Looking back on Anzac Day we reflect on the sacrifices made by others for our freedom.
Nothing compares to the bravery and ultimate sacrifice those people made!
And each year we rightly stand and honour their selfless commitment to liberty!

So too should we honour sacrifice in every day life...whether it is our own or that made by others!

In no way can there ever be a comparison between todays lifestyle and the atrocities experienced by the men and women of the first world war.

Yet there is still much in life that we all sacrifice at some stage or other, for the sake of those we love and the life we cherish.

Whether you are a parent, carer, employer, employee or devoted partner in a relationship, there are times when you set aside your own desires to nurture the needs of others. And this is something to be celebrated!

Take some time today to consider how you and those around you contribute to ensuring a better lifestyle for others. Celebrate the selflessness that comes from such motivation! Be grateful to those who offer their own sacrifices for your betterment and be proud of the achievements you make in regard to nurturing family and humanity.

Continuing on in the tradition of the Anzacs, stand proud and continue to fight for the freedom of all who live now and will continue to live into the future.

Honour the sacrifices made that make our lives great! We are the lucky ones!

What better way to acknowledge the actions of others than by honouring an every-day hero via the link below:
http://www.qpcu.com.au/everyday-heroes/

The dictionary definition of "sacrifice" includes:
"the surrender or destruction of something prized or desirable for the sake of something considered as having a higher or more pressing claim"

Today's post is a simple jotting of pick-me-ups to raise the spirits of a dreary soul.

Because some days you just need "something"!

Many a study has been done suggesting we can improve our mood by changing tack, or simply taking a break and dedicating some well deserved time to relax doing what we enjoy.

Importantly, pick-me-ups should be things that resonate with you personally.

Here's my top 10:

• a solitary sunrise cup of tea
• a quiet moment outside soaking up nature
• a walk every day - no matter how short or long
• time with someone who really "gets me"
• a flick through a beautiful magazine
• a warm creamy coffee in a cosy "hide-away" cafe
• a rummage through an antique/vintage shop
• precious time alone to either ponder existence or "create"
• colouring in - yes you heard correctly
• a sunset wine on the patio

But wait there's more:

• a bushwalk
• watching a funny flick
• doing something I've never done before - challenging myself
• lazing in a hammock
• breakfast or a great night out with friends
• finding a bargain in an op shop
• lying on a picnic blanket in the backyard and watching the clouds drift by
• just sitting - with not a thing to do - pure blissful relaxation at it's best

For further inspiration search online. There are numerous articles offering great advice, including the following:

Today I had an epiphany!!! YES an epiphany.

A friend recently told me they needed another "Mary Blog" (yes it's been a while)!

With a new year almost upon us, many of us are taking time out to reflect on what was and what will BE in 2015.

It's a time when many will fill their heads and hearts with ideals and goals that are unachievable, unrealistic and insurmountable.

At the end of a busy year with noise and chaos all around, it can sometimes be difficult to distinguish our own thoughts from the vociferous chatter and conjecture of others.

To calm and neutralise the cacophony, it helps to be mindful, not only of others but of OURSELVES. Separating ourselves from distractions, opinions, trends and gossip provides a good foundation to finding true meaning. 

So take the time to sit with yourself, be one with nature and reach into the depths of your soul. Mindfulness makes the complex seem simple, the noisy seem quiet, the confused seem clear! Wipe the slate clean, clear your mind and begin to create the future of your dreams...discover your BEST path for 2015!

When searching for my true path, I turn to some inspiring words from the The Native American Code of Ethics...

"Search for yourself, by yourself. Do not allow others to make your path for you. It is your road, and yours alone. Others may walk it with you, but no one can walk it for you."

This might not be for everyone! 

But luckily there is an abundance of amazing self discovery resources available to all online. Below are some other precious pieces that might inspire you to find true meaning:
http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-7474/10-ways-to-uncover-your-true-calling.htmlhttp://tinybuddha.com/blog/3-powerful-insights-about-finding-yourself-and-creating-change/http://www.oprah.com/spirit/Your-Best-Life-Is-Waiting-by-Martha-Beckhttp://theboldlife.com/2014/12/5-awesome-steps-to-chase-your-fears-and-live-your-dreams/

Here's hoping YOUR New Year brings YOU everything YOUR heart desires, including YOUR true path to betterment. Travel YOUR road with confidence!!!

It's that time of year again, when we spread ourselves thin with the busyness of Christmas. We splurge on clothes, social outings, gifts, food, wine and more. We exhaust both our wallets and energy and sometimes we complain about the stress of it all.

But really we're the lucky ones. The ones who can afford such luxuries, the ones who have the means to travel, to enjoy good food and company and even buy that special something for ourselves, whether it be an outfit, perfume, a massage or something better.

But Christmas is about so much more. It's about truly giving, not just to ourselves and those we know, but to those in NEED. To those we might pass in the street every day and not realise their plight with poverty or abuse, to those not living with their loved ones, to those in hospitals, to those with no shelter, to those in third world countries, to those with no jobs, to those who've lost everything in natural disasters. They're all every day people like you and I with one big difference - they are the ones who are really in NEED.

And there is no better gift to give, than the one we present to someone in real need.

It's easy to reach out in some small way to make a difference to the lives of others at Christmas.

Here are just a few great ways to make someone else's Christmas memorable.

The K-Mart Wishing tree:
http://wishingtree.kmart.com.au/

Kids in Care Christmas Appeal
http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2014/10/23/4113320.htm

B105 Christmas Appeal
http://www.b105.com.au/win/b105-christmas-appeal/

Wesley Mission Christmas Appeal
http://www.wmb.org.au/news-events/news/christmas-appeal

Unicef Charity Gifts
http://www.unicef.org.au/charity-gifts/christmas-charity-gifts.aspx

GIVIT Local Charity
http://www.givit.org.au/urgently-needed-list

It's easy to search online for more charitable options so get onto google and find something that resonates with you.

Enjoy the gift of giving this year with the knowledge that you are lighting up another person's life, for one special day!

Today is the perfect day to heed this message:
stop....rest....breathe

YES that's you, mums, dads, workers, artists, soldiers, all and sundry.

Take the time to relax and enjoy all that is you.