Each weekend I post on Facebook an update called "Grateful Saturday". This idea came around about 18 months ago when I remembered that a friend posted un update each Thursday on what they were grateful for during the past week. I thought it was an inspiring idea and something I could use to try and turn anything negative that happened during the week into a positive.
Instead of "bitching" about people, events or putting negative vibes "out into the universe" I though wouldn't it be good to post about all the "things" that I was grateful for throughout the week. I also use it as a reminder that even though the week may have not been the best or lived up to expectation there were probably a couple of really good things that happened to me during the week and that I should be grateful for them.
For example it could be something like catching up with friends for coffee, a surprise that may have happened during the week, a nice gesture by someone or something as simple as enjoying sitting in the sunshine for an hour during a week where the weather has not been the best.
Some weeks there maybe many items on the list, whilst other weeks the list can be quite short. The length of the list is not a reflection of my week but sometimes I like to keep it simple where as other weeks I like to "shout it from the rooftops".
I am pretty good at posting something each Saturday but sometimes I forget or I have been really cranky with the world and in order to "snap out of it" I post the update on a Sunday with the title "Grateful Sunday". Other times I maybe over excited about something and the post appears on a Thursday or Friday and you guessed correctly, they are titled "Grateful Thursday/Friday". I have been know to post un update on a Tuesday or Wednesday, if you see those post you know I am more than super excited!
Just a short entry this time around, but something I wanted to share.
Tuesday, 8 July 2014
Monday, 30 December 2013
Friends (Friendship Part 3)
As the year draws to an end I just want to jot down some brief notes about friendship.
This year has had its many "ups and downs" but upon reflection the "ups" have all included my friends.
When I think and ponder, the "list" is extensive but the pleasing thing is that it has been "two way". I say "two way" as I think I am a pretty good friend for those that I care about deeply and love.
So as the year ends I feel that we should sit back and focus on the good things that have happened. We should not dismiss the negative, but learn from them and see the positive that has evolved.
I am going to start with a few examples and hope that they prompt you to remember the good things friends have assisted you with or how you have assisted them.
There are many more but I hope you enjoyed these select few. So as the year ends take a time to remember your friendships, cherish them and keep working on them for the upcoming year.
This year has had its many "ups and downs" but upon reflection the "ups" have all included my friends.
When I think and ponder, the "list" is extensive but the pleasing thing is that it has been "two way". I say "two way" as I think I am a pretty good friend for those that I care about deeply and love.
So as the year ends I feel that we should sit back and focus on the good things that have happened. We should not dismiss the negative, but learn from them and see the positive that has evolved.
I am going to start with a few examples and hope that they prompt you to remember the good things friends have assisted you with or how you have assisted them.
- Provided a fabulous and truly memorable time in Paris. The first thing that comes to mind are the late dinners discussing diverse and serious topics over bottles of wine and reflecting on the days events. I will always remember your love and friendship and the sense of "being a local - even for just a brief period in time" - merci my friends.
- Tricycle Love - definitely something to write about in the future, and when I reflect on the love that exist it does bring a tear to my eye. May we grow old together like the "tricycle in 30 years time" we saw out for lunch a couple of weeks ago.
- Canberra Family Christmas - it gets bigger and better.
- Spending Christmas with friends - many many thanks and much love.
- Being there after a breakup. There is something comforting about being able to turn to friends or have your friends turn to you during this difficult time. Friends and booze - what more can I say!
- Surprising Friends - especially when they have not yet discovered their surprise sitting on their back porch!
- Saturday/Sunday afternoon coffee - I hope I made the weeks go that fraction quicker until you were reunited with your soul mate.
- Living with a friend - we give each other a hard time - okay I give her a hard time but we are always there for each other. May Shawfoot Manor live for another 12 months!
- Working with friends.
- Making wedding gift bags.
- Being asked to be a groomsman.
- Christmas in July but in August.
- Ja'maizing dinners and TV - I know a couple who will get this one!
- Offering the "good room" as a place of refuge.
There are many more but I hope you enjoyed these select few. So as the year ends take a time to remember your friendships, cherish them and keep working on them for the upcoming year.
Friday, 1 November 2013
Loneliness
A world famous Diva once commented in an autobiography that she often feels alone in a room full of people. I often wondered how could this be. A lady nominated for an Academy Award for her first movie, broke a long standing Broadway Box-office record in the 70's and even at this late stage in life can fill a 2000 plus seat concert hall. But lately I have been beginning to understand.
If I am being true to myself I often feel alone. Not in the sense that I want pity or a hug from someone but an inner loneliness that often single people feel and maybe couples if the love has long gone.
It is true that I have great friends (in fact they are my family), an enjoyable work environment, active social life and a pretty healthy lifestyle but I ache for more.
Like most in life I want the opportunity to share my life with someone, the ability to share new experiences with them and travel the road that is life with my "mate".
It is the season of Spring here in Australia and with it there is love in the air. As I look outside of the cafe I am sitting in I see couple everywhere, all ages and all persuasions. This is great as I would never begrudge anyone the happiness of love but it makes me understand the statement of feeling all alone in a room full of people. I want it all; not just to be an observer but also a participator in this magical season. The anticipation of enjoying the moment and wondering if "we" are going to mate for life or will it just be a "hot and heavy" romance that will be passion and fireworks for just a season or two.
To compound my thoughts there is a debate within Australia about the ability for same sex couples to marry. Where I live there has been a Bill passed at Territory Government level with an appeal lodged in The High Court of Australia against it. At present I have not made a true commitment either way as I feel that marriage is between a man and a woman in the eyes of God but on the other hand I should have the ability to declare my love for a partner that is legally binding in front of my family and friends. Having said this when I think about this debate it highlights to me that I am alone and maybe this is not going to be a prospect.
What should I do about this inner feeling? At the moment I am trying to understand it and hoping that in time it will be just a though and not a consuming fear in my life. This may not be an easy process and will most definitely take time and effort. I hold onto the hope that I will be strong enough internally to conquer this fear and that love will come my way.
As stated previously I am not seeking pity but I made a promise to myself that if and when I write this year that I would be try and honest with myself. These are just my thoughts today.
If I am being true to myself I often feel alone. Not in the sense that I want pity or a hug from someone but an inner loneliness that often single people feel and maybe couples if the love has long gone.
It is true that I have great friends (in fact they are my family), an enjoyable work environment, active social life and a pretty healthy lifestyle but I ache for more.
Like most in life I want the opportunity to share my life with someone, the ability to share new experiences with them and travel the road that is life with my "mate".
It is the season of Spring here in Australia and with it there is love in the air. As I look outside of the cafe I am sitting in I see couple everywhere, all ages and all persuasions. This is great as I would never begrudge anyone the happiness of love but it makes me understand the statement of feeling all alone in a room full of people. I want it all; not just to be an observer but also a participator in this magical season. The anticipation of enjoying the moment and wondering if "we" are going to mate for life or will it just be a "hot and heavy" romance that will be passion and fireworks for just a season or two.
To compound my thoughts there is a debate within Australia about the ability for same sex couples to marry. Where I live there has been a Bill passed at Territory Government level with an appeal lodged in The High Court of Australia against it. At present I have not made a true commitment either way as I feel that marriage is between a man and a woman in the eyes of God but on the other hand I should have the ability to declare my love for a partner that is legally binding in front of my family and friends. Having said this when I think about this debate it highlights to me that I am alone and maybe this is not going to be a prospect.
What should I do about this inner feeling? At the moment I am trying to understand it and hoping that in time it will be just a though and not a consuming fear in my life. This may not be an easy process and will most definitely take time and effort. I hold onto the hope that I will be strong enough internally to conquer this fear and that love will come my way.
As stated previously I am not seeking pity but I made a promise to myself that if and when I write this year that I would be try and honest with myself. These are just my thoughts today.
Thursday, 3 October 2013
Thursday night "Date Night"
A couple of years ago I found myself living in Melbourne (not my smartest move, but that is for another time), not really knowing anyone and a "bit over" eating at home alone I decided one night that I should take myself out on a date. The rationale was that I should not let being single stop myself enjoy a nice meal and a glass of wine out in public. The night that I decided to do this just happened to be Thursday night.
I picked up on this whilst travelling in America. Many of the bar, cafes and restaurants had counters where you could sit as a single person and enjoy the meal. The counters was located close to where the wait staff or bar staff were and you could have a conversation with them. Here in Australia most restaurants are set up for tables of two or more and don't really encourage or actively welcome a single diner.
Not to let a small barrier of a restaurant not welcoming "single diners" get in my way, I had decided to make this my mission. Armed with a magazine as my companion and dressed as if I was about to meet someone for a "real date" I started my mission. First venue was a Japanese restaurant near where I was living, the experience was lonely as the staff were very standoffish but the food was good and the magazine enjoyable. When walking home I thought that I should do this again and also started to think of what should a venue offer me as a single diner.
Over the next few weeks I kept up my mission and was looking forward each week to Thursday night Date Night. I would try different venues, finish old magazines and start new ones. After a few weeks I found a venue that was "just right for me". It happened to be in a tourist friendly lane in inner Melbourne and suited my needs; many small tables, friendly staff, magazines and newspapers spread around. The real winner was the friendly staff that would stop and chat with me between courses. This venue came to be my Thursday night Date Night venue of choice (Cafe Olio in the Block Arcade will always hold a special place in my heart). After I while I started talking openly about my "date night" venue and as I started to meet people would ask them to join me for Thursday date night.
Upon my return to Canberra I kept up the process of taking myself out for dinner. Some Thursdays I would put a shout out via Facebook to see if anyone would like to join me or would specifically ask a friend to join me. Sometimes it is good to ask another single person out, or a friend who's partner is out at sport or away on business to join you for a date. It is exciting to get dressed up and enjoy a meal out.
The main thing is that I have still not lost the joy of taking myself out to dinner and enjoying a good meal, a glass of wine and a good magazine but more importantly self belief that being single is not a hindrance to enjoying what some people in society do as couple.
Thursday night Date Nights rock!
I picked up on this whilst travelling in America. Many of the bar, cafes and restaurants had counters where you could sit as a single person and enjoy the meal. The counters was located close to where the wait staff or bar staff were and you could have a conversation with them. Here in Australia most restaurants are set up for tables of two or more and don't really encourage or actively welcome a single diner.
Not to let a small barrier of a restaurant not welcoming "single diners" get in my way, I had decided to make this my mission. Armed with a magazine as my companion and dressed as if I was about to meet someone for a "real date" I started my mission. First venue was a Japanese restaurant near where I was living, the experience was lonely as the staff were very standoffish but the food was good and the magazine enjoyable. When walking home I thought that I should do this again and also started to think of what should a venue offer me as a single diner.
Over the next few weeks I kept up my mission and was looking forward each week to Thursday night Date Night. I would try different venues, finish old magazines and start new ones. After a few weeks I found a venue that was "just right for me". It happened to be in a tourist friendly lane in inner Melbourne and suited my needs; many small tables, friendly staff, magazines and newspapers spread around. The real winner was the friendly staff that would stop and chat with me between courses. This venue came to be my Thursday night Date Night venue of choice (Cafe Olio in the Block Arcade will always hold a special place in my heart). After I while I started talking openly about my "date night" venue and as I started to meet people would ask them to join me for Thursday date night.
Upon my return to Canberra I kept up the process of taking myself out for dinner. Some Thursdays I would put a shout out via Facebook to see if anyone would like to join me or would specifically ask a friend to join me. Sometimes it is good to ask another single person out, or a friend who's partner is out at sport or away on business to join you for a date. It is exciting to get dressed up and enjoy a meal out.
The main thing is that I have still not lost the joy of taking myself out to dinner and enjoying a good meal, a glass of wine and a good magazine but more importantly self belief that being single is not a hindrance to enjoying what some people in society do as couple.
Thursday night Date Nights rock!
Tuesday, 24 September 2013
The "little things"
As I get older I am finding more and more that the little things that are really important in life. Don't get me wrong here I am not talking about the little things that get us down, too little ( forgive the pun!) time left in life to worry about those. I can say this as I have declared (in an earlier post) that I am just on the other side of middle age!
The little things I am talking about are the things that happen each day that we take for granted. The fun joke in the office, the smooching with a cute kitty cat, the appreciative look on a dogs face when you have over filled their dinner bowl. Then there are the other little things that mean a lot more. The sharing of a glass of wine with friend on a sunny afternoon covering all sorts of topics; some frivolous some quite profound. Taking it a step further I have come to appreciate the small gestures of kindness which made a "shitty" day last week end on a really positive note. These small gestures should be treasured and not forgotten and it reminds me that I should really be doing more of these for people.
So a thank you to those people that have showered me with the "little things" they are greatly appreciated and it has reminded me to keep up the process myself.
As the title of this post implies a "little" thought.
The little things I am talking about are the things that happen each day that we take for granted. The fun joke in the office, the smooching with a cute kitty cat, the appreciative look on a dogs face when you have over filled their dinner bowl. Then there are the other little things that mean a lot more. The sharing of a glass of wine with friend on a sunny afternoon covering all sorts of topics; some frivolous some quite profound. Taking it a step further I have come to appreciate the small gestures of kindness which made a "shitty" day last week end on a really positive note. These small gestures should be treasured and not forgotten and it reminds me that I should really be doing more of these for people.
So a thank you to those people that have showered me with the "little things" they are greatly appreciated and it has reminded me to keep up the process myself.
As the title of this post implies a "little" thought.
Sunday, 8 September 2013
Friends (Friendship Part 2)
Following my previous post on "friendship" I thought it time to post a short update.
For some unknown reason I have felt a bit out of sorts for the last couple of weeks. Not sure why and in the scheme of things it is not really important. What is important is that during that time I have been able to reflect on the importance of friendship. Not only my friendships but friendships of others.
Last weekend I was lucky enough to attend a wedding and not just any ordinary wedding but one that was a little "old school" and unconventional in this "modern age". What was evident is that it was filled with love and also friendship, some new and others longer term. Also evident was the fact that many people helped contribute to the day and they contributed out of friendship. Guests brought flowers for the bouquet, other friends took the photos and most important a friend of the couple performed the marriage ceremony.
Closer to home, friendship is very important to myself and I treasure the small gestures my friends make to myself and to their other friends. This has made me want to be a better friend back to them and also to do small gestures to others - pass it forward so to speak.
The gestures don't have to be grand. They can be as simple as offering to drop you off or pick you up front he airport, feeding a pet whilst someone is away on holidays or something as simple as leaving a chocolate frog on a keyboard at work.
This is a short post but one where I want to say that I cherish my friends and all that they do for me and also I cherish the opportunities to do the small genuine gestures of friendship back to them.
Sunday, 14 July 2013
Warm Sheets!
Sometimes in life you have a moment of clarity. This happened some 5 minutes ago. I have wasted energy this weekend on some frustrating and disappointing circumstances, letting the negativity take control instead of focusing my attention on the simple joys that happen day to day.
This weekend has been one of ups and down. Sometimes it is just the little things you can gain pleasure from.
The belated birthday gift, an afternoon coffee catch that stretches through until dinner time, the sheer delight on a child's face whilst walking around with an open umbrella or your best friends being there after a disastrous date. But tonight it is something as simple as getting into bed that has been made with sheets fresh out of the clothes dryer.
Warm Sheets you have topped off my weekend that has been filled with the most simple of pleasures that have washed away the negativity that can disrupt our minds.
A réflexion that is short and sweet.
Thank you and good night as I curl up into my warm sheets.
This weekend has been one of ups and down. Sometimes it is just the little things you can gain pleasure from.
The belated birthday gift, an afternoon coffee catch that stretches through until dinner time, the sheer delight on a child's face whilst walking around with an open umbrella or your best friends being there after a disastrous date. But tonight it is something as simple as getting into bed that has been made with sheets fresh out of the clothes dryer.
Warm Sheets you have topped off my weekend that has been filled with the most simple of pleasures that have washed away the negativity that can disrupt our minds.
A réflexion that is short and sweet.
Thank you and good night as I curl up into my warm sheets.
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