span> </span>Everyone was given jobs, tasks and roles based on their gender and age.<span> </span>There was a sharing of responsibility.<span> </span>It didn’t all fall on one person’s shoulders.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In the past roles were very clear and <b><i>who</i></b> was doing a task was clear, <b><i>what </i></b>they were told to do was clear, <b><i>how </i></b>they had to do it was clear, <b><i>when</i></b> it had to be done was clear and <b><i>why</i></b> they had to do it was also clear.<span> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">In more recent times, roles have become very <b>BLURRED</b> and much of the time we don’t know <b><i>what</i></b> we should be doing and <b><i>who</i></b> should be doing it.<span> </span>Society no longer cares who does what; it just wants the job done.<span> </span>What we find is that if you want a job done well you ask someone who’s busy, because you know that they are good at getting things done.<span> </span>Hence the pressure, stress and strain all falls onto the shoulders of one individual.<span> </span>Usually YOU!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So next time you feel like the world is on your shoulders, remember to get <b>CLEAR</b> on what is expected of you, but most of all, what <b><i>you</i></b> expect of yourself!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Until next time! Enjoy! </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
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</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00997442349713788257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104811903646190940.post-41076312497506301252011-02-10T02:43:00.000-08:002011-02-10T02:44:45.249-08:00The Apology - Acknowledgement of the 3rd Anniversary<div style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Today I was asked to give a speech at <a href="http://www.nunku.org.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=24&Itemid=118">Nunkuwarrin Yunti SA Inc. for the the SA Link-Up Program</a> on my experience of The National Apology as acknowledgement of the 3rd Anniversary.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I have provided most of my speech here on this blog, but because some of it was directly from chapters in my book, I have had to remove those parts. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Sorry guys it was one of those moments when "you had to be there!"</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Traditional owner’s acknowledgement</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I would like to acknowledge the land that we meet on today is the traditional lands for the Kaurna people and that we respect their spiritual relationship with the country. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I also acknowledge the Kaurna people as the custodians of the </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Adelaide</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> region and that their cultural and heritage beliefs are still as important to the living Kaurna people.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Acknowledgement of you and your story</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Today I have been asked to share my story life and yes my story is probably a similar story to that of many other Aboriginal children who were removed from their birth families. However, even though the policies that lead to the removal of many Aboriginal children were the same, the outcomes of our lives are quite varied and have resulted in a range of individual experiences. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It is my story that I wish to share with you today and it may not be the worst or the best life story that you have ever heard, but it is my story. I do not want to compare myself with anyone else; as I believe everyone’s story is as valuable and as significant as the next. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">What I am hoping for today is that through sharing my story that you may see the similarities of our stories and together we can heal.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Who am I?</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Who you are?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">What’s your name?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Where you from?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Who’s your mother?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Who’s your father?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I hate those words. Yet they are some of the most commonly used words within Aboriginal communities across </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Australia</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> and they are words that I am forever being asked. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I know so many of us wish it was easier to answer the “who you are and where you from?” question, but no matter how much family history research, how many relatives you make contact with, how many brothers, sisters, aunties, uncles or cousins you meet, no matter how hard you try to make those reconnections, you may never be able to answer these questions to the satisfaction of others. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">There are just too many gaps and too much missing information. I also know that I can’t expect to gain that knowledge through a quick visit back to my country or even after having a quick reunion with some of my family. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Trying to explain this to someone who hasn’t been removed from their family or community is very difficult. They don’t understand why I don’t know all about my family and they take it for granted that everyone else should know this too. Often as a result, I feel a deep sense of guilt, as though it is my duty to find out, just to satisfy them. So to any of you fulla’s out there who already know who you are and where you’re from please keep in mind that some of us are still searching for those answers.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">So what I will try and do now is tell you what I do know about “Who I am and where I am from?”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">My name is Joy Makepeace and I have lived in </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Adelaide</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> for the past 24 years. I am Aboriginal and I am adopted to a white family. I am 38 years old and I have 3 children.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I currently work at the </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">University</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> of </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">South Australia</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> in the Indigenous Student Services Unit at </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Mawson</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Lakes</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> and have done for the past 9 years, but previous to that I was a Caseworker with the SA Link-Up Program. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">My Story</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I was born Joyce Lee West and my birth mother was Joan Margaret West. She was an Aboriginal woman who was born in Goodooga, which is in </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">New South Wales</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">, in Kamilaroi country. I was born in a small country town in NSW, called Wee Waa. I was the ninth born of twelve children… <b><i>(removed text)</i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It wasn’t until I got into my teenage years that I really even began to question my identity and started to really wonder about those plaguing questions of who I really was and where I was from. It is these two questions that continually haunted me. It is finding the answer to “Who am I?” that has guided me towards writing my autobiography which is called “Finding the joy within”. Writing my book has been my own personal journey of healing, which I will talk more about, a bit later.</span><b><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> (removed text)</span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">All of the above stuff was probably the most trying time of my life, but at the same time it was also the most extremely healing time of my life. Having had these experiences has opened many doors and challenged me and made me grow.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This pretty much brings me to the point that I am at now. My book which is called “Finding the joy within” it is not only the story of my life, but it covers the lessons that I have learnt along the way. It takes a close look at where I have been, what I have learnt and where I want to go. The main theme of the book is the theme of my life, which has been my search for my true identity.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">A couple of months ago, I decided that I would start to promote my book through a blog, which is like a website. It was an article on my blog about “The National Apology” that lead SA Link-Up to contact me to see if I would come to talk with you about my experience of attending the National Apology in Canberra back in 2008.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">What it was like for you to be at Parliament House when Hon. Keven Rudd gave his National Apology speech</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I have written about this experience in my book and what I now want to do share part of this chapter from my book. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Now to give you a bit of background my book is written in past, present and future tense. The chapter that I’m reading from is called “Bitterness and Resentment”, which is what I was feeling before I went to </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Canberra</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> for the National Apology. I thought that everyone owed me an apology and I didn’t really expect to feel any different after I had heard the National Apology. I will now read what I have written and let you make your own mind up about my experience of the National Apology. <b><i>(removed text)</i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></div><div class="O"><blockquote><div><span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 178%;"><span style="color: #ffe947; font-family: "Wingdings 2"; font-size: 95%; left: -2.74%; position: absolute; top: 0.04em;">—</span></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1815385992"><i><b><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">“For the pain, suffering and hurt of these Stolen Generations their descendants and for their families left behind, we say sorry” </span></span></b></i></a></div></blockquote><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1815385992"><i><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="visibility: hidden;"><span style="left: -3.29%; position: absolute;">—</span></span> </span></b></i></a></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1815385992"><i><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="visibility: hidden;"><span style="left: -3.29%; position: absolute;">—</span></span> </span></b></i></a></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: right;"><a href="http://www.dfat.gov.au/indigenous/apology-to-stolen-generations/rudd_speech.html"><i><b><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="left: 50.28%; position: absolute; text-align: left; top: 0.04em;"></span>Honorable Kevin Rudd</span></b></i></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Where to now? </span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The SA Link-Up staff wanted me to cover a bit about what I have learnt about healing and what it means to me!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">The main thing that I have learnt about healing is that healing requires forgiveness, which starts with the word “sorry”. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Now I know that this Nation and all of us had been waiting for so many years for that moment to happen and many of us said “I’ll be happy when … the government says sorry to us.”</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Now that the Government has said sorry, many of us are saying “I’ll be happy when …. we get compensation,” which is valid and I know that many people are still fighting for this. However, what I want you to know is that there is a huge list of “I’ll be happy whens …” and I must admit that I am one of those people that used to live by this list. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Here are some of my previous “I’ll be happy whens!” and while I’m reading mine, perhaps you can think about some of yours!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I’ll be happy when!</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I’ll be happy when I finish high school!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I’ll be happy when I find a boyfriend!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I’ll be happy when I find my family!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I’ll be happy when I move out of home!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I’ll be happy when I finish Uni!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I’ll be happy when I get a job!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I’ll be happy when I get a new car!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I’ll be happy when I buy a house!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I’ll be happy when I get married!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I’ll be happy when I travel overseas!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I’ll be happy when I have a baby!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I’ll be happy when I get out of hospital!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I’ll be happy when I get better!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I’ll be happy when I get back to work!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I’ll be happy when I have a holiday!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I’ll be happy when I get divorced!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I’ll be happy when I find my freedom!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I’ll be happy when I settle down!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I’ll be happy when I have more children!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I’ll be happy when I finish my Masters!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I’ll be happy when I work out who I am!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I’ll be happy when I finish my book!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I’ll be happy when I FINISH THIS SPEECH!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">So many of us spend so much time worrying about overcoming the next hurdle in our lives that we just forget to live in the present moment! By doing this we miss the full experience of life, we miss all of the lesson that life has for us and we miss feeling good RIGHT NOW! All the time we are worrying about the past, or worrying about the future and by doing this we can’t be fully present in the moment that counts the most, which is right NOW!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">My favourite quote!</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">So my next and final slide for today is “my favourite quote,” which I try to live by everyday and every moment.</span></div><blockquote><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><i><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">"Yesterday's the past, tomorrow's the future, but today is a gift. That's why it's called the present!" </span></i></b></div></blockquote><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><b><i>Bil Keane</i></b> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">This speech has been my gift to you and I hope that what you take away from it may never be taken away from you again.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #0b5394; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Thank you!</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00997442349713788257noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104811903646190940.post-51042691325383446832011-02-04T07:01:00.000-08:002011-02-04T07:23:29.888-08:00The roles we play<div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">How often does what you think, say and do, turn out to be the same?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">For me, I know that isn’t very often.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I wish it happened more often because I really do want to be someone that walks the walk and talks the talk. Though sometimes, no matter how hard you try it just doesn’t seem to match up!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Why is this?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Why can’t I just be the one consistent person all the time? Why can’t I always be the same person that I really truly love? </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Often our lives are so full of things to do, places to be and people to see that we that we just don’t realise that our life has just become a big masquerade. Full of drama and acting and masks that we wear.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Now sometimes it feels nice and safe to be able to hide behind a mask and keep the world at bay. From behind our mask a multitude of excuses LIE.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP_PScPZunESA6I3oJgEjRIY12oOadJ7nkkaXEeBDJes6Orwn5bc1_aDxQyn3rhs_oVbQrmoyhgiKLbT9eFO8-_xoSCDLMb51tDwhPGsDg1val_Si5axVlB2XeCUXzQEr7OR7wfzL5o-s/s1600/comedy+theatre.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP_PScPZunESA6I3oJgEjRIY12oOadJ7nkkaXEeBDJes6Orwn5bc1_aDxQyn3rhs_oVbQrmoyhgiKLbT9eFO8-_xoSCDLMb51tDwhPGsDg1val_Si5axVlB2XeCUXzQEr7OR7wfzL5o-s/s1600/comedy+theatre.jpg" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcBJm_HTLGHXW8hj0dYQbVNe7JeOn3zOHgFUGn4V_RF5v5LTpBaf4FC1BnZ7gFeM1zLAx3afBNddDkJJ8ldmhlsQ3ElwH_e5ukYe8XYFEq_QyOiH4zmXE_IAvhDBSGIUE_LpZLM3PbSI4/s1600/happy+sad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We hide our shame, our pain, our hurts, our grief, our loss, our guilt, our fear, our anger, our bitterness and our resentment. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Unfortunately, this can only mask the pain for a short period. Sometimes instead of hiding behind all of our masks, we need to actually FACE the world.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So next time you look in the mirror, who do you want to see looking back at you?<br />
<br />
Check out the following u-tube clip, which is a music clip called "Suddenly I see" <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBHzFb0toqc">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBHzFb0toqc</a> </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00997442349713788257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104811903646190940.post-38132076617659329832011-02-04T06:36:00.000-08:002011-02-04T06:36:43.357-08:00KT Tunstall Suddenly I See Lyrics<iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/XBHzFb0toqc?fs=1" allowfullscreen="" width="425" frameborder="0" height="344"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00997442349713788257noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104811903646190940.post-83773308171869689232011-01-18T04:38:00.000-08:002011-01-18T04:38:05.161-08:00Become aware!<div style="color: #741b47; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Why do you do things you <b>know</b> aren’t good for you? How many of you already <b>know </b>what things upset your mind, body or spirit and yet you still continue to do them? And how do you <b>know</b> that they aren’t good for you?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I think if we are all truly honest with ourselves, each and every one of us already knows what is good and bad or right and wrong. Not only are these things taught to us by our families and society, but we are intuitively aware of these things. Our mind, body and spirit constantly give us feedback, signs and warnings when things aren’t right. It’s just that we have become so disconnected, unaware and numb to these signs that they go by unnoticed and we become immune to their presence.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I recently posted a comment on Gratitude Log stating that I was grateful for all of my senses that I have available to me. Sight, sound, taste, touch and smell. Our senses are one of the first things in our body that receives a signal that things aren’t right. How many times have you heard all of these old clichés?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">“I’ve got a gut feeling about that”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">“It leaves a bad taste in my mouth”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">“I can feel it in my bones”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">“It just doesn’t sound right to me”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">“It just doesn’t look right”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">“My ears are ringing”</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Now some of you might think that they are just old wives tales, but I think that some of those old wives were pretty wise old girls and they knew what they were talking about a lot of the time. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It’s only us in today’s fast paced rat race who continue to; </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXRuliObO3BZ-WWAceDXi4QdxCkZj8gqDuIJwdHZ99lI9HUvnajRkJDJRRNxoreErJnOWTDRZeBdF4xmVO1HJyI39E1t06zI_LZFT1AWcT7m21dvK9_IslcMNNGX1bgGpwfpkl1-Wp-Qw/s1600/see%252C+hear%252C+speak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXRuliObO3BZ-WWAceDXi4QdxCkZj8gqDuIJwdHZ99lI9HUvnajRkJDJRRNxoreErJnOWTDRZeBdF4xmVO1HJyI39E1t06zI_LZFT1AWcT7m21dvK9_IslcMNNGX1bgGpwfpkl1-Wp-Qw/s320/see%252C+hear%252C+speak.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Our bodies are forever giving us all of the signs that we need to see, hear and feel what’s right and wrong. </div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We spew and we poo,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We smile and we frown,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It goes up and it goes down,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Our tears flow and our colour goes,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We cough and we splutter,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We’re so busy, we get dizzy,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We sweat and we fret,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We shake and we fake,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We don’t stop until we drop,</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">We end up with snot and then that’s our lot!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So next time instead of opening your mouth to take yet another pill, to overcome the side effect of the last pill, try to listen to your own intuition and open your eyes to what your mind, body and spirit is already telling you.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #741b47; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Until I talk with you next time, keep your ear to the ground and I will keep my eye on you! Enjoy! </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00997442349713788257noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104811903646190940.post-56374409707423865392011-01-12T03:52:00.000-08:002011-01-12T04:10:01.891-08:00Take control!<div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So far my blog posts have related to a range of topics such as <a href="http://joymakepeace.blogspot.com/2010/11/releasing-anger-and-healing-pain_06.html">Releasing the Anger</a>, <a href="http://joymakepeace.blogspot.com/2010/11/but-you-werent-stolen.html">Stolen Generations</a>, <a href="http://joymakepeace.blogspot.com/2010/11/national-apology.html">National Apology</a>, <a href="http://joymakepeace.blogspot.com/2010/12/sorry-so-what-now-reconciliation-whose.html">Reconcilliation</a>, <a href="http://joymakepeace.blogspot.com/2010/12/loss-or-gain.html">Forgiveness</a> and <a href="http://joymakepeace.blogspot.com/search/label/procrastination">Procrastination</a>.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">You will notice that all of these above things involve us “<b>taking action</b>,” us doing something, instead of us being <b>done to</b>! They all involve us taking <b>responsibility</b> for our lives and our <b>actions</b>, whether they are positive or negative experiences.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Often when things go wrong in your life, it makes you feel better to lay the <b>blame</b> somewhere else, outside of yourself. In many cases you can say that you had no control over the situation and you were helpless. It wasn’t your fault </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSz5hxNdsMqHtdiEhNZcNPXWSlpIwvVM34GEj9E-Nd-zBA0MK2oSUQV_YjzID_YUugO0qokwse5TdVFFVRSjFXxZlKLGtF5WfulTzCw8AMHmB0m99cpDg1tTO76k12pR-g_UIQgZcCwRk/s1600/hour-glass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br />
</a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSz5hxNdsMqHtdiEhNZcNPXWSlpIwvVM34GEj9E-Nd-zBA0MK2oSUQV_YjzID_YUugO0qokwse5TdVFFVRSjFXxZlKLGtF5WfulTzCw8AMHmB0m99cpDg1tTO76k12pR-g_UIQgZcCwRk/s1600/hour-glass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSz5hxNdsMqHtdiEhNZcNPXWSlpIwvVM34GEj9E-Nd-zBA0MK2oSUQV_YjzID_YUugO0qokwse5TdVFFVRSjFXxZlKLGtF5WfulTzCw8AMHmB0m99cpDg1tTO76k12pR-g_UIQgZcCwRk/s200/hour-glass.jpg" width="141" /></a></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Blame gives you back a sense of power, convincing yourself that it was something outside of your control that made something else occur. When you do this you will often feel better, but gradually like the sand through an hour glass, a sense of guilt and shame begins to pour back into your mind. Before you know it, it has rubbed against your sub conscience and you begin to feel raw, exposed and vulnerable to criticism again. To help defend and justify your actions you have to get more creative, defensive and angry and so the cycle goes on.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">When you believe that you have no control over the situation, you begin to believe that you are powerless in the situation. You seek and attract like minded people who agree with you and support you in your hopeless circumstances. You start to believe what you are hearing, seeing, thinking and feeling. You start to think that this is who you are, because everyone and everything around you continues to reinforce your false beliefs. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">It is hard to avoid the descriptive words that highlight the s<span lang="EN">truggle, inequality, discrimination, racism, frustrations, failure, conflicts, violations and barriers that we all have so strongly come to identify with.</span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdMpJwekWXuyEAIjOZ-vXpvcFikVLJcyAVRUOfYwHP_EK1SoyvdpaUMZ-csd5RhX20TimHbfQ3VeSjDlP2Mbg4WDKfL7StCL68940bmW94irjuirDTmdbpk8fmQI1ZwlQ4HTd_yZJ4Bdk/s1600/red+cartoon+car.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="157" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdMpJwekWXuyEAIjOZ-vXpvcFikVLJcyAVRUOfYwHP_EK1SoyvdpaUMZ-csd5RhX20TimHbfQ3VeSjDlP2Mbg4WDKfL7StCL68940bmW94irjuirDTmdbpk8fmQI1ZwlQ4HTd_yZJ4Bdk/s200/red+cartoon+car.gif" width="200" /></a><span lang="EN">How many times have you bought a new car and then the next time when you're driving on the road, everywhere you look you see the exact same car as yours. Now you and I both know that those great cars, just like yours, have always been there, the only difference is, before now you haven’t been looking for them.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN">So next time when you hear words that increase your sense of power, pride and self-determination. Remember that you can embrace those great words and become more resilient, consistent, stronger, open to change and responsible for your actions. You can take back control of the situation and look for solutions rather than excuses. </span><br />
<span lang="EN">You are in control and you can steer your life in which ever direction you choose.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span lang="EN">Until next time, travel safely and enjoy your journey! </span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00997442349713788257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104811903646190940.post-50670457451088248852011-01-05T00:55:00.000-08:002011-01-05T01:07:14.185-08:00Procrastination<div style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">How many of you are guilty of procrastinating? How many of you even know what the word procrastination means? The one thing that I do know is that we are all guilty of it. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Now, my previous post was about <a href="http://joymakepeace.blogspot.com/2010/12/goal-setting-for-2011.html">"Setting goals for 2011</a>". How did you all go with that? I bet you’ve got them all written out and up on the fridge door or in a neat little folder that you read every night just before you go to sleep. Mmmmmm I thought not!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Now perhaps the reason you are “putting this off” is because you are <b>procrastinating</b>. Procrastination is when you just avoid doing stuff that you really know you <b><i>should </i></b>be doing and you just can’t seem to figure out why you don’t just do it! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigJw84Hl7RBJ98hVDNMsQ3ASIIiw1n3kXp5cfY-w_o08GV1Wbg7aeVEhF2TodJn2j_F8ECyZ4LGepnl-0JMC1CtrCgAlPYHiv2OP0aHPKgnLp7iwSI8geJsgqDyP1dRpA6nRlkkA1rI5A/s1600/procrastination.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigJw84Hl7RBJ98hVDNMsQ3ASIIiw1n3kXp5cfY-w_o08GV1Wbg7aeVEhF2TodJn2j_F8ECyZ4LGepnl-0JMC1CtrCgAlPYHiv2OP0aHPKgnLp7iwSI8geJsgqDyP1dRpA6nRlkkA1rI5A/s320/procrastination.gif" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: small;">I decided to write about procrastination today, because I have recently been procrastinating over “writing my book” and I am feeling really frustrated with myself and I thought that a blog about procrastination would help me work through some of my procrastination issues. I know that this is actually another ploy to procrastinate further, but as long as I am aware of that then that’s a good start in overcoming it.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">There are a million things that we all put off and they all range in level of importance. Some are big things and some might be small things, in other words some things we put off are either important or not so important. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Now often we feel guilty if we don’t achieve or at least have a go at completing these things. But why do we feel guilty? Is it because we are letting ourselves down? Or perhaps it’s because we think we are letting someone else down or could it be both reasons? Only you know the answers to those questions. So they are worth contemplating.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Often the closer something gets to the last minute is when I seem to procrastinate the most. It’s like I can’t function unless I am under pressure. Yet I tell myself that I hate putting myself under pressure. It seems like a vicious cycle and it is! So why do I do it? Why do any of us do it to ourselves?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is also a question that only you can answer, but some possible reasons for this are;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>1.</b> We are scared and we fear failure or fear success.</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>2. </b>We are punishing ourselves.</span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>3. </b>We are punishing others.</span><span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>4. </b>We fear change.</span><br />
<ol start="1" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-top: 0in;" type="1"></ol><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">So, now that you know some of the possible reasons why you put things off, what can you do about it? What can you do to overcome procrastinating habits?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">If you do something long enough it will become a habit or a pattern of behaviour, whether it is good or bad. To turn a negative pattern or habit into a positive habit or behaviour does take some serious attention and most of all <b>action</b>. Despite being challenging, it <i><b>can</b></i> be done as long as you are persistent!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Follow these steps!</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Step 1</b> – Become aware of your procrastinating habit</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Step 2</b> – Identify why you are or are not doing what you’re supposed to be doing. Is it fear of success or fear of failure? Ask who am I hurting?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Step 3</b> – Remember that action overcomes procrastination. (Do 1 small thing towards achieving your task or goal - put a time limit on it too)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Step 4</b> – Reward yourself for moving forward. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Step 5</b> - Repeat Step 3, continuously until the job is done!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I found this count down timer tool on the internet and thought that you might also find it valuable to monitor your time and help you stay on track with your tasks.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.focusboosterapp.com/download"><span style="font-size: small;">http://www.focusboosterapp.com/download</span></a><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Best of luck with overcoming procrastination and until next time! Enjoy!</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00997442349713788257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104811903646190940.post-39220389988004729692010-12-29T21:27:00.000-08:002010-12-30T01:40:14.896-08:00Goal setting for 2011<div style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Did you know that the majority of people spend more time planning a holiday than they spend setting goals for the future?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So with the eve of the New Year right upon us, what will your New Years resolution be? Have you ever set goals in the past or have you thought about setting goals for the New Year, but just didn’t know where to start?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Well maybe today is the day! As I said in my last blog <a href="http://joymakepeace.blogspot.com/2010/12/loss-or-gain.html">“why put off tomorrow, what you can do today?”</a> So let’s set some goals together!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I have always had goals and I suspect, so have you, but I bet like most people you never actually wrote them down. This is a really important aspect of goal setting and one that I will encourage you to actually do!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Now before we get started, I just wanted to point out <i><b>why</b></i> it is important to have goals. So this next point might seem a bit left field, but stick with me and see where I’m travelling with it.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">How many of you either play a sport or watch sports? Football, netball, basketball or soccer? What is the one common thing that each of these games have? That’s right, they all have goals. What would be the point of playing these games if there were no goals. You wouldn’t know who was winning or how hard you needed to keep trying to reach your goal or even exceed your goal. Therefore goals are important, they are the guide post that keep you on track and let you know how you’re going.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBiIaS2ER1LNAJjnn61g6MdJpJQcx3QqeTP0PFBMdiRYberyCZRZmRAT9gpBwmWkDa4wdpPSl9dUptrECYDTkP4-X1uxTXtSkCbJXCk2jNXqe7zy8Fe1P53ZMXfluom8k-khL5EYaKkL8/s1600/BasketballGoal_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBiIaS2ER1LNAJjnn61g6MdJpJQcx3QqeTP0PFBMdiRYberyCZRZmRAT9gpBwmWkDa4wdpPSl9dUptrECYDTkP4-X1uxTXtSkCbJXCk2jNXqe7zy8Fe1P53ZMXfluom8k-khL5EYaKkL8/s200/BasketballGoal_.jpg" width="188" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image compliments of<a href="http://www.sowingseedsoffaith.com/_borders/BasketballGoal_.jpg"> http://www.sowingseedsoffaith.com/_borders/BasketballGoal_.jpg</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Now there are many books, websites and professionals such as life coaches that are dedicated to helping you set and achieve your goals. Sometimes these can be costly, so I am going to try and keep this basic, so that you actually can put these goals into action.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">When setting goals, I think that it is important to not only have <span style="font-size: large;">big</span> goals that may take longer, but also lots of <b><span style="font-size: 10pt;">smaller</span></b> goals that help you work towards achieving the bigger goals.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Often (but not always) bigger goals take longer to achieve, so it’s good to give yourself some more time to achieve those goals. I find it easier to work from biggest back down to smallest goals. So let’s break it down into 3 goals per time frame heading. (you fill in the blanks). You will notice I am using the words “I will” which I also referred to in my <a href="http://joymakepeace.blogspot.com/2010/12/loss-or-gain.html">Gain or Loss</a> post; this is because we need to call upon your “will power” to help achieve your goals.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Before I die </b></div><ul style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal">I will</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">I will</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">I will</li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>In 20 years time</b> (I will be 58 years old)</div><ul style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal">I will</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">I will</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">I will</li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>In 10 years time</b> (I will be 48 years old)</div><ul style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal">I will</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">I will</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">I will</li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>In 5 years time</b> (I will be 43 years old)</div><ul style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal">I will</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">I will</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">I will</li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>By the end of 2011</b> (I will be 39 years old)</div><ul style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal">I will</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">I will</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">I will </li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>By the end of January 2011</b></div><ul style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal">I will</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">I will</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">I will</li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>By the end of this week</b></div><ul style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal">I will</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">I will</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">I will </li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>By the end of today</b> </div><ul style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal">I will</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">I will</li>
<li class="MsoNormal">I will</li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Now you still might be sitting there reading and thinking I still have no idea what areas of my life I want to improve. Well to help you work on this, you can approach it in two ways.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>1.</b> What areas of your life do you want to <b>improve</b> from 2010?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>2. </b> What areas of your life do you <b>currently value</b>?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">When thinking about these questions, also remember that often our lives are affected holistically. This means, that when we have a healthy mind, body and spirit, we think, feel and act so much better.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So under each time frame heading, set one goal for each area of your life (mind, body, spirit)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><i><b>For example</b></i>:</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">By the end of today</div><ul style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-top: 0in;" type="disc"><li class="MsoNormal">I will write a chapter of my book <b>= MIND</b></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">I will take the dog for a 30 minute walk <b>= BODY</b></li>
<li class="MsoNormal">I will water my garden <b>= SPIRIT</b></li>
</ul><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">How will you know if it is a mind, body or spirit goal?</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Mind goals</b> are things that make your think, get your brain working such as reading, writing, blogging, internet surfing, crosswords, card games, board games, sewing, knitting, talking with others, watching a documentary, scrap-booking, playing, listening to music, painting, singing or acting. (please beware of gaming as these sometimes deaden your mind instead of stimulate it)</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Body goals</b> are usually anything that takes physical effort and energy. Any of the above sports that I already mentioned or swimming, walking, bike riding, table tennis, boxing, golfing or playing darts are also great body goals.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Spiritual goals</b> are very wide and varied. I want you to remember that this is a very individual goal and basically anything that “makes your heart sing”. If your heart is singing then you have found your spiritual goal. So find your most favourite thing in the world to do and just do it! It’s usually something that you love doing and you loose track of time when you’re doing it. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">The last thing that I want to bring to your awareness, is that most things in this world are better shared. So share your goals with others and make yourself accountable. Think about how these goals will impact others in your life and remember that sometimes <i><b>“less is more”</b></i>.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: purple; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">So here’s to a Happy New Year and until next time! Enjoy!</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00997442349713788257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104811903646190940.post-55403850153371103252010-12-25T16:20:00.000-08:002010-12-25T16:30:21.177-08:00Loss or gain?<div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hi everyone, I trust that you all had a wonderful Christmas and hope that you are now heading towards a fantastic New Year. Today’s blog has been inspired by the fact that the New Year is just around the corner and I’m wondering what the future has in store for us all.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">This morning I was reading a book called “The best is yet ahead” and it made me start to think about all of the people who were missing family over Christmas. Some are missing family because they just didn’t get a chance to catch up; others are missing family because they have passed away. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">My question is why do we wait for Christmas to all catch up? Why do we wait until the New Year to set a new goal? Why do we wait until someone dies before we realise how much we loved them?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Now considering that we just spent yesterday giving each other presents and gifts then the following quote seems quite appropriate.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>“There’s no time like the present”</i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sometimes it takes for a loss before we recognised what we already had. It often also takes for a loss to force us to do some things that we normally wouldn’t do? </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is where the who, what, where, when, how and why questions come in? </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>WHO?</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Who have you lost or hurt over the past year? </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Who do you need to forgive?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>WHAT?</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">What have you done that you need to say sorry for?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">What has this loss forced you to do that you normally wouldn’t do? </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">What lessons have you learned from your loss? </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">What are you still putting off?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">What are you still holding on to?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">What can you “let go” of?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">What can you do now?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>WHERE?</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Where is your life headed?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>WHEN?</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">When will you say sorry to someone for the hurt that you have caused?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">When will you forgive someone for the hurt they have caused?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">When will you know that your life is in perfect order?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>HOW?</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">How many people do you have to lose before you learn life’s lessons?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">How long will it take you to learn your life lessons?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">How will you know what you need to do?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">How will you move into the New Year?</span></div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>WHY?</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Why will you make changes in your life?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Why wait until someone dies before you make those changes in your life?</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Why not now?</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>“Why put off tomorrow what you can do today?”</i></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><i> </i></b> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I’ve often wondered why someone makes a last will and testament when they die. I now realise it’s because this is what they wish they had done while they were alive. If you’re reading this blog, then that means that you are <b>alive</b>, so why not use your <b>will</b> to achieve all of these things in the New Year. Instead of putting who, what, where, when, how and why in front of those questions, turn them into an <b>action</b> and say;</span></div><blockquote style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><b>I will</b> forgive someone, <b>I will</b> say sorry, <b>I will</b> “let go” of the past, <b>I will</b> learn my life’s lessons, <b>I will</b> make changes. <b>I will </b>love myself, <b>I will </b>love others.</i></span></div></blockquote><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">As Nike says;</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_nQeMpqpgTPFoSee02InT9XjK6q4mMNLWePrPvb9ywUdZPAnFSD64lyFL1Vsad09ptiNd-gI0hp5v8g6EkLhx84HhYUM1P4grWlDGqaydmh3I30TYo4gUUm3pkz2FPpgWA_5-DzwNtuI/s1600/nike-just-do-it2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_nQeMpqpgTPFoSee02InT9XjK6q4mMNLWePrPvb9ywUdZPAnFSD64lyFL1Vsad09ptiNd-gI0hp5v8g6EkLhx84HhYUM1P4grWlDGqaydmh3I30TYo4gUUm3pkz2FPpgWA_5-DzwNtuI/s320/nike-just-do-it2.jpg" width="319" /></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Love and Peace everyone! Until next time! Enjoy!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Best-Yet-Ahead-Prophetic-Fulfillment/dp/1585020230">The best is yet ahead</a> </span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00997442349713788257noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8104811903646190940.post-79065271715040896312010-12-22T04:57:00.000-08:002010-12-22T05:11:23.993-08:00Joy's year at a glance 2010<div style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Hi Everyone,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Well as another year draws to a close I thought that I’d include you in on one of my annual traditions. At the end of every year I write down all of the things that I have done and then go over them to remind myself of what I am grateful for. This year I have drawn some conclusions and listed the lessons I’ve learned along the way. If you don't want to wade through all of the in's and out's of my year, you will find the summary at the end of this post. Enjoy :)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>January</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Continued to support Mum after her cancerous tumour was removed.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipGeVDpB7A3bWaxW7QL-fU4NTMgW_30BQGwcpBCuCD1qD5j2zp4fzUx093k7rYWQrcZnG3Ydw9MNjBmnZYZocJZF9wr9bibKJIJsAvih8T2H-taYy6E1KnZ1_OHiJngZ83vpT7jJzOyFA/s1600/16943_1260280260018_1020025712_30631336_6806100_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipGeVDpB7A3bWaxW7QL-fU4NTMgW_30BQGwcpBCuCD1qD5j2zp4fzUx093k7rYWQrcZnG3Ydw9MNjBmnZYZocJZF9wr9bibKJIJsAvih8T2H-taYy6E1KnZ1_OHiJngZ83vpT7jJzOyFA/s200/16943_1260280260018_1020025712_30631336_6806100_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Was a bridesmaid in best-friends wedding.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Attended Survival Day event at Tandanya.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>February</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Attended a challenging meeting, which ended in a positive outcome.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Had lovely lunch with an old school friend at Fasta Pasta.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>March</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Celebrated my birthday by going to the Deadly Funnies and the Nunga Funny’s. Brilliant! I highly recommend it, it was a good laugh!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Had body measurements taken in preparation for the Aboriginal Women’s Fitness Program.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgStW9XGcybmiGsmmvxlr3jWJ1Gx5lRreyo4qglLoUYVJssfSMke4bpiTMXVjTUsBH9_a8sy5bdnx1_6GyAxThM0nuxVXi-T2Njg3D1UHMZsDBpou4jne4wpcpHpu4DXx1nHn-U7AB4XAE/s1600/DSCF2227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgStW9XGcybmiGsmmvxlr3jWJ1Gx5lRreyo4qglLoUYVJssfSMke4bpiTMXVjTUsBH9_a8sy5bdnx1_6GyAxThM0nuxVXi-T2Njg3D1UHMZsDBpou4jne4wpcpHpu4DXx1nHn-U7AB4XAE/s200/DSCF2227.JPG" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jai's first day of school </td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Keith got given free tickets to go to the Clipsal 500. Thank you!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Attended Jai’s first parent teacher interview. All good!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Had a surprise afternoon tea for my Mum’s 70<sup>th</sup> birthday. Made a beautiful PowerPoint presentation for her.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>April</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Had a lovely quiet Easter with family.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Had a week of relaxing annual leave.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Started first lot of x2/week gym sessions for Aboriginal Women’s Fitness Program.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Went to sister-in-laws 40<sup>th</sup> birthday. Nice!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>May</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Went to Sydney to the “Happiness Conference”. Brilliant and inspiring! Caught up with my nieces' and sister while in Sydney. All beautiful women!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9fiACaie7q3g8nNVA4OftwTIxdeGi_vYPIsulJy7SF2qijZJ8nCy7UQ1flGcyLzdX90GH-CFA4OwGEFbUzSisooKMNw2XSEoFWfIRFWFW3P5dwLHZBLbJgcw4y5vQJvIEMQGSxMfoN5A/s1600/DSCF2498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9fiACaie7q3g8nNVA4OftwTIxdeGi_vYPIsulJy7SF2qijZJ8nCy7UQ1flGcyLzdX90GH-CFA4OwGEFbUzSisooKMNw2XSEoFWfIRFWFW3P5dwLHZBLbJgcw4y5vQJvIEMQGSxMfoN5A/s200/DSCF2498.JPG" width="150" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Had lovely home cooked laksa at girlfriends’ house.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Went to the “Sorry Day” event in Adelaide.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>June</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Had a 4<sup>th</sup> birthday party for Violet at Tin Lids Play Café. Great!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Attended Aboriginal Student Pathways Conference at UniSA.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Attended Aboriginal Power Cup (nearly had a melt-down, due to technical difficulties)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Took caravan away to Goolwa for a little family holiday with the kids.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>July </b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Went to nieces’ 21<sup>st</sup> birthday party!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Attended Lord Mayor’s Morning Tea and the 2010 NAIDOC (National Aboriginal and Islander Day of Celebration) Awards and Flag Raising Ceremony. Celebrated in UniSA Engineering student’s award presentation.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Attended NAIDOC March to Parade Grounds. Followed up with family fun day.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Had a High School Reunion with class of 1989 Elizabeth High School Friends. Fantastic night!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Attended the NAIDOC Ball at Adelaide Festival Theatre.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Entered 6 photographs in the “Our Metro Mob” exhibition as part of the SALA Festival.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Went to see Darryl Braithwaite in concert at the Highlander. Brilliant night had by all!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Went my Bosses 60<sup>th</sup> birthday lunch at The Lakes Resort. The loveliest meal with friends ever.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Went on the radio “Nunga Wanga” to promote “Our Metro Mob” exhibition. My kids were at home wondering why Mummy wasn’t answering them back when they yelled at the radio.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Went to a meditation / yoga class at Mawson Lakes.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Took Mum and Keith to the launch of “Our Metro Mob” exhibition at Tandanya. Was joined by a few faithful friends, which I was very grateful for.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>August</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>More yoga!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Started the Corporate Cup for (12 week) with work colleagues – 4.5km walk around the River Torrens.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Became involved in a very rewarding Community Service Learning Project through work called the “Learning by Walking Together” Project. 6 Aboriginal students and mentors working together to develop a tourism brochure and tour for Kaurna Park (a local revegetated wetlands area). The most rewarding activity that I did all year. It was full of ups and downs. I was stretched beyond my comfort zone and I learnt so much from this whole experience.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Participated in an artist talk at Tandanya talking about “Our Metro Mob” exhibition. Very challenging, especially getting used to being classified as an “Artist”.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Joined Jai’s schools Aboriginal parent support group. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Attended my nephews’ 18<sup>th</sup> fancy dress “Country and Western” birthday party. Fun was had by all. Great band and highly recommend “City Cowboy’s”.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Entered 2 pieces in another art exhibition – Gawler Community Art Gallery. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>September</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7UTDeRCiqZ3H67o7Eph1LI9FQf9cYhVtP4qtrkjJcY9iJCa9gRVGjzOomkR8054ZIaRZiKSpCZX8RsovxRgtVa9KbrkjUgk6YqUynMeNrHT7FquOKeTIxsqr7_61F4Wb5mAfR3aDbSJU/s1600/P9050106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7UTDeRCiqZ3H67o7Eph1LI9FQf9cYhVtP4qtrkjJcY9iJCa9gRVGjzOomkR8054ZIaRZiKSpCZX8RsovxRgtVa9KbrkjUgk6YqUynMeNrHT7FquOKeTIxsqr7_61F4Wb5mAfR3aDbSJU/s200/P9050106.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jordan and Jai at the Show</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Took the boys to the Royal Adelaide Show.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Attended my first and last “Zumba” class. Great fun, but decided I need a whole lot more stamina and co-ordination for that one. Too much like hard work. Lol!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Started community engagement work with a local Aboriginal Community Arts and Craft Centre in Salisbury – Marra Dreaming. This is a fantastic place that is just full of lovely people from all walks of life. They are extremely welcoming and dedicated people and they need as many volunteers as possible. Especially in the grant writing area, if anyone is interested. I can guarantee you get back so much more than you put in with these beautiful people!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Travelled with one of my sistagirls to Canberra to meet an inspirational Aboriginal woman “Anita Heiss” at AIATSIS (Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies). Got the fire in my belly to really get stuck into finishing off my book “Finding the joy within”. Thank you Anita! I am forever grateful to you!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>While in Canberra (before the meeting) caught up with my beautiful friend from High School days, during a trying time in her journey. Thank the Lord for the timing of that trip!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>AFL Grand-final – Went to sister-in-laws for this big day. It was between St Kilda and Collingwood! Only to end in a DRAW! Voiceless and frustrated we all went home for it to be continued the following weekend.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Another week of annual leave – got busy with researching and writing my book. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>October</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Jai’s 6<sup>th</sup> birthday – Small party at my Mum’s, went to St. Kilda playground and another small party at sister-in-laws.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Went to Murray Bridge Aboriginal Football and Netball carnival - Whoop there it is! Raukkan won! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW-Kx3M8y41IkAZkRXiPp9_I_HBayQvXF4LGs3dMqWcojMPYn_Ei3_EgiSqTG17ykM8fhu520ByUdEt5ENNLbs7JRXJbdjgGTfkVqcvUW806ZvEQDEsXFb8Ecrg4aj5J6dEk1I0d7LdOs/s1600/PA240073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW-Kx3M8y41IkAZkRXiPp9_I_HBayQvXF4LGs3dMqWcojMPYn_Ei3_EgiSqTG17ykM8fhu520ByUdEt5ENNLbs7JRXJbdjgGTfkVqcvUW806ZvEQDEsXFb8Ecrg4aj5J6dEk1I0d7LdOs/s200/PA240073.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stall at Tandanya Art Fair 2010</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Had a stall at the Tandanya Arts Fair. Fun was had by all! What a great way to spend a weekend! Catching up with family and friends. Made a few new friends too! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Went to the Desert Country Art Exhibition Launch (SA Art Museum). Awe inspiring art! Beyond words!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>November</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Kids’ friends’ birthday parties all weekend – Oh Joy!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>4 days of pure bliss! Travelled to Queensland with 2 of my girlfriends and stayed on the Gold Coast in the most beautiful apartment (Magic Mountain) Highly recommend. I am sooooooo grateful for the opportunity to join these lovely ladies. A brilliant weekend was had by all!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Caught up with my beautiful niece and spent a day of quality time together. Can’t get better than that! I was reminded of what a beautiful country we live in while on my weekend get-away. Sun, sand, sea and lots of love and laughs! Thank you everyone!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Took kids to free Playford Alive Fete! Great event for the whole family!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Decided to try and get rid of a long term wart from one of my little toes. Went to podiatrist at Muna Paiendi. Had a trial of new treatment, which involved numbing my toe and then stabbing it relentlessly until it started to bleed profusely. Yukkkkkk! But guess what – hey presto! Nearly 12 weeks later it’s just about gone. Yeah!!!! Sure was worth the small amount of pain!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Took kids to the local Christmas Pageant! They loved it and it was all that much better sitting there in the soaking rain! If you haven’t guessed it already – I love the rain too!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>December</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>My family and I (Aunty, Uncle, Nana and Dad) all went to the kids Christmas Concert! Fun fun fun! All these little kids are soooo innocent and cute! I wish that they could stay that way. On this day, I was also strongly reminded to be grateful for my healthy kids! Sometimes we all need this hey!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Found out some really sad news, nearly a year to the day from last year. Despite Mum’s year of chemotherapy, another tumour needs to be removed in the New Year. On the bright side, I have been able to spend another year with my Mum and I am beyond words grateful for that! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Went to a Christmas dinner dance at Central Districts footy club and watched an 80’s band called “Fever”. Lots of fun was had by all! </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>This month I was let down in a big way! I had been hoping, praying, affirming and believing that I would have been on/at the Oprah show in Sydney. This wasn’t to be and I was devastated! I am still reviewing what went wrong with my plans, but I think it’s time to “let it go” and I know that there are bigger and better things awaiting me. I did go for a lovely walk around the lake that day to try and make myself feel better. Not quite the same impact! Lol!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Spent the most beautiful day with a few of my special work friends. We shared a beautiful meal together followed by sharing our positive thoughts and comments about each other. A few tears were shed by all, men and women alike. I thank the Lord for my fantastic and faithful ISS (Indigenous Student Services) Team. Love you all!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Went to my works Christmas lunch! Had a beautiful meal at the Bombay Bicycle Club. Then went out on the town to celebrate a year well spent! Spent the next day remembering, why I hardly ever drink! Final lesson for the year!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Went to watch someone get given a surprise car for an early Christmas present! What a beautiful act of kindness, organised by the most giving person I know! I am so grateful to have been witness to such a loving moment!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Well the years not quite complete, but so far it has well and truly out done all of my expectations! I have learnt so much, which I will now try to briefly share.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Joy's 2010 Lessons in a nutshell </b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #674ea7; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> <i><b><span style="color: #a64d79;"> </span></b></i></span><i><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Forgiveness is the key to healing.</span></b></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><i><b><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>A life full of friends is like a garden full of flowers.</span></b></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><i><b><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Laugh and the world laughs with you, cry and the world cries with you.</span></b></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><i><b><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Be happy with who you are!</span></b></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><i><b><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span> Be grateful every day!</span></b></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><i><b><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Home is where the heart is!</span></b></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><i><b><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Live in the present moment!</span></b></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><i><b><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Children are our future, so let’s invest our time in them!</span></b></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><i><b><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>You gotta be in it to win it!</span></b></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><i><b><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Stretch yourself regularly! (Mind, body and spirit)</span></b></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><i><b><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Do something you love and you’ll never work another day in your life!</span></b></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><i><b><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Culture cures!</span></b></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><i><b><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Work, rest and play makes for a happy Mummy.</span></b></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><i><b><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Happy Mum equals Happy family!</span></b></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><i><b><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Live life to its fullest!</span></b></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><i><b><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Never ever give-up!</span></b></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><i><b><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Dance with abandonment!</span></b></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><i><b><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Instead of worrying about what you don’t have, appreciate what you do have.</span></b></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><i><b><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>There’s a reason for everything</span></b></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><i><b><span style="font-size: small;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Giving is so much better than receiving</span></b></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; margin-left: 0.5in; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">I hope you have enjoyed this year as much as I have.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #674ea7;">Until next time :) Joy</span></span><i><b><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></b></i></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00997442349713788257noreply@blogger.com7