Sunbird

This ^ was so encouraging to see. A study we signed up for, for a different cause (supporting data for research into allergies and illnesses in babies/children), has also contributed to data for the above.

Be a better person.

When I reflect to moments where I've truly forgiven myself and not even had to evaluate my options, these are the times when I've been most content with the world. Strangely, these are times when I've been doing somewhat mundane things, but felt unusually fulfilled: gardening, cooking, tidying up, helping others with their tasks, organising events, finishing life admin tasks. Moments when I've seen something small and said 'get up and do it now!' to myself. Although I could procrastinate them any other day, in many moments once I'd begun these tasks, it was the ability to complete something and see the difference, but also having no expectation of a final product, that helped me to feel there was no right way in that task. Making a slight difference was all that mattered, and that was a given.

Entitled 'Confused Cats'. I've just started getting my draw on again having never really felt like I can draw. So now I've been working through various pages of a how to draw book and copying what they've composed. So far all my cats look confused and my panda looks drunk. But..working on it 😎

What would you drive? What would your motto be? Most of our schools are hand-me-downs; they come with traditions and a culture that has been built over generations. Unlike a business that could swiftly change tack, changing name, marketing schemes and what they offer, schools have so much already set in the handover process. But on the rare opportunity that you could change what you wanted, what would it be? How and why? I've been thinking about what my motto would be for a school. It might be much the same as others, but I settled on 'above and beyond'. Not simply to direct focus on achievement, but to encourage people to think beyond the normal, be creative, take risks, find the thing that's missing and offer something new. I would want people to start thinking about not just what is expected, but what else? Not just 'have I ticked the boxes'. Where there is no standard, what can I start, what can I inspire. People I respect go above and beyond. They don't do it to achieve more for themselves, but they do it from the heart, for others, because they can or because they see a need.

This morning I caught the train to work. This is not a regular thing for me so I don't know if this is standard service, but the woman at the station who announces trains, had put rugs out on the benches and had music playing from a small stereo. 2 little thoughtful touches that made the wait enjoyable. I love these efforts by people.

Well why do I ask? Because I saw on media watch that they are starting to explore algorithms that can write emails, poems and news reports. So what if maybe those boring tasks could be done for us in future, and the cleaning etc too by robots or other mechanisms? Where would 'normal’ jobs lead and what would we motivate ourselves to do then? Perhaps the creative industries will become more competitive as there will be a new wave of leisure time increase, or maybe something else…

I’m releasing myself this month, as a drifter, no longer a linear-task worker.

Often I wonder whether travel for the sake of travel is selfish. I have often wanted to get up and out and randomly choose a place to explore, but then I dilemma over what theme I should travel with or who I would go with or when is a good time to take time off work. I'd much rather be cut and dry from work and normal life so that there wasn't something that was drawing me back and I could be fully immersed in the experience of travel, letting it drift you about in different directions as the opportunities arose. Today, while doing the dishes, it clicked to me that a key benefit of travel is the information that it can provide OTHER people. By accessing places that others can't, you are helping others to live vicariously. By telling stories of real first hand experiences, you are informing people of truth and educating them about reality. By informing yourself, you are acknowledging that there are other ways of living, new things to learn and discover, and things that you can appreciate that you never would've dreamt up yourself. This kind of goes for working with other people too. But it helped me to justify travel as a non-selfish thing, and feel permitted to venture in future. It also taught me the benefit of washing dishes ;p

i’ve really enjoyed the books by this author Christopher Lloyd, in helping me to gauge history and the many dimensions it has. 

I've been in my job now for 5 years. 7 years in the overall career. In my practice years, others in my profession said it took 3 years to settle in most jobs. I experienced that at my first school where I felt I had a family of staff after 2 years and could start teasing other staff in a light hearted way, knowing how they would react. I could follow through with ideas, discussions and lead small groups of people who were older than me. In my second job, it's taken 5 years to get to that point. At first I was surprised with how long the initial stage was getting to know all the processes and people. Because a larger number of staff had been secure in their position, it meant there was a different kind of expectation and it was harder to blend in or make changes, have different views. It was less flexible. But over those 5 years, the things that have helped to change that initial uneasiness, are: - a steady group of staff in my department (who are open minded and fun) - a change of leadership - alliances; having experiences where staff have supported each other - knowing the whole student cohort! - age! A lot of these factors really couldn't have been any different over time, but I find it interesting that they have affected my perception and comfort in the work place. I wonder if this is the same for other occupations.

This week I met an Indigenous man who explained his view of the challenge of reconciliation. He was not concerned with views of the past or sharing of cultures as much as the connection to 'country' that can be achieved through taking time to appreciate the environment and effectively sensing its rhythm, respecting its state, and matching its mood. We need to be welcomed by the land. We need it to accept us, not the other way. He distinguished 'black fella' and 'white fella' as those who do or don't have a connection with country. By this definition, a lot was made clear and I felt immediate belonging.

that once were hid inside of you.

In practical response to a post my be just sent me, I'd like to identify some reasons why it's beneficial to arrive on time to meetings, events, functions. In no prioritised order: The initial post was... http://blog.firebrandtalent.com/2011/07/no-you-are-not-running-late-you-are-rude-and-selfish/ 1. Good karma 2. You don't miss out on show bags/raffle tickets 3. You catch the hosts when they are bubbliest 4. You are able to see each of the guests as they arrive to learn names, and gather context 5. First dibs on seating 6. You don't miss out on any of the incidents at the event! 7. You can offer to help prepare or speak with the host, giving you something to do and hence being the least awkward at the function 8. You have the answers to questions like where is the toilet?! 9. You have plenty of time to relax throughout 10. You will sleep well knowing you're a good person 😜

Diminish stress:😀 Be bothered, stay busy, be organised and beat deadlines. This will require a better preparedness and greater proactivity to get started early on the things that need to be done. No waiting or procrastinating. Allow time for fun, family, friends and home time. Do fun things with k and family. Have simple, set meals and limit coffee and sugar to help stay focussed. Be confident and give time for appearance and other such things that will lessen the contribution of low self esteem or stress. Commute and exercise in mornings to feel content and alert for the rest of the day. Gym, bike, walk/run, swim, apps, futsal practice. Believe in identity:😇💃 Take enough time to match the look to the person. In social situations, speak up and be brave - but at the right times. Be kind, honest and considerate to all, no matter what they are like. Find positive things to talk about, and listen well to others. Ask people about their lives. Learn from them. There is something to learn from everyone. Be unconcerned with who you should be, or nuances that you want to improve. You are a dynamic being - the experiences others have of you, defines your identity in their view. It is only you who have a constant perception of what your identity is. Do what you do well:👏 Develop what you love and have already found passion and success in. Studying using itunesu, podcasts, YouTube, coursera, will help to be inspired, informed, and sense new paths to explore. Finding flow in these and giving time to strengths rather than moving against the grain for too long, will help to create a positive lifestyle and outlook. Coaching, writing, futsal, learning and sharing or speaking, these are the things that Will be enjoyable to develop.