Someone once said to me that people will remember how you made them feel long after they remember what you said. I really like that and often remind myself of this as in my line of work I don't often get to give a really nice message but I can at least try and make the unsavoury message less terrible just by approaching it in a way that is less confrontational and more supportive.
On the way to work this morning I was thinking about this while listening to music and realised for me music has the same quality. I remember how music makes me feel long after I remember what any of the songs were about. Some songs make me happy and wanna dance, others make me sad and want to reflect, some even take me to a place or time where I have a fond memory; not because I heard the song there, but just because it leads my unconscious mind there.
This morning I was listening to 'The Waifs'. I love listening to The Waifs. I always start with 'Crazy Train' which always makes me smile and then as album goes on it makes me think about old Queenslander homes in summer and having a beer on the deck. It takes me back to my childhood and places I went outside of Brisbane and mostly inland. There is just something about them that take me away for a while. And even better, I know that's what it does for me purposely choose that music whenever I want that experience. I'm not sure what it is about 'London Still' that makes me feel like I'm in Queensland still, but I do enjoy it. I feel then that I identify with this imagery and get a sense of who I am (or who I want to believe I am). Of course, often this is disrupted by the pushing of the crowds as I get off the train and tripping over on the stairs, face planting the concrete and then limping to the lift at work, but for that moment, that's where it takes me.
Where do The Waifs take you?
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Rebuilding trust
This election has been particularly interesting for me. I've had very strong views on a number of issues and I've gone back and forth in my head over whether or not my vote will go to the Greens or Labor. Being priviledged to have experienced the media industry both through family and personal exposure I have a great deal of cynisism towards their views and the rubbish they often go on with, without any real regard for fact or truth.
This year I think the ABC have been amazing job with their coverage of the election and particularly their program Q&A which has been a regular at my place for the last 4 weeks.
Last night Julia Gillard faced the questions herself after receiving an invite from the ABC. The questions raised were gruelling and Julia was not shown them beforehand. I believe Julia often tackles questions better when she has more time to prepare her answer (and thats absolutely ok, we are all different and perform better in different circumstances depending on our personal preferences) but thought she did an amazing job at answering them on the spot.
I witnessed a PM that was compassionate and intelligent on National and World issues and I finally feel comfortable with the possible outcome of Labor being re-elected. She really is an amazing woman and not for a moment was she concerned with what any person threw her way even if the questions seemed like attacks at times. I found myself glued to the TV for the entire program and even ended up clapping with the audience. I feel like quite the nerd.
I still love Julia, I think she's great. I still can't stand Tony, he's annoying. I will be voting Greens, they like the gays and I know the vote for them will count towards Labor in the long run but if enough people vote this way it will give the Labor government something to think about re:equality for all.
My friend posted a great Tweet today "Mark Lathom is like the sideshow Bob of politics". Agreed.
Oh and Family First can go to hell. I had no idea people could possibly still have views as out of touch as this.
This year I think the ABC have been amazing job with their coverage of the election and particularly their program Q&A which has been a regular at my place for the last 4 weeks.
Last night Julia Gillard faced the questions herself after receiving an invite from the ABC. The questions raised were gruelling and Julia was not shown them beforehand. I believe Julia often tackles questions better when she has more time to prepare her answer (and thats absolutely ok, we are all different and perform better in different circumstances depending on our personal preferences) but thought she did an amazing job at answering them on the spot.
I witnessed a PM that was compassionate and intelligent on National and World issues and I finally feel comfortable with the possible outcome of Labor being re-elected. She really is an amazing woman and not for a moment was she concerned with what any person threw her way even if the questions seemed like attacks at times. I found myself glued to the TV for the entire program and even ended up clapping with the audience. I feel like quite the nerd.
I still love Julia, I think she's great. I still can't stand Tony, he's annoying. I will be voting Greens, they like the gays and I know the vote for them will count towards Labor in the long run but if enough people vote this way it will give the Labor government something to think about re:equality for all.
My friend posted a great Tweet today "Mark Lathom is like the sideshow Bob of politics". Agreed.
Oh and Family First can go to hell. I had no idea people could possibly still have views as out of touch as this.
Marriage. A great deal of Blog.
I love finding great stuff on the net and putting it here. 2 reasons. 1. I can find it whenever I want, easily. 2. people who stumble across this page can make use of the little bit of gold that I've found and perhaps learn something from it or be inspired.
Snapdragons and Teapots blog who I follow (although don't know at all) posted a great blog on same-sex marriage laws in California. The blog is here.
What I love is the imagery of the 2nd picture and the people in the background. This alone is all the proof I need to know that something needs to be done about this in Australia. I also love what she says about marriage and how people feel about it. I whole-heartily agree.
Great blog!
Snapdragons and Teapots blog who I follow (although don't know at all) posted a great blog on same-sex marriage laws in California. The blog is here.
What I love is the imagery of the 2nd picture and the people in the background. This alone is all the proof I need to know that something needs to be done about this in Australia. I also love what she says about marriage and how people feel about it. I whole-heartily agree.
Great blog!
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Jack’s Life Lessons
1. Don’t be a jerk
2. Don’t take anyone for granted
3. Enjoy the moment
4. Be honest, always
5. Be humble
6. Be kind
7. Respect people’s wishes
8. Allow endings
9. Fail openly
10. Have an amazing haircut
I think Jack’s cool. I have these on my fridge and I look at them all the time. Sometimes we all need to be reminded of them I reckon.
Who is Jack? The guy who started Twitter. Amazing.
2. Don’t take anyone for granted
3. Enjoy the moment
4. Be honest, always
5. Be humble
6. Be kind
7. Respect people’s wishes
8. Allow endings
9. Fail openly
10. Have an amazing haircut
I think Jack’s cool. I have these on my fridge and I look at them all the time. Sometimes we all need to be reminded of them I reckon.
Who is Jack? The guy who started Twitter. Amazing.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
A Life that Matters.
There will be no more sunrises, no minutes, hours or days.
All the things you collected, whether treasured or forgotten, will pass to someone else.
Your wealth, fame and temporal power will shrivel to irrelevance.
It will not matter what you owned or what you were owed.
Your grudges, resentments, frustrations, and jealousies will finally disappear.
So, too, your hopes, ambitions, plans, and to-do lists will expire.
The wins and losses that once seemed so important will fade away.
It won’t matter where you came from, or on what side of the tracks you lived, at the end.
It won’t matter whether you were beautiful or brilliant.
Even your gender and skin colour will be irrelevant.
So what will matter? How will the value of your days be measured?
What will matter is not what you bought, but what you built; not what you got, but what you gave.
What will matter is not your success, but your significance.
What will matter is not what you learned, but what you taught.
What will matter is every act of integrity, compassion, or sacrifice that enriched, empowered or encouraged others to emulate your example.
What will matter is not your competence, but your character.
What will matter is not how many people you knew, but how many will feel a lasting loss when you’re gone.
What will matter is not your memories, but the memories that live in those who loved you.
What will matter is how long you will be remembered, by whom and for what.
Living a life that matters doesn’t happen by accident.
It’s not a matter of circumstance but of choice.
While you meet something beautiful, the first thing you should do is to share it with your friends anywhere.
So that these beautiful things will be able to spread out literally around the world.
- Author Unknown -
All the things you collected, whether treasured or forgotten, will pass to someone else.
Your wealth, fame and temporal power will shrivel to irrelevance.
It will not matter what you owned or what you were owed.
Your grudges, resentments, frustrations, and jealousies will finally disappear.
So, too, your hopes, ambitions, plans, and to-do lists will expire.
The wins and losses that once seemed so important will fade away.
It won’t matter where you came from, or on what side of the tracks you lived, at the end.
It won’t matter whether you were beautiful or brilliant.
Even your gender and skin colour will be irrelevant.
So what will matter? How will the value of your days be measured?
What will matter is not what you bought, but what you built; not what you got, but what you gave.
What will matter is not your success, but your significance.
What will matter is not what you learned, but what you taught.
What will matter is every act of integrity, compassion, or sacrifice that enriched, empowered or encouraged others to emulate your example.
What will matter is not your competence, but your character.
What will matter is not how many people you knew, but how many will feel a lasting loss when you’re gone.
What will matter is not your memories, but the memories that live in those who loved you.
What will matter is how long you will be remembered, by whom and for what.
Living a life that matters doesn’t happen by accident.
It’s not a matter of circumstance but of choice.
While you meet something beautiful, the first thing you should do is to share it with your friends anywhere.
So that these beautiful things will be able to spread out literally around the world.
- Author Unknown -
Monday, August 2, 2010
Enjoying. Your. Self.
As I get older I find I enjoy my own company a lot more. When I was insecure and immature I used to fear being alone more than anything. I would find vacant pockets in my day and quickly fill them with catch ups and friend time. Once a friend said to me that she enjoys travelling alone and exploring by herself. Nothing used to terrify me more. Now I savour them and protect my moments alone. Being alone is wonderful. Free to feel and think as you please. Free to sit and just be. I love taking the time out to be alone and what is starting to scare me is that I just love it more and more.
I once did my Myer's Briggs profile to find out I'm an ENFP. According to the report this means I am 'spontaneous, enthusiastic, optimistic, innovative and people-centred. I value relationships and intimacy and need to know that they are making a difference in the lives of people and in the world.' I would agree with this. I have loved having relationships with partners and friends and love spending time with people. But these days my favourite time is when I'm home by myself just hanging out with me.
What I find interesting is the report on ENFPs say that my midlife (ages 35-55) tell me that my 'introverted sensing will develop. The outgoing, idealistic personality of the ENFP will continue throughout adulthood, but now their attention turns to the inner world of reality, facts, details and sensory experience. They will seek more quiet time and will focus more on health issues and on practical activities. Many ENFPs at this time will become involved in activities such as art, craft, massage, meditation, natural healing, gardening, housework, sport or dancing. Some ENFPs will become interested in writing to share what they have learned about life with others. Some become advocates for disadvantaged people. ENFPs at midlife will be more comfortable living with reality and will often find they enjoy their own company.'
I feel like I fast forwarded my development to 35. That makes me 10 years older than I am because most of what is suppose to happen is happening right now. I'm not sure if that's a good thing or not.
What I do know for sure is that I love this video my dear friend sent me a lot. I really love it. I think we can learn a lot from spending time by ourselves. Take 4 minutes and watch it, it's perfect.
I once did my Myer's Briggs profile to find out I'm an ENFP. According to the report this means I am 'spontaneous, enthusiastic, optimistic, innovative and people-centred. I value relationships and intimacy and need to know that they are making a difference in the lives of people and in the world.' I would agree with this. I have loved having relationships with partners and friends and love spending time with people. But these days my favourite time is when I'm home by myself just hanging out with me.
What I find interesting is the report on ENFPs say that my midlife (ages 35-55) tell me that my 'introverted sensing will develop. The outgoing, idealistic personality of the ENFP will continue throughout adulthood, but now their attention turns to the inner world of reality, facts, details and sensory experience. They will seek more quiet time and will focus more on health issues and on practical activities. Many ENFPs at this time will become involved in activities such as art, craft, massage, meditation, natural healing, gardening, housework, sport or dancing. Some ENFPs will become interested in writing to share what they have learned about life with others. Some become advocates for disadvantaged people. ENFPs at midlife will be more comfortable living with reality and will often find they enjoy their own company.'
I feel like I fast forwarded my development to 35. That makes me 10 years older than I am because most of what is suppose to happen is happening right now. I'm not sure if that's a good thing or not.
What I do know for sure is that I love this video my dear friend sent me a lot. I really love it. I think we can learn a lot from spending time by ourselves. Take 4 minutes and watch it, it's perfect.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)