Where in the world have you been?

 

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. 

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.

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 Change of Art, Mind and Body.

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.   

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.
  

 

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.   

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.  

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.  

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.

And ultimately "Do what makes you happy!"

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.

Rain and Thunder storm Relaxation. Relax mind + body meditate to the rai...

Good Evening Everyone,

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

I _______________, forgive you __________________ for ___________________. 

I wish you had done ________________________, but you didn't and I now set you free.  (Source:  Louise Hay)

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. 

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.

Until next time.  Stay deadly!

What a relief to release

Have you ever been on a roller coaster ride and been hanging on for grim death?

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? 

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

The minute you realize what a relief it is to release, you will no longer feel the need to continually collect, possess and obsess.   

So give yourself a gift and release what you no longer need in your life and set yourself free. 

If you need help to move forward in your life drop by  Change of Art, Mind and Body today, were there's "Healing for every body".

Until next time, stay deadly!  :)

Getting back on the horse!

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

To find out what I've been doing lately check this out  Change of Art, Mind and Body 

Stay deadly!  

In memory of my beautiful mum ~ Audrey Orwin

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.  

~ Eulogy ~

Audrey Orwin was born in 1940 in Maidstone, Kent, England to parents  Phillis & Herbert Collison.

Audrey was the 2^nd eldest of 5 children.  Ken, Maureen, Rosemary and Jean.

Audrey was the proud, loving and devoted mother of 4 children, Katherine (Kate), Fenwick, Robert and Joy. 

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. 

Audrey has 3 great-grandchildren whom she loved very dearly Lily-Rose, Billy and Ruby.

Audrey also always remembered & loved her interstate grandchildren especially on every birthday Alicia, Benjamin, Damien and Sarah and Aiden.

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.

Audrey was the loving wife of Cecil and is now finally back in the arms of her life partner and best beloved, forever together.

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. 

Audrey’s long time friends Janice and Bert, Annette and Vicki and Natasha, we know will miss Audrey immensely.

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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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. 

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!

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.  

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. 

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!

~ Some of mum's favourite songs ~

Mario Lanza ~ Ava Maria

Nat King Cole ~ Unforgettable

Seekers ~ I'll never find another you

Love you Mum forever more. Travel well!  


Until we meet again.  xoxo

Southerly Journal articles

A handful of Aboriginal authors, including myself have recently been published in the Southerly Journal.  Check out this fantastic edition at  http://southerlyjournal.com.au/2012/01/15/a-handful-of-sand-words-to-the-frontline/ .  The two articles that I have written are about Reflecting on Addictions and Learned Helplessness; Australia's Black History. 

Until next time.  Enjoy!  :)

Joy's 2011 Life Lessons in a Nutshell

Joy's 2011 Life Lessons in a Nutshell!

Everyone is given a second chance!

Everyone needs a good girlfriend!

No matter what, never ever quit!

Good things come to those who wait!

Art heals the heart!

Follow your dreams!

Laughter is the best medicine!

Always have a team spirit!

Give yourself permission for regular time-out!

Life is one big circle (Life-death-life)

Never miss the opportunity to catch up with family before it's too late!

Practice what you preach!

Life goes on!

Patience is a virtue!

There's always hope!

Art is in the eye of the beholder!

Let go of the past to heal the future!

Drugs and alcohol don't fool your problems, they only fuel them!

Culture heals!

Overcome your fears and do it anyway!

Disappointments are your choice!

Our bodies are the vehicles for our souls, so keep them well tuned!

Feed your soul regularly!

No excuses!

Time flys when you're having fun!

Hard work always gets noticed and rewarded!

To have a few close friends is better than a room full of strangers!

Quality time counts!

Give without expecting a return!

Love unconditionally!

Karma is inevitable!

Everyone needs to know where they come from!

The apple doesn't fall far from the tree!

Write straight from the heart!

Every cloud has a silver lining!

It's never as bad as you expect!

Don't make mountains out of mole hills!

Dreams really do come true!

God hears every prayer!

With every fall we must rise!

Giving is better than receiving!

Do something with the spiritual gifts you have been given.

What you do now sets the foundations for the future!

You will always reap what you sow!

Alcohol doesn't make a party... you do!

Never rely on other's to complete you!

There's always an option and choice!

There's always plenty of opportunity to learn!

If you don't succeed the first time, try, try and try again!

The seeds of self-confidence are planted by parents!

Money doesn't buy love or happiness!

Memories are made every minute ~ remember that!

Nothing can not be overcome once you make a decision!

Listen to life's whispers!

Life is too short!

Appreciate what you do have not what you don't have!

Everyone has a purpose in life!  What's yours?

Our bodies know how to heal themselves, they just need the right ingredients!

Big is not always best!

Gratitude is the attitude!

Disappointment makes victory all that much better!

So until the new year,  Joy!  :)

Quick look at Joy's Life during 2011

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)

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 Joy's life in a nutshell 2011. Enjoy  :)

January 2011

Mum had 2nd cancerous tumour removed.
Out with the girls for Karaoke.  Good night had by all!
Submitted my manuscript "Finding the joy within" for the Stanner Award with AIATSIS (Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies).

February 2011

Had a reflexology with my favorite friend Marilyn from Happy Feet Reflexology at Mawson Lakes.
Continued working with Marra Dreaming (Board of Management meeting).
Gave a speech at SA Link-Up to commemorate the 3rd Anniversary of National Apology Checkout my blog post 
Out with the Marra Dreaming girls, birthday dinner night!

Attended the 3rd Spirit Festival at Rymill Park - Adelaide.  My son Jordan sold his first ever dot painting.  Proud moment!

Did a reading from "Finding the joy within" at the Writer's Tent!

March 2011

Went to "Sista Act" play - Brilliant!  (My small b'day celebration)

Went to the Nunga Funnies at Tandanya, great turnout (again) lol!

Went to the Deadly Funnies at Tandanya.  Was OK!

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!

Marra Dreaming mob at Clipsal 500

Went to Blak Nite 2011  (Hip-Hop) event for the young ones!  Adelaide's got some great talent 4 sure!

Started my long service leave so that I could spend some quality time with my mum!  Took 11 weeks - was worth every minute!
Mum and I watched my 14 yo son Jordan compete at his Eudunda Area School Sports Day!
April 2011

Mum started intravenous chemotherapy.
Jai started soccer training  and games for Andrews Farm Soccer Club!
I had a pampering beauty session at Elizabeth TAFE!  Ahhhh!
School holidays! Fun, Fun, Fun!
My little niece was born!
Lunch with my work team mates!  Even though on LS Leave I couldn't resist a catch-up!
Quiet Easter at home!
Had a devastating phone call that my brother that I was yet to meet had passed away!
May 2011

Lodged my manuscript for the Queensland (QLD) Literary Awards!
Went to a "Red Faces" funny night out with the girls!  Laughs all round!
Mothers Day - well that was an interesting lesson!
My 3 beautiful nieces and my great niece and nephew came down from QLD for a week to visit my Mum!
Keiths birthday - came and went.
Lovely lunch with a girlfriend at the "Watershed" in Salisbury!  Lovely feed and friendship and lots of unexpected laughs!
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!
Undertook a exciting project at Marra Dreaming that is yet to be unveiled!
Massage for me!  Ahhh!
Speech at Tarndarnyanga - Adelaide for National Sorry Day speech.  Check out my blog post!

"Inner Scents"

Lodged my "Inner Scents" piece of art at the Tea Tree Gully Exhibition as part of Reconcilliation Week!

June 2011
Had Violets 5th birthday party!
Back to work!  Hi ho, hi ho it's off to work I go!
Violet started school!  Oh my last little baby is growing up.  ;(
Washing machine decided to take a long term break!  Ouch said the bank account!
Went to Coffs Harbour for my brothers Memorial Service!  Thank you SA Link-Up.
Attended the "2011 Alcohol and Tobacco and other drugs Aboriginal Workers Conference" at Barossa Novatel.  Very informative conference!

July 2011
Attended Lord Mayor’s Morning Tea and the 2011 NAIDOC (National Aboriginal and Islander Day of Celebration) Awards and Flag Raising Ceremony.  
Attended Statewide women's health Aboriginal womens meeting with "Bilawara Lee".  Fantastic!
Violet graduated from Kindergarten!  Yehhh!
Attended the NAIDOC Ball this year with Keith (shock / horror) at Adelaide Festival Theatre.  Great entertainment and night!
School holidays yet again!  
Mum moved to my brothers!
“Our Metro Mob” exhibition was cancelled this year!  :(  My big project, still on the boil for another day!

August 2011

Started walking in the "Corporate Cup" again, once a fortnight for 12 weeks!  4.5km around the River Torrens!  Relaxing and healthy!
Attended UniSA Open Day!
Started attending Aboriginal Women's Leadership workshops through Relationships Australia!  Very helpful and insightful!
September 2011

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!
Been a year since started going to Marra Dreaming.  Wow how time flys!
Mum came with us when we went to Jai's Andrews Farm Soccer Club and trophy presentation day!
October 2011

Jai’s 7^th 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!

Keith and kids - Goolwa Holiday

Keith and I took the 3 kids away to Goolwa for a little holiday!  
Helped mum through a rough patch and helped her move into a Nursing Home!
Jai met his big brother Gordy for the 1st time!
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!
Submitted my manuscript "Finding the joy within" to the South Australian Wakefield Press Unpublished manuscript award!  (Still eagerly awaiting results).
Went to Semaphore beach with the family and Gordy and Lorelle!
November 2011

Attended Nunga's Writers Group meeting for the first time!
Attended funeral!

Soon to be in our naughty 40's

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!

Me, Jazz and Lowitja!

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.

Mum's in hospital again.  :(
Attended Kaurna Plains 25th Anniversary celebrations!
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!
Attended my neighbours daughters 18th (alcohol free) Bday party!  Very different and fun experience, nice fun filled night!
Attended a family funeral.  :(  Sad sad day!
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!
Exhibited my "Inner Scents" painting again and this time it sold.  :)  Happy much!  lol!
Attended Violet's Reading Superstar Assembly with Mum!  What a proud moment for us all!
December 2011

Big Boy "Oliver"~ RIP

Lost our Big Boy Oliver our cat!  Most devastating day of the year!  I cried for a week!  

Took Jai to the Zoo with his Dad, Big brother, Lorelle and 2 of his new found little cousins. 

Woke up with THE WORST EVER back pain in my entire life!

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!  

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 in the long run (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!

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! 

Mum in hospital again  :(
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.  
Went to a small Christmas Carols event held at Marra Dreaming, organised by my close friend Mary Graham.  Lovely night with lovely company! 

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.

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!
Well that was the year that was, many lessons learned!  Check out Joy's 2011 Lesson in a Nutshell for my shortened version of insights!
Until next time  :)  Joy 

What's your goals for 2012?

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".

Did you know that the majority of people spend more time planning a holiday than they spend setting goals for the future?

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?

Well maybe today is the day!  As I said in my last blog “why put off tomorrow, what you can do today?”  So let’s set some goals together!

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!

Now before we get started, I just wanted to point out why 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.

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.

What's your goals for 2012?

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.

When setting goals, I think that it is important to not only have big goals that may take longer, but also lots of smaller goals that help you work towards achieving the bigger goals.

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 Gain or Loss post; this is because we need to call upon your “will power” to help achieve your goals.

Before I die

• I will
• I will
• I will

In 20 years time (I will be 60 years old)

• I will
• I will
• I will

In 10 years time (I will be 50 years old)

• I will
• I will
• I will

In 5 years time  (I will be 45 years old)

• I will
• I will
• I will

By the end of 2012 (I will be 40  years old)

• I will
• I will
• I will

By the end of January 2012

• I will
• I will
• I will

By the end of this week

• I will
• I will
• I will

By the end of today

• I will
• I will
• I will

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.

1.         What areas of your life do you want to improve from 2011?

2.         What areas of your life do you currently value?

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.

So under each time frame heading, set one goal for each area of your life (mind, body, spirit)

For example:

By the end of today

• I will read a chapter of a book = MIND
• I will do 30 minutes of stretching exercises = BODY
• I will spend 10 minutes in quiet meditation = SPIRIT

How will you know if it is a mind, body or spirit goal?

Mind goals 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)

Body goals 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.

Spiritual goals 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. 

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 “less is more”.

So here’s to a prosperous and Happy New Year so until next time!  Enjoy!