Taking Time

Taking time…to do what?  How many jobs do you undertake each day?  Do you stop and take a breath, to look around and enjoy the day?  So often, we are too busy doing it, instead of taking some time to breathe.

Let’s look at what you may be undertaking each day:

• Preparation of meals

• General cleaning of home (vacuuming, mopping floor, making beds, wiping down                    benches, etc.)

• Laundry

• Gardening and lawn maintenance

• Payment of bills and oversight of finances

• Booking appointments (medical, financial, education, etc.)

• Decluttering and organization of space.

Now take time to stop, grab a coffee (or tea), go outside, and breathe.  Why not take 5-10 minutes to be in the sun, and just enjoy those moments.  Taking time to just be ‘you’.  

Life becomes busy, so how do you stay on top of everything without becoming overwhelmed?

• Write down the jobs you need to achieve each day, that week, over the month
• Declutter and organize your home space so that you can ‘breathe.’
• Look at the jobs you are undertaking and take on one or two each day that you really don’t want to do and then tackle some of the jobs that you know are not too much to get done.

Take time to just enjoy life.  If we are so busy doing things, and not taking time to enjoy life, then perhaps we need to re-evaluate what we value?

How Tight Do You Hold On?

How Tight Do You Hold On - to people, to things, to past experiences?

Enjoying our relationships, the material items that surround us, and the amazing experiences that we encounter or plan, provide memories that we can reflect on throughout our life.

The ability to let go - of people, items, and experiences is difficult. However, if we hold too tight and are unable to let go, we risk losing the opportunity to meet new people, and experience new adventures or release some of our possessions and bless others by helping to meet their needs.

Why is it hard to let go?  Why do we hold on so tight?  

• seeking affection,
• seeking fulfillment,
• trust,
• encountering a misunderstanding with another,
• wanting to have what we were unable to as a child,
• wanting to give our children or loved ones the things they did not have growing up,
• seeking to fill our lives with things so we appear successful,
• seeking love,
• seeking satisfaction
• security,
• comfort.

“You can clutch the past so tightly to your chest that it leaves your arms too full to embrace the present.”– Jan Glidewell

"This is what the past is for! Every experience God gives us, every person He puts in our lives is the perfect preparation for the future that only He can see." Corrie Ten Boom

I read the following quote by Walt Disney, “We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things because we’re curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.”

This quote inspires me.  It can be difficult and overwhelming to let go of people, things, and past experiences.  How many more people, things, and experiences will we encounter if we keep moving forward, opening new doors, undertaking new things, stepping out into a new adventure!

Corrie Ten Boom says it well with the following quote, "Hold loosely to the things of this life so that if God requires them of you, it will be easy to let them go."

Don't hold onto people, things, and past experiences so tightly, that you are too afraid to open new doors and allow your curiosity to lead you down new paths of adventure.

Expectations

Recently, I was reading some notes taken from a Sunday Church service.

One of the notes I took caught my attention:

“There is an ever-increasing demand on us to meet people’s needs and demands. We also place expectations on ourselves. We put ourselves under pressure thinking others have expectations of us. We feel that we're underproductive if we aren't busy.   We forget to stop and breathe.”

Wow! Then I read further down my notes to find, “We have to be careful with our busyness.   There's a tension in our busyness.   We have families, work, and life”.

Again, ‘wake-up call’ to me!

The challenge?

What is sacrificed when we become too busy?

Relationships?

Church on Sunday?

Bible study?

Prayer?

Rest?

How do we manage expectations? Our expectations and the expectations of others?

Philippians 1:1-11 especially verses 9 and 10, which reads, “And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ.” (NKJV)

Being discerning in what we agree to take on, plan out our day/week to intentionally include relationships, Bible study, and prayer.  Choose to commit to Sunday worship and praying with fellow Christians.

Reflect on where you are situated in your ‘to-do’ lists.  Do you need to give up something, and be more intentional in other areas of your life?

Trusting God in the Process

My current phone wallpaper reminds me to "trust God in the process".  

The Bible reference is Ecclesiastes 3:11, which tells us, "Yet God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end."

Ecclesiastes 3:11 NLT.

Life happens.  Change happens.  Unexpected moments happen.  To whom do we turn to? Who do we trust? People? Why? People hurt people, use people, and exploit situations to their benefit.

If you want to make a positive life change in you and your community (however you define community) then begin by understanding, we cannot know the beginning from the end.  We go one step at a time, having plans, which may change unexpectedly. Unlike God, we cannot see everything from beginning to end.   Life is an adventure; sometimes you scream, sing, and shout.  In all this, whether expected or not, we need to ask ourselves, what positive action can come out of this situation?

Trust God in the process, He won't fail you.

Appreciate The Little Things

How often do you take the time to appreciate the little things in life?

If you woke up this morning, had you coffee or tea, spoke with those with you do life, then appreciate these small, but important events.

Often, we are so busy doing life, we forget that we are human ‘beings’. We long to ‘be’ – loving, living, enjoying, appreciating. However, life happens, and too often, all we do is go-through-the-motions of existing.

If you didn’t do some things, what catastrophe would occur? If you didn’t wash for one day, or didn’t check your email 20 times a day but shut the system for a day to spend with others, or rake time for yourself? These are questions I ask myself. With social media, taking on N-F-P roles, and daily tasks around the home, it’s easy to be 24/7 connected and have information overload.

Today, what action can you take to ‘be’ instead of ‘doing’?

Something to reflect on.

How do we communicate effectively?

How important is communication? The dictionary defines communication as “a process by which information is exchanged between individuals through a common system of symbols, signs, or behavior”, “a verbal or written message”, and “a technique for expressing ideas effectively”.

Communication is an essential skill, not only in your personal and community relationships but also in your workplace.  Do you stop and truly listen to those around you?  If you remain quiet and listen to what your colleagues and work friends talk about, it may surprise you that communication, or lack of it, is often referred to.

How can communication in the workplace improve?  If you are an employer, director, manager, supervisor, or team leader, make time in your diary to ensure you meet with your staff/team.  Don’t talk down to them, ask them questions about how they view the company/business/organization, ask them how they view communication between the different areas of the business.  You may choose to do this individually, in small teams, or as a whole group.  Note, however, that some people will not engage if they feel threatened.  If people in your organization are not engaging in the conversation, it may take some time to build a relationship where they feel they can speak without fear of losing their job.

We do not know what all our team members are going through outside of the workplace, sometimes managers and supervisors are unaware of what’s happening in the workplace. You need to be listening, aware, and taking note of your team and how they interact with you and each other.

The skill of communication doesn’t just apply to the workplace.  It applies to all areas of our life – family, friends, marriage, relationships, social interactions.  The ability to communicate well, not just hear noise, but listen with intention, and engage in meaningful conversation assists you in understanding your partner, children, and colleagues much better.

How do we communicate effectively?  Listen – don’t just hear what you want to hear, don’t just hear the ‘noise’ people make; really listen to what is being said. Lead by example – if you want to improve communication, then show how; read about how to improve and practice by action. Learn – accept criticism and correction. 

Walking on the Right Path: Creating a Radiant Workspace for Success

Bible Verse to reflect on Psalm16:11 (MSG)

Just as walking with God directs us onto the right path, having a well-designed workspace can help us excel in our chosen field of expertise. It's helpful to create a space where you can create, reflect, and work from. 

By following these tips, you can create a space that is both functional and inspiring, helping you stay motivated and focused on your goals.

• Use natural light to create a bright and welcoming atmosphere.
• Incorporate reflective surfaces such as mirrors or metallic accents to add to the radiance.
• Choose colors that evoke joy and positivity, such as sunny yellows or calming blues.
• Create a focal point in the room that represents your life's purpose, such as an inspiring quote or a piece of art that speaks to you.
• Incorporate elements of nature such as plants or natural materials to create a sense of grounding and connection.
• Choose furniture and decor that is functional and comfortable, so that you can fully enjoy and engage with your space.
• Manage the space to ensure it remains organized and clutter-free, promoting clarity and focus.
• Don't be afraid to incorporate your own personal style and meaningful objects into your design, as this will help your space feel truly authentic and purposeful.
• Experiment with different textures and materials, such as plush rugs or natural wood accents, to add depth and interest to your space.
• Use art and decor to express your personality and style, whether it's through bold prints or sentimental objects.
• Consider incorporating technology into your design, such as a smart speaker or wireless charging station, to make your workspace more efficient and streamlined.
• Make sure your space is properly ventilated and has good air quality, as this can have a significant impact on your productivity and overall well-being.
• Take the time to regularly clean and maintain your space, as this can help you stay organized and focused on your goals. 

Remember, creating a space that is both radiant and purposeful can help you stay on the right path toward success.

Embracing Change?

Over the past few months, significant changes have occurred in our family life. Changes in employment, our youngest graduating from High School, and myself, taking up a new Not-For-Profit executive position.

Change can bring the feeling of being uncomfortable and challenging, and certainly cause you to either embrace it or hide away.

Undergoing change in your life is not comfortable. Often friendships formed in the workplace, and other organizations change, even end. Relationships change. Finances change. Family life changes.

Recently, I have been reflecting on how to embrace the changes positively. Is this easy? No. But to live life to be effective means being willing to change, even when your mind is screaming NO!

To begin this process, I have begun:

• Getting up earlier in the morning and having breakfast (or a cuppa) with my husband.
• General House tidy-up (making the bed, cleaning bench tops, washing, dishes, general household duties).
• Set time aside for reflecting on God’s Word.
• Deal with urgent emails, accounts, and the import “To Be Done” items on my list.
• Set time aside later in the day to read, rest, pray, and visit.

It is so easy to fall into procrastination or become overwhelmed.

Iveth Luna (song “In You” sings, I can do all things...even when the darkness comes, even when the mountains tower...in You (the Lord).

That is how I get through each day - with the Lord. If the past few months have taught me anything, it is I cannot get through the changes without the Lord

As organized as one tries to be, unless the Lord directs our path, the journey will be rough. The path may have stones that irritate you because they get in your shoe, or there may be a block on the path, your health may be under attack, or your family life has changed. Whatever the situation, the constant presence, and love of the Lord is comforting and reassuring

What changes can you make today to start each day more positively?

Planning, Listing, Learning!

Those who know me, they will understand that I am usually organized. I have lists everywhere, a planner colored for the month ahead, a diary (digital and/or paper) reflecting what's coming up, where I need to be, what needs to be purchased and bills to be paid.

It's Important to Plan

With the busyness of life in our modern society, it is important to plan - at least have some idea of what's coming up, what bills need to be paid, and what appointments must be attended.

It's easy to say, "well, I get to that when I feel like it," and for some, I guess that works. 

However, having a plan of action helps to lower stress levels, and ensure we get to those important appointments and events on the right day and at the right time. Can you imagine missing your child's special day at a school event or forgetting an important medical appointment?

Planning can be simple, or, depending on your work, voluntary positions, and demands on your time, more complex.  By planning at least, the basics, you can find ways to free up portions of your time so that you can invest in family, learning, relaxing, spiritual growth, and assisting in the community.

Lists

Over the years, lists...yes boring lists...have been my go-to, the lists ticked off have provided reassurance and have sometimes been used to prove that certain jobs have been completed. More than once, producing my list has proven that time-sensitive deadlines were met.  

Just having a tick-and-flick list can ensure you accomplish what's necessary to be completed on a certain day or meet a deadline. Ticked-off lists help to visually show there has been movement on the given task and give a sense of accomplishment.  You can use a list to break down a large job into smaller blocks of work, so you are not overwhelmed.

Learning

Never stop learning! If you stop learning, you are not breathing! Learning is life-long.  Perhaps taking on a new role is daunting but gather around yourself trusted people to affirm and encourage you as you step out.

A positive environment where you are encouraged to experience innovative ideas and challenges can bring a spark that fans into a flame of creativity.  Imagine what your creativity can bring to a not-for-profit group or your workplace? You may just have the idea they need to progress into a new and exciting pathway of growth!

Planning, having a list, continuing to learn - living life to make a difference!

Canva 2022

Staying Organised In A Chaotic World

Have you noticed how easily you can be distracted by news, social media, messenging and general life?

We all have busy lives.  Often we are simply trying to get through the day - complete work deadlines, make the NFP meeting we've committed to, get a  meal on the table, ensure the children's homework is done.

One way I have found to stay organised in the chaos is to simply take 10 minutes every few days, sit down with my diary (online/paper/planner, whichever works for you) and check through the week.  

• What is coming up - meetings and events?
• What do I need to purchase - grocercies, gifts, etc?
• What bills are due - vehicle registration, electricity, mobile phone account?
• What deadlines do I need to meet for work or N-F-P committee?
• What jobs need to be completed around the house?

You may have other questions that need to be addressed and noted into your diary. That's what a diary or planner can assist you with. Helping to keep you focused and organised so that by the end of the week, you're not feeling completly overwhelmed.

What steps can you take to plan your week more effectively?

Don't forget to schedule some time for you!

Teamwork

 Teamwork.  We often hear this word, read about the importance of it and in our workplaces are encouraged to participate in it.

What is Teamwork? The Cambridge Dictionary tells us, "the activity of working together in a group with other people, especially when this is successful."

Teamwork isn't always easy.  Some people find it much more appealing to work alone, whilst others relish the opportunity to work with others.

Teamwork, when everyone in the group chooses to participate and work together, can lead to creative and successful outcomes.  To achieve successful outcomes, all participants need to intentionally  ensure a numbe of actions occur.

1. Turn Up on Time!  Meetings (either in person or online) to brainstorm, collerabrate, and compile are important and it is very frustrating if participants are late joining the meeting or not turn up at all.  If you are part of a team of people, then TURN UP! Turn up to participate, turn up on time, be proactive.

2. Do Your Part!  Your contribution is important.  Ensure you complete the assigned tasks ontime and to the best of your ability.

3. Ask for Help! If you are overwhelmed or struggling, then reach out to the team and ask for help.  That's not, I don't want to do the task or I haven't ensure enough time.  It's asking for help when I've tried and need someone to review or assist.

4. Affirm Each Other!  Encourage one another and affirm the team members abilities and skills.

5.  Celebrate Your Success and Milestones!  Don't forget to celebrate together the milestones achieved and successful outcomes.  When things don't quite go to plan, find what to celebrate and then how together work out the issues that still require resolution.

Some Things Have To Change

 Life happens...change is inevitable. Change comes, whether we are ready or not. Sometimes it's in our control, usually, we have little or no say in change.

How do we cope? Do we accept change or reject it? What is the impact on our lives, our careers, and our beliefs?

There are a few points that we do know:

1. Change will come whether or not we accept it or reject it.

2. Change may impact our lives, but we can learn to be adaptable.

3.  Change may be difficult at the moment, but the doors open to new possibilities, and new career choices.

4. Change is not something anyone wants to go through; our faith and beliefs are strengthened when we draw near to the Lord instead of pulling away.

Some verses to help:

• Psalm 51:10
• Philippians 4:13
• Proverbs 18:10
• Psalm 91:2 

Change brings about growth - in our character, in ourselves, in our faith and beliefs. We may not have much say, but how we respond will show either a positive or negative stance as to who we are. 

Whilst change will occur, there are some things that we can hold onto that are not changing:

 - God never changes;

- God's Word never changes, we grow and change as we read and apply the Words of the Bible to our lives;

- We are constantly changing; even if we think we are not;

-  Like the annual cycles of the seasons, life is a constant change.  How we embrace change will either help us flourish or flounder.

What will you choose?

Little Things!

Little things in life are important. Taking time to create, make and share is often dreamt about,  but not always actioned. 

Simple things like food, can make time with family and friends special.

Cookidoo®: Lemon curd (TM6 - 600 g) https://cookidoo.com.au/recipes/recipe/en-AU/r556933

Planning and Preparation

 When you have a busy period, what's your "Go to"?  

For some of us it's a list (or several), scheduling tasks, a diary (paper or digital), maybe sticky notes.

I am a list person.  I make lists for all sorts of jobs.  It may be planning an event (or even a BBQ), meeting deadlines for acquittal purposes, ensuring that people are contacted for meetings, making sure that travel itineraries are submitted on time.

Whatever your reason, having some form of reminder is helpful, especially in today's fast-paced; information overload world.

Learning how to use technology to assist you and make life easier is a must.  Scheduling emails, texts and reminders can mean that your time is better utilised so that deadlines can be met, reports or documents reach the recipients on time.

You may find that a simple list, or scheduling reminders can help free up your valuable time.

A monthly planner, a few highlighters and a decent pen, plus a few minutes each week can make the difference between fluster and focus.

Have Your To Do List ready!

Be Kind. You Don't Know What Someone Else Is Going Through.

 In today's fast paced world, people can often forget that our words, tones, language and actions may either help or hurt another.

Too often, we're all about us. Getting to work, completing the workload, meeting deadlines, achieving outcomes, making a profit, proving why we should have the coveted position or be in leadership.

More often than not, there are those around us who are forgotten, used or ignored in our ever chasing, ever climbing to be on top of the pile.

To be kind does not take a lot of effort.  However, being kind may mean having to adjust our attitude, thoughts and actions.  You don't know what someone else is going through.  Your kindness may in that moment be the factor that changes their next decision.

Tidy Workstation - Helping You Focus

How do you feel when you walk into a room that's cluttered and chaotic?  Do you feel like you can focus, or do you feel overwhelmed?

A tidy workstation or office helps us to focus.  We don't become distracted by the clutter, the "I must attend to that".

Simply having a clean desk, jobs sorted, drawers tidy help us to focus on the immediate task at hand.

Some suggestions:

• a basket/box for mail in and out,
• clipboards for jobs in progress (alternatively you may choose folders, marked desk trays),
• Monthly planner (to see what is coming up and to note deadlines),
• current year calendar,
• notepad,
• printer paper in easily accessible drawer/shelf,
• pens, highlighters, rulers, etc in a tidy drawer,
• Important documents (birth certificates, marriage certificates, passports, certificates, etc) in a folder.  I have made one for each of my children so that they can simply collect their folder and have all the relevant documentation available easily when they need to complete Identification/applications for loans, business, education, etc.

People have different ways of using their office/workstation space.  You may prefer paper; others prefer to have everything digital.  When you find what works the best for you, keep the flow going.  

In today's digital world, it's important to have a back-up.  If you have had children completing senior schooling then you will know what happens when their assignment is suddenly "lost"! Having a backup hard-drive or cloud storage will help lessen the stress that comes when you suddenly need to send an urgent email or upload a document to an online application. Ensure you have strong passwords and software protection.

A tidy workstation is important and makes working less stressful.

Life is Like Cake!

 Recently I posted  on Instagram that Life is like cake.

Life can be like cake.

It's all good when it tastes nice.

But when you forget the sugar or key ingredient, it can taste horrible.

We all have good and bad days.  If you follow a recipe, then usually the end result is something you can eat - like cake.  But, if we don't follow the recipe then unexpected results can happen.  If you forget the sweetner or add too much, your cake may be inedible.

Life is like that. When life is "sweet" we're happy, maybe even considering ourselves content.

However, when life if not sweet - when the trials, difficulties and stress occur then the 'recipe' hasn't worked and the 'cake' deflates, burns, or doesn't taste good.

That's when we need to re-adjust our recipe!

Eat cake, good cake!