Inspire 'n' Influence

When i read this text after someone posted it on FB, i completely fell in love with it. Definitely agree with the idea and think that if everyone adopted it, we would all be wearing smiles on our faces much more often. The world is a fascinating place...you just have to learn to appreciate the life you have instead of that fantasy you imagine. I'm not saying don't have big dreams but enjoy the current moments that make today a dream too!

When i read this quote as part of a promotional email this morning, it really resonated with me. I feel that a lot of us want to take steps in life that are perfectly planned, executed and which always deliver the desired result. As many will have experienced, this wishful thinking doesn't always occur but i think the quote below explains exactly why it's ok to make mistakes and in fact that mistakes are what make up our lives in the first place! "A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing". - George Bernard Shaw  

I was born in Europe but raised in Australia and as my family didn't always have enough money to splurge on the European holiday, the visits back to my native nation tended to be on the sparse side of things. None the less, when i did go back i got to see all of my uncles, aunties, cousins and grandparents. Although each trip was unique and successful in many ways, it was my most recent trip that proved to be extremely memorable. I was 24 then and considered a true grown up amongst my relatives. With this new status came different conversations as i learnt from my latest exchanges with my grandparents. It seems the older you get, the higher the ratings become for your family conversations, which suddenly turn from PG stuff (how is the weather? What type of animals live in Australia? What is your favourite food?) right through to the R18+ subject matters (Who are you dating? What kind of illnesses has the family experienced, who passed uni and got a job/who didn't, who died?)...

“Only live up to your own expectations, not those that others have set for you. It’s the only way to avoid disappointment on behalf of all parties involved.” - Flakers

"Try living one day without any unhealthy thoughts. It may be very difficult, but try another day, until it becomes habitual, and life will move in the direction of becoming healthy, vital and alive". - Anonymous Hmmm some food for thought perhaps?

Since Russia will be hosting the Winter Olympics in 2014, the nation has come up with an inspiring campaign as a way of inducing the people with some passion for sport. It may not be the most common place notion but the campaign has attained some interest from onlookers as they watch fellow subway travellers squat for free train tickets. Perhaps the short lived exercise routine may trigger some sporting support after all, if not it has at least put a smile on many faces. Source:  http://tinyurl.com/pdnp4bv

I watched an inspiring documentary on the weekend called "Love on the Transplant List". Without giving away too much detail (in case you decide to watch it), it follows the story of a young couple in England who are in love. The very distinguishing difference between their relationship is that 21-year-old Kirstie suffers from Cystic Fibrosis. The conditions of the disease and the hardships that are endured by the couple are unreal but they also make you realise and appreciate all the things that one would normally take for granted, like breathing. However, the thing that struck me as the most heartwarming is how this couple explained their love for each other. No question about it. They went in to the situation knowing the potential, life-threatening outcome but as the husband stated, he wanted to be with the one he truly loved, even if it was only for a short time, rather than be with the wrong person for a lifetime. That single thought should be reiterated to many people ...