Flora Stream of Consciousness

Posted on Sep 19, 2020 by startlifeat50

Be kind to yourself

“To be beautiful means to be yourself. You don’t need to be accepted by others. You need to accept yourself.” Thich Nhat Hanh.

What does it mean to be kind to yourself? Well it means accepting who you are with all your strengths and weaknesses, perfections and imperfections. It means not judging yourself harshly when you make a mistake. Don’t beat yourself up for making a mistake. Instead look for the lesson in this experience and move on.

“Remember; you have been criticising yourself for years and it hasn’t worked. Try approving of yourself and see what happens.” Louise L. Hay.

Don’t compare yourself to others. This will only bring you down in the long run. Remember you are unique. There’s only one of you. There’s no one like you.

“It’s not your job to like me…It’s mine!” Byron Katie.

Be kind to not only your mind, but to your body and spirit as well. Have a good diet, exercise and sleep well. Honour who you are and live a life of good deeds and integrity. Be true to who you are . Love who you are and be gentle with yourself. In doing this, you will have so much more to give to others.

Blessings to all xx

“The most powerful relationship you will ever have is the relationship with yourself.” Steve Maraboli.

Posted on Sep 12, 2020 by startlifeat50 · 2 Comments

Why are we here?

Is it presumptuous of me to think I know the answer to this question? It probably is, but I don’t presume to know the answers to life’s mysteries? What I’m about to write is what I believe to be true. My world view. Those who read this can choose to agree or disagree.

Why are we here? This is a question that has many responses. There’s no right or wrong answer. We are here I believe to change the world in some way, to love and care for one another. There have been many people who have come and gone who leave behind a legacy. They have influenced and inspired us in one way or another.

“Leave a trail of light behind you everywhere you go. Whose darkness you’ll illuminate. You may never know.” L.R. Knost.

These people have left their mark on the world in their own unique ways. Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa, Mahatma Gandhi, Leonardo Da Vinci and Gautama Buddha. These human beings inspire me, but I could never be them. They were one of a kind. Each and every one of us is one of a kind. You don’t have to start a movement, run a country, or start a religion to make an impact.

“If you light a lamp for somebody, it will also brighten your path.” Buddhist saying.

Find your passion and ask, “How can I be of service to others? How can I use my talents and skills to achieve this?” For example you may be here to care for and nurture tomorrow’s adults. You may invent something or create a system that makes someone else’s life easier.

“Scatter seeds of kindness as you pass along the way.” Ella Wheeler Wilcox.

For me this is my writing. I want to teach with my gift. I want to uplift and inspire. I like to think that when my time comes to go back home I have left something of me behind. It most likely will be what I write, but it doesn’t have to be anything tangible. Something that says, “I was here.” I make the world a better place simply by being in it. I like to think so.

Blessings to all xx

“Be the beacon of light in someone’s darkness.” Randi G. Fine.

Posted on Sep 4, 2020Sep 4, 2020 by startlifeat50

Zoning out

When I’m talking about all things spiritual the last thing I think of is housework. However that is what came to mind when thinking about what I was going to write today. From housework I got today’s topic. What happens when I’m doing housework is the title of today’s blog post.

When I’m vacuuming, sweeping, doing dishes I notice that I disconnect. While I’m physically doing the task mentally I leave the scene. Anytime I’m doing something my heart isn’t in this happens. It’s like I’m in a dream state, only I’m awake.

“Life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.” John Lennon.

However this can also happen when I’m walking which I love doing. I want to know why this happens so I did a little research. “Zoning out” means my brain has turned over to autopilot. In other words like a computer I go into “default mode.” It doesn’t just happen when I’m doing housework. It happens when I haven’t had enough sleep.

Some people have said to me, “Your head is in the clouds,” or “You’re daydreaming.” Yes it’s true. Sometimes I’m not in the moment. I find I’m not mindful of where I am and what I’m doing. Perhaps it’s a form of escape. I’d rather be anywhere, but here. I’d rather be doing anything, but this.

“My mama always said, life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.” Forrest Gump.

It doesn’t just occur when engaged in a tedious activity or when sleep deprived. In times of feeling stressed or overwhelmed by day to day life, the mind disconnects as a way of coping. It’s a defence mechanism. Unless it occurs frequently then zoning out isn’t anything to worry about. It’s normal. It happens to all of us.

“Life imposes things on you that you can’t control, but you still have the choice of how you’re going to live through this.” Celine Dion.

Blessings to all xx

Posted on Aug 29, 2020 by startlifeat50

Wind

This past week we’ve had strong winds tear through my home city of Melbourne. This post will focus on my associations of wind. As I write this I hear the wind rustling through the trees just outside my window. It’s a reminder of Mother Nature going about her business as I go about mine.

“To most human beings, wind is an irritation. To most trees, wind is a song.” Mokokoma Mokhonoana.

Songs about the wind come to mind. “Blowin’ In The Wind” by Bob Dylan which speaks about change as does “Wind Of Change” by The Scorpions. I think of the wind as an agent of change. Change is a part of life. It’s better to accept this and go with the wind than to resist and be pushed around by it. The following quote by Bruce Lee speaks of acceptance.

“Notice that the stiffest tree is most easily cracked, while the bamboo or willow survives by bending with the wind.” Bruce Lee.

Another way of looking at this could be if I’m going with the wind it may mean that I’m following the mainstream. Doing what everyone else is doing and not questioning anything. If I’m going against the wind then I begin to question. Stand up for what I believe in.

As I go for a walk the wind whirs through my ears. It almost feels like it’s going in one ear and out the other. Clearing out the brain fog. Clearing out old thoughts and ideas that don’t serve me any longer.

“A breeze will always blow in the direction that it wishes to go.” Anthony T. Hincks.

Blessings to all xx

Posted on Aug 22, 2020 by startlifeat50

Magic

I was walking around outside thinking what can I write about in my blog this week. The word “magic” kept repeating in my head, so that’s what I’m writing about this week. When I think of the word “magic” I automatically think of spells, sorcery, witchcraft. Supernatural forces. Suddenly as if by magic the doors start to open or a magic wand. Making things appear or disappear.

Taking time out of your day to make someone else’s better through a kind word or deed. For the recipient this is magic. Falling in love, now that’s magic. The feeling of being swept off your feet. There’s nothing like it.

There are many songs with the word “magic” in them such as: “Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic” by The Police and “Magic” by Olivia Newton John. One line from ONJ’s song that resonates with me is “You have to believe we are magic. Nothing can stand in our way.” This resonates with me because it implies that we can make magic happen in our day to day lives. We are not ordinary beings. There’s something extraordinary and special in each of us. Anyone can do it. No need to be a witch or a magician!

“Magic lies in challenging what seems impossible.” Carol Moseley Braun, American politician.

Our ability to change or transform our lives can be considered magic. If we think something is impossible or can’t be done we are limiting ourselves. Let us challenge this perception and believe with hope, faith and trust in our hearts that anything is possible. Let’s remember we are magic.

Blessings to all xx

Posted on Aug 15, 2020 by startlifeat50 · 2 Comments

Birthday in lockdown

On the 17^th it’s my birthday and a year since I started up this blog. What a year it has been, not only for me personally, but for the world. Back in November I completed my Certificate IV in Professional Writing and Editing and received my beautiful certificate on Christmas Eve. What a lovely Christmas present!

my certificate

In February I was searching for voluntary writing positions when I stumbled upon an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. Writing articles for a local community newspaper. The editor was encouraging and supportive in getting me started as a writer. He’s given me guidance and a lot of positive feedback since then. As a result of this I’ve had articles published in the March and June editions of the paper and I’m currently working on the next piece for the Sept/Oct edition.

When I finished my course I have to admit I had no idea where I was going with my writing. How would I establish myself as a writer? This opportunity came at just the right time. I’ve just submitted work to several magazines and am waiting to see what happens with this. In the meantime I’ve continued working in childcare till I have enough writing work to comfortably transition out of it.

If someone had told me when I finished my studies that I would be writing articles for newspapers and magazines I wouldn’t have believed it. Life can take you down a different path to what you imagine. Opportunities are waiting around every corner. I just need to be aware of them and see where they take me.

This birthday will be very different to last year’s or to any other year for that matter. Melbourne the city I live in is in Stage 4 lockdown. There’s no going to a restaurant or having family over to celebrate. I will order a meal and a small cake and have a quiet celebration at home with my parents. It’s a time to be grateful for all the people and things I have in my life. I pray everyone stays safe and healthy and that the next year will be better than this one.

Happy birthday to me! (LOL)

Blessings to all xx

Posted on Aug 8, 2020 by startlifeat50

Carim’s Story

This week I’m doing something different. This is a story I wrote for my course in Professional Writing and Editing last year. I had to write the first two chapters only. So here it is.

“CARIM’S STORY

Chapter One

It’s Monday and the start of a new week at Preston Primary School. Mrs Jenkins is Leo’s teacher. She tells the class that a new boy is starting tomorrow. His name is Carim and he comes from a country called Syria. Mrs Jenkins shows the class where Syria is on the map of the world.

The next day Mrs Jenkins introduces Carim to the class. Leo thinks that Carim doesn’t look like him at all as he has dark hair and dark skin. He can’t wait till lunchtime so he can ask Carim a lot of questions. Outside Leo and Carim sit together eating out of their lunchboxes.

‘What was it like living in Syria? Did you have a lot of friends to play with?’ Leo asks.

‘Yes I had friends to play with,’ says Carim looking sadly into the distance.

‘What did you do like to play?’

‘I played football with my friends, but only on cloudy days,’ Carim says.

‘Why?’ asks Leo who looks a bit confused.

‘Because when it was sunny the planes came and dropped the bombs. One day a bomb dropped close to my school so I had to go home early. It was very scary.’

‘We don’t have bombs. Mrs Jenkins said we’re safe here. Did you live in a big or small house? Did you have your own room? I have my own room. It’s great!’ Leo stops to eat more of his sandwich.

‘I lived in a small house. Everyone in my family slept in the same room. Dad said this would keep us safe in case the planes came again.’

‘Did you have shops there?’ asks Leo.

‘There used to be lots of shops, but they are closed now,’ replies Carim looking a bit sad.

‘How come? Why are they closed?’

‘They had to close because people were leaving my village and there was no-one to look after the shops.’

‘Do you want to come to my house on Saturday? My mum is taking me shopping. You can come with us,’ offers Leo.

Carim says that he will have to ask his mum first, but it should be okay.

Chapter Two

Carim’s mum says he can go to Leo’s on Saturday. She walks Carim to Leo’s house which is only a few streets away from theirs.

Both boys are looking forward to seeing all the shops. They are looking out the window at the cars passing by.

‘It’s not long boys. Almost there,’ says Leo’s mum from the driver’s seat. ‘It’s quite busy at the centre so it might take a while to find somewhere to park.’

After some time they find a spot to park.

‘Okay Leo, now make sure to hold Carim’s hand as we walk across the car park and you hold mine.’

‘Yes,’ replies Leo as he takes Carim’s hand.

They are soon in the centre. Leo lets go of his mother’s hand and skips ahead of her with his new friend. Carim’s eyes dart from one side to the other with his mouth wide open. Can there really be so many shops in one place? Back home in Syria he’d heard about shopping centres, but he’d never been to one.

‘Slow down,’ says Leo’s mum as she walks faster to catch up to them. ‘There’s no hurry Leo.’

The boys get to go into a games arcade where they spend a long time going from one game to another as Leo’s mum follows closely behind.

‘Mummy is it lunchtime now?’ asks Leo his stomach rumbling.

‘Yes it is. Carim are you hungry, love?’ Leo’s mum says looking concerned.

‘Yes my stomach is feeling hungry Mrs Walker,’ replies Carim.

They go to the food court where Leo’s mum orders a big plate of chicken nuggets and chips for them to share. As they start to eat Leo asks Carim, ‘What does it feel like not having a home?’

‘Mother says we have a home in Syria, but we can’t live there anymore. Maybe we can go back there one day,’ says Carim looking down at his food.

‘Don’t you want to live here?’ asks Leo.

‘It’s a nice home but….’ says Carim looking at Leo’s mum.

‘Sweetheart, Carim misses where he used to live. If your daddy and I had to go and live in a different country would you miss being here?’

‘I don’t ever want to move from here. I would miss Gran, Pop and my friends too much,’ says Leo.

‘Carim had to leave all the special people in his life to come here. That’s why he’s feeling a bit sad and that’s why you can be his friend so he can start to feel happy again,’ replies Leo’s mum.

‘Yes Carim you can be one of my best friends just like Tyler, Jack and Haris are,’ says Leo proudly.

Leo shares the last of his chips with Carim who is starting to feel a bit better. It’s time to leave. The boys chat excitedly all the way home.

Blessings to all xx

Posted on Aug 1, 2020 by startlifeat50

Misconceptions of the elderly

people sitting beside table — Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com

Misconceptions of the elderly in our society are rife. Some see the aged as a burden on the community. They are no longer contributing to the economy, so they are expendable in these times of a pandemic. Some speak of just “going back to normal.” If this means there are deaths among the aged population then so be it. They had pre-existing conditions they say, so they will die anyway.

“Our society must make it right and possible for old people not to fear the young or be deserted by them, for the test of a civilization is the way that it cares for its helpless members.” Pearl Buck (1892-1973)

grayscale photography of two laughing women — Photo by Willian Oliveira on Pexels.com

Is this how we show respect to the aged in our community? To those who have gone before us. They have worked all their lives. They ran businesses, paid taxes and raised families. They contributed to the economy. Here are some just throwing them on the scrap heap and disregarding them in their time of greatest need.

“Protecting the elderly, keeping them alive is keeping our memories alive in real life, it is to keep our past literally in today’s time.” Mehmet Murat ildan.

They deserve so much better than this. They deserve our utmost respect and to live out their lives with dignity. They are our parents and grandparents. One day when they are long gone we will be in their shoes. How would we like to be treated?

red lighted candle — Photo by icon0.com on Pexels.com

Blessings to all xx

“Never tease an old dog; he might have one bite left.” Robert A. Heinlein.

Posted on Jul 31, 2020 by startlifeat50

Dance like nobody’s watching

“Work like you don’t need the money. Love like you’ve never been hurt. Dance like nobody’s watching.” Satchel Paige.

I got the dance bug from my Dad. In the sixties he went to dance events every Saturday night. He wasn’t a trained dancer, but he had rhythm and co-ordination. In later years when he went to weddings, many women wanted to dance with him. They said he made them look good. He was great at leading. I can see him now gliding across the dance floor. He looked confident, in control and suave.

“Dancers don’t need wings to fly.” Unknown.

He has since hung up his dance shoes. In the late nineties I was looking for a hobby to keep me occupied outside of work hours. I tried tap dancing and although I enjoyed it, it wasn’t for me. I heard about Latin American dance classes starting up in my local area. I signed up for a free group class and I was hooked. I decided to have private lessons with a dance teacher. I didn’t need a partner, my teacher was it.

“Dance is music made visible.” Unknown.

My bronze medals

My silver medals

As my confidence grew my teacher suggested I go for my bronze medals in Street Latin (Salsa, Mambo, Merengue and Rumba) and Latin American (Cha Cha, Jive and Samba). All up that was seven dances to learn. It took time to practice, but it didn’t feel like work to me. I loved every minute of it. I learned each routine with enthusiasm and passion. I was told I was an inspiration for others to do the same. It was a compliment and very flattering to know, but I didn’t let it go to my head.

“Dancing with the feet is one thing. Dancing with the heart is another.” Unknown.

Night of bronze medal performance

Bronze medal

I was successful in getting my bronze medals and I went on to do my silver medals in Street Latin and Latin American. I didn’t do my Gold due to other stuff going on in my life at the time. I’m not disappointed about this. I don’t have regrets. I’m proud of what I achieved.

“Life is like dancing – it’s not about getting from one place to another. It’s about enjoying each step.” Unknown.

Blessings to all xx

Posted on Jul 25, 2020 by startlifeat50

What if?

What if you knew when your time was up. Would you do things differently? Live your life in a different way. I know I would and I certainly wouldn’t procrastinate. We all have a set time, but as we get caught up in life this is the last thing on our minds. Death is a subject most of us find difficult to face. Facing our own mortality is an uncomfortable topic. I know it is for me.

“I shall not wholly die, and a great part of me will escape the grave.”. – Horace.

silhouette photo of person standing in neon lit hallway

If I knew when it was my time to pass away, kick the bucket, go back home I would do things differently. I like the term “going back home”. I am a soul in a human body. My body dies, but my soul goes on, but I digress. What would I do differently?

“We are all visitors to this place. We are just passing through. Our purpose here is to learn, to grow, to love… and then we return home.” Australian Aboriginal proverb.

afterglow backlit beautiful crescent moon

I would write a bucket list. This isn’t a new idea. Many people do it. However this wouldn’t just be a list of things to do sometime in the future. As I would know the date of my departure I would have a timeframe set for each item on my list. If something couldn’t be achieved in the set time I would move on to the next thing and hope I would have time to go back and try again. I wouldn’t beat myself up if I couldn’t achieve a goal. I would be proud that I at least tried.

“If death meant just leaving the stage long enough to change costume and come back as a new character…. Would you slow down? Or speed up …” Unknown.

I would cherish my family a lot more than I already do. I know this is something I need to address regardless of the hypothetical posed in this piece. Lastly I don’t worry about things I have no control over. This wastes time and energy. I won’t live in the past or worry about what the future holds. Stay mindful and in the present moment knowing my time here on earth is limited.

Blessings to all xx