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Showing posts from April, 2014

Say it through a song lyric

Sometimes, song lyrics sum up exactly how we feel. Even the titles of songs express experiences better than our own thoughts. So here's my current mood, in the words of famous chart-toppers.   I let you push me past the breaking point. I stood for nothing, so I fell for everything. You're gonna hear me roar. Because if it wasn't for all that you tried to do, I wouldn't know just how capable I am to pull through. So thanks for making me fighter. It's my life, and it's now or never. I ain't gonna live forever. So just dance. Party rockers in the house tonight, everybody let's have a good time. Shine bright like a diamond. Find light in the beautiful sea. I choose to be happy. Sometimes you've gotta make sacrifices for the things you like. But I was born to try. References: Katy Perry, Christina Aguilera, Bon Jovi, LMFAO, Lady Gaga, Rhianna, Delta Goodrem.

Elizabeth Gilbert returns to the passion of writing

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Elizabeth Gilbert knows how to battle the issue of failure. She explained her experiences with a TED audience. Liz persisted in writing creations which were repeatedly rejected. This was the first experience of failure. Then after Julia Roberts played her in a movie, she wondered how she could top Eat Pray Love. Anything she did next would be compared to her best-seller. Her only solution was to do her work because she loves it, not because people expect it to be a success. Elizabeth Gilbert pondered the hypothetical idea of quitting her craft. But the avoidance of expectations would mean abandoning a beloved creative gift. This was not the solution. Our own goals can be overwhelming. It could be creativity or creation of technical work. I am encouraged to realise even the famed Elizabeth Gilbert searches for faith in her own abilities. I definitely at times wonder, "How could I do this?" Gilbert's answer is one which many of us can identify with. She says sh

Daryl Hannah's Autism Should be Celebrated

Daryl Hannah revealed a truth which is not often discussed in the entertainment world. She opened up about Autism. This is not a stereotype, a label, or an excuse. It is a spectrum. She is 'normal' enough that people may not have noticed. But it is real enough that she did not know what to say to anyone. It is real enough that she had to push to avoid institutional generalisations. Hannah spoke with Dan Ruther about her experiences with what is now known as Asperger's Syndrome . She says she was not necessarily introverted, but 'out there... off in the dream world.' There is a spectrum of what could be called simply, 'different.' Some people are just in a world of their own, a world which lends itself to creativity or courage. This imaginative nature allows individuals to attempt the impossible. They simply don't see the limits that others see. Or they see unique options and solutions to help others. It's as though some people simply do not fi

What Knighthood Really Looks Like

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There has been much public discussion in Australia about knighthood. The general public should know what is actually involved in becoming knighted. Knighthood essentially involves letters before a name, a presented award, and medals. Austin Wilson was awarded as, "Ordinary Officer of the Civil Division of One Said Most Excellent Order of the British Empire" in New Zealand on 1st January 1958.   He then became Sir Austin Wilson when, "Her Majesty was pleased to confer the Dignity of Knighthood upon Austin Wilson ESQ, O.B.E. In consequence and pursuance thereof the said Sir Austin Wilson O.B.E" in New Zealand on 22nd May 1981.   This is what knighthood looks like. Sir Austin Wilson helped others, and then was humbly grateful for such recognition. Then life continued as it always had. 

Sir Austin George Wilson at the Auckland Harbour Board

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   Sir Austin George Wilson always wanted to be as involved as possible. He found ways to help people through managing organisations and projects.  Queen Elizabeth II and Phillip, Duke of Edinburgh, visited New Zealand in 1953. The young monarch was touring just a year after her coronation. Details are found in The Encyclopaedia of New Zealand .   The young couple brought baby Charlie, now known as Charles, Prince of Wales. The Cairns Post and other publications reported that the royal family were received by the Governor General. Other events occurred before this reception.  Austin Wilson was in charge of the wharf where the royal family would arrive. Before being formally received, Austin George Wilson decided to deliver a gift for young baby Charlie. He humbly presented Queen Elizabeth II with a boat which her son could one day sail, if desired.   The intent was to be involved and meet people. Austin wished to give thoughtfully to the community, even the Queen.

Richard Branson Living on the Edge

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Richard Branson teaches us a new lesson every day. His motto is one everyone should live by. Branson famously titled a book, " Screw It, Let's Do It ." He lives in the moment, trying almost anything. It seems the more people tell him something is impossible, the more he wants to accomplish it. When everyone else struggles to shake self-doubt, what is it that keeps Branson going? He says on his official site, " I also trust my own instinct and ability to do almost anything I set my mind to". It's about trusting yourself.    Along those same lines, Branson also remembers another important motto. Richard Branson told   Inc   that there's no use crying over spilled milk. You can try something and it might fail. That is ok as long as you rebuild, sometimes literally. Either retry the same idea, or try something else.   Richard Branson acknowledges things depend on luck. He spoke with   Linkedin   about the difference luck makes. Branson has been