The joy of doing hard things

This pic was taken on October 1st, 2017.  I'm loving the contrast of the white toe nails, black slides and reflecting blue Sydney waters. None of this is relevant to to this post though - except for the date.  Why? On this date, I began Sober October - otherwise known as Ocsober.  Which means 31 days, alcohol free.

I come from a long line of drinkers and a family where alcohol is part of the fabric. My father is a living example of the horrific ugliness of extreme alcoholism. Despite this, none of us kids have chosen to rebel with healthier behavior.  Least of all me. In fact, the challenge of 31 days alcohol free is very steep indeed. I know, this is hardly what you'd expect of a qualified health coach and yoga teacher. It's the honest truth though. So there you have it.

Nourish thy self

One of many changes since moving home to Sydney Australia, is returning to the land of driving. Sydney, much like LA is the kind of city where you really do need a car.  It's vast and not terribly well serviced, from a public transport POV.  I'm also fortunate enough to be able to drive to the office every day which (outside of peak hour) is around 20 minutes.  These days I spend 40 minutes+ in my car each week day.

Bored of breakfast radio, I got busy downloading podcasts for my drive. I particularly enjoy true crime.  I guess that's because "Serial" is what started my podcasting passion. In the past few months I've listened to a bucket load of this sort of stuff.  Then one day, I was out of compelling options and instead listened to some TED talks.  After that my listening habits changed to a mix of TED and true crime.

Recovering from heartbreak and it feels so good!

Grief is a tough part of life and one that we all experience at some point.  Although if you flip it, not experiencing grief would surely mean you've had nothing to lose. Which is worse right? Anyway, back to grief.  I've been there.

Six and a half months ago I waved goodbye to New York City after calling it home for five years. In retrospect I now realise living there was more than a dream, it was a love affair. Filled with excitement, liberation, intense joy, and that heady feeling that just makes you smile.  Yes I have completely romanticized it and there were disappointments at times too. Not many though!

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Putting the garden in gardening leave

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According to Wikipedia Garden leave or gardening leave:- describes the practice where an employee leaving a job – having resigned or otherwise had their employment terminated – is instructed to stay away from work during the notice period, while still remaining on the payroll.

Gardening leave is a term that originated in the UK and was adopted in Australia & NZ too. When I resigned back in October, 2016 I didn't think it would happen to me. After all I'm leaving a US focussed role to run a Sydney agency. Yes on a Global scale we compete, but from my view point, my specter of influence doesn't overlap.

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Joining the dots

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“You can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future.” Steve Jobs

I really love this quote from Steve Jobs. He surely wasn't a prophet on all fronts but this speaks to me. Particularly right now, as I try to make sense of how I've arrived at where I am today and also where I'm heading.

Super Moon ritual

Today November 14th, 2016 marks the largest Super Moon in 69 years. This moon also happens to be in Taurus which is my star sign so it seems auspicious to me.  While I'm not super in tune with all things spirituality related, I'm interested.  Interested enough to consider how it would be best to use this Super Moons power. I've got a lot going on right now and could use a reset.

So, as is the normal approach to such matters, I Googled my way into some understanding of what I'm now going to do this evening. I'm sharing here in case you too live in the Northern hemisphere and want to take the opportunity to celebrate (or ritualize) the occasion too. If not, never fear, there's a full moon every single month and each time you have the opportunity I'm taking today.  To be fair, a reset is valuable any time.

Don’t believe breast cancer is 1 in 8

It’s not in my circle of friends

I’m 45. In 2010, at the age of 39 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. At the time I thought I was unlucky — given one in eight women suffer from it in their lifetime. The fact I was young surely meant my nearest and dearest would benefit from my bodies decision to take one for the team. That’s a positive in the shit storm right?

Do you need to slow down?

And every day, the world will drag you by the hand, yelling "this is important! And this is important! And this is important! You need to worry about this! And this! And this!"

And each day, it's up to you to yak your hand back, put it on your heart and say, "No. This is what's important."

- Iain Thomas

There are many motivational and inspirational sentiments (words) that encourage us to live every day 'like it was your last'. To squeeze every bit out. That life is short so play hard. Or even (as preeched by yours truly) to embrace the good stuff. All of which have influenced me at some point & I largely agree with them. 

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