Christmas Calendar #15

This quote reminds me to make a plan daily. This is going to be even more important next year as I work less and play more. There are a lot of things that I want to do but time can easily get away if the day has no structure. My dad was always making lists to get things done. So I will be channeling him as I dig deep to enjoy my semi-retirement.


Christmas Calendar #13

I like to think of ideas and actions as the seeds of our life. I acknowledge and use them all because they won’t all germinate and grow. Sometimes the smallest ones on first look don’t seem to be valuable. Plant them anyway as they may surprise you and turn out be very strong. The more regular a habit you make of following ideas and steps to your goals, the more you’ll get the bonus seeds life plants in your garden. For me, just a small comment made years before has been enough to start my life going in a new direction. I didn’t even know it was happening until the harvest. In hindsight I was regularly adding to it’s growth without realizing.

You can’t start harvesting anything, if you haven’t put the required work in before hand. Prepare, plant and plow. Without the first two there is no harvest.


Christmas Calendar #12

I love this quirky turn of phrase. It makes a new meaning of the power of positive thinking. In most circumstances its how you view a situation that tells you how you respond to it. If you tell yourself something is impossible, it will be. However, if you ask yourself how is this possible you will find a way. If necessary, break it down to it’s simplest form and then piece it back together.


Christmas Calendar #11

I believe every choice has a resulting consequence. Hard work builds confidence and a solid reputation. Equally poor choices ruin them.

Having skills and abilities however can be transient. You might be on top of your game for a while, then suddenly someone will replace you. This won’t matter if by using your skills and abilities you have also made good choices and built a solid foundation. You will find a way to reinvent yourself and who you truly are will shine through from a different perspective.


Christmas Calendar #10

In my life the difficult times are definitively the ones that built my strength and resilience. They have come in many ways, but it is their lessons that I have found the most valuable. On a few occasion I had no map for what was ahead of me, I just kept taking baby steps. Then over time, I realised that struggles was over and the difficulties had overcome were now a new layer of protection on my life’s journey.


Christmas Calendar #9

When I started blogging I was petrified of being seen. I had lived my life in a bubble. I used this quote to help motivate me to post on Mother’s Day 2014 and I’m so glad I did. Now to get into a regular habit of showing up and take my writing to the next level. Is there somewhere you need courage to show up at the moment?


Christmas Calendar # 8

Many years ago I did a Dale Carnegie course. I loved it. and it certainly helped develop my people skills. For me, it was fascinating to learn and truly understand the power of asking people their story. Even a small question can led to a totally different story line.

People won’t tell you if you don’t ask, especially if you’re too busy talking about yourself. Everyone’s story is unique and helps us to understand what makes them tick.


Christmas Calendar # 7

One of the things that I have learnt in life is to be your own person. To act and react according to our individual beliefs, values and sense of fun. Following our dreams and interacting in our unique way brings a smile to others and can change their world.

Yoko Ono was a leader in setting your own rules and she and John Lennon certainly changed the world.


Christmas Calendar # 6

Sometimes life is a balancing act. Do I keep doing what I’m doing because it is working or take a risk to go to the next level. This quote reminds us that sometimes you have to take that leap of faith. Give up the good or comfortable life to achieve the great with its extra rewards.