A day to reflect

It is ANZAC day here in New Zealand. A day when we remember the Australian and New Zealand troops who fought so heroically at Gallipoli. The day has been extended to remember all who have served in wars as Defence force members.

I know of 7 men in my family who served in WW1 and WW11. Fortunately all returned home but the cost was very high for some and the experience profound on them all.

I have spent some quiet time today reflecting on them and their bravery and courage.

My daughter and I spent some time this afternoon in our local wetlands, wildlife area at the head of the Pauatahanui Inlet. It was a peaceful place to reflect and remember all who served.

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End of year report

Most noted award goes to Mother Nature in 2011. Relentless earthquakes continue to rock Christchurch. One major quake claimed a large number of lives, while many have caused extensive damage and destruction.

In NZ we also experienced volcanic ash clouds, flooding, tornadoes and we watched in horror as tsunami killed tens of thousands in Japan. On the flip side it has been a surprisingly calm year where I live with gale force winds being much rarer than usual.

One word to describe 2011 = Draining – mentally, emotionally and physically.

Achievements of the year:
 Beginning to blog again and meeting friends from other blogs. Sort of cyber pen pals.
 Decluttering a junk room which is now a bedroom of sorts
 Learning more about digital photography
 Pursuing creative hobbies, such as knitting, sewing, family heirloom recipe books and gardening
 Strengthening relationships

Music award for 2011 goes to the community group we sing with. The fun, fellowship and joy of sharing our singing has helped fill our tanks.

Academic awards go to three family members this year: a Certificate, a Diploma and adjunct Certificate and a Degree were all completed.

The Courage award is shared this year by 2 family members. One who recovered from major surgery and the other who faces more surgery in 2012.

It is also awarded post-humously to our cat who had had frequent visits to the vet, tests, scans, interventions, and medication but whose life was ended with mercy and love on December 22, 2011.

The “take courage” baton is now resting with our other cat as he comes to terms with the loss of his brother and constant companion of 13 years.

Highlight of the Year has to be the 4 days of family, fun and excitement in December. Our youngest son married on Xmas eve in the most beautiful weather – hot, sunny and calm. You will note the cabbage trees in the photo taken at the Reception venue are not moving. That is the rarest of rare things!

We spent Christmas and Boxing Day with family and new family by marriage.

And in the wee small hours on December 27th our new granddaughter was born. Mum and baby well.

Works in progress for 2012:
 More tidying and Decluttering
 Income generation based from home for me
 Keeping resolve, resilience and relationships to the fore.

Happy New Year everyone!

Sunday quote

You can never cross the ocean until you have the courage to lose sight of the shore.
~ Christopher Columbus

The buzz of empowerment

I have worked either as a volunteer or in a paid capacity for over 30 years in the field of empowerment. I have always felt a buzz from watching people step forward and increase their self esteem, or their self confidence or to make positive changes in their lives.

I’ve had a real buzz today from learning that someone I know has taken such a step in her life today. To many it might have seemed very small and insignificant but for her it was a biggie. I am so pleased to learn that the step into the unknown was a happy and fun occasion with the chance it can be repeated next week.

“Feel the fear and do it anyway” wrote Susan Jeffers and so often when fear is defeated new opportunities and growth occur that touch not only the person who was courageous but others too. That happened today. Great stuff.