Happy Birth-day to me!
Putting the happy in happy birthday...
I once had a conversation about 'happiness' with a friend...and we came to the useful conclusion that a 'happy life' might not be the most worthy goal to pursue. Don't get me wrong, I like to feel good and have been accused of being an eternal optimist. :) But I think the popular idea of 'happy' can be insincere, full of pressure and too much about accumulating 'things' (people, achievements, stuff).
A fulfilling life on the other hand, promises something much richer, more colourful (probably messier!) and better for your health and wellbeing in the long run. Some clever folks at the New Economics Foundation have even done some research on it...and come up with five ways to wellbeing. That's my kinda happy.
So, inspired by a friend who did this for her birthday last year (thanks Katie)....I've decided to follow suit and put my own version of 'happy' into today - my birthday - and commit myself to these things until the next birthday. Enjoy!
A fulfilling life on the other hand, promises something much richer, more colourful (probably messier!) and better for your health and wellbeing in the long run. Some clever folks at the New Economics Foundation have even done some research on it...and come up with five ways to wellbeing. That's my kinda happy.
So, inspired by a friend who did this for her birthday last year (thanks Katie)....I've decided to follow suit and put my own version of 'happy' into today - my birthday - and commit myself to these things until the next birthday. Enjoy!
CONNECT
Given it's my birthday, no doubt there'll be lots of lovely phone calls and delicious conversation with friends and family. Connection is easy on your birthday (or it should be),
Beyond birthday-day, I'm connecting into a few great communities at the moment. In Balingup and the Blackwood Valley region where I live, I'm slowly meeting new people and feeling welcomed by many. I especially love discovering and exploring the hidden talents, desires and dreams of other women in new places.
I'm also passionate about social enterprise and social change, and am excited to be connecting in with these groups and organisations at the moment:
Beyond birthday-day, I'm connecting into a few great communities at the moment. In Balingup and the Blackwood Valley region where I live, I'm slowly meeting new people and feeling welcomed by many. I especially love discovering and exploring the hidden talents, desires and dreams of other women in new places.
I'm also passionate about social enterprise and social change, and am excited to be connecting in with these groups and organisations at the moment:
Women in Social Enterprise
I'm passionate about social enterprise - connecting business with social purpose and benefit - and am excited to be connecting both with this growing network of women, founded by Renee Gardiner (who's also started her own own social enterprise, Growing Change). Please PM me if you have an interest in this group and would like to join!
Regrarians
The learning and support I receive as a start-up farmer (how did that happen?) is made possible by a wonderful local and global community of Regrarians - 'Regenerative Agrarians' (a term first coined by Darren Doherty in 2013). Founded by Darren and Lisa Heenan, Regrarians work to regenerate wild and agricultural landscapes. Along the way, this naturally brings out the full social, financial and physiological potential of that place. There is a group on Facebook if you wish to join.
Community Arts Network of WA
I just love the work these fabulous people do, arts and cultural development to help local communities grow, build new skills, get creative, heal old wounds and design their futures. I don't have as much direct involvement at the moment but have a secret desire to participate in one of their projects in my local community!
GIVE
My main focus of giving right now is the Cancer Council of WA. I still can't believe that we lost our beloved Dad Neville a few months ago to brain cancer. I reflect on our time together and it still feels too brief, but so rich and full. I'm thrilled to be supporting my two awesome sisters, Kerry and Janine, in their preparation for the 'Ride for Hope' ride from Cambodia to Vietnam in February 2015. My mum Fran, my sister Colleen and all our family and friends are with you in spirit girls!
Please consider giving to their campaign...and know that you will be bombarded with information from me in the next few months about events and opportunities to get involved :) (or just friend them on Facebook to find out for yourselves!)
Please consider giving to their campaign...and know that you will be bombarded with information from me in the next few months about events and opportunities to get involved :) (or just friend them on Facebook to find out for yourselves!)
Take notice
Today I'm taking notice of what I'm grateful for:
- My health (and mobility)
- Misty mornings in the valley
- Laughter and smiles
- My partner* Jeff, who simply brings out the best in me
- My mum, dad, sisters, nieces, nephews, grandparents, aunties, uncles, everyone
- Warm fire at night
- Trees
- My awesome, beautiful, inspiring friends
- Wildflowers and wild bulbs
- Calf cuddles with Stella
Did I say partner? I meant 'fiancee'. Surprise!
- My health (and mobility)
- Misty mornings in the valley
- Laughter and smiles
- My partner* Jeff, who simply brings out the best in me
- My mum, dad, sisters, nieces, nephews, grandparents, aunties, uncles, everyone
- Warm fire at night
- Trees
- My awesome, beautiful, inspiring friends
- Wildflowers and wild bulbs
- Calf cuddles with Stella
Did I say partner? I meant 'fiancee'. Surprise!
Be active
Today, and at least FOUR times a week - I'm going for a long walk around the farm and into the bush. Hard to believe we live right on the Bibbulmun Track, and most of the walking I do is between paddocks.
I've had an on-off relationship with Yoga for many years now...it's ON again at the moment, and I'm going to commit to keeping it that way!
I've had an on-off relationship with Yoga for many years now...it's ON again at the moment, and I'm going to commit to keeping it that way!
Keep learning
I LOVE learning, it keeps me fresh and interested in life. A few things I've learned since my last birthday... how to slaughter and gut a chicken (yes, really), how to teach English as a Second Language (when you don't speak the first), what to look for in a pile of cow dung, how to milk a cow and how to make yoghurt (so bloomin' easy)...among many other things.
Writing is a big part of learning for me too...and it's been a while since I've written in my journal. So today I'm going to make some time for that.
Writing is a big part of learning for me too...and it's been a while since I've written in my journal. So today I'm going to make some time for that.