Art 4 Inspiration

What the 2010 FIFA World Cup can Teach Us

noreply@blogger.com (Bronwen) — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 05:30:00 +0000

As the FIFA World Cup has been dominating not only my television but the focus of most of the population, I have realised that there are some lessons from the group rounds in South Africa, that we can apply to our lives.

Event 1: Italy did not win a single game and are out
Lesson: You can be on top of your game (they were champions 4 years ago), yet if you play with fear and confusion, depending on cheating to win - you will lose. Italy have a lot of talented players yet still no team as their mindset is one of ego and self-importance. True championship winning teams work with an attitude of cooperation and collaboration, not worrying about who scores or gets the credit for the success. Their priority is using their strengths and potential to ensure victory, each playing their part in the team so that the team triumphs.

Event 2: New Zealand did not lose a single game and are out
Lesson: When you display determination and a fighting spirit, when you give it your all and not give up, you will be seen as a hero to those who witnessed your efforts. This is regardless of the outcome. The strength of character that the New Zealand players showed in the face of stronger adversities, can only take them on to a bigger and brighter future. They went to South Africa as underdogs, took on the challenge with a great sense of self-belief and a vision of success and will be going home heroes.

Event 3: The USA topped their group over the football giants England
Lesson: It was assumed that the American team were going to have to fight for second position in their group behind the might and talent of the English team. However, the USA were working with the strong belief, that they made public, that they could beat any team in the competition. The USA paired this positive thinking with high quality preparation and intelligent use of the talent on the team. By creating a culture of self belief and success before the tournament, the Americans were able to progress through the challenges they faced and scale great heights to shine.

Event 4: France come bottom in their group
Lesson: Conceit, arrogance and blatant displays of disrespect coupled with a blame mentality saw the French "team" self-destruct. The French blamed their results on everything from the ball, the refereeing, to the weather. The only thing they could agree on was that they were not at fault. This victim mentality, if left to fester usually spirals downwards to failure. Yet it can be taken as a warning that a change is required. If you find yourself blaming external circumstances, you might need to look at how you can respond, what actions can you take to help you reach your goals and make a positive difference to your life situation.

Event 5: Australia let a bad start ruin their chances to qualify
Lesson: While a poor start can lower the odds of your future success, moving forward depends a lot on the attitude you take with you. Australia have the talent to take on the Germans, what they lacked was the self-belief. Australia did not believe they could beat the Germans and they proved themselves right. Even when you are losing, if you take on an attitude of defeat instead of fighting on, it will be your future downfall. You need to notice the signs of self-doubt and take immediate action to overcome it. Look for evidence that supports and builds on the positive rather than the negative and see the difference it can make.

So as the World Cup frenzy continues to take over the globe, it will be fun and interesting to watch for more lessons we can learn.

Having a Purpose in Life

noreply@blogger.com (Bronwen) — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 01:14:00 +0000

When you discover your personal purpose in life, you will have more clarity, direction and passion. It makes decision making a simpler process as well as acting like a compass on your journey through life.

While it may not easy to just state your life's purpose with just a few moments thought. It involves probing your innermost thoughts and beliefs. Something that can be frustrating, painful or down right scary. It is however worth it.

Developing your personal purpose is not a problem to solve; it is more like a voyage of discovery and self-learning. It is a every evolving process that can take countless hours of reflection to determine what is truly meaningful in your life. You can be assured that this purpose will be linked to your values and dreams. Because the meaning of our life is related to our purpose.

The process of finding our individual purpose involves asking and honestly answering lots of questions:

- What activities and work thrill and enthuse me?
- What are my own unique talents and strengths?
- When am I at my best, my happiest and most alive?
- What is on my bucket list, those things that you really dream of doing?
- What does this list tell me about my inner desires, dreams and direction?

An activity that I found to be most enlightening, is to write your own obituary. How do you want to be remembered when you die? What stories and memories are your children and grandchildren going to have of you? What legacy are you going to leave? What are your family, friends and peers going to say about you at your funeral and beyond?

Once you know your purpose, consider how it can influence your destiny. Below are just some areas that knowing your purpose could impact upon:

Your work:
Does your career, vocation or job support your purpose? Make a list of all the ways that your work offers you to stay aligned with your purpose. Do you need to find new responsibilities or maybe a new position or whole new direction that gives you the opportunity to live the life you desire.

Your family:
Have a family discussion about shared values. What is everyone's ideas for what they what for the future. Find common ground and ways to make these ideas a reality.

Setting goals:
Goals are just stages on your journey through life, a tool to help you fulfill your potential or a lesson of self-improvement and self-knowledge. You have to set goals to make your purpose a reality, but these goals are a vehicle on your journey not the destination. Goals have a beginning and an end, while the process of finding your purpose is never-ending.

Being yourself:
Your purpose is as individual and unique as you are, it is yours and yours alone. So do not let external forces influence it. It is about your life, not what anyone wants or thinks you should be. If you have any negative feelings about sharing it with others, then keep it to yourself. It's not about impressing others, and should only positively affect you.

Ideally, you want your whole life to reflect the expression of your values, dreams and purpose. Finding and living your purpose is something we should all aspire to, it should be our strongest motivator and guide to being our best. And the greatest thing about finding your purpose, is that you are in control of it.

Motherhood - A Rollercoaster Ride

noreply@blogger.com (Bronwen) — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 10:20:00 +0000

Making the decision to have children is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.

Motherhood for me has been like a roller coaster. It involves the highest highest, as well as the lowest lows. I love my two gorgeous children and would willingly give my life for them. I am proud of their individuality, their achievements and their attempts. I delight in their hugs and affection, their humor and their laughter. From the time I first looked into their eyes, I was in love, deeply, totally and forever. There is nothing that these two can do that will stop me from loving them.

This level of love, I have found also has a flip side. I hurt when they hurt, and the arguments and harsh words can cut deep. After one particularly dispute filled with damaging allegations between my 10 year old and myself, I needed space to calm down and find the meaning to it all again. I questioned if I could continue, or if I had failed on this journey of motherhood.

Having one of your nearest and dearest, tell you that they hate you, that you suck as a mother and that they would rather have someone else for a parent. Well it is extremely painful. It makes you wonder your own worth and strength, as least that was my case.

So often it is the people who we love the most have the greatest power to hurt us. It is at this exact moment that we need to remember why we love them so much. To get past the pain they are inflicting and find the pain they are feeling. To stop thinking about yourself and start feeling with your heart.

I received a quote the other day, from the amazing Mahatma Gandhi, saying "An eye for an eye only makes the whole world blind." I interpreted it as being, that you return hate for hate, then you not only lose sight of where you are going, of what is important as well as all that is good in the world. When you send out love you might get hurt and it won't stop the pain. What it does stop is the cycle that is so easy to spin out of control into a barrage of torment that doesn't stop when the words end. It turns it around with caring and understanding. This is an example of the power of love. It ends the pain and brings gratitude into the lives of all the people involved.

Inside Each of Us is an Innocent Child

noreply@blogger.com (Bronwen) — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 02:59:00 +0000

"Children are like wet cement - Whatever falls on them makes an impression" - Hiam Ginott

In my role as a teacher, one of the hardest aspects I encountered was seeing parents that had separated or having conflict in their partnership using their children to hurt their ex/partner. The number of court orders surrounding custody of children is on the increase. I know that in circumstances of abuse this is necessary. Yet often it is just vindictiveness, revenge or spitefulness on the part of the parents. I feel strongly about this subject because as a child I was subject to the same ordeal and have only recently, some thirty-plus years later come to terms with it and found some positives lessons from my experiences of early childhood.

One of my earliest memories is of my parents having screaming matches and throwing things at each other while I was in the same room - I was 4 years old. As a result of my parents divorce, I spend my childhood feeling torn between my parents and used as a pawn in their battles. I grew up feeling angry at both parents for various reasons, abandoned by a father who I adored, and scared of facing conflict so often withdrew as a defense mechanism.

I was lucky! I had a grandfather who I knew without a shadow of doubt loved me for being me unconditionally, who encouraged me to follow my dreams and filled our time together with love and laughter.

Since that time, I have come to realise that my parents were doing the best they could do at the time with the resources that they had. Because of this, I always reassure my own children that they are loved regardless of their behaviour and that arguing and conflict will happen in families and friendships. Yet can be solved without violence or blame. As from this, I now refuse to be have a victim mentality and take full responsibility for my life, ups, downs and everything in-between is used as a learning experience.

However, the main positive that this experience has taught me is that innocent children should be protected, nurtured and encouraged to shine in their individuality - and that inside each and every one of us the lives an innocent child.

I ask that today you get back in touch with that inner child and experience the wonders of the world as they do. Sit and observe a young child, everything is here for their pleasure, from the grass to roll in, the autumn leaves to play in or the wind to ruffle their hair. Now learn a lesson from them and take enjoyment and pleasure from whatever comes your way. And if you have any children in your life, go and hug them and let them know how special and unique they are.

A Smile

noreply@blogger.com (Bronwen) — Fri, 21 May 2010 05:43:00 +0000

A smile is such a simple gesture yet can bring so much to both the giver and the receiver. It is like that small ray of sunlight that peeks out from the storm clouds, a glimmer of hope, a spark of a new friendship, a positive affirmation of thanks.

A smile is such a universal sign of happiness and joy. It looks good on people of all ages, colours and genders - basically a smile does not discriminate, while it adds beauty to those people who share one with someone who does not have one of there own.

Also a smile costs nothing to give, so is not affected by the global economic situation, but it can make everything seems so much better.

Why not trying wearing one today and see how your world improves.

Praise is the Food of the Soul

noreply@blogger.com (Bronwen) — Fri, 14 May 2010 05:07:00 +0000

So often I have seen how it is praise for the small steps along the way, praise for the little things that make a big difference. We all like to know that we are appreciated and what we are doing is "good". And it is important that we praise our loved ones, friends, work mates and especially our children so that they will know that we are happy with their efforts.

I came across a small piece by Bernie Siegel, in his book 365 Prescriptions for the Soul, about the importance of praise.

Praise is seen in your eyes when you look at your beloved. Praise is felt in your touch when you embrace. Praise is heard in your voice when you speak to the one you adore. Praise is about your loved one's potential and the hope you have for that person. Praise is like helium; it lifts us up above the troubles and obstacles of life. Praise does not say you are perfect. It says I admire you and what you have accomplished and what I know you will go on to do. Praise is the food of the soul. No one survives long without it.

So, who have you praised and lifted higher today? I have found that when we praise from our hearts, the effects are magnificent. A few words is often all that is needed - a thank you, a well done or that's great. A genuine compliment lives long after it is said.

I will leave you with colourful quote from an unknown author:

Praise is like fertilizer....... Sprinkle it freely and those you love will grow, bloom and blossom.

Snap Out Of It!!

noreply@blogger.com (Bronwen) — Thu, 13 May 2010 07:42:00 +0000

There are times the majority of us experience that crazy cycle of feeling like things are too hard and we just want to curl up and cry and then move to feeling pissed at the world and that everything is against us. You know that up, down, round and round - stop the world I want to get off type of feeling. Or at least I hope I'm not the only one who has ever had this feeling.

If you have ever been in this crazy cycle of sadness and anger, by reassured that there are ways to snap yourself out of the funk.

These three simple ideas were shared with me, by one of my mentors, Mr Bob Allwright. Bob is one of Asia Pacific's leading personal development speakers and author of an awesome little book called Brilliant Attitude. And I am very grateful to be able to call him a friend as well.

The first thing to do, is to do something that serves someone else. In the words of Abraham Lincoln "To ease another's heartache i to forget your own." Meaning that when you are focused on helping others, all of your 'problems' melt away. So what can you do, that benefits another person? It could be going into a school to help kids read, or a homeless shelter, an aged care facility a charity or a hospital. Or closer to home, a young single mum, a elderly neighbour or even a member of your own family. There are so many people out there crying out for assistance and attention, you just have to be open to giving them an opportunity and your your gift of presence.

If that seems like too big a challenge, then there is a second way out of this crazy cycle. And that is to do something that truly serves yourself. Think of something that you really, really, really love to do. Now go and do it. For me it is photography, for you it might be cooking, running, dancing, sitting on the beach or playing a sport. Please note that sitting in front of a television set with a large block of chocolate rarely can be justified as being of true service to yourself as much as we might like to think it is. Because when you lose yourself in something that you are passionate about, there is no room for sadness or anger, just the magic of the moment.

If you are still stuck, thankfully there is a third and really simple way out of the cycle. Something that everyone over the age of three can do, and that is to SKIP!!! Yes you read that correctly... go for a SKIP. It might be around the block, through the park, across the backyard or just up the hallway. But if you take the example of any 4 or 5 year old skipper and use your whole body, huge steps and giant arm swings while you skip, you will find it next to impossible to be either miserable or peeved at anything.

So there you have it.... three simple, readily available ways to snap out of your funk and get on with things in a more positive frame of mind. The third one while seeming to be really silly will prove to yourself that your inner child still has the ability to come out and play, that you still have a sense of humour and can laugh at yourself and when you can know this, there is still hope and with hope comes a belief that things can and will improve.

Possibilities

noreply@blogger.com (Bronwen) — Thu, 06 May 2010 03:02:00 +0000

When nothing is sure, everything is possible.
Margaret Drabble

When this quote showed up in my in box, I was reminded of a good friend of mine who is a constant source of inspiration, challenge and love. I would like to share with you his story. Last year he went from having it all to losing the lot. By the lot, I mean what most people would consider everything - his home, his marriage,, his financial security, his business.

How would at the age of 30, or 40, or 50 or even later in life react if all you had in terms of material assets was $100 and a bag of clothes that you could carry on you back? Would you be feeling some stress? Would you be asking "why me?" Would you even possibly be considering ending it all because you could see no way back up? or maybe you would play the victim card and blame everything and everyone else.

Let me share what this amazing man thought....

He considered this an opportunity to start again with a clean slate and become who he really was meant to become. Because he knew without a shadow of doubt that although he had lost all his material possessions, nobody could take away the lessons and knowledge that he had gained along the way. He knew that he had the skills to make it to the top once, so the next time would be so much easier.

In one conversation, he admitted that now that he had "nothing" there were people that he considered to be friends that were not returning phone calls and apparently didn't want to know him anymore. This he said, was a chance to find out who his true friends really are.

What many would see as a problem, he sees as a challenge. It's all about how you perceive the events that come your way. I have learned that it is when you think you have nothing, it is when you can really find what is meaningful in your life and be grateful for it. I am not mentioning any names because I feel that it is not my right to do so, however I know he knows that I am talking about him. What I'm not sure about is if he knows what a source of inspiration he is not only to me but to everyone that is gifted by his true presence. Someone, that I will always be honored to call a friend.

So I ask that you consider when you feel that life has thrown you a curve ball and knocked the wind out of you - how can you use this opportunity to inspire others? And where will you decide to take your life on its next leg of the journey?

Do Be Do

noreply@blogger.com (Bronwen) — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 01:42:00 +0000

Recently, I agreed to completing some tasks that I know would help move my business forward, yet every time I sat down to get them started something else seemed to take my attention. Then, with the universe conspiring to make me stop and take stock of what was happening, through an illness that required bedrest. I had the time to ponder on why I was really putting off these tasks.

I came to the realisation that I associated the tasks with an identity that I didn't want for myself. I am an artist and a photographer. While the tasks I was working on were business related. I was spending 90% of my time (at least) on business stuff; marketing, promotions, budgets, finances, systems. And next to none on photography. In fact I hadn't picked up my camera for over a fortnight, which would probably surprise those who know me personally. My psyche was trying to tell me that I needed to get back to doing what I love and am.

After a major mental breakdown, through the help of those nearest and dearest to me, it finally came to me (like being hit by a truck comes upon you) that I didn't want the identity of a business person yet everything that I was doing was leading me to be one. I love being a photographer, yet I wasn't doing it - and wondering why I was unhappy and stressed.

Now I am doing what I love - taking beautiful images of all the miracles that the universe puts my way. I also realised that while I don't like doing the other tasks, they do need to be done. So found someone who I trust and who loves doing all the business stuff, and is excellent at it thus making it a win-win situation.

I will become a success, by doing what I love and by being true to myself because that's what I do best. I will also become a success by having a team around me that all love doing what they need to do and trusting that they will do it to the best of their ability. Because no-one lives on this planet by themselves and we need each other to become the best we can be.

The final realisation I had was that it don't matter of the identity you have for yourself, it might be photographer, business person, athlete, speaker or parent. You still need to be doing tasks that are a integral part of that identity. So as a photographer, I take photos. If you are an athlete, you do your chosen sport; if your identity is that of speaker, you get up on stage in front of as many people as often as you can and speak.

In other words, you DO (take the action) to BE (your chosen identity). Just take a moment to really ask yourself are you being and doing all that you can to be the best that you can be.

What's Your Attitude

noreply@blogger.com (Bronwen) — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 02:27:00 +0000

Studies have proven beyond all doubt that optimists live longer, healthier lives than pessimists, even when the pessimist's view of life is more accurate. There are umpteen quotes talking about our our attitudes effects our lives. There are a gazillion books on the subject, two of my personal favourites are Brilliant Attitude by Bob Allwright and Attitude, Aptitude, Altitude by Robyn Simpson.

Yet what is an attitude? The dictionary defines it as "mental view, opinion, posture, pose, disposition, behavior." So is it mental - our thoughts and ideas, is it physical - our actions and physiology or spiritual - our values and beliefs? Well yes, it is all these things tied up in one relatively little word. And it effects our whole lives.

Our attitudes are more important than facts. That is why what we tell ourselves is extremely important and in the long run will shape your destiny. Think back to your time in school. What was your attitude? Did you think that it was worthwhile or a waste of time? How did you behave at school? Where your days filled with laughter or loathing? Did you enjoy learning and growing or often feel like a failure?

Now ask yourself how has that shaped who I am today? We can not go back and change the facts of the past. We can however change our attitude towards the events of both the past and the present, which will then in turn change our future.

I have had the privilege of seeing the power of the mind at work when success coaches have done board breaking exercises with clients, some as young as 7 and 8 years old. This involves just what it sounds like - you get a piece of pine board about 2cm thick and break it with your bare hand. One time stands out in my mind when I was working with a young girl about 14 years old. She was an excellent student and leader and had a strong fear of failure. Her thoughts going into the board break was that it would hurt and cause pain, her focus was on failing - did she break the board? Eventually yes. Only after I changed her attitude to how she wasn't failing when it didn't break, she was just learning how not to do it. Once there was a shift in attitude and focus there was a huge change in results

If our self-talk gives us hope and is positive, we will have very different lives than if we await trouble and think that bad things are always going to happen. You may have heard of the saying "What you see is what you get." Well it's your attitude that determines what you see, so why not look on the bright side. In the long run the choice is yours. My thought for today is just to have a go at seeing life through the eyes of an optimist and just observe what direction your life takes.

Getting started

noreply@blogger.com (Bronwen) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 04:30:00 +0000

While over the last few months I have been involved in getting my photography business SUCCESS EVENT PHOTOGRAPHY a higher profile in our city, I have also been living a fairly unbalanced life. Not looking after myself and not taking the opportunity to grow. I was reminded of the fact that what is not growing is dying.

As I enjoy putting my thoughts into words and hope that they can inspire others along with the images I create. Reading back through past posts I realised that I hadn't taken any further action to making my dream of becoming a published author a reality. So I am committing that my next 365 posts (one each day for the next year) will then become the book that I will get published by 5 February 2011.

This is the first one and I am publicly taking that first step in faith having no idea how it will eventuate. I am just going to trust that the universe will provide the way to get it done. So in advance I am going to thank the people who have made it possible for this project to even be contemplated.

Firstly. my darling husband Steve who is my biggest and best supporter; Nick and Jess who inspire me to become the best role model that I can be; Bob and Di Allwright for their examples of excellence; Lea Davis for giving a slipper-covered kick up the rear when I really need it; Kurek Ashley for reminding me to get out of my comfort zone and just do it; and finally Donna and Sue for just being them and there when I need them.

So the thought of today is to look at those dreams, put a deadline on them and just take the first step to get them started, even if you can't see all of the details. Oh and have the faith that it will all turn out as it should and the gratitute that you have the chance and the opportunity to grow from the experience.

20 questions

noreply@blogger.com (Bronwen) — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 12:17:00 +0000

20 Questions

1. If you had to could you take a vow of silence for 48 hours?
It would be blissful

2. What is your favorite kind of soup?
Fresh pumpkin

3. How often do you cut your hair?
When my fringe reaches the end of my nose

4. If you had to could you do your own income taxes? And have them be correct?
Nope. Wouldn't even try

5. What is your method to reading a magazine?
Usually front to back

6. How many magazines do you subscribe to?
None

7. What is/was your paternal grandfather's name?
Albert

8. And your maternal grandfather's name?
James

9. I know I'm tired when:
My blinks start to get longer

10. What color(s) do you associate with Spring?
light blue. pink. yellow. the typical pastels.

11. What color are your eyes? Did you inherit them from or pass them on to anyone in your family?
Dark brown from my dad, however both my children have green/blue gorgeous eyes

12. What do you have in your glove compartment?
CD's car service book, pack of panadol

13. Who are you in 6 words?
creative, caring, loved, passionate, stubborn, balanced

14. What is your favorite current tv drama?
Packed to the Rafters

15. Who do you think is NOT funny, but others think IS funny?
South Park or The Simpsons.

16. Three things you've been meaning to do, but haven't gotten around to yet:
Buy a bike, taxes, ironing

17. What is your noodle of choice?
fettuccine

18. What commercial are you so sick of?
Try not to watch them

19. If you gave birth today to octuplets (OMG!) and had sole naming rights, what would you name them? You can assume four of each sex, or make your own mix-up.
Emma, Sarah, Charlotte, Elle

Robert, Joshua, James, Alex

20. Is there something hanging over your head that you need to do right now?
Sort and process a few hundred photos

Troubles in the Sunset

noreply@blogger.com (Bronwen) — Mon, 18 May 2009 00:54:00 +0000

Image by Art4Inspiratation

When the day ends and the sun sets, I let my troubles go - Albert Scheitzer

Just as I would encourage you to begin each fresh day as if you were the sun rising anew, I would also recommend that you release all your worries and troubles when the sun sets. Let them go with the sun, or you may find that you can not arise free of these burdens and begin the next new day.

When you hold onto your problems and stress throughout the night, you begin to lose any sense of order in your life. There is no longer any night or day, work and rest. Just time to be restless, to worry and fear about what lies ahead or to fret about the past.

I suggest that you take the time to watch a sun set and when you do, let your troubles drift off with the sun. Watch them burn up in the brilliant palette that mother nature provides. Allow the beauty to refresh you and remind you that there is more to life than just your troubles.

Try this and you may find that when you send your troubles off with the sunset, you can then make room for blessings to fill the next day.

The Secret of Living is Giving

noreply@blogger.com (Bronwen) — Fri, 15 May 2009 02:31:00 +0000

There was an appeal on Triple M Radio this morning to help a 15 year old boy who had fallen off his bike and suffered brain damage. Yes he had a helmet on and still he was injured. In a way it is a tragic story. He was young, fit, adventurous and healthy one moment last October, the next his parents were getting ready to say goodbye. He is still in hospital having treatment and rehab while his parents attempt to prepare an environment to bring him back to the family home. Added to this his mum is currently undergoing treatment for breast cancer.

Yet there are so many positives in this as well. One being the community spirit shown this morning, as almost $50,000 was raised in under 6 hours. Though it is not only the offerings of cash in these troubled economic times that the family will remember, it's that strangers were willing to help.

As a parent who has been blessed with two healthy children, I felt that I had to do the right thing and offer assistance. We all hope and pray that we never have to get a phone call like these parents did and rush to the nearest hospital but we never know. At the moment there is not much spare cash in our place, so I was thinking how else I could help.

One thought that kept recurring was to use my skills as a photographer to help record Billy's story. I hope that his family take up my offer as I think that while it would be worthwhile for them to have a record of this time, it would also be an inspiration to others. The more I think about it, the more I would like to offer this service to others in need. I do not want to get monetary gain, but the rewards of collating these stories and getting these kids involved in groups that can inspire the world in some way, to give some meaning to their crises and hardships.

I would like to put this thought out to the universe and see where it takes me. My intent is that it will help inspire others.

Why???

noreply@blogger.com (Bronwen) — Mon, 11 May 2009 09:21:00 +0000

Why can't I be happy with my life? Why do I always feel there should be more? That there are things I'm missing out on?

I am loved and adored by the man I love. We have two beautiful, healthy, intelligent, independent children. We have a roof over our heads, food on the table. I have friends I can call on whenever I need them. I am on the brink of a career that doesn't seem like work because it's what I'm meant to be doing.

What is so wrong with me that I can't be satisfied with what I've got? What I've achieved? I'm grateful for all that I have. That's different from feeling happy and joyful. I miss the laughter, the spontaneity, the playfulness.

Why do I have this belief that motherhood is such a serious business? How can I change it so that it becomes a belief that marriage and motherhood is a game - something fun, playful, enjoyable, full of laughter and delight.

I know and appreciate that my life includes lots of love and affection. It just seems like such work and I get so frustrated because I feel that I've lost my own identity other than wife and mother. I'm not sure who "I" am anymore.

Mothers Day

noreply@blogger.com (Bronwen) — Fri, 08 May 2009 03:15:00 +0000

The gift of life is a mother's greatest gift.
Appreciate, respect, and acknowledge this.

I found this poem by Dr Bernie Seigel that sums up Mother's Day beautifully.

What gift will you give your mother this Mother's Day?
Is a card clever enough?
Will jewels sparkle enough?
What words say enough?
There is perhaps one gift that is enough,
Your life . . .
Thank her for it
And live your life with the love she bestowed on you
Then share that love with all

As a daughter and now a mother, I can appreciate both sides of the coin. My own mum lost her fight to cancer a number of years ago, but on Mother's Day I still acknowledge with great thanks that she loved enough to give me life. Now my life is a reflection of that love. I see part of my job as a mother is to give my own children the confidence and love to allow them to go and live their own lives, the best that they can. When I see my children having the confidence to try new things, to give something their best shot or to hold their own standards high in the midst of peer pressure, I know that I am succeeding as a mother. But also when they make their own mistakes, to learn life's hard lessons, to suffer the angst of being a kid, I know that I am succeeding as a mother. In good times and bad, I know that I am succeeding as a mother because my children want to share these times with me, and for that I am eternally grateful.

So to all the mothers out there - HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY. The best gift that you can get from your children is love, that only comes when you first give it away.

Good Friends

noreply@blogger.com (Bronwen) — Mon, 04 May 2009 03:28:00 +0000

Friendship improves happiness and abates misery,
by the doubling of our joy and the dividing of our grief.

Yesterday we had the pleasure of meeting up with good friends and sharing a simple picnic by the river. Our children made some new friends and shared a game of touch football and frisbee and there were no arguments at all - except when we had to leave to go home on dusk. The company was fabulous, we enjoyed making new happy memories and laughing over good times we had shared. There was no great expense and the rewards were huge.

It made me ask "What is a friend?"

To me it is someone who knows all your faults and still loves you regardless. A friend is someone who can see past the imperfections to the beauty that lies beneath. A friend is someone who is there for you even if you don't have the courage to ask for help. A friend is someone who can say no to you and still remain a friend.

A true friend will point out your imperfections - not to put you down or criticise, but to help you become better at what you are doing. A friend will always answer your calls, even when you are driving them nuts. A friend never talks about who is right, instead they listen to your feelings.

A friend will not judge without making the effort to understand, and can forgive, let go of the past and continue to love. Though probably the most important thing a friend never do, is abandon you, no matter what you do.

I am fortunate in this life to have the privilege of calling a large number of wonderful people "friend" though I think of them as the family I have choosen for myself as opposed to the one that I was blessed with at birth. I am grateful for the ones I am able to regularly spend time with, as well as the ones I rarely get to see plus all the ones I am yet to meet.

Our children enjoying the great outdoors -Sometimes the best things aren't things at all - laughing, spending time with precious friends and just being make the best memories

Flowers and a Book

noreply@blogger.com (Bronwen) — Fri, 01 May 2009 04:16:00 +0000

I am so grateful for the amazing family and friends that I have been blessed with.

Firstly, Steve, my husband, my love bug, my best friend and soul mate. This morning I woke feeling bloated, crampy and generally blah. So after taking the kids to school, he makes he breakfast and tells me to go back to bed. A few hours later, I get a knock on the door - he has sent me some gorgeous flowers and a note making me feel extra special.

That event in itself is enough to make my day. Yet the passage from the book I was reading at the time was talking about flowers. (One of those Synchrodestiny moments!!)

It goes like this:
We are all Flowers. What makes life so interesting is our variety. Think about your favorite flower and why it is your favorite. When you have finished listing its qualities, you will find you are talking about yourself.
I believe it is through nature that we come to see our beauty and finer qualities. Spending time in nature also helps us to find the answers to some of life's difficulties.
Once when I was wondering how to continue helping people without traveling, since I was tired of leaving home, I asked nature what to do. A flower showed me the answer. It told me, "I do not leave the place of my origin. I spread my seeds and let others help by carrying them to distant places."
So through this book, my words, an email, or a lecture, I am planting seeds of healing. Now I assign you to become like your favorite flower and spread your seeds of hope, faith and love.
(365 Prescriptions for the Soul, Dr Bernie S Siegel, p79)

I was then checking through my emails and had received one from a very dear and respected friend. I have created another blog (Leadership, Love and Life) with the intent on getting a positive and inspirational message out there to those that are looking for it and could use some positive messages in their lives. Anyway I asked some friends for feedback, knowing that they would give it to me straight.

Bottom line is that Lea, the friend I first heard back from asked me why is it only available on the net. Why haven't I shared my obvious talents and gifts with the world? She was actually a tad blunter than that but that was the gist of the note!! (Thanks Lea :) Love You!!)

So I decided that I am going to use the images I love taking, the quotes I have collected and add some of the wisdom I have gleamed through attending seminars, reading books and living my life and compile it into a book.

The thought of doing it both scares and excites me. I know that I will have to take a huge leap out of my comfort zone to achieve this, though the growth that I will gain will be more than worth it.

Benefits of Books

noreply@blogger.com (Bronwen) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 07:57:00 +0000

"Want to be interesting? Read.
Want to know the best thoughts of the greatest people? Read.
Want to know the greatest events in the countries of the world? Read
And with all your reading follow the advice of the wise Abbe Diment who said
We mustn't be content with reading good books, life is too short;
We must read only the best."

Marba C Josephson

Well it's like this...

noreply@blogger.com (Bronwen) — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 03:15:00 +0000

I managed to get here by experiencing a number of failures. But like Edison and his lightbulb, I looked at them as learning experiences. I am grateful for all the mistakes and challenges as they made me grow

WOW!! What a Week

noreply@blogger.com (Bronwen) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 09:22:00 +0000

Last week I had the utmost privilege of being invited for the first to be a Senior Leader at Tony Robbins' Date with Destiny seminar. It was an awesome experience that I will never forget. I have done the program as a participant and got a lot out of it. As a leader it was a whole different experience as I focused on others rather than myself. We had nearly 70 people in our Team, and seeing them transform their lives, to be part of their metamorphose from individuals who were looking for direction, hope or that missing something to beautiful shining stars who had found their true selves that had been hiding behind masks or suffering under a heap of pain. To be in the presence of that much trust and love is something really special and I was able to learn so much about that myself.

I made a number of distinctions and decisions during the week including:

* When you put your judgment aside and look instead at a situation with love, the answers just arrive with so much clarity.

* When you have belief in yourself, the star qualities that others can see are able to really shine.

*You only grow when you step out of your comfort zone

* There comes a time when I have to stop trying to learn everything before I start using it.

* That everything I need is within ME now

* To accept a compliment allows someone else to give the gift of appreciation and should not be belittled.

*When I am passionate about something, speaking to a group is easy and actually a pleasure to share

*When done with the right intent, you can correct someone to help them grow. To minimise their faults will not allow them to grow

* If you don't like an aspect of your life, don't blame anyone (including yourself) just take responsibility for it and make moves to change it.

* Forgiveness is a gift that is liberating and makes you free

* Sometimes you have to challenge others to get them to step up and be their best

* It is an act of selfishness not to share your gifts with the world

Blossoms

noreply@blogger.com (Bronwen) — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 12:45:00 +0000

Let us be grateful to people who make us happy;

They are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom

Over the weekend, thanks to some much needed rain, I was able to tick off one of the "must take" images - roses with raindrops. These gorgeous blooms are the work of my in-laws and just happen to be in one of my favourite colours.

First rule of relationships: Trust

noreply@blogger.com (Bronwen) — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 04:51:00 +0000

Trust
Without this everything else is just too hard

Must Do List

noreply@blogger.com (Bronwen) — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 04:19:00 +0000

Have decided to create a MUST DO List - Things or experiences that I want to have done while I'm part of this world. Some have already been ticked off, but would do again if the opportunity arose.

- Go dog sledding
- Helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon
- Abseil
- Walk Overlander Trail in Tasmania
- Climb the Eiffel Tower
- Swim in the Medditarean
- Visit every continent
- Drive across Australia
- Stand on the Great Wall of China
- Sponsor a Guide Dog
- Grow a fruit tree from scratch
- Take Salsa dancing lessons
- Sleep in a European castle
- Drive a sports car in the French Riveria
- Publish a coffee table book of my photography and quotes
- Complete a marathon
- Enter a sand sculpting contest
- See gorillas in the world
- Have a second wedding to Steve on a Fijian beach
- Teach English overseas
- Visit the Machu Picchu ruins
- Attend a Venetian masked ball
- Take my kids to Disneyland
- Swim with wild dolphins
- Bake a sponge cake from scratch
- Play tennis at Wimbleton
- Go to soccer World Cup
- Parasail
- Climb a coconut tree
- Swim under a waterfall
- Write a thank you note to special teachers
- Live in house overlooking water
- Own a rocking chair
- Go on a cycle tour for at least a week
- Cable cars in San Francisco
- Swim in every ocean
- Sell art in 20 countries
- Toboggan down sand dunes
- Organise youth leadership camp
- Attend International Youth Leadership Summit
- African safari
- Paint a mural
- Go to the Olympics
- Have a lily pad pond
- Cuddle a tiger
- Create a teddy bear
- Visit Santa in Lapland
- Stand in Time Square
- Jet boat
- Zorbing
- Drive a paddle steamer up the Murray River
- Play soccer with elephants in Thialand
- Hand feed a baby chimp
- Take a cooking class in Tuscany
- Be in the presence of His Holiness the Dalai Lama
- Go on a wellness retreat
- Establish a photography studio

This is an ongoing list and I will hopefully be crossing some off in the coming months as well as adding new ones. I'll keep you updated.

The Gift of Friendship

noreply@blogger.com (Bronwen) — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 05:42:00 +0000

This is my best childhood friend, Donna. We met in Third class and have remained friends through thick and thin. I have just returned home from spending three days together. It seems like everything and nothing has changed. We have grown up and both have wonderful husbands and children, we have our our homes and responsibilities. Yet we still can confide our dreams and secrets without judgment. There was much laughter and tears. Even though we don't see each other enough, it seemed as if it was just yesterday we were together. I am so grateful for her friendship, her support and her love. Donna has always shared her family and her home with me as children and teenagers, and now as adults.

Unsurprisingly, our two daughters were extremely similar and after a brief period where they were sussing each other out, they were insepararable and for two very strong willed, spirited little girls (much like their mothers) there was next to no disputes. They laughed and played, their imagination soared and limits were tested.It was endearing and was like turning back time to see them together. I can only pray that they find a friendship that is as strong and enduring as mine has been with Donna, as it is the true meaning of friendship that all other friendships are measured from. Even though I know that all my friends are all so different and I love them all, often because of these differences, but there is nothing like your first best friend, especially when it survives 30 years and beyond.

Our Beautiful Girls