Day 363

A day a sizing up 2014 and what it may hold for me. Today a day of running around and organising. I am grateful that this last year has seemed to really get me back on track. I really believe it has partially been affected by this blog which has made obvious to me that I should not hold back from my dreams they are achievable. I am gratefully for the opportunities I am offered and my father’s advice (yes you Dad, you don’t interrogate me and it keeps me focused) along with my sister and brother whose opinions I hold just as high. I’m really excited today reorganised housing loan and booked travel. I can achieve security and dreams if I plan and organise the right way

Day 362

Thai dinner experience ala sharon

Double booked everything today, I got myself totally confused on where I should and what I should have been doing? Thankfully it all ended well though I am entirely way to full once again after another great evening, this time from a girlfriend from Brissy who I had met through paddling many years ago. Was grateful for the enlightening conversation we had over a Sav Blanc after our long walk really good ideas about directions and how I could incorporate my work with something bigger and more future focus for at risk groups in impoverished areas. Was given some insight in what to look for and where to actually start, through this discussion I feel I have been given a stronger focus

Day 361

Exceptional afternoon and evening was had with a lifelong friend, Grateful for her company and conversation over that couple of reds. Enjoyed the laughter, her patience and willingness in letting me experiment on her with my cooking abilities, luckily all turned out well, was extremely excited as I had pulled the Old Weber out and cooked the Kashmiri Lamb for dinner with Thai accompaniments. It would have made a good video, watching us trying to work out how to use the beads and fire starters. We U-tubed first (taking way too long) but who need instructions anyway trial and error had it working in no time and dam we had some fun doing it : )

Day 360

Was a good day for a catch up coffee with a girlfriend and take the opportunity to talk about our upcoming venture to Vietnam in 2014. Both very excited for our own reasons and as my friends know it has been something on my mind to do for a long time, though I never had seal down the when and where.

Well now that is done and I am grateful this opportunity presented itself to me. Did I say I was very excited : ) Bring on 2014

Day 359

Grateful for the quietness while sitting alon the river this morning waiting for the sunrise. Bike riders, walkers or making use of this time of the day.

Day 358

What a great night and beautiful morning grateful to spend this with my brother and sister in law (Michael and Julie). It is so easy to get busy in life and let a few hours distance becomes an excuse.

But a Chrissy day, couple drinks, dvd (Jason Statham…..cool hey Julie ;) It only reinforced how precious they are to me and how important making time is. Ham and eggs for breakfast, yummy and one of mine provided by Daisie, Poppie or Rosie (after mums Trifle of course). Few adjustments to my engine hose by my brother. My niece checking in with my bro, when saw she on side of rode under the engine I gather. Thanks Jess (another hose lol) and a beautiful message from my sister in law. I so love my Family and no matter what the good, bad, misunderstood times they are there. I am aware that this may not be for all. Hence why I realise I am very lucky I am because if it comes to it they will be there. Love every one of you my precious family xxxoooxxooxxxooo

Day 357

Christmas day just would not be Christmas without Mums’ trifle mm mmm. Beautiful Day, been a while since we all ended up in the pool together and played cards. No little kids running around anymore they are all grown up and at Uni or have a trade and all driving. Whoa when did I start getting older ???

Grateful for the amazing family I have, through good and hard times we still together for each other. Every one of us different, but every bit amazing

Even more grateful that mum made extra take away trifles to this year. Didnt have to hide or steal any trifle this year to ensure my post chrissy breaky's where taken care of. Not that I suffered guilt from it : ) mm mmm

Day 356

Grateful today is over and so much achieved, thankfully was i good company. Can not believe christmas is tomorrow .....................when did that happen??

Day 355

This is a hard one........little bit uncomfortable, but this blog is about finding the things we are grateful for on a daily basis. Sometimes this may mean we have to confront or sit with uncomfortable feelings.

Today going back to work knowing your car got damaged in your car park the Friday before, staff car park, yes sometimes client’s parents may use it, but that is not likely on that day

My mood may not of been the best, my gut says you would of had to know you hit the car (pic)...so I would like to believe maybe loud music etc may have covered the noise.

I’m grateful my colleagues and friends at work today put up with my moody moaning and groaning about this. I actually appreciated their support over the way I was feeling

Day 354

We allow life to get so busy that sometimes even that 5 mins (really 40mins) for a coffee with a friend is hard to get a consensual time. So I was very grateful today while on my way to Erbachers when I returned a friend’s call and we made that time. Even more so when that 1 coffee turned into 2 made my day. Coffee with a friend ........a very special time to savour

Day 353

A day full of rest, re-evaluation and reflection, enjoyed my day which went .....way so to quick. For the ? longest day seemed like the shortest. Happy Summer Solstice

Day 352

An amazing end to camp was brought more to my attention today when I was shown a video of me being swamp by our campers say thank you. Many tears and conversations had which came flooding back as I watched the video. Very obvious work is more than just a job; my heart is really there for the young people. Grateful for the opportunity to see this with fresh eyes and also to turn our last day not into a good bye but a Hello to our future and moving beyond the pain experienced by many.

Day 351

Whoa, 14 days left of ‘My Being Grateful Blog' hard to believe I have been able to maintain this for 351 days. I do believe it has greatly influenced my journey this year, in particular my attitude, moods and self-reflection process. While at odd times it felt like a chore it really was a great way to have that positive focus through my day to day.

I did realise though that while I would cease the blog at day 365, I really do want to keep this process going. So today I was very grateful to a friend who gave me this wonderful ‘Gratitude Diary’ to continue this journey. Looking forward to the challenges it lays before me through self-reflection and bringing more consciousness to the unconscious parts of myself. I like the fact that someone can know me well enough to choose something very meaningful to me.

Day 350

Grateful for the quietness of the car, the aircon on low, radio off, just my thoughts and quietness. Bit glad car full of stuff so I was afforded this opportunity to be alone on the drive home from camp

Day 349

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZv62ShoStY&feature=player_detailpage#t=72

Steppin outside your comfort zone, tick,

If the the link works this is the dance the camp leaders did. prior to Tribal Idol.............was very impressed with the talent that followed from the kids. VERY Impressed, was a great night

Day 348

Well Day 2 for Gaining Grounds camp...Day 1 for Middle Earth camp. Grateful for the wonderful team I am working with, amazing camp leaders and facilitators. This just could not happen without them. They volunteer their time and go away exhausted and I hope inspired as we get to work with some amazing young people who have experienced a lot for such short lives. Appreciated this year the extra space/time I got to spend with them. It’s through their influence and the young campers that I get my drive and sometimes creativity.

Day 347

Grateful today for my colleague and friend, who took time out of her Saturday to help complete the last activity for camp. It’s just so nice and special having someone you can share your thoughts or weird ideas about activities/programs with. Someone who does not laugh but supports and helps you improve them, finding the good and identifying areas of weakness. I admire her for her processing and strategizing prowess. Every time I work closely with her I learn something new especially about myself. I’m lucky

Day 346

Buzzing around with so much on, the worry comes when you feel like you have everything done.....knowing has to be something more. Oh well did my best, feeling good......I even stopped to smell the flowers. Now for the cuppa made for me and bed. Tomorrow going to be an Awesome day :)

Day 345

Yeh not going to argue, but am grateful I am home now. I think after 7 but before 8 is a reasonable on a Friday leading into a huge week (starting now), Max so not happy.

Was hoping for an early mark but obviously not going to happen, few house parties happening in the street.  So in bed and so cannot help hear the conversations happening around me. (from neighbours). Supportive families offering advice to their kids (its beautiful reminds me of mine), the noisy we are musicians, then I heard the Karaoke (sing star) something like that. Had to laugh even more as they were trying so hard and the softer they tried ...the louder they got. Must have been like those karaoke nights in Kallangur with a good friend of mine.

Then I realised it’s nice to hear people celebrating and supporting, no angry words, no yelling, no fights. Can’t complain can sleep to happy voices J

Day 344

Great night Great meal with my gorgeous sister love her so much. Its times like these that re enforces how grateful I am for my sister and family. Shared some memories and ate heaps of good food at Pane e Vino (so going back) for both.

Day 342

So much camp work to do, need internet.

Will not deny that I am a bit grateful it kept shutting down as probably need time out. So no work last night or blog lol

Day 341

Work gets down so much quicker and loads more enjoyable when you have people to share the load with. Also you find new ways of doing things, great way to reflect and refine things. Was grateful that I accepted the help that was willingly offered and that I shared that load. It does make it much lighter.

Day 340

Who would ever have thought that cancer could open up a great new world to you? I had an amazing day at the BRD Regatta on the Sunshine coast. Grateful for the friends I have made through my Journey of paddling, especially when I am not paddling and that continued friendship. Gratitude to my angel Corina who shared her passion of Kahuna massage with me today as I played Bodease Receptionist for the day....(mm career change ; )

Day 339

Amazing day on so many levels but my favourite moment would have to watching Lily dance in the 12 Princess's and Beauty and the Beast, Definitely the star in my eyes. Grateful that my life's journey has brought lily, her siblings and her mother into my life and that I get invited to share part of this xx

 

Day 338

Yummy food, Excellent music, Great service and fabulous views at the Alex Bar and Grill to celebrate a girlfriends birthday. But what I am grateful for is that this wonderful women is in my life and puts up with all my quirks lol she knows me so well xo

Day 337

RDO looks like I was not the only one grateful for this perfect day off 

Day 336

On those sort of but not so good days, best way to energise is playing Peak a boo with Maximus. Oh he loves his boxes and jumping out to surprise me. He just makes me laugh...like a kid you can call out his name and he keeps poking his head up to see if you getting close. Today very grateful for my maximus ...how can you not smile around him so much Joy

Day 335

Words are the Voice of the Heart - Confucious

I was grateful today that I was able to express them and the patience and acceptance from my colleagues

Day 334

Official 30 days left of My Year of Being Grateful Blog.

Today I have had the chance to reflect on what it is like to consciously think about being grateful verse listening to someone being grateful for something small they feel you have done (when you feel you have not done anything at all).

While thinking about it tonight I found this saying and realise through this last 11months it’s not just good things that stood out for me it’s also the bad or hard times which really have made me the person I am. Grateful I am for new insight I do get from the hard learnings

Day 333

Through gentle persuasion on Saturday (or was it an "or else" lol). The Christmas tree has gone up and someone is very excited and hasn’t stopped looking at it since. While it maybe a little bare at the moment (previously lent tree, returned in pretty good condition but decorations went walkabout). Grateful for a more spirited Christmas feel this year and looking forward to decorating it once I have shopped. I have seen Christmas for many years as a time of huge emotions, enhancing the feeling of loneliness for those on their own.

It has been good seeing everyone’s trees going up to. My mum was one to always organise this event and I remember my Grandfather's Nativity scene he made we would assemble and place under it. Was reminder of my own stories over the weekend while I listened to others. So focusing on the love, family, connections this year and doing something to help some of those on their own feel loved to.