"A Road Not Taken"

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both

And be one traveler, long I stood

And looked down one as far as I could

To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,

And having perhaps the better claim,

Because it was grassy and wanted wear;

Though as for that the passing there

Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay

In leaves no step had trodden black.

Oh, I kept the first for another day!

Yet knowing how way leads on to way,

I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood,

and I—I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

By ~ Robert Frost

What road will you take when it comes time to make a change in your life. Are you ready to let go of the safety rails and jump?

Habits

Habit dulls your senses.

As comforting as your routines may be, change them sometimes. Leave your comfort zone behind. Sleep on the other side of the bed. Use your other hand to brush your teeth. Go out mid-week or to places you have never been. Learn a new skill or try a new sport.

Invite friends to picnic in the park at sunset or gather at the beach early morning. Do whatever wakes you up.

Let the leader follow and the follower lead.

Your moods

Your moods and emotions affect everyone around you, regardless of how powerless you feel.

Take total responsibility for the emotional atmosphere you are creating.

Behave cheerfully and courteously.

Your feelings will follow.

It's March Already!

We are well into March already, and I would love to ask you how you are going with your new years resolutions? Still on track?

Perhaps this week you could take some time out to re assess your plans for 2009. Is what you decided on at the end of 2008 for the New Year still relevant? Is it something that you really wanted or something that you thought you should be doing? Perhaps that is why nothing is happening!

Whilst reassessing your plan, don’t forget to add some time for your self. Block some short 30 minute slots in your day to go for a walk or run, do some drawing, some writing, listen to some music you love or take the time for meditating. Make it the same time each day, when you can just be you and re-energize self. I bet after doing this, you will have more to give to others.


Yes, there are many things that need to get done, but in this moment I have to do nothing.
—Oprah Winfrey

In loving memory of Nick

Thursday 27th saw the passing of a dear soul who felt he could no longer stay on this earth. Nick had struggled and faced many demons since he was around 10 years old and for 10 years he has lived a life that was right for him, and the path he needed to travel.
He will be remembered for his cheeky smile, overflowing amount of energy, charisma, can-do attitude, and his great guitar playing, and music writing.
It is with sadness for everyone who had met Nick, that his beautiful bright light has gone out on this earth plane. I feel that he is at peace in a much greater place on the “other side” where he is happy.
His amazing parents acknowledged that they had Nick for 10 years longer than what they thought they would, and are very grateful for that. Their sobering and beautiful acceptance has allowed us to all cope with this loss a little easier. Their perspective on this tragic loss is one of gratitude and love.

May we all be more aware of our loved ones around us and not take them for granted, and not let them leave the house in the morning without saying goodbye and to make peace with them if needed. Hug your children and tell them you love them, and do it as many times as you can. They are a gift from God and are to be cherished – no matter what. Be grateful for your loved ones every day and image if you dare, what your life would be with them gone! Do you need to change your perspective towards someone you love?

Now send them a message, a blessing and hug them as often.


We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.
—Winston Churchill

Giving

The resent bushfires in Victoria and the severe floods effecting Queensland have brought into focus again, the huge generosity of complete strangers throughout Australia and overseas. Huge amounts of money given and donations of food, accommodation, blood, clothing, animal supplies, the services of CFA and other emergency response teams, plus the support from the authorities and the public have been very heart warming.

It has highlighted the great Aussie spirit of pulling up your sleeves and just doing what needs to be done and proving that mate ship is still so very much alive. From high profile people, to young children giving coins from their piggy bank, farming families who are suffering great hardships themselves to the average person, have all been touched and so many have given something. Being able to give is a wonderful and important human act for everyone involved and being able to give is as important as it is to receive.

These natural disasters highlight that we are all human and that tragedy can strike at any time, to any one of us and that the life we know is never a 100% guarantee. Take the time to give to others when you can, without expecting anything in return, or even without anyone knowing. Be it a gold coin to a charity, time spent on a community project, support for a fellow worker, kind words to a neighbor or if you see some one who has lost their smile ~ give them one of yours.

Please take a minute’s silence

This week Victoria, Australia has experienced its worst natural disaster in the country’s history. The enormous bush fire which ravaged our land took not only homes and people’s livelihoods, but claimed over 180 lives with many more missing, expected dead.
How insignificant the economic woes of the world become when one considers the tragedy that's unfolding so close to home. You would be hard pressed to find anyone anywhere in the country complaining about their own financial loss or employment security. It is a time when reality hits hard and we realize what is truly important. It is a time to be grateful for what we have and to acknowledge each day and accept it as a blessing. As we look on at this devastation, it is heart warming to see the tireless fire fighters and volunteers who so selfishly avail themselves to help others.
With Valentines Day on Saturday, be grateful for what you have and for the ones around you and your community, people who are there for you in times of crisis, small or large! Start by loving yourself and allow others to love you. Be aware that this tragedy has allowed you to feel your heart chakra open and remember to live your life with kindness, to yourself first and to then everyone and everything that comes into your life.