Life lessons Archives - INSPIRING MAX

Forgive and Forget

May 8, 2015 inspiringmax

Share a story where it was very difficult for you to forgive the perpetrator for wronging you, but you did it — you forgave them.

Unfortunately we cannot stop trauma, tragedy and conflict happening in our lives. We can however choose how we respond to it, which changes its impact. By staying stuck—angry, hurt and wanting revenge, we keep focusing on the negative emotions. This allows them to continue to hurt us in other ways, over and over again.

Forgiveness is acknowledging that it happened, but letting go of the negative emotions. Doing whatever is necessary to move on. How—will be different for everyone, but there is no other way forward.

For me, forgiveness isn’t about the other person or what they have done—it’s about my mental health. By not forgiving them I allow them to take from me again and again. Not an option for me. I deal with my emotions, learn any lessons that need to be learnt and move on. I may not choose to forget, but I do choose to not let it consume my life and forgiveness is the key.

https://dailypost.wordpress.com/dp_prompt/forgive-and-forget/

Community

May 6, 2015 inspiringmax

What does your ideal community look like? How is it organized, and how is community life structured? What values does the community share?

I am a part of many communities. Each one is similar but different. Although their purposes vary, their interchangeable themes and values can be described in the following acrostic poem.

Communication, caring and creativity

Openess, opinions and observations

Managing problems together

Mindful of other people’s boundaries

Understanding and respect

Nurture and nature

Individualism and independence encouraged

Team approach

Yesterday, today and tomorrow—the building blocks of our relationships

https://dailypost.wordpress.com/dp_prompt/idyllic/

Big Picture

May 4, 2015 inspiringmax

Think of a topic or issue about which you’ve switched your opinion. Why the change?

I don’t tend to take stances about issues these days. I like to look at the big picture and take in all the information from both sides. I am flexible and always looking for new knowledge that may change the outlook. Most of the time any of these thoughts stay in my head and only come out if they are asked for. In my experience, some people when they ask for my opinion are surprised if I don’t happen to agree with them on the topic. This points to the fact that in fact they weren’t interested in my opinion but in gathering more evidence that they were right.

I don’t judge—people, places or things. I find it is best policy get to the bottom of where people’s thoughts come from and why they may have so much emotion attached to a topic. By asking a few more questions I can often make these connections which may have nothing to do with the original issue but open the door to understanding the person.

We are all individuals entitled to an opinion. The fact that we can express them freely is what makes it interesting.

https://dailypost.wordpress.com/dp_prompt/flip-flop/

Inspiring Hope

April 26, 2015 inspiringmax

Write the blurb for the book jacket of the book you’d write, if only you had the time and inclination.

This prompt is great for me. I am currently in the final editing stage of my book—Inspiring Hope: How Eating Disorder Recovery Is Possible, which I plan to self-publish by the end of this year. It has been an amazing journey and I have learnt a lot. As this is my first book jacket I am interested in people’s ideas about how it can be improved. I look forward to your insight.

Do you or someone you know have and eating disorder?

Are you confused by them or how to get help?

Have you lost hope that this monster—your eating disorder can be defeated?

You are not alone

Eating disorders are physical and psychological disorders that defy logic and their harrowing effects impact over one million Australians, their families and the economy.

Inspiring Hope is a concise, comprehensive punchy guide that men and women of all ages find engaging. Written by a specialist eating disorder nurse with many years experience, supporting and guiding those in the recovery maze. This book describes life living with an eating disorder and gives expert insights into eating disorder recovery. Full of practical strategies, Inspiring Hope helps individuals recover and assists loved ones with the best ways to offer support and how not to.

Empowering individuals to take responsibility for their life and to learn how their choices affect their eating disorder, Inspiring Hope demonstrates the steps—forwards and backwards—along their recovery journey. By revealing the mysteries involved in recovery, Inspiring Hope gives hope that recovery is possible.

Quotes from those living with an eating disorder throughout, bring this book to life and encourage readers to start or get back on track with their recovery journey because their spark of hope is ignited.

https://dailypost.wordpress.com/dp_prompt/byobookworm/

T – The Band Played Waltzing Matilda

April 25, 2015 inspiringmax

Today marks 100 years since the ANZACS landed in Gallipoli. To me this song written by Eric Bogle in memory of these brave heroes says it all. The addition of footage from Gallipoli reminds us of the extreme reality of the situation. Every time I hear this song and remember their sacrifices, it brings a tear to my eyes as I am grateful. Today, on this special anniversary, my feelings are even stronger.

Thank you to all who have fought for freedom—not only for Australia but around the world. Without their sacrifices the world as we know it could have been a very different place.

# A-Z Challenge

S – Self-nurturing

April 24, 2015April 25, 2015 inspiringmax

Who doesn’t love a list? So write one! Top five slices of pizza in your town, ten reasons disco will never die, the three secrets to happiness — go silly or go deep, just go list-y.

Self-Nurturing, by definition, is taking care of yourself and doing things to improve your wellbeing. This is a skill often omitted or lost when we get busy with life and needs to be replaced to help manage our stress. Self-nurturing goals need to be simple and daily.

If necessary— plan your self-nurturing activities. Aim to practise two to three activities a day depending on what they are. Bigger goals require more effort so fewer are needed each week. Create your list of things you enjoy and that work for you. Some examples include:

Alone Time
Blogging
Drawing
Going for a walk
Having a facial
Having a foot rub
Having a massage
Having a shower or bath
Listening to music
Make a phone call to a friend
Meditating and relaxing
Painting your finger and toe nails
Playing games
Playing with children or a pet
Putting on makeup
Reading
Sitting by the beach/lake and watching the water
Smelling or picking some flowers
Socialising with friends
Swimming
Treat your to a manicure or pedicure
Using moisturiser
Visiting the library, art gallery or museum
Walking barefoot on the sand
Watching a comedy show or movie
Writing

Of the above list I think my favourite is walking barefoot on the beach and smelling flowers. They use more than one sense so to me this feels more intense. What is your favourite way to self-nurture?

https://dailypost.wordpress.com/dp_prompt/the-satisfaction-of-a-list/

O – Observation # A-Z Challenge

April 21, 2015April 20, 2015 inspiringmax

Others can help you observe things

Be in the moment

State facts

Enjoy your environment

Reflect on your journey

View your surroundings

Aattentively watch as the world goes by

Test a theory

I see—you see—remember it may be different

Opinions do vary

Notice the differences—celebrate the similarities.

#A-Z Challenge

N – Nimbin # A -Z Challenge

April 20, 2015 inspiringmax

Nimbin is the hippy capital of Australia. Although I have known this for many decades it was not until last month that I got to experience what that meant for myself. I was surprised. Tolerance for individualism was everywhere—two woman were verbally fighting loudly in the park. Nobody cared. It was normal.

“They have been at it all morning” said the local shopkeeper.

“Really” we replied.

” It is common for people around here to have rants. Some are just longer than others” she replied very matter of factly.

This set the scene for the rest of our visit.

The Nimbin community developed its identity in 1973 when it hosted Australia’s Aquarius festival celebrating alternate living choices and the arts. It attracted students, hippies, visionaries from all over Australia many of whom stayed on after the Aquarius Festival making Nimbin their home continuing to follow these dreams and ideology.

Names around the village describe its history well.

Peace Park
Hemp Embassy
Hemp Bar
Rainbow Power Company
Nimbin Co-op
The Green Park
Hemping Around
Tribal Magic

Forty years later the areas is still internationally renown for its alternative lifestyle culture. Marijuana reform has played a large role in the community over the decades. Today they are strongly fighting to legalise medical marijuana through their annual law reform rally—MardiGrass—held in early May.

“May the long time sun shine upon you, all love surround you and, the pure light within you guide your way home.” Aquarius festival anthem

#A – Z Challenge

Don’t Stop Believing

April 18, 2015 inspiringmax

What’s the one piece of advice you wish someone had given you a year (or five, or ten…) ago?

I have an innate ability to know who to trust. It’s an instant ability I have to be able to read people. When I interview for new staff I make it clear the person I choose will be the best fit for the team not necessarily the person with the highest scores on graduation. So far my trust has been rewarded by my choices being recognised as great team members by patients as well as other staff.

During the last 5 years however there was one occasion where my trust in a colleague was severely breached. I had to learn quickly not to doubt myself. I was right to originally trust this person however they broke that trust by their actions. I quickly recognised the problem—there was a crocodile in the pond, the pond itself although shaken was solid and full of life.

This realisation during an extremely difficult time helped me to continue believe in myself, build resilience in all concerned and continue to trust others.

Remember, sometimes when things are out of our control it’s not our fault, however we need to do what is necessary to take back control.