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.

4. There may be the odd few who feel you are personally abandoning them…..

- These situations are very difficult to cope with as there is no reasoning with friends and family who are in this mindset. As above this is also a reaction that people can have when they feel emotional about you moving away. .

5. Unfortunately there will be times when family and friends offer no support or have no understanding of why you are moving abroad or to another state. …..

- The only thing I can really suggest is to remind yourself that you are allowed to live your life as you choose and if someone chooses to take that personally then it is in fact an issue which they will have to find a way to cope with.

I know that much of this may seem unfair; you have a lot to deal with when organising a move to another country or state and you seem to have to also deal with the emotions of all around you. There is no avoiding that family and friends will have varying reactions and awareness of these reactions may make it easier for you.

A Place to call home

A short version of why it is feels so good to be calling Australia home ……

I left my home country, England, at the age of 13 when I ventured to Africa. My wonderful journey then continued to several different countries and many more adventures.

20 something years later and I found myself in Singapore getting a divorce and longing for home, when I realised, to my dismay, that I didn’t have a home. The shock of not having a place to call home was overwhelming, scary and exciting all at the same time.

I choose to go to New Zealand where I had some family and where I had enjoyed life for a year as a teenager. For the next 3 years New Zealand became my healing ground, my place of inner growth and a comfort.

Then I met an Aussie living in New Zealand, he wanted to return to his home country and I decided to join him. Australia had never been on my “to do” list so I had no idea what this mystical place would present me with. My perception of Australia from documentaries was red desert, heat and many deadly creatures that could kill you in an instant. To be honest I was quite worried!

I arrived in Australia in May 2008 without any concept of what life would be like here. I have found myself living in a country full of friendly people, great weather, glorious beaches, and giant delicious fruit. I have been made to feel welcome, have met fun friends and I enjoy my giant fruit smoothies. All of this and I still was unsure of whether I should make Australia my home, mainly due to being so far away from my sons who presently live in Norway.

Then……I went on holiday, I had a great time, then flew home. As the plane landed in Australia I felt myself sigh …….. The kind of sigh that says “ahhhh I am home.”

I decided at that moment that I am incredibly fortunate to live in this abundant, peaceful, beautiful, and exciting country and I would be crazy not to try and make this my home.

A few days later a letter arrived giving me permanent residency……don’t you love it when life works that way….

A place to call home! It’s overwhelming, scary and exciting all at the same time.

Driving in a new country

After a move to a new country or a new state you may find driving in a new place rather stressful. Driving culture is different in all places, sometimes subtly so and sometimes enough to fear stepping in to the car at all.

Read the rest of this entry »