You are Unique

We all have several identities, for example, who we believe we are, who we wish to be, how society perceives us and how we wish for society to perceive us. We are somebody’s child, parent, employee, spouse, friend and so much more. Finding our identity can be quite confusing and when we throw a move in the mix it can sometimes add to the confusion.

When we move from one country to another we can feel a bit misplaced when it comes to identity, especially within the first few months of being in a new place. In our home country we know how to culturally interact with others; we understand the unsaid rules within society and we know what is considered polite or rude. We have an understanding of how to dress, when to dress up and when to dress down. We know what all the public holidays are about and we know how to celebrate traditionally.

In a new country many of the above scenarios can seem unclear and as a result we can question how we fit in to the new society we now find ourselves in. We may label ourselves as outsiders and believe that we will never fit in or be accepted. As a result we might try too hard to fit in, or give up trying all together, through all this effort we can leave ourselves feeling drained and vulnerable.

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Today I went for a walk with my sons who are visiting me in Australia at the moment. We walked along the beach in the beautiful sunshine while admiring the colour and magnificence of the sea. As we were walking along feeling great about being in such a wonderful environment it occurred to me that I live 3 minutes away from this beach and yet I hardly ever make the time to walk there.

Walking daily is so important for our health and well-being. Walking relieves and prevents stress . Walking is excellent exercise and walking enables us to explore places we wouldn’t normally have discovered.

Today we strayed from the footpath and found ourselves on rocks with the waves splashing against them. My youngest son suggested we stop for a moment and take a deep breath and enjoy the view. So we stood there on the rock just breathing while admiring the beauty around us. Something so simple yet so exhilarating. (more…)

Due to having friends and family overseas and mixing with a variety of people here in Australia  I am noticing the effects that the volcano in Iceland is having on the people around me and my friends living overseas. Many of my friends have people visiting who are unable to return home or they are awaiting loved ones who can not get to their destination. Celebrations, honeymoons and reunions may have been put on hold and travellers are having to extend or cancel their travel.

I am wondering what effect this may have on people relocating to a new country. Some people may have had their furniture shipped but they themselves can’t get to their destination. I am imagining that a number of people living or moving overseas are feeling a deal of stress at the moment, perhaps even experiencing a feeling of separation knowing that they are unable to quickly fly home if they should need to.

This is one of those circumstances where nature rules. We are unable to change what is happening. In some cases people can travel by road, train or boat but for some there is no choice but to sit and wait. With this in mind I thought I would explore what can be done in a situation like this in order to remain calm and positive.

• Keep a positive attitude. When there is no choice but to wait for nature to decide then the only choice we have is to keep a positive attitude and to make the most of the situation. (more…)

It is 2010!!! If someone had asked me in 2000 where I thought I would be in 2010

I would not have guessed that I would be happily living in Australia.

I would not have guessed that I would have completed an education that would enable me to do the job I enjoy.

I would not have guessed that I would be once again in touch with all my friends from my international school days.

I would not have guessed that I would meet so many amazing people on The Sunshine Coast.

I would not have guessed that I would meet so many amazing people on Twitter or Facebook or that such a thing would even exist.

I would not have guessed that I would be writing a book.

I would not have guessed that I would be working towards the life I want to live.

So if I have achieved all of these things without ever believing that I would, what can I achieve with intention, with drive, with passion, with awareness, with mindfulness and with a positive attitude?

What can you achieve this year with intention, drive, passion, awareness, mindfulness and a positive attitude?

Wherever you find yourself in 2010 remember that you can create the life you want, you can find the positives in life, you can enjoy where you are and you can live an enjoyable and fulfilling life. Choose to enjoy life and you will. When we choose to enjoy life the not so good days don’t seem so bad and the good days seem great.

Have fun in 2010 creating the life you want to live ……..

Reactions of Those left behind

One of the most difficult aspects of moving to another country or state is that you may have to leave behind your friends and family. Leaving friends and family behind can be emotionally draining; People will have varying reactions to your leaving …..

1. There will be those who are thrilled for you and support your decision …..

- Let friends/family know that you appreciate their help and love in this potentially emotional time of your life just in case it is also emotionally difficult for them when you leave.

2. There will be those who are happy for you and support your decision yet feel miserable about your leaving and will make this known. …….

-  Although it may be difficult, try to remember that these reactions are due to your loved ones not wanting to lose you. They may feel confused, happy for you, yet sad for themselves and this unbalance may cause mixed emotions which are difficult to deal with for you and them.

3. Some friends and family will be happy for you however realising that you will no longer be around they will slowly cut you loose from their agendas……

- Even though this situation may feel painful try not to attach yourself to this moment. Try to keep in mind that these friends and family members love you and will miss you very much and for this reason they feel a need to protect themselves from these emotions. (more…)