tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-71977444586402300742024-03-06T14:44:38.702+11:00Kate PunivaiBe ExtraordinaryKatehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01657019147960067075noreply@blogger.comBlogger127125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7197744458640230074.post-70777488388183645972014-10-27T10:41:00.000+11:002014-11-02T10:05:28.256+11:00New Beginnings...Hello! <br />
<br />
Thanks so much for your support and encouraging comments (and the not-so-encouraging ones too, because they helped me improve!). After 5 wonderfully rewarding years on Blogspot, this site has been upgraded and is now self-hosted. Please head over <a href="http://www.katepunivai.com/" target="_blank">to my new website</a> to stay in touch, and don't forget to update your bookmarks.<br />
<br />
Love & Light, <br />
<br />
Kate Punivai <br />
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<br />Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01657019147960067075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7197744458640230074.post-68540251463906845812014-10-17T02:00:00.000+11:002014-10-17T06:54:32.300+11:00Recipe: Peanut Butter & Honey Bites (Only 3 Ingredients!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3aEYu7JpCvpFWM7utlA40Umowr64Txg0u4u3WGsv9R6eMR9bsurv42EobpvHL6kP26BNgPOm7Q0QhMSd7cM9rWvfQrYcoBLcFGxETeaFX0Ihyphenhyphenv5XC7-Zeo8mFtyA_BGR-HlT_Mdsqgho/s1600/Peanuthoneybites.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3aEYu7JpCvpFWM7utlA40Umowr64Txg0u4u3WGsv9R6eMR9bsurv42EobpvHL6kP26BNgPOm7Q0QhMSd7cM9rWvfQrYcoBLcFGxETeaFX0Ihyphenhyphenv5XC7-Zeo8mFtyA_BGR-HlT_Mdsqgho/s1600/Peanuthoneybites.jpg" height="250" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />
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I confess... </div>
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<br /></div>
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I just ate <i>five</i> of these tasty little tackers, one after the other.<br />
<br />
And I'm not sorry.<br />
<br />
No. I'm not.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I've been making these for a couple of years, and my children love them! I can't remember where the recipe comes from, or even if I just made it up one time?</div>
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<br /></div>
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They contain only 3 ingredients, and can be whipped in just minutes. </div>
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<br /></div>
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What’s more, they’re gluten-free, sugar-free and dairy-free.
(Not suitable for school lunchboxes though, due to the peanuts. All the more
for you, my dear!)</div>
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<br /></div>
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But first, there is something I must write about - my conscience simply won't allow me to pass this over without a mention.<br />
<br />
I'm talking about honey.<br />
<br />
To me, honey is a sacred food. I don't use it often, but when I do, I remember to pause and appreciate the tiny creatures who devoted their lives to producing it. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Did You Know:</div>
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- A worker bee produces approximately 1/12th of a teaspoon of honey in her short lifetime.</div>
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- A hive of bees will fly the equivalent of 3 times around the earth (90,000 miles) to collect 1kg of honey</div>
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- Worker honey bees are female and only live for about 6 weeks.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Albert Einstein once said "If the bee disappears from the face of the earth, man would only have 4 more years to live." We need to appreciate and care for these vital insects. Read <a href="http://www.helpsavebees.co.uk/to_do_list.html" target="_blank">10 Things You Can Do To Help Save Bees.</a></div>
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<br />
Now that you are suitably humbled...let me share this recipe.<br />
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Peanut Butter & Honey Bites</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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1 cup natural peanut butter (See note below)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
1/3 cup raw honey (Use maple syrup for a vegan version)</div>
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1/3 cup dessicated coconut (plus extra for coating)</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Throw them all in together and mix. A food processor will do
the job in about 20 seconds. Then shape into balls, coat in extra coconut, then refrigerate until firm.</div>
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Note: It's not strictly necessary to have peanut butter, you can also use plain peanuts. Just
substitute the cup of peanut butter for 1½ - 2 cups of skinless, roasted peanuts. I’ve
even used salted peanuts for this, and just rinsed off the salt before I used
them.<br />
<br />
Handy Hint: I have found that if you place them in a bowl at the very rear of the fridge, behind other items, they may escape the attention of hungry munchkins and remain there long enough to set...<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">You Might Also Like:</span><br />
<a href="http://www.katepunivai.com/2014/09/strawberry-chia-pudding-five-reasons-to.html" target="_blank">Strawberry Chia Pudding + Five Reasons To Love Chia Seeds</a><br />
<a href="http://www.katepunivai.com/2014/05/a-diary-of-quitting-gluten-one-month.html" target="_blank">A Diary Of Quitting Gluten (One Month Update)</a><br />
<a href="http://www.katepunivai.com/2013/06/monsanto-is-not-problem.html" target="_blank">Monsanto Is Not The Problem</a></div>
Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01657019147960067075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7197744458640230074.post-43281817378768048412014-10-14T09:00:00.000+11:002014-10-19T15:19:06.767+11:00I Haven't Watched The News, Or Read a Newspaper, In Over 3 Years<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</xml><![endif]--> Recently, a friend posted this cartoon on my facebook page...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg814F6Yeq57c1et3iNJ0HXvNvc2gX6bse0oJ4yDjs35D3Bod5FnOT8yGFtwwpBF80laQpsBZrrXeCrPVUzS2-wdJtFwLSxw7OXu0k30Uih6uUm3OkNNt7zMElRucl7UVs9qrmtfcQvH7c/s1600/10703660_1477448645871501_1299398541928675275_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg814F6Yeq57c1et3iNJ0HXvNvc2gX6bse0oJ4yDjs35D3Bod5FnOT8yGFtwwpBF80laQpsBZrrXeCrPVUzS2-wdJtFwLSxw7OXu0k30Uih6uUm3OkNNt7zMElRucl7UVs9qrmtfcQvH7c/s1600/10703660_1477448645871501_1299398541928675275_n.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
It made me chuckle, but I was also reminded how much my life has changed the past three years, since I decided to tune out from mainstream media. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Yes I, who once prided myself on being up-to-date with
current affairs, have not watched the news, read a newspaper, or visited a news site in <i>more than 3
years</i>. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
When I made the decision to switch off, I was highly stressed, anxious about the future, drowning in debt, and felt helpless about what was happening in the world. That first week, I had to
continually stop myself from turning on the TV out of sheer habit. It was a surreal
feeling - almost a fear of not knowing or of being left out.<br />
<br />
Maybe the world was crashing to a halt, and I was the only one who didn't know, and couldn't prepare for it?</div>
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<br /></div>
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But the world kept right on turning and, after that first week, I simply found other things to do.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
More productive things, I might add! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The fear of “not knowing” and being “left out” gradually
subsided as I found myself not missing out on anything that actually made a
speck of difference to my life. Instead of focusing on what was wrong and what I didn't want, I began to turn my attention to what I <i>could</i> do - creating the kind of life and future I wanted for my children. This saw me leave the city, get out of debt, move to a tropical island, start a business, write a book...</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
That transformation was the result of many changes I made in my life - cultivating selective ignorance was just one of them. But there are several benefits which can be traced directly to my decision to "tune out", and which had many flow-on effects in my life.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size: large;">1.</span> <b><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></b></span></span><b>I've become much more sensitive and aware.</b> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
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I’d always thought of myself as a sensitive, intuitive kind of person, but I had no idea
that watching and reading the news was desensitizing me so much.
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
Now, when I glimpse the sensationalist
headlines of a newspaper, about terrorism or warfare or religious tensions, I
feel myself start to become tense and on edge. It’s not outwardly evident, but
I feel the subtle change of energy within me. </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
I never realized the negative,
energy-sapping news stories were affecting me like that, until I spent time
away from it, and now I can see it all too clearly.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Recently, my dad left his newspaper on the
kitchen bench and my curiosity got the better of me. I didn’t even finish the
first paragraph on the first page, before I walked away in disgust. It was all
about war and bombs and military. It took me several hours of re-focusing my
attention before I managed to shake off the feeling of un-ease. </div>
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<br /></div>
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I can’t believe I subjected myself to those
negative vibes for so long, thinking I was staying “informed”, when really I
was staying fearful and passive and helpless. But not any more!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"></span></span> <span style="font-size: large;"> 2.</span> <b>I've made better use of my time.</b> </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
Over the last three-and-a-bit years, more than 1000 hours of my precious life have been spent on worthwhile activities,
rather than sitting back helplessly, while being bombarded with "proof" of what a horrible world we live in. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
Those extra 1000 hours were spent cooking
nutritious meals for my family, playing with my children, cleaning my house,
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O2JKZLY" target="_blank">writing an e-book</a> and building this website. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-size: large;">3.</span> <b><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></b></span></span><b>I’ve become more positive and confident</b>. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Rather than being
constantly reminded of everything supposedly wrong with the world, I can now
choose to focus on the kind of world I want to see. The world I see is nothing
like the one portrayed on the news. I see people helping each other, being good
citizens, trying to be decent partners/parents/employees. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In the latter years of her life, my grandmother became very pessimistic and fearful about going out on her own. She stayed at home, reading the Daily Telegraph, which just confirmed her suspicions that robbers and murderers were lurking around every corner, just waiting to rip off a little old granny and leave her for dead. </div>
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<br /></div>
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I found myself falling into the same trap...</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
I used to worry about the future, and how
would I protect my children amongst all this terrorism, and economic upheaval,
and rising costs of living? Basically, I felt helpless. Strangely enough, the more anxious I became, the more I had to watch the news, in case there was some matter of utmost importance I had to know about (there never was. Just more of the same fear-mongering and pessimism.) </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
Now, I don’t lose sleep over any of those things.
Instead, I focus on what I CAN control, which is not “out there”, but “in
here”. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
Rather than fearing the future, I am hopeful and optimistic and know that I am well-equipped to handle whatever challenges lie ahead.</div>
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<br /></div>
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<a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/?a_aid=katepunivai&a_bid=fdd322a7" target="_blank"><img alt="Free Delivery on all Books at the Book Depository" src="http://banners1.bookdepository.com/accounts/default1/banners/P_Generic_300x250.jpg" height="250" title="Free Delivery on all Books at the Book Depository" width="300" /></a><img alt="" height="1" src="https://affiliates.bookdepository.com/scripts/imp.php?a_aid=katepunivai&a_bid=fdd322a7" style="border: 0;" width="1" /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"></span></span> <span style="font-size: large;">4.</span> <b>I’m more up-to-date on <i>useful</i> information.</b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
I may not know the name of the latest axe-murderer, or which
celebrity is cheating who, or who got sent out for being a naughty boy during
question-time in parliament (does anyone even care?), but I am one step ahead of the media on <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">useful</i> information. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
For example, a couple of years ago, I read
an article on <a href="http://www.stevepavlina.com/blog/" target="_blank">Steve Pavlina’s blog</a> about the health benefits of having a
“standing” work-desk, rather than sitting at your desk all day. </div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
Last week, as I was walking into work, I
happened to glance up at the current affair show on TV. It was about how
sitting at a desk all day is causing so many health issues, it will eventually
burden the healthcare system more than smoking, and a stand-up desk is one
simple, but effective, solution.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
I laughed.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>It was
old news to me…</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">5.</span><b> I'm more creative and able to think "outside the square". </b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Without meaning to sound like a
conspiracy theorist, the mainstream news outlets really do portray a very
limiting, conventional view of the world (which may or may not be influenced by whence
their advertising dollars come from...)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Once I managed to extract myself from that limiting, narrow paradigm, I found that my mind became highly creative and original. Rather than getting my information from mainstream media, I gathered information by talking to people, reading books and blogs, <i>experiencing</i> the world with my own senses, and not through the skewed lens of the media. This had the effect of opening up my mind to all kinds of possibilities and opportunities, and led me to achieve things I might never have attempted in the past.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
All in all, my news fast has been a wise decision, with many positive benefits.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
If anything really important is happening, someone will tell me about
it, or post about it on facebook. I don't feel that I'm missing out in
any way.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
So here’s to many more years of remaining blissfully ignorant of the headlines and hype.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">You Might Also Like:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.katepunivai.com/2014/05/the-secret-of-real-financial-freedom.html" target="_blank">The Secret Of Real Financial Freedom</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.katepunivai.com/2014/03/3-practical-ways-to-become-more-creative.html" target="_blank">3 Simple Ways To Become More Creative</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.katepunivai.com/2014/05/how-to-be-woman-5-ways-to-nurture.html" target="_blank">How To Be A Woman: 5 Ways To Nurture & Celebrate Our Femininity</a></div>
Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01657019147960067075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7197744458640230074.post-32561374745623717272014-10-10T06:47:00.000+11:002014-10-10T07:26:37.005+11:00Your Body Is The Healer<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</xml><![endif]-->Ok, hold tight. I’m about to say something heretical…<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Medicine cannot cure you, and a doctor cannot heal you.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Let me repeat: <i>Medicine cannot cure you, and a doctor cannot
heal you.</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Only <u>your body</u> can heal you.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDuBJkzcZezMgiJ8VxONdLp8eITuCIv01gnhmw1xU_zuCftm8fKvQIdMUdp1vXaBUnl_d9CfHmEmB3qzlqwIbM4dADxSPv0sTnMKKSDTc7kZgMGhkdEFpYkbhYjfJGI9PeYFROr_fqJTc/s1600/meditation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDuBJkzcZezMgiJ8VxONdLp8eITuCIv01gnhmw1xU_zuCftm8fKvQIdMUdp1vXaBUnl_d9CfHmEmB3qzlqwIbM4dADxSPv0sTnMKKSDTc7kZgMGhkdEFpYkbhYjfJGI9PeYFROr_fqJTc/s1600/meditation.jpg" height="219" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
At best, your doctor can give advice or prescribe a product, and his medicine may suppress your symptoms (usually how
conventional medicine works) or kick-start your body’s own healing reactions
(often how naturopathic medicines work), but at the end of the day, your body has to do the work.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
If you have a broken bone, the doctor or surgeon might put it back into place, but only your body can knit the bone back together again. If you have a wound, the nurse might dress it to stop infection, but it's your body that grows new skin and closes over the wound. Your body is the true healer.<br />
<br />
If you take the latest, greatest vitamin formula and all your aches and pains disappear, does that mean it has cured you? No. It means your body finally has what it needs to heal itself and function properly.<br />
<br />
If you undergo chemotherapy and it shrinks your tumor, does that mean it has healed you? No. It means the chemotherapy has suppressed (one of) your symptoms. Cancer is one symptom of a toxic, acidic system. Chemotherapy, radiation and surgery might take out or reduce your cancer, but it cannot heal your toxic, acidic system. Your body can, though, if you give it the right diet and support.<br />
<br />
I'm not saying doctors and medicine and herbal remedies don't have their place. Unfortunately, they have become all too necessary! But the real aim of a healthcare system shouldn't necessarily be to supply more doctors or better medicine, it should be to create a society that needs less doctors and less medicine! Anything else is just a band-aid solution...However, the economic reality is that band-aid solutions keep people in jobs and in business, so we are stuck with them (Pardon the pun).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I believe that if people really understood how awesomely their bodies were
designed and what they are capable of, they would treat them a whole lot better.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
When you get a “cold”, the runny nose, the sore
throat and the cough are not symptoms of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>an
illness. They are symptoms of your body <i>fighting off</i> the illness. When your
body is alerted to a foreign invader (such as a nasty germ), it immediately sets off a chain reaction
of defenses. It starts sending in its troops, like white blood cells, but you probably
just know them as “snot”, “mucus” or “gunk”.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Your body raises its temperature to try and kill off the
invading pathogen – so you get a fever. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Your body attempts to prevent the
pathogen from penetrating further than the throat, which causes localized inflammation and heat
in the throat, hence you get a “sore throat”. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Your body is doing exactly what it’s meant to do! It’s
protecting you…and what do you do in return? You pop some cold and flu pills to
avoid feeling the sore throat and the sniffles. That’s right, you block the
body from doing its work. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Just because something makes us feel better, doesn’t mean it
has healed us. In fact, with many modern medications, it has succeeded only in
tampering with the bodies natural processes. If you take a painkiller because you
have a headache, the painkiller doesn’t take your pain away, it simply turns
off your pain sensors so your brain can’t register the sensation anymore.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Doesn't it make more sense to find out what your body is trying to tell you? In the case of a headache, it's probably trying to tell you to drink more water, or get away from your computer, or that you're lacking magnesium, or eating/using something that irritates the body. Listen! Your body is always talking to you! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
And while we’re here, let’s have a little conversation about
germs. All through the winter months, people cough and sniffle and blame their
problems on “germs”. Unfortunately, germs are everywhere and life on earth is
not possible without them. Germs are not the problem. Your immune system is the
problem! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Most likely, the immune system has become bogged down due to
stress, nutritional deficiency, toxic overload, lack of exercise/fresh
air/sunlight and can no longer cope.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The answer is not to try and control germs (you can’t), the
answer is to build up an immune system that does what it’s meant to do – resist
anything that’s potentially harmful to the body.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I haven’t been sick in years, and it’s certainly NOT because
I’m paranoid about germs (I don’t even own a disinfectant, unless you mean
vinegar). </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
It’s certainly NOT because I wash my hands fifty times a day with
antibacterial stuff (I wash my hands at the appropriate places with good old-fashioned
soap and water). </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
It’s definitely NOT because I vaccinate (Sorry to be
heretical yet again, but I do not see the sense in becoming immune to certain
strains of one virus, while at the same time being injected with the likes of
aluminium, monosodium glutamate, and polysorbate 80, which just adds to my
toxic load and makes it harder for my body to fight off other strains of other
viruses. I'd much prefer a strong, healthy immune system that can resist <i>any</i> strain of <i>any</i> virus. But that's just me...)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
And it’s definitely NOT because I take loads of
multi-vitamins (I don’t take any).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I have, however, discovered (through research/trial and
error/experimentation), how to support my immune system to do its job properly
- that is, protect me from illness and disease. If you want to know more about
the 7 habits I follow for excellent health, you can find them in my e-book
“<a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00O2JKZLY" target="_blank">100% Alive</a>”, available on Amazon.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The human body is beautifully, exquisitely designed to heal
itself, renew itself, cleanse itself and regulate itself. If we nurture it
properly, that is exactly what it does! But when we don’t? It doesn’t repair
itself, it degenerates and ages, it fills up with toxins and gunk and fails to
regulate itself properly. Sadly, you don’t have to look very far to find living
(just!), breathing evidence in our families and communities and workplaces.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
There is actually no physiological reason why the body
should “age”! The body is constantly renewing itself, shedding old cells and
replacing with new ones. The reason that people get old and stiff and arthritic
is not due to the passage of time. It’s because: </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
1. Their body is not getting enough nutrients to do its work
properly. You need plenty fruit (preferably raw), plenty vegetables (preferably raw) and lots of leafy greens (preferably raw, again) if you want any hope of supplying your body with what it needs nutritionally. If the majority of your diet is cooked or processed foods, your body is going to wear out prematurely. Just saying..</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
2. They are overloading their bodies with toxins (chemicals
on their food, in their personal care products, in the air they breathe, in
their water) at a rate faster than the body can excrete them. Eventually, the
body begins to clog up with toxic waste, the joints grow stiff and everything begins
to slow down. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
3. Lack of use! People sit at their desk all day, drive the
car home, sit in front of the TV, and then lay down to sleep…and wonder why
their beautiful bodies, which were designed to dance, and run and jump, start
to seize up from lack of use. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
4. People accept aging as inevitable. After I turned 30, I
began to notice more and more people my own age imply they were “getting
old”. In their early 30’s, for goodness sake! All around us, people are
perpetuating the belief that after the age of 30 - 40, our physical health starts
to go downhill. People just love to talk about their ailments and what bothers
them! Take notice, and you’ll realize you’re constantly being reminded that
after a certain age, your body gets fatter, it slows down, it starts to ache,
your memory and eyesight start to fade. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Well, I say bollocks!!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
What you believe is what you receive. If you expect to get old,
crotchety and wrinkly, that’s likely what you’ll get. But I say no thanks. I
say that my body is the earthly temple of my soul, I respect it and nurture it,
and it returns the favor a hundred-fold. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
You see, I have this stubborn streak, and I don't necessarily accept that if someone else experienced it (or even if lots of other people experienced it), then it's inevitably going to be my experience too. We create our own experiences and outcomes, based on what we put in...</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
For example, when I had my first son, people said I couldn’t expect to go
back to the same size as before. After a while, the weight came off and I went
back to wearing my pre-pregnancy clothes. Then, they said, it won’t be that
easy after the second one. But a few months after the birth of my second son, I
was right back into all my old clothes. Then the next lot of well-meaning
advice, was that after turning 30, I’d have to work
harder to stay slim. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Meanwhile, I just smiled politely, and ignored their "advice". </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
In fact, I can state with absolute certainty that I am more
energetic, more flexible, more toned, healthier and fitter than I was a decade
ago. And I fully expect to be even more so, in another decade. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
You get to choose how you age, by choosing what you put in
your mouth, what you put on your skin, what you allow in your mind, and
embracing love in all it’s forms. These daily little choices have an
accumulative effect over the years.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The most youthful-looking people I know are not the ones who
buy expensive anti-aging creams or employ personal trainers. They are the ones
who have lived simply and honestly, loved wholeheartedly, gave generously,
appreciated nature, and nurtured their bodies with wholesome foods.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Your body is just exquisite. Every process, every system, every cell, every action and reaction, is perfectly designed to keep you healthy and in a state of homeostasis (balance). Nurture it, love it, support it...it's the true healer. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">You Might Also Like:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.katepunivai.com/2014/03/do-you-realize-how-magnificent-you-are.html" target="_blank">Do You Realize How Magnificent You Are?</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.katepunivai.com/2014/03/21-day-gratitude-feastnegativity-fast.html" target="_blank">21-Day Gratitude Feast/Negativity Fast</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.katepunivai.com/2014/02/my-top-7-most-useful-home-remedies.html" target="_blank">My Top 7 Most Useful Home Remedies</a></div>
Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01657019147960067075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7197744458640230074.post-24361929557861895952014-09-30T22:21:00.003+10:002014-09-30T22:21:39.855+10:00The 10 Most Mind-Blowing Books I've Read<div style="text-align: justify;">
Anybody who knows me, knows that I adore
reading books! My mentor loves to remind us that readers are leaders, and I reckon she's right. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After much deliberation I've whittled my list of mind-blowing
books down to just ten. These books completely changed my worldview, or
inspired me to transform my life and health.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If
you click on the title of the book, it will take you to The Book
Depository - my favorite online bookstore. They have millions of titles
(including ones that are hard to find in conventional bookstores) and
free shipping to most countries in the world (but not Tonga, sadly. I
save up my orders for when I'm in Australia). These links are affiliate
links, so if you do make a purchase, I receive a small percentage. </div>
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiipR8HuNHQuFvcyXPSKH9C3SDdeRiUUvXU4APD7o6Urs0EggIlCakDNIbPVsH3YXGl54w4XIaBtpv4C0IZz1xUo-cM26q9ZtRKmFrElLNopeSt91vuB5572AJ6TQTLLe106x0jjFsHIWg/s1600/E+Squared.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiipR8HuNHQuFvcyXPSKH9C3SDdeRiUUvXU4APD7o6Urs0EggIlCakDNIbPVsH3YXGl54w4XIaBtpv4C0IZz1xUo-cM26q9ZtRKmFrElLNopeSt91vuB5572AJ6TQTLLe106x0jjFsHIWg/s1600/E+Squared.jpg" height="200" width="128" /></a> <a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/E-Squared-Pam-Grout/9781401938901/?a_aid=katepunivai" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-size: large;">1. </span></span>E-Squared by Pam Grout</a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I bought this book less than a year ago, and I've already read it five times!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It is fascinating, entertaining and profound, all at once, and the "experiments" have the potential to change your life. </div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIxj_67xPC-723BqqYPGDpqgln4RxxoNod9TR4J1YI5Pij4ZeRaqDQ-apPaCk6F8JgnEshZWXdvxkDe0_rkCdf2mUDQ2TBh0W9rEWNs1NXD5zwjzu9MQGxFzhR2W_fi1WoRtSDnpZxgtE/s1600/9780373892327.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIxj_67xPC-723BqqYPGDpqgln4RxxoNod9TR4J1YI5Pij4ZeRaqDQ-apPaCk6F8JgnEshZWXdvxkDe0_rkCdf2mUDQ2TBh0W9rEWNs1NXD5zwjzu9MQGxFzhR2W_fi1WoRtSDnpZxgtE/s1600/9780373892327.jpg" height="200" width="185" /></a> <a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/Beauty-Detox-Solution-Kimberly-Snyder/9780373892327/?a_aid=katepunivai" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">2.</span> The Beauty Detox Solution by Kimberly Snyder</a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It doesn't matter if
you're a health nut or a complete newbie, this book has it all. It
explains how our bodies work, and how to look after them so we can look
and feel awesome.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you only ever read one book on health, let it be this one.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2-3iqH9G12tXVmofnmd1dqefUKcAIV7cxHCPEq07cZpdQ2eXzwEG9hzpxrf50zC_4QlJ2vRQKT2p0Ew8qMNKtKsLZT_e6xnyLKN1GcHaOeFgBxztDRudvYI9kj3VVwtW7TqaJRryiNDk/s1600/9780671646783.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2-3iqH9G12tXVmofnmd1dqefUKcAIV7cxHCPEq07cZpdQ2eXzwEG9hzpxrf50zC_4QlJ2vRQKT2p0Ew8qMNKtKsLZT_e6xnyLKN1GcHaOeFgBxztDRudvYI9kj3VVwtW7TqaJRryiNDk/s1600/9780671646783.jpg" height="200" width="185" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">3.</span> <a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/Magic-Thinking-Big-David-Joseph-Schwartz/9780671646783/?a_aid=katepunivai" target="_blank">The Magic of Thinking Big by David Schwartz</a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This
book is decades old, but it's wisdom is timeless. It teaches you how to
harness the power of the mind to create the life you want.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's brilliant, and I re-read it at least once per year, hence why my copy is tattered and missing it's covers. </div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbxBToArbCmgTQ_XOJ6eSn3IqSumcLCqUmsus159AzL-STMCqDkKYygUnV-qCq9ZHRJoLicudMCswM5bNbqUPxHFAHDZ9dIArAAoxNof-6DSdRHWJ5MmF1aetezhMYYEWyvPNEuSFswMg/s1600/9780440204886.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbxBToArbCmgTQ_XOJ6eSn3IqSumcLCqUmsus159AzL-STMCqDkKYygUnV-qCq9ZHRJoLicudMCswM5bNbqUPxHFAHDZ9dIArAAoxNof-6DSdRHWJ5MmF1aetezhMYYEWyvPNEuSFswMg/s1600/9780440204886.jpg" height="200" width="185" /></a> <span style="font-size: large;">4.</span> <a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/Illusions-Adventures-Reluctant-Messiah-Richard-Bach/9780440204886/?a_aid=katepunivai" target="_blank">Illusions: The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah by Richard Bach</a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Have
you ever stumbled across a little old book that looked kind of plain,
but when you began to read, it completely blew your mind? This little
book was like that for a me.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It is written as a
non-fiction story, but the message is so profound I had to keep putting
it down, so I could digest the meaning and let it sink in. </div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7kaClN4pKGVnRnxd-OWaT5OOqXz_CaUza7cvd9-udACynMzp8A1W_9iWTE5MV9KSG_daqMeet0WjYlxpSK_C6Lek9E4N_8U7adkB5fsfLbSi4seQaD5YhgOzUb_9uitB8dFDbJ-4AXZ4/s1600/9780091929114.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7kaClN4pKGVnRnxd-OWaT5OOqXz_CaUza7cvd9-udACynMzp8A1W_9iWTE5MV9KSG_daqMeet0WjYlxpSK_C6Lek9E4N_8U7adkB5fsfLbSi4seQaD5YhgOzUb_9uitB8dFDbJ-4AXZ4/s1600/9780091929114.jpg" height="200" width="185" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">5.</span> <a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/4-hour-Work-Week-Timothy-Ferriss/9780091929114/?a_aid=katepunivai" target="_blank">The 4-Hour Work Week by Timothy Ferriss </a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
More
than anything, I love a book that challenges the current paradigm and
looks at the world from a different angle to the one we're used to being
shown.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This book is all that! I love it most, not for
the business insights and resources (which are great on their own) but
the reminder of what is possible.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4qQHKqwj1RD3hJBD-ebqqbajP3EvdI7aplodSd5zEsdhIAQ7CxWQHk8MG_7om0wKqw6moD-WAI92Bm1AoJHTm2gueOYtDOi6a4R1Fov7pw3hWnxwLSVSMpCthdrxm0mrzKY4Pj3QXO3M/s1600/9780887307287.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4qQHKqwj1RD3hJBD-ebqqbajP3EvdI7aplodSd5zEsdhIAQ7CxWQHk8MG_7om0wKqw6moD-WAI92Bm1AoJHTm2gueOYtDOi6a4R1Fov7pw3hWnxwLSVSMpCthdrxm0mrzKY4Pj3QXO3M/s1600/9780887307287.jpg" height="200" width="185" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">6.</span><a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/E-myth-Revisited-Michael-Gerber/9780887307287/?a_aid=katepunivai" target="_blank"> The E-Myth Revisited by Michael Gerber</a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If
you are in business, or thinking about going into business, you need to
read this book. Seriously. I say this from hard-won experience. This
book provides the template for building a sustainable business and
teaches you how to work ON your business, instead of IN it.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Buying this book will probably turn out to be the best investment you ever make in your business. Have I mentioned that you need to read this book?</div>
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib0hbyzua2i9P53eAzK1Q-PCrKH9cbd6s_jDXyisLzKJbn2O9TW5Zui3ybpAAKNkOpfLx3eja24ztN4eQKEzRgMgCD_bNVgyqonhb_r8Pe4i7GxdD5Ao2JlQbYJnpKwpZykGyJz3Z9Cjg/s1600/9781416522195.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib0hbyzua2i9P53eAzK1Q-PCrKH9cbd6s_jDXyisLzKJbn2O9TW5Zui3ybpAAKNkOpfLx3eja24ztN4eQKEzRgMgCD_bNVgyqonhb_r8Pe4i7GxdD5Ao2JlQbYJnpKwpZykGyJz3Z9Cjg/s1600/9781416522195.jpg" height="200" width="185" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">7.</span> <a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/Hidden-Messages-Water-Masaru-Emoto/9781416522195/?a_aid=katepunivai" target="_blank">The Hidden Messages in Water by Masaru Emoto</a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've
been delving into quantum physics and metaphysics for a while, but this
book was mind-blowing, especially some of the author's theories on the
Universe and energy fields.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This book also contains
stunning photographs of how our words and thoughts affect water
molecules (and in turn affect us, and the wider world).</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_J7unvuoHcc3HH9r18nKCEUEqcJDp84hHLGNSNyD6dDwNCc3GHC2iuXelr5AXOCc_aeZvFDYAdBsiaAMLSIGil6E8SVguMkoKbqpDZFhFsyk7Wewhhl-LtEfrIj98sD0O_GolUrW4R4s/s1600/9781553955054.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_J7unvuoHcc3HH9r18nKCEUEqcJDp84hHLGNSNyD6dDwNCc3GHC2iuXelr5AXOCc_aeZvFDYAdBsiaAMLSIGil6E8SVguMkoKbqpDZFhFsyk7Wewhhl-LtEfrIj98sD0O_GolUrW4R4s/s1600/9781553955054.jpg" height="200" width="185" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">8.</span> <a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/Spirits-Spacesuits-Sean-OLaoire/9781553955054/?a_aid=katepunivai" target="_blank">Spirits in Spacesuits: A Manual for Everyday Mystics by Sean O'Laoire</a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Ok,
I confess. I borrowed this book from a friend more than six months ago,
and I still haven't given it back. He's overseas, so that's my excuse
for treasuring this book as long as I possibly can.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This revolutionary book really opened up my mind to a different perspective of God, life, the Universe, the Bible. </div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgflfk6bRMe8hZ9RFrhTeBSyXrnemQvsFeKlX-GGIUKvNF_RZVwyYRdvrtTeTbYWaKfaioZPZ8CGdf-oG7d9M694zGZ9la40Q0R0gsZRvOK_Qu13Xu_pI8Y8K-J_n4XDGS1jIf8dp8KXto/s1600/9781905047826.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgflfk6bRMe8hZ9RFrhTeBSyXrnemQvsFeKlX-GGIUKvNF_RZVwyYRdvrtTeTbYWaKfaioZPZ8CGdf-oG7d9M694zGZ9la40Q0R0gsZRvOK_Qu13Xu_pI8Y8K-J_n4XDGS1jIf8dp8KXto/s1600/9781905047826.jpg" height="200" width="185" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">9.</span> <a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/Dont-Get-Mad-Get-Wise-Mike-George/9781905047826/?a_aid=katepunivai" target="_blank">Don't Get Mad, Get Wise by Mike George </a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
One
day, I was in a bookshop and I only had enough money to buy one book.
This was the one I chose. It turned out to be perfectly suited to the
situation I was dealing with at the time.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This book
teaches us how we can choose to be at peace, no matter what is happening
around us or to us. I still use these principles in my everyday life.</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiZUwb2vqMhaZjK3Y1kM35mBYUTKeCKs4adc45teGOGOLg52kO_nPsC9BnR5RJh3p8vfT40Txt8HwA5Rx-8dVddjvlXjrUdAeAtiWXY9ksMNTUXayt_TqHRlUFCxF-wincaXNKWbTjXbQ/s1600/9780241967829.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiZUwb2vqMhaZjK3Y1kM35mBYUTKeCKs4adc45teGOGOLg52kO_nPsC9BnR5RJh3p8vfT40Txt8HwA5Rx-8dVddjvlXjrUdAeAtiWXY9ksMNTUXayt_TqHRlUFCxF-wincaXNKWbTjXbQ/s1600/9780241967829.jpg" height="200" width="185" /></a>10. <a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/Not-on-Label-Felicity-Lawrence/9780241967829/?a_aid=katepunivai" target="_blank">Not On The Label: What Really Goes Into The Food You Eat by Felicity Lawrence</a><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've
read many books exposing the food and drug industry, but years later,
this one still stands out as the one that shocked me so much, it forever
changed the way I buy food.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This one is based on the
UK food system (although most of it applies to the entire Western
world). For an expose on the US food system, try reading <a href="http://www.bookdepository.com/Fast-Food-Nation-Eric-Schlosser/9780547750330/?a_aid=katepunivai" target="_blank">Fast Food Nation</a>. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
What
books have really blown your mind or changed the way you see the world (or
yourself, for that matter?) Let me know in the comments, because I would
love to have a read. If they're mind-blowing enough, I may even be obliged to re-arrange my list...</div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">You Might Also Like:</span><br />
<a href="http://www.katepunivai.com/2014/03/21-day-gratitude-feastnegativity-fast.html" target="_blank">21 Day Gratitude Feast/Negativity Fast</a><br />
<a href="http://www.katepunivai.com/2014/05/how-to-meet-kindred-spirit.html" target="_blank">How To Meet a Kindred Spirit </a><br />
<a href="http://www.katepunivai.com/2014/03/when-you-know-better-you-do-betteror-do.html" target="_blank">When You Know Better, You Do Better...Or Do You? </a><br />
<br />Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01657019147960067075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7197744458640230074.post-18093114010820511602014-09-26T12:55:00.001+10:002014-09-26T13:14:39.162+10:00Strawberry Chia Pudding + Five Reasons To Love Chia Seeds<div style="text-align: justify;">
Since coming back to Australia, I've been trying to help my parents eat healthier. Its made me realize that many people struggle to know what to eat after they decide to "get healthy", and often give up after a few weeks.<br />
<br />
The good news is that eating healthy doesn't have to mean boring, bland or time-consuming! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So I've decided to start sharing some of my go-to recipes, but there's one tiny little disclaimer...</div>
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I'm not a very professional cook.</div>
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Sometimes I don't use measuring devices. Often, I just throw things in until it looks or tastes "about right". I *may* also stick my finger into food sometimes and have a little taste. But if you think you could overlook these little flaws, then we'll probably get along just fine. </div>
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My brother and his wife sent me the original recipe for "chia seed pudding" and ,naturally, I decided to whip up my own version.<br />
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But first...<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">FIVE REASONS TO LOVE CHIA SEEDS</span></span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">1.</span></b> They're super high in fiber. In just one ounce, there are 11 grams of fibre (more than 35% of the recommended daily intake)<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">2.</span></b> They're loaded with good fats. A 1-oz serving contains 5grams of Omega-3 fats<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">3.</span></b> They're high in antioxidants, which helps prevent the good fats from going rancid.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">4.</span></b> They're loaded with nutrients. 1-oz of chia seeds contain 18% RDA of calcium, 30% RDA of magnesium, 30% of manganese, plus zinc, potassium, Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) and Vitamin B3 (Niacin).<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">5.</span></b> They are a complete protein, which means they contain all 9 amino acids which are essential to humans.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX-7hlIVTPuDbrcuLWScEph5I3O5zSgZ51brErifENV2-mOHL9I0ge-3h9LgI-OyXzZ3BZCI-oIZUY8tl84lVRgJXz9OsZsbGggSFm_qOcvJazUqmdRME0ktKkHcO7zk6DMduOblpyvQA/s1600/chiapudding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX-7hlIVTPuDbrcuLWScEph5I3O5zSgZ51brErifENV2-mOHL9I0ge-3h9LgI-OyXzZ3BZCI-oIZUY8tl84lVRgJXz9OsZsbGggSFm_qOcvJazUqmdRME0ktKkHcO7zk6DMduOblpyvQA/s1600/chiapudding.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Strawberry Chia Pudding (Serves 4)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free </i></span></div>
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1 can of coconut milk</div>
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1 and half cups of strawberries (approx)</div>
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1 tsp vanilla extract (Not vanilla "essence", it's just fake stuff)</div>
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1/2 cup chia seeds</div>
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2-3 tbsp raw honey</div>
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1. Add coconut milk, strawberries and vanilla to a blender and mix well.</div>
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2. Add the honey and stir until mixed well. (I often pour the coconut/strawberry mix into a saucepan and sit over very low heat, stirring until honey is softened and mixed through. This only takes a minute or two.) </div>
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3. Stir through chia seeds and pour into bowl. Refrigerate for a few hours or overnight, until set. </div>
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4. Top with more strawberries and a sprinkle of dried coconut, then enjoy!<br />
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I don't really eat this as a "pudding", I usually make a batch and leave in the fridge and eat it as a snack, kind of like yogurt.<br />
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Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01657019147960067075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7197744458640230074.post-86179226012004856842014-09-24T19:50:00.000+10:002014-09-24T20:29:39.650+10:00How To Get Your To-Do List Done<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij_r4O7HUNGEZyXmm8TA60UEOLgWLorzr9GjL-nsJu4v7p1io5yxhcAH25iw_y4baKSeI9-jMCBzNYKdqp960owB4NVGMmn1wSmXB0ZpGEAqewfkxaOkTjMXNVxM6Qb8ANe199lZUNWDw/s1600/10659194_10152321877952344_7656895815094761620_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij_r4O7HUNGEZyXmm8TA60UEOLgWLorzr9GjL-nsJu4v7p1io5yxhcAH25iw_y4baKSeI9-jMCBzNYKdqp960owB4NVGMmn1wSmXB0ZpGEAqewfkxaOkTjMXNVxM6Qb8ANe199lZUNWDw/s1600/10659194_10152321877952344_7656895815094761620_n.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a>It's no secret that I'm a fan of to-do lists. </div>
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I just find that I'm more productive and focused when I've got a to-do list to keep me on track. Looking back over the last couple of years, when I've neglected my to-do list, I seem to start drifting aimlessly and tend to waste a lot of precious time.</div>
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I've worked out a little system that ensures my to-do list is helping me work towards my goals, and doesn't become yet another bit of paper lying around.</div>
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Here's what works for me:</div>
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<b>1. Set regular time aside to create your list.</b> I usually work off a weekly to-do list. I tried daily to-do lists but usually over-estimated what I could achieve in a day, and ended up losing motivation. Any longer than a week and motivation also flags, since long deadlines seem to encourage procrastination and lack of focus.</div>
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Sunday evenings are my time to reflect on my life, my goals and what I hope to get done in the next week. I really look forward to this time, when I can focus on where my life is heading, what I want to achieve and be in this life, and most importantly, how I can get there.<br />
<br />
I start out by jotting down all the things I already have planned or organized for the week, such as "Judah's birthday on Wednesday" or "School interview 9am Tues etc, then I figure out what I can reasonably expect to get done during that week.</div>
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<b>2. Write it down properly</b>. I keep a big A4 notebook. In the front, it has inspiring quotes and thoughts to uplift me. Each week, I write a to-do list on one page (it doesn't usually take up a whole page), and the opposite page I gradually fill in with ideas or bits of information that I want to remember, such as phone numbers or products and prices. </div>
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I've never been able to get excited about computerized or internet to-do lists. Call me old-fashioned, but I just like the immediacy and accessibility of pen on paper.</div>
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<b>3. Check it often.</b> I check my to-to list daily, to make sure I'm on track and remind myself to keep aiming for my goals.</div>
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<b>4. Break big tasks down into smaller steps</b>. I love the feeling of accomplishment when I tick another item off my to-do list. It motivates me to stay on track and keep working towards what I want. Bearing this in mine, I give myself plenty chances to experience that feeling!</div>
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For example, rather than putting "Finish writing e-book" on my to-do list, I write "Finish Chapter 3 of e-book". Yes, I learned that one from experience! "Finish writing e-book" got rolled over onto next week's list about 3 times before I realized it might never happen if I didn't change something.</div>
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<b>5 Remember what's important and what is the most effective use of your time</b>. A to-do list should reflect our values and our goals. Keeping a to-do list for the sake of being busy is really a form of procrastination. Do what matters and choose effective over efficient.</div>
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<b>6. Mix it up</b>. This one may not work for everyone, but it works for me. I tend to mix it up a bit when I'm making a to-do list. Some items on there are quick and easy and may only take 15 minutes to complete (like checking ticket prices or paying a bill) while others are more time-consuming and have to be broken down into steps.</div>
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On any given day, I might aim to tick off 1-3 items from my list, depending on what they are. The trick is not to choose all the quick easy ones first and put off the more tiring or annoying ones until the last day of the week, because they'll probably just turn up again on next week's list!</div>
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I also add items from different areas of my life, it's not all business! My to-do list might range from "Follow up kit-home leads" to "Wax legs". I can glance at my to-do list and choose what's going to work in with other things that are happening on that day. I realize this may not work for everyone, but it's how I like to do it.<br />
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<b>7. Know when "good" is good enough.</b> Okay, I admit it. I've now edited this article three times since I hit "Publish". I'm not a perfectionist, really I'm not! Anybody who has watched me cook with joyful abandon and a distinct lack of measuring devices already knows this. I just seem to have this inbuilt tendency to accept nothing but my very best at all times.<br />
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Which is all wonderful, but we must remember not to make perfect the enemy of the good. In the words of <a href="http://www.cwg.org/" target="_blank">Neale Donald Walsh</a> (Or was it God's words? I can't remember): Perfection is the obstacle of creation and enemy of achievement. At some point you've got to say "This is good. And this is enough". If you cannot do this, you will never get anything done - and that is the opposite of what you want, is it not?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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PS. In other exciting news, my e-book "The 7 Habits of Someone Who Never Gets Sick" will be available by the end of the week. I'm super excited to share some of my most cherished health secrets with you and hear how it transforms your life!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You Might Also Like:</span><br />
<a href="http://www.katepunivai.com/2014/04/how-to-turn-your-big-crazy-idea-into.html" target="_blank">How To Turn Your Big Crazy Idea Into Reality (Part 1)</a><br />
<a href="http://www.katepunivai.com/2014/04/there-is-no-magic-pilland-thats-good.html" target="_blank">There Is No Magic Pill...And That's a Good Thing</a><br />
<a href="http://www.katepunivai.com/2014/03/the-1-most-life-changing-habit-from.html" target="_blank">The One Simple Habit That Changed My Life</a><br />
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<br />Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01657019147960067075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7197744458640230074.post-22910222486134482252014-09-20T16:14:00.000+10:002014-09-20T16:14:20.603+10:00The Blessing Line<div style="text-align: justify;">
One night, I sat up late talking with a friend. He was telling me about the "Blessing Line" and drawing it with his finger on the kitchen table. </div>
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"Here" he pointed "is the blessing line, where abundance flows and blessings rain down on you. When you start the see the reward for all your efforts...</div>
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But here, before you cross over the blessing line, are challenges and disappointments and obstacles. This is where you feel most tired and discouraged. </div>
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This", he said "is where most people give up. Right before they reach their blessing line."</div>
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Hmmmmm.</div>
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Come to think of it, I too have been guilty of doing just that!</div>
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One example springs to mind clearly. </div>
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When I was 25, I started my own cleaning business. I planned and researched it for months. While I was still working at my day job, I began cleaning for a lady once a week, so that I would have a reference when I started looking for clients.</div>
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I planned that I would charge premium rates, give superb service and use only environmentally-friendly cleaning products. </div>
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When I felt I was ready, I accepted a voluntary redundancy from my job in accounts, and used the money to live on while I got my business off the ground.</div>
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I placed one ad on a free local classifieds site, and soon I had my first customers. I quoted what I thought was "good money" to me at the time. As promised, I gave excellent service. I did not leave the house until I knew for sure the skirting boards had been dusted and behind the toilet was spotless. The client may never have checked such things, but that was the standard I had set for myself.</div>
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After a short while, my customers began referring their friends and soon I was booked up. I was cleaning 3 houses per day, 5 days a week. It was tiring work, but I was earning a good income and I got into a really good routine where I could easily clean a 4bedroom, 2 bathroom house from top to bottom, in just over 2 hours. </div>
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Soon it was time to think about employing someone. The first lady did a trial run, and spent the entire 2 hours cleaning the kitchen counter, and then rang to tell me she had found another job. (Phew!)</div>
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The second was a family friend, who did quite a good job, although not quite the attention to detail I would have liked. Sometimes, when he wasn't looking, I went back and did something he missed. Alone, I cleaned 3 houses per day, but together we could only manage 5. </div>
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By the time I paid him at the end of the week, I was left with just a couple of hundred dollars. Even though I had all the extra responsibility and did all the after-hours work of cleaning the equipment, washing the microfiber cloths, meeting potential clients to give quotes, and doing the book-work. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqg8SsXNn5wurCn_pXRu8hz3DuSSbH35nGFHCsVJ6z_ww_TrdwzSItAufGMOYiVuhbNFfQfbTLunp9DzLzFkgbKcT8waz_jM4FdcOU7AcfRFbjOIvs5fVNCGqz7Ce9IdgKFFDxHWPOVUs/s1600/The+difference+between+a+stepping+stone...jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqg8SsXNn5wurCn_pXRu8hz3DuSSbH35nGFHCsVJ6z_ww_TrdwzSItAufGMOYiVuhbNFfQfbTLunp9DzLzFkgbKcT8waz_jM4FdcOU7AcfRFbjOIvs5fVNCGqz7Ce9IdgKFFDxHWPOVUs/s1600/The+difference+between+a+stepping+stone...jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a>Somehow I was working longer hours than ever and getting paid a pittance. I became so tired and run-down, I seemed to constantly have a cold. My son was only 2 yrs old at the time, and I barely saw him. My dream of running my own business had become a nightmare.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When I fell pregnant with my second son, it was such a relief to close the business and go back to my old job of getting paid by the hour and no after-hours stress.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I quit before I reached the blessing line. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
What happened?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was obviously a winning business idea. I hadn't spent a cent on advertising, the customers were happy (several years later, I still had customers email me to ask if I was cleaning again), but somehow it all went wrong.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The truth is that I used the obstacles and challenges as an excuse to quit, rather than using them as a reason to go beyond my comfort zone. I was afraid to hire more staff or a manager, because I didn't know how to be a leader or bring up uncomfortable issues if they weren't performing properly (I could have learnt!). I didn't want to raise my prices to cover the cost of hiring others because I didn't know how to tell the customers (I could have found a way!). </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I wanted to stay where I was comfortable, not realizing that my business could only grow and expand to the extent that I was willing to grow and expand, myself. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So, I quit when things got tough and I never saw the blessing line.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The cynic in us might wonder why, if God is so loving, does He make life so hard for us? Is he trying to find out if we are "deserving" enough? </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I don't think that's the case at all.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Problems are not meant to discourage us, they're not meant to annoy or destroy us. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
They are sent to grow us. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Problems are our teachers! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Let's face it, when life is comfortable, we have little desire or inclination to change. But when faced with a problem, we're forced to do something. We can turn and run, or we can use it as an opportunity to improve ourselves and our skills. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The choice is ours. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>What about you? Have you ever quit before you reached your blessing line? </i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
You Might Also Like:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.katepunivai.com/2014/05/how-to-prepare-for-your-life-calling.html" target="_blank">How To Prepare For Your Life-Calling (Even If You Don't Know What It Is, Yet) </a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.katepunivai.com/2014/03/the-1-most-life-changing-habit-from.html" target="_blank">The One Simple Habit That Changed My Life</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.katepunivai.com/2014/04/10-ways-to-supercharge-your-energy.html" target="_blank">10 Ways To Supercharge Your Energy Levels (No Caffeine Required) </a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.katepunivai.com/2014/06/results-of-my-first-7-day-fast.html" target="_blank"><br /></a></div>
Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01657019147960067075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7197744458640230074.post-18893149386367271672014-09-16T10:00:00.000+10:002014-09-16T10:41:12.191+10:0020 Ways You Can Change The World<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">After 3 years <span style="font-family: inherit;">without watching a news broadcast or reading a newspaper, I happ<span style="font-family: inherit;">ened to glance down at my <span style="font-family: inherit;">dad's paper on the kit<span style="font-family: inherit;">chen bench<span style="font-family: inherit;"> this morning, and curi<span style="font-family: inherit;">osity go<span style="font-family: inherit;">t t<span style="font-family: inherit;">he better of me</span></span></span>. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirbklFnhgMAecBB-8ySEfcx71ZtPMeD6GobCvfL6DMyUDeaX5ezUKoCLlLKHMgnzcV-HyV78yKxw3vZE7_WuVtyoBOX6wlCzjQuESi2OS0bX2KGFASxUldk3cddm70rC4OzmPenQgz2a0/s1600/changetheworld.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirbklFnhgMAecBB-8ySEfcx71ZtPMeD6GobCvfL6DMyUDeaX5ezUKoCLlLKHMgnzcV-HyV78yKxw3vZE7_WuVtyoBOX6wlCzjQuESi2OS0bX2KGFASxUldk3cddm70rC4OzmPenQgz2a0/s1600/changetheworld.jpg" height="320" width="316" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I didn't even finish <span style="font-family: inherit;">readin<span style="font-family: inherit;">g the first paragraph of the first page before I <span style="font-family: inherit;">walked a<span style="font-family: inherit;">way in disgust. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It was all about war<span style="font-family: inherit;">.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I went away feeling <span style="font-family: inherit;">helpless and angry, until</span> I remembered</span> that we need to be the change we want to see in the world! Let's focus on what we CAN do. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">We are not victims<span style="font-family: inherit;">.</span> We always have a choice. And
for every action, no matter how small, there is a re-action. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>1.) Believe that you can.</b> The biggest mistake is to do nothing, because you thought you could only do a little.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Even
if, in your entire life, you only impact <b>one</b> other person in a positive
way, <span style="font-family: inherit;">isn't that</span> something worth celebrating<span style="font-family: inherit;">?</span> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">That one person might be the
first member of a family to break free from generations of poverty and
violence. That one person might become the next Nelson Mandela or Mother Teresa. That one
person may be setting an example to her own young children.</span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Don't
ever underestimate the power of your actions. One small gesture can
change another person's life - for better or for worse. And many people
doing small acts with great love can, and will, change the landscape of a
society.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>2. Buy Organic: As much as you can possibly afford</b>. Research tells us that people in industrialised countries consume 6 - 7 kilograms of chemical food additives every year. So by the time our children turn 10, they've already consumed<b> more than their own body weight </b>in chemical food additives. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">But
if you are anything like me, you set off to the market with the best of
intentions, only to discover that your weekly grocery budget is
only enough to cover one day's worth of organic produce,
and....well....intentions go by the wayside. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So,
what's a savvy shopper to do?! The answer: you do the best you can. I
have found that things like flours, breads, rices, and grains are
easiest to go organic, because they are roughly double (give or take)
what the usual price is. But meats and fruits and vegetables can be as
much as 3 or 4 times the usual price.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Alternatively, you could focus on buying those foods that are more easily affected by chemicals - also known as the <a href="http://www.thedailygreen.com/healthy-eating/eat-safe/Dirty-Dozen-Foods">Dirty Dozen Foods</a>.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Every time you choose organic over conventional, you are encouraging more farmers to adopt sustainable farming practices. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The other alternative is to grow more of your own food...Which leads me to...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>3. Produce as much food for yourself</b>.
Not only is it healthy, and you reduce transport and chemicals by
reducing your dependance on commercially grown produce. But there is
nothing more satisfying, then picking something out of the garden, and
eating it fresh.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Even
if you are a high-rise city dweller, a small balcony is enough space to
grow all your own herbs, and salad greens. Yes, really! And they are
super easy to look after. In my experience, the easiest plants to gro<span style="font-family: inherit;">w for</span> complete bumbling newbie<span style="font-family: inherit;">s or those who have a "brown thumb"</span>, are:
potatoes, tomatoes, zucchini, rosemary, parsley, chives, mint,
strawberries, aloe vera, and silverbeet. These plants are just about
impossible to kill, if you plant them in the right season. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I
have been growing summer vegetables for 7 years now, and <span style="font-family: inherit;">never had to use</span> a commercially-produced spray or fertili<span style="font-family: inherit;">z</span>er. To kill off
pests, make up a mix of water, finely minced chilli, and finely minced
garlic, and pour into a spray bottle. I spray this on the plants every
couple of weeks over Summer, and have not had a problem with pests yet.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">For
a fertili<span style="font-family: inherit;">z</span>er, there are a couple of things I use: banana peels. You can
leave them on the ground, and they leach into the soil as they rot, or
you can leave them in a bucket of water for a number of days, until it
is like a "tea" and pour it onto your plants. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Seaweed:
Collected from the beach. Carefully rinse off the salt, then put in a
covered bucket of water for a week, or until it has started to break
down. Throw the remains into your compost, and use the water on your
plants.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Crushed eggshells thrown on the garden. I also use the water left after steaming vegetables, on my pot-plants.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>4. Let your light shine</b>. Can kindness change the world? Absolutely!! Every act, has a ripple effect, just like a stone landing on a lake. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Do
something for others without expecting anything in return, or without
seeking acknowledgement. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's
easy to be "kind" when everyone is watching. Real kindness happens when
nobody is watching. When we get no thanks, but we do it anyway.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Go
out of your way, and do one small act of kindness every day. It doesn't
have to be big and impressive. Take your neighbors bin out. Let
someone in when driving in traffic. <span style="font-family: inherit;">Stand up and let a<span style="font-family: inherit;"> tired mum have your seat on the train.</span></span></span><br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I
guarantee that there is no quicker fix for feeling down, or lonely, or
worthless, than helping someone else. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://images.ultracart.com/aff/7CA5E5A8E3DB2401486247C485051600/index.html"><img src="http://images.ultracart.com/affiliate/displayImage.jsp?code=7CA5E5A8E3DB2401486247C485051600" /></a> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>5. Vote with your wallet.</b> Many of us are scathing when we talk about
large corporations razing rainforests, polluting the air, and poisoning
the rivers....yet, we continue to buy their products. I think many
companies play on the fact that the vast majority of consumers are
time-poor and don't have time to research which companies are ethical,
and which are not. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you don't like how a certain compan<span style="font-family: inherit;">y</span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">conducts their business, don't <span style="font-family: inherit;">support them</span></span>. W</span>rite to
those companies to tell them WHY <span style="font-family: inherit;">you</span> are boycotting their products. If a
company gets enough of these letters, I guarantee they will sit up and
take notice. After all<span style="font-family: inherit;">, </span>they have to explain lost profits to their
shareholders.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's
simple supply and demand. If we all stopped buying glossy magazines
that glorify skinny celebrities tomorrow, do you think they would
continue to produce them? Of course not.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Consumers
have incredible power to effect change, but most of us don't take
advantage of it. Companies rely on us for their very existence. Without
the customer there is no business! Every dollar you spend is like a vote for that company and that product<span style="font-family: inherit;">.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We
need to stop unconsciously reaching for the product on the shelf, with
the prettiest packaging and the most impressive claims on the front, and really think about what we are buying,
and the message we are sending to companies. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>6. Invest wisely</b>. This is similar to the above point.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">For
any<span style="font-family: inherit;">one</span> who <span style="font-family: inherit;">inv<span style="font-family: inherit;">ests in shares</span></span>, choose them wisely. Do you
really want your hard-earned money to be used for exploiting third world
countries in the name of profit, or using sweat-shop labourers in the
name of cost-cutting? There are now organisations, like <a href="http://www.ethicalinvestor.com.au/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=373">Ethical Investor</a> who will do the homework for you. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>7. Reduce, Re-use and Recycle</b>.
I know this saying is starting to sound like a cliche, but I want you
to <span style="font-family: inherit;">really think about it for a minute</span>. Most people think of
landfill, when they hear "Reduce, Re-use, Recycle", but the philosophy
is MUCH more than just landfill. (And landfill is serious enough as it
is: The average Aussie family throws out 1.14 tonnes of rubbish every
year.)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Think
about it this way: For every piece of packaging, tin can, bottle, box,
not to mention the item <i>inside</i> the packaging....a natural resource has
been used up, chemicals have been used in the production (which
eventually leaches into the soil, and then our waterways), coal-fired
power was used to manufacture it, air pollution has been created, and
then before it can reach your local shop, there's fuel (and therefore,
oil) to get it there. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">How much pollution and waste has been cause<span style="font-family: inherit;">d by that <span style="font-family: inherit;">one product that you didn't really <i>need</i>, anyway?</span></span> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> -
One of the quickest and easiest ways to reduce rubbish, is to compost
food scraps. You don't need an expensive compost bin, just a sunny
corner of the garden. Aerate it regularly, and when it has broken down,
spread it over your garden and pot plants. It also means you have less
need of fertiliser.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> -
Why pay $5.95 for a birthday card, when you can use your kids artworks
and turn them into a card that is also a keepsake? Large drawings or
paintings can be used as wrapping paper. You save money at the same
time.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> -
Look for different uses for things, before throwing them out. There are
plenty of tutorials on the internet, showing how to mak<span style="font-family: inherit;">e</span> utensil containers out of empty baby
formula tins and all kinds of creative re-purposing.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> -
If you are thinking about buying an appliance that you won't use very
often, such as a laminator, or a dehydrator or whipper-snipper, think
about going halves with a neighbour, or a friend that lives nearby. Not
only does it cost less, but you consume less, and that means less
clutter all round.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> -
Realise that more stuff doesn't make you happy. Keeping up appearances
doesn't make you happy. Impressing other people doesn't make you
happy....Okay, you might have felt a smug satisfaction for 5 minutes,
but then you're left with....more stuff, and probably more credit card
debt. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> -
Use cloth instead of disposable. Cloth dishcloths instead of
chux/disposable cloths, cloth napkins instead of paper napkins,
handkerchiefs instead of tissues, cloth nappies instead of disposable,
cloth baby wipes instead of chemical-filled disposable ones, cloth
sanitary pads instead of disposable, diva cup instead of disposable
tampons. Not only do you drastically cut down on waste, but you save a
bucketload of money, too. (And no, it does not create mountains of
washing. One extra load per week, at the most.)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> -
Reduce your reliance on energy-guzzling appliances. Turn the heater
down, and wear warmer clothes. Open windows on opposite sides of the
house for cross-ventilation, instead of turning on the air-conditioner.
Hang the clothes outside instead of using the dryer (not only do they
use water and energy, they emit massive amounts of positive ions, which
deplete energy. Stand beside a dryer for a while, and you'll start to
feel fatigued and depressed.)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>8. Invest in the next generation</b>.
With everybody getting busier and busier, and families becoming more
fragmented, our children need mentors and positive role models more than
ever. I'm not talking about simply parents and grandparents, I'm
talking about everyone. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">All of us. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It really does take a village to raise a chil<span style="font-family: inherit;">d.</span> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Help
out at the local school by reading to the kids, or sharing a skill.
Offer the kid-next-door some pocket money to help you out in the garden,
and while you're at it, teach him everything you know about gardening,
and take an interest in his life. Not only is he learning a life skill,
but you are letting him know that he matters.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When my eldest son was small he was a complete super-hero buff</span>. His idea of bliss w<span style="font-family: inherit;">as</span> to spend a whole day watching Cartoon Network. My dad, on the other
hand, doesn't even own a TV, and <span style="font-family: inherit;">did</span>n't have the foggiest clue who Ben
10 <span style="font-family: inherit;">or Hulk was</span>....<span style="font-family: inherit;">ye</span>t my son <span style="font-family: inherit;">still adores</span> his Grandpa more than any super-hero on T<span style="font-family: inherit;">V</span>. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">You know why?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Because his grandpa gives him time and attention. It's really that simple. He goes outside and kick<span style="font-family: inherit;">s the football around with him, or races him <span style="font-family: inherit;">to the shed. <span style="font-family: inherit;">Little things matter t<span style="font-family: inherit;">o little kids...</span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I
believe that when you take away the ipods, and Nintendo's, and
"coolness", t<span style="font-family: inherit;">odays children</span> are just the same as the <span style="font-family: inherit;">yesterdays children</span>. They want to know they matter. And that they belong
somewhere. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">For
parents, it means modelling the behaviour that we wish to see in our
children. Too often we are lecturing our kids about manners, while
cutting someone else off in traffic<span style="font-family: inherit;">. O</span>r complaining that they never
listen, while we are talking over the top of them. (Oh wait, maybe
that's just me<span style="font-family: inherit;">? M</span>y son pointed this out to me <span style="font-family: inherit;">one</span> day, and I was<span style="font-family: inherit;"> ash<span style="font-family: inherit;">amed <span style="font-family: inherit;">to admit</span> he was right..)</span></span> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Invest in the little people. They are the future of our world.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>9. Lend your passion to a good cause.</b> Is there an issue that really fires you up? Some injustice that breaks your heart?</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Most
of us never go any further than having a rant or a whinge about the
world. Use your passion to make a difference. Be the change you want to
see in the world!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">There
are SO many groups and organi<span style="font-family: inherit;">z</span>ations out there, for just about every
issue you can imagine. Here's a few to get you started. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> - <a href="http://www.1000mumsmakingadifference.com.au/%22">1000 Mums Making a Difference</a>. A group of mums dedicated to raising awareness about the additives and chemicals in our food.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> - <a href="http://www.toogoolawa.com.au/">Toogoolawah School for Boys</a>
takes at-risk boys and aims to educate and mentor them, with an
emphasis, not so much on academic achievement, but on building good
character. Founded by property investor, John L.Fitzgerald.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> -<a href="http://www.kiva.org/">Kiva</a>
is an organi<span style="font-family: inherit;">z</span>ation where you can lend money, as little as $25, to help
an entrepreneur in the developing world, to start their own business.
When they start making some money, they pay you back, and you can then
choose to help someone else.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> - <a href="http://www.kf2bk.com/">Kids Free to Be Kids</a>
are a group that fights against the sexuali<span style="font-family: inherit;">z</span>ation of children in the
media and the fashion industry, and restrict the kind of advertising
that children are exposed to.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://yasminahsgiftofhope.org/?p=1">- Yasminah's Gift of Hope</a>
is a support network for those who have been affected by premature
birth, stillbirth or neonatal death. It was started by a mother whose
baby girl<span style="font-family: inherit;">,</span> Yasminah, was stillborn in 2009.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">But
you get the picture!! Whatever floats your boat<span style="font-family: inherit;">! W</span>hatever tickles your
fancy! The world needs more people who actually care<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span>enough to <i>do something about it.</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>10.) Celebrate wisdom and experience</b>.
Our society is obsessed with youth and beauty. The magazines are
covered with skinny starlets who are famous for being, well....famous.
The idealism and energy of youth are important, yes, but so <span style="font-family: inherit;">are</span> the
wisdom and experience of our elders. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> -
Boycott so-called "anti-wrinkle" creams. Not only are they expensive, it's highly doubtful whether they make a speck of difference. You
would be better off spending that money on antioxidant fruits like
strawberries and blueberries. <i>What you put IN, will always matter
more than what you put ON. </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And
besides, if you reach a ripe old age without a wrinkle or two, then you've
either been<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> inject<span style="font-family: inherit;">ing</span> poison into your face</span></span></span> (<span style="font-family: inherit;">Botox</span> is short for botulinim<b> toxin</b><span style="font-family: inherit;">, you know?</span>) or you've never learnt how to
smile. Be wrinkly and happy, not flawless and miserable!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> -
Same goes with hair dyes. Hair dyes are <span style="font-family: inherit;">absolute</span>
poison. Yet we put them onto our scalp where the blood vessels are
close to the skin surface, and our skin literally "drinks" it in. <span style="font-family: inherit;">W</span>e shouldn't have to feel that we nee<span style="font-family: inherit;">d to cover up our natural color</span>,
in order to be successful in our careers or personal lives. Some of
the most beautiful and inspiring women I know, have <span style="font-family: inherit;">gorg<span style="font-family: inherit;">eous, natural</span> </span>
gray hair.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> -
Be proud of a live well lived. Be
kind to yourself. True beauty lives in the spirit of a person, and the
outward changes that come with the years, can never take that away. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> -
Celebrate our elders. Too often, they feel invisible and worthless. The
irony here, is that in today's world, we have families who are stressed
and pressed for time, and would give their right arm for some extra
support. <span style="font-family: inherit;">While</span> on the other hand, we have older people sitting at home,
feeling lonely, and just aching to feel like they are still useful to
someone.<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Silly, isn't it?!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Every
time we speak negatively about aging, or try to hide our age, we are
perpetuating the myth that old age is to be avoided at all costs. Old
age has become a negative concept, because our unhealthy lifestyles mean
that we are run-down, and out-of-shape (and probably on all manner of
medications) by the time we arrive there. It doesn't have to be that
way!!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you live a healthy, active life, then your latter years should be enjoyable and fruitful.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">There are <span style="font-family: inherit;">groups</span> like <a href="http://www.adoptagrandparent.com.au/">Adopt a Grandparent</a> that
aim to match up senior Australians with young families. Or you can
just go to your nearest Aged Care home, and ask if there is anyone there
who would appreciate some extra visitors from time to time. Ask them
about their life. It would be a terrible shame if we let our older
generation die without learning from their stories.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>11.) Reduce your dependance on chemicals.</b>
Every time you use chemicals, they end up in the air, in our
waterways<span style="font-family: inherit;">, in our soil</span>. It's really not that hard to live without
chemicals. Really, I kid you not!! We only think we need them because of
clever marketing. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here's a few <span style="font-family: inherit;">tips to help you cut back or eliminate chemicals in your hom<span style="font-family: inherit;">e:</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Laundry: In
my washing machine, I use bi-carb soda (baking soda), and vinegar
(which also acts as a fabric softener), plus a couple of drops of
water-soluble essential oil, which adds a nice hint of aroma, but also
acts as a disinfectant.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">By the way, vinegar and bi-carb are also fantastic for keeping drains clear. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I
have never owned a stain remover. Did you know that the sun is very
efficient at removing most stains? Just hang the item in the sun for a
few hours. This works <span style="font-family: inherit;">just fine</span> for white cloth nappies.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Cleaning:
I use a spray bottle with a couple of drops of eucalyptus oil, in
vinegar. This is my multi-purpose cleaner, that I use everywhere,
including showers or toilets. On kitchen benches I use straight vinegar.
I never use bleach, not only is it a harsh chemical whose fumes are
disgusting, but it erodes enamel after a while.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Invest
in some microfib<span style="font-family: inherit;">er</span> clothes. Not only do they cut cleaning time, but
they cut water use dramatically, and they make it easier to clean with
all-natural products like vinegar or lemon juice.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>12.) Cultivate good manners</b>. I know there are some people who think they're outdated and don't matter.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I disagree (respectfully!).</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It
certainly did matter when I was heavily pregnant and had
to carry my groceries home on the bus. My legs were swollen, my back
hurt, and I just wanted to sit down....Except the bus-stop was full of
teenage boys, just out from school, and no-one took the slightest bit of
notice, let alone offered up their seat.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Of
course manners matter<span style="font-family: inherit;">!</span> Every time you open the door for someone, thank
them for their time, offer your seat to an elderly person, you are
saying to them "You matter...You are important too".</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>13. Be healthy</b>. <span style="font-family: inherit;">I really cannot overstate this enough.</span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">I</span>f you
want to <span style="font-family: inherit;">fulfill your true pot<span style="font-family: inherit;">ential</span></span>, and make a positive difference to others, you must nurture your body pr<span style="font-family: inherit;">operly</span>. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you
are not healthy you are<span style="font-family: inherit;"> probably</span> going to struggle with
hormonal issues, not handle stress very well, <span style="font-family: inherit;">cat<span style="font-family: inherit;">ch every "bug" going around</span></span>, feel fatigued and unmotivated, and eventually
succumb to some form of dis-ease or illness. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">If
you are living on a standard Western Diet,
it's almost <span style="font-family: inherit;">a given</span> that you have nutritional deficiencies of some
kind. In fact, science tells us that we would need to eat 10 times the
amount of food that our grandparents ate, just to get the same amount of
nutrients. That's because our soils are nutrient deficient. Then add in
the fact that most of us eat less vegetables, and more packaged foods,
than our grandparents did, and well....you start to understand
why we're overweight, fatigued and stressed.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">You would be surprised how far-reaching the consequences can <span style="font-family: inherit;">be. Even a minor deficiency in some obscure trace element or min<span style="font-family: inherit;">eral is enough to wreak ha<span style="font-family: inherit;">voc on a person.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">For
instance, did you know that hyperactivity in children can be caused by something as simple as a
magnesium deficiency? It breaks my heart to think about how many
children are out there, bewildered over why they can't seem to control
their own actions, constantly in trouble at home and at school, parents
pushed to the brink and ready to give up....all because of a simple
mineral deficiency that could <span style="font-family: inherit;">so easily be fixed with changes to diet</span>. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Or
that a deficiency in zinc can cause a loss of sex drive, irrit<span style="font-family: inherit;">a</span>bility,
low immune system, and miserable PMS symptoms? How many women (not to
mention their frustrated partners) are struggling with these
issues, and wondering "What's wrong with me?"</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Most
people consider themselves to be fairly healthy. I used to be one of
them...until I started doing my own research. A truly healthy person does not
get cold's or flu, does not need any prescription or over-the-counter
medications<span style="font-family: inherit;">. A truly healthy person <span style="font-family: inherit;">exudes ener<span style="font-family: inherit;">gy and happ<span style="font-family: inherit;">iness.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">My
advice is to regularly see a holistic healthcare practitioner, such as a naturopath or kinesiologist. One that <span style="font-family: inherit;">sees the body as a whole, and <span style="font-family: inherit;">is committed to healing the problem rather than hiding the sy<span style="font-family: inherit;">mptoms.</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://images.ultracart.com/aff/AC65FBAAF5A9C20148624B0D40051600/index.html"><img src="http://images.ultracart.com/affiliate/displayImage.jsp?code=AC65FBAAF5A9C20148624B0D40051600" /></a> </span></span></span> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>14.) Learn to let Go</b>.
Life is what<span style="font-family: inherit;"> you</span> make it.
If you choose to be controlled by your circumstances and the actions of
others, then you are going to spend a lot of time, miserable and
terribly frustrated. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ask
yourself if this is going to matter in another 100 years. Next time
someone cuts you off in traffic, or talks about you behind your back,
ask yourself <span style="font-family: inherit;">if it</span> really matters in the scheme of things? If the
answer is no, then let it go, and get on with living.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
same goes for forgiveness. Bitterness and resentment are terribly heavy burdens. No matter
how badly you've been hurt, learn to let it to, otherwise you are only
punishing yourself. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I
learnt a surprising lesson on forgiveness this year. I had been
carrying around some baggage for a long time, over the hurtful actions
of someone I once loved. I thought I needed to forgive him. Tur<span style="font-family: inherit;">ns out </span>that I needed to forgive <b>me</b>. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I
wasn't angry with him at all. I was angry with me. For being so "young
and stupid". For struggling to get over him for so long. For trying too
hard. For not trying hard enough.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It felt so liberating to admit this. And so nice, to make friends with myself.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>15.) Lighten UP.</b>
Children laugh on average 400 times per day, while adults laugh only 17
times a day. Laughter and fun seem to come so easily to children. As we
grow up, and take on more responsibilities, we change. There is no
longer the inclination to do things "just for the fun of it". We become
goal-orientated, and we feel that we are wasting our time if we are not
accomplishing things.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Now,
don't get me wrong. Goals are good. It would be a tragic waste to
wander through life, aimlessly, with no direction. But, as a wise person
once said: "We are in danger of becoming Human Doings. Not Human
Beings".</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">We
don't always have to be doing something with an end goal in mind. It's
okay to <span style="font-family: inherit;">j</span>ust <i><span style="font-family: inherit;">b</span>e</i>. It's okay to take time out for relaxation and fun<span style="font-family: inherit;"> sometimes</span>. Tell a joke. Learn to see the funny side.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And remember: He who learn to laugh at himself, will never cease to be amused :-)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>16. Exercise your Democratic Rights</b>.
Many of us in the Western world are blessed to be able to live in a
democratic society. While it's not perfect, it does have a lot of
positives We are able to speak out for what we believe in, we are able
to use people power to bring about change.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The
role of a government in a democratic society, is to represent the will
of the people. This is why they are called public servants. Because they
are there to serve the public! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Write
to your local political representative about issues that you care
about. If enough people do this, then that is how we effect change. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Signing
a petition can be effective, if enough names are gathered. So can
signing a pre-printed postcard, but a personally addressed letter or
email will have the most impact of all.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I
absolutely agree with the importance of foreign aid, and of charities
and NGO's working with homeless/sick/impoverished/exploited people, but
wouldn't it be so much better if the problems weren't there to start
with? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Make a stand for fairer trade laws that benefit ALL people, not just those in wealthy countries. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Fight
for international laws that prevent companies from using people in
third world countries as unknowing guinea pigs in scientific trials. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ask
for better food labelling laws so people can actually make an informed
decision about what they're putting into their bodies, and so on...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>17.) Support the Little Man</b>.
Have you noticed how our cities and towns are becoming eerily similar?
Social commentators refer to this as "Clone Towns". Once <span style="font-family: inherit;">u</span>pon a time,
you may have walked down the street and seen deli's, and coffee shops,
and gift boutiques.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Now
you walk down that same street, and find McDonalds, Starbucks<span style="font-family: inherit;"> and</span> Subway. <span style="font-family: inherit;">Travel</span> to the other side of the world, and you'll probably
find the same franchises. Our unique heritage and cultures is gradually
being eroded by the " Westerni<span style="font-family: inherit;">z</span>ation" of the world. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">While
these franchises and large supermarkets are convenient, they are
publicly traded companies, and their legal responsibility is to their
shareholders, NOT to their customer, or to the environment. That is,
their first and foremost responsibility is to make as much money as
possible. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Many
of the "little guys" are there because they love what they do, because
they believe in what they're doing, and they care about the service they
provide to the community. It's not always just about the money, for them. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So,
support your local butcher, and deli, and craft shop. And when you are
travelling and see those quaint hand-painted signs saying vegetables for
sale along the side of the road, support them too. Small family farms struggle to
compete with giant multinational companies in a
global marketplace. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>18.) Say NO to GMO.</b>
Genetic modification of food is here with us, whether we like it or not
(and most of us don't, it seems). It was introduced <span style="font-family: inherit;">nearly two decades a</span>go, and
many people are still completely unaware<span style="font-family: inherit;"> of th<span style="font-family: inherit;">e fact.</span></span> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It's
a concept that has been heavily pushed by Monsanto Corporation, as
being the answer to world hunger (this is a farce, because world hunger
is not caused by food shortages, just unfair distribution of food...),
lessens the use of chemicals (this is also a farce. Research shows that
the exact opposite has happened, and pesticide use has increased since
the arrival of GM crops), increase crop yields (another farce. Again,
the exact opposite has happened.) </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In
India, poor rural farmers were lured into buying GM seeds, with
promises of higher-than-ever-before yields, and good prices. Many
farmers borrowed heavily to buy the seeds, and when harvests failed -
two years in a row, farmers began taking their own life. The supposed
"pest-resistant" seeds fell victim to the bollworm. They were never told
that the seeds required double the amount of water so when rains
failed, the crops simply withered up and died.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>An estimated 125,000</b>
farmers have committed suicide in India, since
India <span style="font-family: inherit;">b<span style="font-family: inherit;">ecame</span></span> a testing ground for genetically modified crops.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">You
see, genetically modified seeds are patented<span style="font-family: inherit;">. Y</span>ou can't just s<span style="font-family: inherit;">ave</span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">some of the harvest</span> <span style="font-family: inherit;">to</span> grow another crop next year, like you would
with traditional seeds. They are inbuilt with so-called "Terminator
technology" so that the resulting crops cannot be used to reproduce, so
next year, you have to buy a whole new load of seed. AND the genetically
modified seeds cost around 10 times more than the traditional seed. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">It
is obvious that genetic modification was never about "feeding the
world", or "raising third-world farmers out of poverty". It is about
creating control over the market, and <span style="font-family: inherit;">making</span> vast
profits.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">But wait. It's get's even worse...</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Studies
on the long term health impacts of genetic food modification are
sketchy at best. One lab study fed guinea pigs genetically modified soy,
and there was a 25% reduction in fertility after one generation. The
second generation had a 90% reduction in fertility.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">There
are now many studies that back up this link between GM foods and
infertility. (They are inbuilt with "Terminator technology, to stop the
seed from reproducing, remember? Well, it's looking increasingly
possible that it also stops US from reproducing, too.) </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">And
here's another alarming thought. Once GM crops are being grown, there
is no way to stop them from being cross-pollinated with other non-GM
crops. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">PLEASE stand up and be counted on this issue. A good place to start is <a href="http://www.saynotogmos.org/">Say No to GMOs</a>
which aims to raise awareness and education about the consequences of
genetic engineering of our food. By the way....did you know that 90% of
processed food has genetically modified ingredients in it? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>19.) Appreciate beauty</b>.
It sounds so easy and enjoyable, but why is it so hard? While I think
we need to appreciate the beauty of nature more - the changing of the
seasons, a flower opened up to the sun, dewdrops on spiderwebs - that's
not the only beauty I mean.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">See
the beauty in others. And see the beauty in ourselves! Too often we are
our own harshest judges. Instead of seeing an amazing human body,
created by the hand of God, we focus on our bits of flab, or
the pimple on our chin, or the crow's feet around our eyes.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">I
love the words of Mother Teresa<span style="font-family: inherit;"> -</span> she could see the
face of Jesus when she looked upon the sick and the suffering around
her. To her they were not wretched and dirty and impoverished<span style="font-family: inherit;">, </span>they were precious children of God, worthy of her time and
energy.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Look
beyond the outer bits, and reali<span style="font-family: inherit;">z</span>e that every person is priceless.
Every person is beautiful in their own way - treat them accordingly.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">That includes yourself.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>20.) Be Yourself</b>.
It's that simple. Be-You-<span style="font-family: inherit;">t</span>iful!! Think about it...out of the millions
of inhabitants who have walked this earth, in times past and times
present, there's never been one that was like you, with the same
characteristics, gifts, dreams, or abilities.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">W</span>e are all pieces in the giant jigsaw of humanity, each one <span style="font-family: inherit;">so very necessary</span>. No-one else
can fulfill the same role, dream the same dream, or follow the
same <span style="font-family: inherit;">path</span>, as you can. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So go to it! <span style="font-family: inherit;">Small things, done often enough, can and will change the world.</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">You Might Also Like:</span></span></span></span><br />
<a href="http://www.katepunivai.com/2014/02/10-compelling-reasons-to-not-be-average.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">10 Compelling Reasons <span style="font-family: inherit;">To NOT Be Average</span></span></span></span></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.katepunivai.com/2014/03/do-you-realize-how-magnificent-you-are.html" target="_blank">Do You Realize How Magnificent You Are?</a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.katepunivai.com/2014/06/become-person-youve-always-wanted-to-be.html" target="_blank">Become The Person You've Always Wanted To Be</a></div>
Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01657019147960067075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7197744458640230074.post-43071629768493687532014-09-12T10:05:00.000+10:002014-09-12T10:05:47.047+10:005 Simple Tips That Tripled My Blog Traffic<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</xml><![endif]-->In February this year, my blog traffic was about 500 visits
per month. I wasn’t bothered by this because, although I wanted to
reach out and have a positive influence on people, I’d never put in a sustained
effort to make it happen.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Six months later, this site now
receives over 1700 visits per month, and growing. This is mostly the result of just 5 simple changes I made.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">1. Settled on a theme</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I started this blog on New Years Day, 2010. In the beginning, my
readers were mostly friends, or people I’d met online. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The visitors trickled in while I spent the next three years dithering over how to develop it into some kind of theme that
incorporated all the things I was passionate about – wellness, spirituality,
business, self-development... </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Sometimes I posted, sometimes I didn’t – it was all very
vague and relaxed.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
It wasn’t until late last year, in a moment of inspiration,
the words “Be Extraordinary” flashed before my eyes and I knew I’d finally found
a “theme” for my site. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I redesigned the entire site myself, including the header.
Being technically-challenged, it involved several months, and a lot of trial
and error, before I was happy with it. In February, it was finally ready and I
began my next phase of growing my blog…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">2. Set a Posting
Schedule</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I set myself a schedule of posting new articles twice a week
– Tues and Friday. I stuck with that for months until my personal situation
meant I had to take care of other priorities for a while.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
When I re-launched (unofficially) this site back in
February (after I'd redesigned the "look" to my satisfaction), I only had a handful of articles fully written and ready to post. In
hindsight, I should have had a lot more so that I always had a selection of
back-up articles ready, if my circumstances became difficult or I was busy with
other things. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
You live and learn, hey?!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">3. Changed "Most
Popular Posts" to "Most Popular This Month"</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
On the sidebar of this blog, I had a section titled “All
Time Favorite Posts”. These were the ten most viewed articles on the site.
These rarely changed and I saw no problem with that, after all, I wanted new
visitors to be exposed to the articles which others found the most interesting.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Until I heard Tim Ferriss point out
that doing this offers nothing new and interesting to keep first-time visitors
coming back again. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I decided to try changing the “All-time Favorites” to “Most
Popular This Month”. When using the blogger platform, this is as simple as
going into the widget and simply checking a different box. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The sidebar now changes every few days as newer posts
surpass others, but some of the all-time popular ones still make the list, too.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">4. Started doing my own
links to “Related Posts” rather than leaving it to a plug-in</b>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Long time readers may remember that I used to have a section
at the end of each post called “Related Posts”, complete with little thumbnail
images. This was done using a 3<sup>rd</sup> party plugin.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I was never really happy with the links which were used by
the plugin. To me, they seemed random and often didn’t have anything to do with
the article they were attached to! So I deleted the plugin and began choosing
the articles myself and adding the links manually. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Sure, it takes up an extra 5 minutes of my time, but it
makes the site more relevant to readers and people are likely to stay on the
site for longer.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">5. Started a dedicated Facebook page and <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">posted to it regularly</i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The Be Extraordinary <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kmpunivai" target="_blank">facebook page</a> doesn’t have a lot of
followers, but they’re a caring, supportive bunch! I try to update the page
at least once per day. If I’ve just posted a new article on the site, I’ll
share a link to that, or if not, I’ll post a thought or a quote.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I find that Facebook
allows a more personal connection with readers than, say, Twitter. I have
more than double the amount of Twitter followers, yet rarely do they click on links
back to my site, whereas Facebook is consistently one of the top referrers to
this blog.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I recently began using Pinterest but, since I'm still learning how
to use it properly, I can't say how effective it will prove to be.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The thing that keeps me motivated is not the fact that my blog traffic is growing. What really excites me is that I have an opportunity to touch more people's lives and inspire them to live to their full potential. <br />
<br />
PS. If you are new to blogging and want to learn from a pro (he has several sites, which receive over 100,000 hits per month, each) I highly recommend Problogger's <a href="https://www.e-junkie.com/ecom/gb.php?ii=258839&c=ib&aff=258025&cl=11220" target="ejejcsingle">31 Days To A Better Blog</a> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">You Might Also Like:</span><br />
<a href="http://www.katepunivai.com/2014/04/how-to-turn-your-big-crazy-idea-into.html" target="_blank">How To Turn Your Big Crazy Idea Into Reality (Part 1) </a><br />
<a href="http://www.katepunivai.com/2014/05/the-secret-of-real-financial-freedom.html" target="_blank">The Secret of Real Financial Freedom </a><br />
<a href="http://www.katepunivai.com/2014/03/gratitude-real-secret.html" target="_blank">Gratitude: The <i>Real</i> Secret To More Health. Wealth & Happiness</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.katepunivai.com/2014/03/gratitude-real-secret.html" target="_blank"><br /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.katepunivai.com/2014/03/gratitude-real-secret.html" target="_blank"><br /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01657019147960067075noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7197744458640230074.post-49729269798168572742014-09-09T15:17:00.001+10:002014-09-11T12:17:15.810+10:00What's Happening In My Life (September Update)<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</xml><![endif]--> I know! I’ve been completely slack and haven’t written an
update for a couple of months.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Actually, there's a reason for that. There's
been big changes in my life and some of them I’ve
struggled to deal with. I was trying to process all the changes and didn’t feel ready
to share them with the world.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Back in June, I separated from my husband. Since then, I’ve
basically been clinging for dear life to a roller-coaster of emotions,
ranging from guilt and worry and fear and hope, and every emotion in-between. I
will write more about how I came to the decision to leave my marriage, and how
I’ve dealt with the aftermath, in a future post. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The decision to separate from my husband means that the
(unfinished) house, the car and all our supplies will belong to him. I’m
basically starting again from scratch. I knew this when I left, and I’m okay with it. Really I am! I don’t want that house, or that car,
anymore.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I just want to be at peace.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
After two months of worry about how my husband was coping
with the separation, dreading every phone call and 3am text, I gradually began
to turn my thoughts to the future.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
What now, I began to wonder?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I knew the rational thing would be to try and go back to
Australia with the children, where I would have financial and family support.
But in my heart, I knew that my calling was in Tonga, and somehow, I just
couldn’t bring myself to let go of that old dream of running a health food
business in Tonga. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
As my little bit of savings and income dribbled to a tiny
trickle, my only goal became to feed my children. When our gas ran out and we
couldn’t afford to re-fill it, we simply built a little fire in the backyard
and cooked over the open fire. When my one pair of thongs (flip-flops) broke, I
just went barefoot.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
And you know what? I honestly didn’t care! I did not care that I had
to make a fire to cook with, or that I had no shoes. I didn’t care that my tiny
budget no longer covered luxuries like cheese or apples. I was just grateful
that my children had something to eat, even if it was only bread and tea.<br />
<br />
(This site went for weeks at a time without an update, because I couldn't afford to have internet.) </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
It’s amazing how your priorities change when you’re faced
with a survival situation.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
One sunny morning, while sitting in the backyard, an idea began to take hold in my mind. I would go back to Australia
and work to save up and start my business again. My husband had already informed
me that he planned to take the children back to live with him. I was determined
that our children would not feel trapped in the middle of a war zone, so I didn’t
try to resist or argue. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Instead, I decided to use it as an opportunity to work and save up
money so that I might have a chance of supporting them properly in the future.
I also knew that, given enough time, my husband would come around to a more a
reasonable frame of mind, and we could negotiate an agreement where we could
both be part of their lives.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
An unexpected tax payment gave me the money I needed for a
ticket, so I said goodbye to my babies and headed back to Oz. I arrived
last week and have come to stay with my mum and dad. I’ve already picked up a
casual job in the bistro of the local RSL club, and helped out on the family
farm. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi952gsof8fMyWVSAebWQ1luxqwjp6AuVgKDrXWmdP7eEA7CWeIesyhEf8rhfSCnsHuF7RQA0BEBDlgYgZ1QLKLFkSnfulbYvL89iQOXeqlplRFOd3rAK46JXIql2ZKWA_yocBGCuFMcSI/s1600/Tongan+Pics+622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi952gsof8fMyWVSAebWQ1luxqwjp6AuVgKDrXWmdP7eEA7CWeIesyhEf8rhfSCnsHuF7RQA0BEBDlgYgZ1QLKLFkSnfulbYvL89iQOXeqlplRFOd3rAK46JXIql2ZKWA_yocBGCuFMcSI/s1600/Tongan+Pics+622.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I have three goals to save up for: </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1. <span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>To buy a car to use once I get back to Tonga
(just an old one that gets me “from A to B").</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span> 2. To buy tickets for my children to come and visit
for the summer. It will be two years since they’ve seen their Aussie
grandparents, aunties and uncles and cousins.</div>
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3. <span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"></span></span></span>To start my health food business again.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
All of this while also sending money back to Tonga every
week, to help with food/clothing etc for my three children.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s a tall order, I know, yet I’m confident it can be done.
With the wheat harvest coming up, and then summer fruit-picking on offer, there
will be plenty of work around for someone whose willing to work hard and “have
a go”…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve been able to speak to my children a couple of times a
week. Actually, I try not to think about them too much or it would become unbearable. I remind myself that
they’re being well-loved and cared for, by their dad and nanna and aunties and
uncles. I also remind myself that I’m here working so that I can have a chance
of supporting them in the future and having them back with me again. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What good could possibly come of it, to sit and mope, or torment myself
with “what if” and “I should have…”? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">You Might Also Like:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.katepunivai.com/2014/08/the-difference-between-loving-somebody.html" target="_blank">The Difference Between Loving Somebody and Trying To Control Somebody </a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.katepunivai.com/2014/02/my-top-7-most-useful-home-remedies.html" target="_blank">My Top 7 Most Useful Home Remedies</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.katepunivai.com/2014/03/do-you-realize-how-magnificent-you-are.html" target="_blank">Do You Realize How Magnificent You Are? </a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://images.ultracart.com/aff/C6FEAF84D77C4401486245E895051600/index.html"><img src="http://images.ultracart.com/affiliate/displayImage.jsp?code=C6FEAF84D77C4401486245E895051600" /></a> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.katepunivai.com/2014/03/do-you-realize-how-magnificent-you-are.html" target="_blank"><br /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01657019147960067075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7197744458640230074.post-12781274023624428642014-08-22T11:48:00.000+10:002014-09-11T12:06:22.638+10:00Short-Term Gain and Long-Term Pain<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</xml><![endif]-->A dear friend of mine worked in an aged-care home. She was
perfect for the job - naturally warm and caring and kind, all the patients
adored her, and so did her boss. She was reliable and hard-working and always
willing to work overtime.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Gradually over time, her boss came to rely on her more and
more, until every day off was interrupted by phone calls requesting her to work
overtime and fill in for other colleagues.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
After a while she became tired of it and began to think about
getting another job…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I wonder how many employers make the same mistake with their
best employees? Lean on them more and more, until the neediness becomes
stifling and burdensome, and they find another place to work? Their short-term
solution (and lack of foresight) makes life harder in the long run, because
they lose their best employees and then have the stress of trying to replace
them.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Sometimes it pays to honestly evaluate our lives and
question if our behaviors and habits and choices are working for us.<br />
<br />
Without
this kind of awareness, it can be easy to fall into the trap of chasing
short-term gains which, under closer scrutiny, <i>actually make life harder for us
in the long-term. </i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
We’ve all heard of people who couldn’t resist the temptation
of stealing or cheating or fraud in order to get quick money, and then spent
years paying the price for their crimes.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
But even good, well-meaning people can fall into the trap of
chasing short-term gains and end up with long-term pain. The scenarios may not
be as dramatic or obvious as the fraudster who wins big now and loses out
later, <i>but they affect our lives just as surely.</i><br />
<br />
<a href="http://images.ultracart.com/aff/7CA5E5A8E3DB2401486247C485051600/index.html"><img src="http://images.ultracart.com/affiliate/displayImage.jsp?code=7CA5E5A8E3DB2401486247C485051600" /></a> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
This seems to be especially true of parenthood. It can be so
tempting to give in to that tantrum, buy that lolly, overlook that bad behavior
“just this one time”…for the blessed relief of a moment’s peace and quiet. But
what have we gained, really? The next time round (and there always is a next
time. Kids are clever that way), it will be that little bit harder, and then
the time after that, until the day we realize we have created a rod for our own
back. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I had a stark reminder of this when I first came to Tonga,
and was rather disturbed to see my sister-in-law giving her 18mth old son water
sweetened with sugar. No doubt it had seemed like a good idea at some point
when he was upset and couldn’t be calmed down, but now the molehill had become
a mountain with the boy refusing to drink water unless it had sugar added,
unable to sleep without his bottle of sweetened water and waking up constantly
during the night and crying for more. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
At two years old, his teeth were already beginning to rot
and had to have several removed because of terrible toothaches. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Short term gains and long term pain!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
How often do we get involved in an argument with a loved one
and insist that we are right. We may well “win” the argument, but the long-term
resentment that begins to simmer below the surface has made our victory hollow.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Short term gains and long-term pain!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Our society has become so enamored with the convenience of
“fast” food or pre-packaged food. Unfortunately, the obesity epidemic, not to
mention the other epidemics of non-communicable diseases like cancer and heart
disease, are the results.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
We have traded short-term gains for long-term pain –
literally! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
It is a false economy to think that you are “saving money”
by buying the cheapest foods. Cheap white bread, cheap white flour, minute
noodles might look attractive when you’re trying to scrimp and save, but any
savings will soon be eroded by the cost of illness and health complaints in
your malnourished body.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
You simply can’t expect to look and feel like a million
bucks if you’re eating from the dollar menu…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The same can be said of “fast” food or packaged
“convenience” food and microwave dinners. Any time savings now will eventually
be eroded by the lethargy and illness that is the end result of not nourishing
your body properly. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
You’re body will never perform like a well-oiled machine if
you fuel it with junk.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I spent almost the entire decade of my 20’s, drowning in
credit card debt. I would justify purchases saying I needed it now, and next
week I’d be able to put the money right back on. But next week came and went, and
by then some other bill needed to be paid, and somehow my good intentions
became a $21,000 debt.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Sometimes (like the time I rang up and ordered a package
from one of those daytime infomercials about how to get rich through
real-estate), I even convinced myself that it was justified because it was going
to help me make money..!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Each month, we struggled to pay even the minimum payments,
on top of the mortgage and all the other bills.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
We finally paid back the debt three years ago, only after
selling our house and paying out the mortgage. I cut up the cards, closed the
accounts and said a permanent goodbye to credit cards. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Today’s mindset of buy now and pay later has placed enormous
strain on so many marriages, families, individuals. Sure, it may be
old-fashioned and inconvenient to save up and wait, but the ability to delay
gratification and develop patience will reap benefits in the future.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
It is good to enjoy today but, in all likelihood, today
won’t be our last day on earth. Don’t spend today at the expense of tomorrow...</div>
Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01657019147960067075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7197744458640230074.post-73219211873288934972014-08-07T08:41:00.001+10:002014-10-11T14:48:49.484+11:00The Difference Between Loving Somebody and Trying to Control Somebody<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</xml><![endif]-->It's taken me a long time to
realize that some people in my life have attempted to control me, under the
guise of what I assumed was love. <br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
As they say, better late than
never!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL7gO1k4ify6bzYX6b82a7a2ZnRYPAIB2caBg-OF34A2_EYp-rEj8m-w-b1ozUkzg6NM9aIeVEiicMUl-yyYUwOncBHdCBNf-Ie5I2ohUdHIg0zKgbfGytW90bv0yE0mEA6evx8L_xq80/s1600/Reallove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL7gO1k4ify6bzYX6b82a7a2ZnRYPAIB2caBg-OF34A2_EYp-rEj8m-w-b1ozUkzg6NM9aIeVEiicMUl-yyYUwOncBHdCBNf-Ie5I2ohUdHIg0zKgbfGytW90bv0yE0mEA6evx8L_xq80/s1600/Reallove.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
The difference between love and
attempting to control has been on my mind, lately, and this is what I’ve
figured out so far…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
If we are loving and kind towards
others only when they do what we want (but resort to silence/withdrawal,
nastiness, violence or other forms of punishment, when they don’t) then it’s
not really love or kindness at all. We are simply attempting to control them! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
We try to control or manipulate their
behavior by rewarding them with our “love” when they please us, but punish them
by withdrawing our “love” when they displease us. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
If love can be given and then
snatched back when things go wrong, how can it possibly be love? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Love simply loves, no matter
what! It loves whether the recipient is absent or present, naughty or nice,
returns the feeling or not. Love always seeks the path that is in the highest
good of all parties. (If somebody has to lose, in order for the other person to
“win”, something ain’t right. Love is not a competition!)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Love is freedom!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The same holds true whether it’s
love between a parent and child, a husband and wife, or love between friends.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://images.ultracart.com/aff/F7C9103239307901485E0A2BEE051400/index.html"><img src="http://images.ultracart.com/affiliate/displayImage.jsp?code=F7C9103239307901485E0A2BEE051400" /></a> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I know one mother who is the
epitome of unconditional love. When her son was 15 years old, he got involved
in drugs and crime and violence. Within a few short years, he was a dealing
drugs, and constantly involved in street-fights.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
His mother simply kept loving him
and praying for him, and reminding him of all the values she had tried to instil
in him since a child. She didn’t dis-own him, she didn’t avoid him and she didn’t
shun him. She treated him with the same affection as all her other children. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Perhaps in the privacy of her own
room at night, she wept bitter tears of sorrow and despaired that her son would
get himself killed before he ever changed his ways.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
One night, high on drugs and
alcohol, he crashed a car with four passengers inside. Thankfully, no-one was
seriously hurt. He still didn’t change his ways. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
His beloved father passed away.
But he still didn’t change his ways.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
His mother kept loving him anyway. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
And then he got sick, really
sick. He was taken to hospital with pneumonia, his lungs filled with fluid and
for weeks he hung precariously between life and death.<br />
<br />
Finally, he saw the
light - literally.<br />
<br />
Inside his own mind, he began to talk to God. He said: “God,
if you’ve got a reason for my life, if you’ve got something for me to do in
this world, then save my life and I promise to do your work.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
He pulled through and after
months in hospital, he walked out of that place a changed man. He was 21 years
old, and his days of dealing drugs and fighting in the streets were over. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
He gave his life to God, as promised, and his fists of rage were transformed into helping hands for the poor and the downtrodden.<br />
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
(That was several years ago, and he's still keeping his promise to God, still giving away his time and his talents for free. I know, because he is a dear friend who has taught me so much about generosity and faith.) <br />
<br />
And, although his mother rejoiced to see her son change his life,
she just kept loving him…the same as she always had.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">You Might Also Like: </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.katepunivai.com/2014/06/become-person-youve-always-wanted-to-be.html" target="_blank">How To Become The Person You've Always Wanted To Be</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.katepunivai.com/2014/05/how-to-be-woman-5-ways-to-nurture.html" target="_blank">5 Ways to Nurture and Celebrate Our Femininity</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.katepunivai.com/2014/06/a-positive-approach-to-dealing-with.html" target="_blank">How To Deal With Negative People (in a Positive, Loving Way)</a></div>
Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01657019147960067075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7197744458640230074.post-12186209709899578382014-07-25T12:40:00.000+10:002014-07-25T12:40:34.753+10:00Perfect Paradox: Finding "Balance" in Life<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Several years ago, I began to question what the real meaning
of wisdom was. I knew it had to be more than an IQ score, or the ability to remember
facts and figures. It had to be more than simply being able to make good
decisions. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Gradually, I came to realize that wisdom is about
recognizing balance. You see, in this life, there is a very fine line between what
benefits us and what depletes us. What adds and what takes away. What builds up
and what destroys. What brings us closer to our goals and aspirations, and what
leads us further away. And just to complicate matters, the fine line is
constantly shifting as we evolve and move through each experience.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I’ve come to see that true wisdom is recognizing balance
(and just as importantly, recognizing the lack thereof).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
And then I came to one of the glorious paradoxes of life. In
order to enjoy, or even recognize “balance”, we must experience imbalance.
Regularly! We are constantly slipping out of balance and when we become aware
that it doesn’t feel so good, we make an effort to move back into balance or
alignment. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Here’s just two examples from my own life:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
1.) During my adulthood, I have been both a food-lover, who didn’t
care at all about calories or ingredients. I loved and enjoyed food and
indulged wherever and whenever I felt like it. Cheesecake was my favorite food. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I’ve also been a health nut who read ingredient labels
obsessively and avoided a long list of foods, including MSG, sugar, wheat,
meat, yeast, aspartame, artificial colors or flavors. The thing is, both
extremes suited me for a while, but eventually I became aware that they were
holding me back – the indulgent me began to suffer all kinds of health symptoms
and lack of energy, and the obsessive me began to feel stressed and restricted
from the effort of maintaining such a diet in a culture where food is
celebrated and shared as a sign of love and hospitality. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I’m now somewhere in between, and still experimenting to
find that harmonious balance that enhances my body and my life, rather than
depletes them. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
2.) During my late teens, I was spontaneous and carefree and
loved to party. During this stage, I made plenty of irresponsible decisions
(some of which I had to pay heavily for). I didn’t think too much about the
future because I was busy having fun today. Several years and life-lessons
later, I swung to the opposite extreme. I worked three jobs, saved my money and
set goals to own my own home and start a business. Eventually, both extremes
caught up with me and my physical health suffered because of it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I’m still experimenting and learning that perfect balance
between aspiring for tomorrow and enjoying today.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The thing is, we cant enjoy or even recognize a sense of “rightness”
until we’ve experienced what a sense of “wrongness” feels like. Every “negative”
emotion or experience allows us to recognize and appreciate it’s opposite. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
If we avoid making mistakes or try to drown out all “negative”
emotions, we are really depriving ourselves of the richness and depth of life.
How can we possibly appreciate emotions of love or joy, if we’ve never fully
experienced their opposite, or their lack, in our lives?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
All of our imbalances, our “mistakes”, our “failures”, they
all add to our understanding of what is right for us. They act as benchmarks as
we seek to find balance, that wonderful sense of rightness and alignment that
can only be realized by first experiencing how unpleasant if felt to be all out
of whack. We learn by going too far to one extreme and discovering it didn’t
feel so good, and perhaps swinging back to the opposite extreme and discovering
(sooner or later) that doesn’t really work for us either. Through this learning
process, we begin to discover where the happy medium lies. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
As we move through life, that happy medium changes with
every circumstance and experience, and it changes as we evolve and grow. What
felt good and right and balanced for me five years ago, may seem all wrong for
me today. This is why finding balance is a lifelong effort. No sooner have we
discovered it, the goalposts move and suddenly we are once again seeking that
sense of balance.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
This is not disheartening. This is one of the utterly glorious things
about life. If it weren’t so, life would be stale and boring and flat. Instead,
we get to experience the exhilaration of the highs and the desperation of the
lows, and both give meaning to the other.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">You Might Also Like: </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.katepunivai.com/2014/06/a-positive-approach-to-dealing-with.html" target="_blank">How To Deal With Negative People (In A Positive, Loving Way)</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.katepunivai.com/2014/05/how-to-be-woman-5-ways-to-nurture.html" target="_blank">How To Be A Woman: 5 Ways to Nurture & Celebrate Our Femininity </a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.katepunivai.com/2014/05/5-things-i-learnt-in-heaven.html" target="_blank">Five Things I Learnt In Heaven</a></div>
<a href="http://www.katepunivai.com/2014/05/5-things-i-learnt-in-heaven.html" target="_blank"></a><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01657019147960067075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7197744458640230074.post-45233695985378169382014-06-17T18:18:00.000+10:002014-07-09T13:28:16.956+10:00Results Of My First 7-Day Fast<div style="text-align: justify;">
Recently I shared that I've been fasting every Monday, for the last two years. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My last fasting day started out like every other fasting day, but then things began to get interesting. Some unresolved emotional issues starting coming to the surface, and so I simply decided to carry on with my fast, to see if I could gain clarity on the issue.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Day 1.</b> Starts out okay, but for some reason today's fast seems more difficult than usual. I have cravings for food and I feel a bit ache-y and yucky. I put it down to all the wrong foods I've been eating lately. (Lollies and crisps, things I make an effort to avoid wherever possible). Maybe my body has more cleansing to do than usual...</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I manage to resist the cravings for food and, by evening, I have some really strong emotions coming to the surface. This issue is something that I've struggled with for 2 years and remains unresolved because I've postponed making a decision either way. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I just try to stay gentle with myself, but the emotional issues that fill my mind means my appetite disappears completely, so I make a spur-of-the-moment decision to carry on and do a 3-day fast, with the option of carrying on for 7 days if I'm feeling okay.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Day 2.</b> Wow. So much emotional "stuff" happening today. Full of emotions, so don't feel like eating at all. Otherwise feeling fine, except for a really dry mouth. I just continue to keep up my water intake.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Day 3.</b> Not feeling quite so emotionally charged today, but finally feeling like I'm starting to gain some kind of clarity as to the way forward on this issue that has troubled me for so long. In the past, this issue would come up, I would examine it and be afraid of what it would mean for me and my life, and then I would just shove it away again and try to carry on with life. But not this time...</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Feeling really good, energy levels are high despite only having about 3 hours sleep the night before (due to a busy mind and several other circumstances conspiring to keep me awake most of the night). Still no appetite or desire to eat. I'm easily able to prepare the food for my children and don't feel the slightest bit tempted to eat some.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Day 4.</b> Not feeling so good today. Had a poor nights sleep, for several reasons, one being two sick children. Get up feeling kind of ache-y in my back and joints, a few random pains here and there, energy levels are low and feel quite irritable. Not sure how much of this can be attributed to my fasting, and how much to my lack of sleep the last couple of nights.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My stomach feels really "empty" (well, of course!) and starts grumbling loudly around mid-morning but I don't physically feel like eating any food. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Emotionally, I'm becoming more and more convinced of what I need to do. It's big and scary and terrifying, but I know it's the right thing for me. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Day 5.</b> Woke up feeling completely lousy. I'm still sleeping poorly - not sure if it's my fasting, or just my over-active brain trying to process the momentous decision I've made. I had maybe 3-4 fitful hours of sleep last night. All of me feels heavy and my joints ache and my back hurts.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When I was pregnant with my third child, I developed a patch of varicose veins at the front of my lower calf, right on the shinbone. They seemingly developed overnight. After I gave birth, they improved and are now barely visible. For some reason they are aching constantly today. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Unfortunately, today also coincides with the day when pouring the foundation of our new house happens. From the early morning, I'm driving here and there, picking up people, organizing food for the workers, filling up big drums of water and carting them to the bush (used for mixing cement). My daughter is also feeling off, and just wants me to carry her everywhere. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The busy-ness turns out to be a blessing in disguise, since I don't have any time whatsoever to focus on my aches and pains. I simply get on with it. Some time around mid-morning, while waiting for another water drum to be filled, I sneak away and manage to doze off for 20 minutes or so. It seems to keep me going the rest of the day.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Day 6.</b> Feeling much better today, but I have a definite "scratch" in my throat. I had expected cold or flu-like symptoms at some point. I find myself marvelling that I have managed to go six whole days without eating food. I'm quite proud of myself. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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As my anticipation levels rise, I find myself obsessing over food. I spend the afternoon, lying on my bed reading recipe books! Surprisingly, I even find myself thinking longingly about eating some...(gasp!)...<i>meat</i>! Yes, for some reason, I can't stop fantasizing about a big hearty casserole with vegetables and sausages!</div>
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<b>Day 7.</b> I'm still thinking about food. With meat in it. And if I'm not thinking about food, I'm thinking about how to go forward with this big, frightening decision I've made. So much to think about and consider!</div>
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My scratchy throat has definitely turned into a sore throat. My nose is running too. Yay, my first "cold" (aka healing response) in years! </div>
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<b>Day 8</b>. I'm in two minds over whether I should continue my fast until the "cold" symptoms have cleared up, but my eagerness to eat over-rules that thought, and I eat a small finger banana. Very slowly and appreciatively! </div>
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Then I wait.</div>
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After another hour or two, I'm feeling fine, apart from a few strange gurgles emitting from my belly. I start to look longingly at the bowl of leftover crackers and tea sitting in the fridge (a popular breakfast food here in Tonga. They're hard crackers covered with a tea made from boiling lime leaves and adding sugar, and eating once the crackers soften and absorb the tea.) I know I shouldn't. It's too soon for my stomach to handle sugar. And wheat. But I eat it anyway. And I feel okay, so then I eat some leftover pasta that I made earlier for the kids.</div>
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Within a few hours, my stomach feels like it has a pair of cats fighting, inside it. I make several desperate dashes to the bathroom to unload the contents therein. Oh dear. That didn't go to plan. Make a promise with myself to do better tomorrow. </div>
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<b>Day 9.</b> (Today) Still struggling to get my eating patterns back on track. To be honest, I've always found complete abstinence to be easier than moderation. That's possibly why ending this fast has proven to be more difficult than the actual fast itself! My mind knows I need to be eating lightly, but I find myself longing for carbs and bread. </div>
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I don't own a set of scales, but I can tell that I've lost a few kilos over the course of this week. Not that weight-loss was my intention, since I'm naturally tall and slim, and then slimmed down further after cutting out gluten a couple of months ago.<br />
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Apart from one supportive friend, nobody knew that I was fasting. Nobody in my (large) household noticed, not even my own children!! On the days I was feeling "off" they simply assumed I was sick and didn't want to eat. During other times, life was so hectic and things so unorganized with the building work starting, etc that it simply passed under everyone's radar.<br />
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But I was glad of that, because I know many people would neither understand or approve of me doing it, and I didn't want to deal with objections or encouragement to eat. </div>
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The biggest result of this fast is that I have finally reached a decision - a terrifying, life-changing decision - that I've put off making for two years or more. I don't know if this would have happened without the fast. Perhaps I would have started eating again as normal and simply swallowed my disquiet along with it, only to resurface yet again, at a later date.</div>
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I'm going to continue my weekly 36 hour fasting, with a mind to do a longer 7-day fast once per year. I'm interested to find out if my experience would be different if my circumstances were different. This fast happened to coincide with several other things happening in my life which took up a lot of energy and head-space and didn't leave much time for introspection or reflection. I'm definitely interested in exploring the more spiritual aspects of fasting.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">You Might Also Like:</span></b></div>
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<a href="http://www.katepunivai.com/2014/06/10-reasons-i-fast-every-monday.html" target="_blank">10 Reasons I Fast Every Monday</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.katepunivai.com/2014/05/a-diary-of-quitting-gluten-one-month.html" target="_blank">A Diary Of Quitting Gluten (One Month Update)</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.katepunivai.com/2014/04/10-ways-to-supercharge-your-energy.html" target="_blank">10 Ways To Super-Charge Your Energy Levels (No Caffeine Required)</a></div>
Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01657019147960067075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7197744458640230074.post-88526644592862582642014-06-11T13:49:00.003+10:002014-06-11T13:49:43.158+10:0010 Reasons I Fast Every Monday<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifJ2M6J3koosjlfZFTif_yuzlHhBYD-_TWijA9Eg2Dvaby45cihb12tftoWkuYJabbcii8z4OJuws6WZNOYBNGluFFQz-DsWMkk_qCT69Tq8ZmLM0NwWUzdWhJJSYHZLW7X_JGsJaEcMI/s1600/index.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifJ2M6J3koosjlfZFTif_yuzlHhBYD-_TWijA9Eg2Dvaby45cihb12tftoWkuYJabbcii8z4OJuws6WZNOYBNGluFFQz-DsWMkk_qCT69Tq8ZmLM0NwWUzdWhJJSYHZLW7X_JGsJaEcMI/s1600/index.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
Monday has been my fasting day for the last two years.</div>
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For 24 - 36 hours, starting every Sunday evening, I don't eat any food (but drink plenty of pure water).<br />
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This is also known as "intermittent fasting".</div>
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I realize this might sound like sheer craziness to some.<br />
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(It probably would have sounded ridiculous to me when I was young and knew it all, and prided myself on my ability to eat whatever I wanted without consequence. Oh, the wonderful naivety of youth!)<br />
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But there's plenty of good reasons why more and more people are turning to intermittent fasting to help them lose weight, increase their energy and break negative food cycles. Here's ten of them...</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">1.</span> Every day, our body expends huge amounts of energy on digesting food. This is the reason you often feel sleepy/lethargic after a big meal. You're body has diverted it's energy to the digestive organs. </div>
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It's been said that the amount of energy used in food digestion every day, is the same amount needed to run a marathon every day. Pretty amazing stuff! When we fast, it frees up all that energy for other things.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">2.</span> When freed from the burden of constantly digesting food, our body diverts energy into cleansing/detoxing. It starts clearing out old junk and toxins that are lodged in our organs and fat cells, and starts getting rid of them. This is the real reason that we may experience aches and pains or weakness while fasting. It's not because our body requires food, but a cleansing reaction as our body releases old gunk and toxins.</div>
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By the way, one (often overlooked) reason that some people can't lose weight no matter how hard they try, is because their body is storing toxins in their fat cells (in order to protect vital organs from coming into contact with them) and it's a survival mechanism for the body to hold onto those fat cells, thank you very much! Fasting and detoxing can help with this problem. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">3.</span> Fasting turns a spotlight onto our relationship with food. You begin to realize that much of the food we eat is not out of true hunger, but out of social conformity, emotional dependance, boredom or addictions to certain foods. Fasting allows us to break that cycle and gives us a new perspective on food.<br />
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Naturally, it also makes you appreciate your food more! </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">4.</span> Fasting helps to clear out stuck emotions and issues. I don't fully understand why this is, perhaps part of the cleansing process mentioned above, but fasting can bring bottled up emotions and issues to the surface so they can be acknowledged and healed. I try to be extra gentle with myself during fasting days.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">5.</span> Fasting allows our body to concentrate on healing. When we are sick or emotionally upset, we often lose our appetite, and this is one way our body tries to tell us that it needs to fast, and focus it's energies on healing.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">6.</span> Fasting encourages a feeling of lightness and stillness within, which is great for promoting spiritual growth. Fasting is a great time to practice meditation or simply sitting quietly with yourself and listening to your thoughts and sensations within your body (without all that grumbling and gurgling associated with digesting food and moving it along all those meters of digestive tract!).<br />
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So many of the great spiritual leaders down through the ages practiced fasting as a way to draw closer to God and transcend the physical plane.<br />
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I notice that I'm much more switched on to my body and can pick up on feelings and sensations that might have flown under my radar before. (Yoga is also great for developing body awareness.) </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">7.</span> Fasting grows our self-discipline and confidence that we can control our impulses. I always feel a great sense of accomplishment when I successfully complete a fast.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">8.</span> Fasting promotes mental clarity, as our body purges itself of physical and emotional toxins, and diverts energy to mental processes.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">9.</span> Fasting allows our digestive organs to have a well-earned rest on a regular basis. Eating too much of the wrong foods, or just eating too much period, overtaxes our organs and wears them out prematurely.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">10.</span> Fasting resets our body's natural feedback system. When we eat whatever we want, whenever we want, our body is so busy struggling to keep up with the onslaught, it's cries for help (otherwise known as symptoms) go unnoticed. But when we cleanse our bodies, symptoms and feedback become more evident. </div>
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In his book "The Miracle of Fasting", Paul Bragg tells the story of one woman who was addicted to cigarettes. He started her on a long fast, and said she was allowed to keep smoking, but she wasn't allowed to eat. By Day 3, her body was in serious cleanse mode and when she put a cigarette in her mouth, she felt sick and began vomiting. It only took a few times for this to happen before she was able to throw out the cigarettes for good, because her newly cleansed body was simply repulsed by them.</div>
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I won't lie, sometimes fasting is hard. Really hard! A 24 hour fast usually feels fine to me (apart from the occasional food cravings), but when I continue on for 36hrs, I sometimes experience fatigue and weakness (cleansing symptoms), but I've discovered that drinking a glass of water with 1/2 teaspoon of activated charcoal really clears up and discomfort. Oh yes, allow me to introduce you to activated charcoal, one my favorite remedies in my first aid kit.</div>
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Activated charcoal is an incredible substance, which has the ability to adsorb more than 100x it's weight in toxins, chemicals and poisons, and then carries it safely out of the body (via the bowels). This is why it helps with detox symptoms, by adsorbing the toxins being released from fat cells or organs and removing it from the body.</div>
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I usually end my fast with something "light" such as fruit or a green smoothie, before gradually transitioning back into heavier meals. I don't eat meat or wheat, so my "heavy" meals consist of vegetables and gluten-free grains or some dairy. </div>
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This week, I'm doing something different. I didn't plan this ahead of time, but after I started my fast I had a really emotional experience (partly due to circumstances, but perhaps partly because of emotional issues coming to the surface during the fast) and simply didn't feel like eating, so I decided to do my first ever 3-day fast. </div>
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As I write this, I've almost completed Day 3, and feeling fine so I may carry on and do a 7-day fast (Item #10 on my <a href="http://www.katepunivai.com/p/40-before-40.html" target="_blank">40 Before 40</a> List). At this point, I don't feel any hunger or desire for food, and my energy levels are good. In fact, last night I only slept 3 hours (long story!), but I'm feeling fine today. I'm just keeping up my water intake, and taking some activated charcoal each day to clean up any toxins being released.<br />
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I'm just going to listen to my body and if I continue to feel fine, I'll go on for 7 days. I'm keeping a journal, and will share my experiences in a future blog post.</div>
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If you've never fasted before, please start off small and work your way up. Do NOT attempt a 3 or 7 day fast without building up to it (preferably 6 months or more of weekly fasting). If you have chronic or severe health conditions, you should speak to a medical professional before undertaking a fast. </div>
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My first ever fast only lasted 14 hours, but I didn't beat myself up over it, I just made a commitment to go a little bit longer each week until I'd built up to 36 hours. Knowing that I have the self-discipline to do that is a powerful and priceless feeling.</div>
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<a href="http://www.katepunivai.com/2014/05/a-diary-of-quitting-gluten-one-month.html" target="_blank">A Diary Of Quitting Gluten (One Month Update)</a>Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01657019147960067075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7197744458640230074.post-50931389406962399982014-06-06T21:03:00.002+10:002014-06-08T18:27:05.540+10:00Become The Person You've Always Wanted to Be<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcknOBcbejwh5sT6p0ATKcCL5r4-zfUOSYAk7gqq8ozYmsBksS3LRztsIwpAn_Lj1XjWWAEMwZlP5EkFBrTIegFmp82SwFfWfYWKctvV-cy8FpbNLBINzetHOj69OKs6gp1s0dbP7uFsM/s1600/Only+as+high+as+I+reach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcknOBcbejwh5sT6p0ATKcCL5r4-zfUOSYAk7gqq8ozYmsBksS3LRztsIwpAn_Lj1XjWWAEMwZlP5EkFBrTIegFmp82SwFfWfYWKctvV-cy8FpbNLBINzetHOj69OKs6gp1s0dbP7uFsM/s1600/Only+as+high+as+I+reach.jpg" height="400" width="272" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
For most of my adult life, I
longed to be a “better” person – more kind, more loving, more patient, more
affectionate…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I kept putting off becoming all
those things. I told myself I didn’t know <i>how</i> to be those things yet. There
must be some secret principle I didn’t know about, because I sure didn’t feel
I was ready to be all those things!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Maybe this
new self-help book would help me? Maybe I needed to “grow up” a bit more, or
wait for something within me to magically change? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Maybe I'd better just wait a bit longer...</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I read countless books, listened
to pod-casts, I watched Dr Phil and Oprah faithfully, but somehow I couldn’t
figure out how to get from here (impatient, selfish, often yelling at my kids)
to there (serene and loving and patient). </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
And one day, I finally <i>got it</i>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
And <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">"it</span>" was so ridiculously simple!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The only way to become a better
person is to…start being a better person. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
As much as we’d like to believe there’s
an easier, more convenient way…there’s not. Reading another book won’t do it.
Attending another seminar won’t do it. Signing up to another workshop won’t do
it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Doing it will do it!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Waiting until we feel “ready”, or
until we have “enough” knowledge or resources, or until we’re “old enough” are
just forms of procrastination. I’ll tell you a
little secret. You’ll probably never feel ready. There’ll always be risks and
unknowns and excuses. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Self help books and listening to
motivational podcasts are great for providing ideas and inspiration but the
only way to make real change in our lives is to start doing.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>If you want to be more patient…just start
being more patient. When you start to notice your frustration levels rising, do
something different rather than following the same old script. Instead of
raising your voice, choose to take some deep, calming breaths and get your temper
under control. Yes, it may seem harder at first, but practice makes habit.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
If you want to be more loving, just
start doing more loving things. Don’t wait until you feel more loving, because
you might be waiting a long time. Just start doing small kindnesses for your
spouse or your employees or your children or your neighbors. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Don’t limit loving
actions to your partner or your immediate family. Love is so much bigger than
that!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
If you want to be kind, just start
being kind! Our power to choose is undermined while ever we justify our weaker
points by saying it’s “just the way we are” or “it’s who I am”. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Your kindness
(or lack thereof), your patience (or lack thereof) is not who you are, its how you chose to act. Sure, some
folks are naturally more inclined towards patience or gentleness or affection,
but this doesn’t mean that the rest of us can’t choose to behave that way.<br />
<br />
Personally, patience is something I've had to cultivate. It doesn't come naturally to me, but I wanted it enough to work on it. I made the mistake of waiting for years to "feel more patient" until I realized that if I chose to think more patient and act more patient, I would become more patient. And it worked. I'm now able to accept situations and setbacks, where once I would have stressed and fretted.<br />
<br />
Our feelings always follow thoughts. When we learn to control our thoughts, we gain control of our emotions by default.<br />
<br />
So, if there's qualities that you wish you had more of, don't wait for those qualities to be magically bestowed upon you, or to wake up one magical morning and suddenly feel patient and loving and kind...just start embodying those qualities. Think them and act them, and with practice they'll become habits.<br />
<br />
All habits are like muscles. They grow stronger with <i>practice</i>, and not by merely hoping they'll come naturally to us some day. <br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">You Might Also Like:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.katepunivai.com/2014/05/5-things-i-learnt-in-heaven.html" target="_blank">5 Things I Learnt In Heaven </a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.katepunivai.com/2014/04/there-is-no-magic-pilland-thats-good.html" target="_blank">There Is No Magic Pill...And That's A Good Thing</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.katepunivai.com/2014/05/how-to-prepare-for-your-life-calling.html" target="_blank">How To Prepare For Your Life Calling (Even If You Don't Know What It Is Yet)</a></div>
Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01657019147960067075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7197744458640230074.post-78588010469901411132014-06-03T22:07:00.001+10:002014-06-05T08:07:23.755+10:00How To Deal With Negative People (In A Positive, Loving Way)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzPVFdmZYMMWudQesPt6L0403WLJcgjI1C97mtEKg7euf1QcLboJp30fUM1Ru96EIYecSeO1WaeH5LAeJPXNYlrCCZzVcHKmux2pR-8rqaHxHUrpG_AP9XGqUTQFDPCj3A6o5TfK5nT2Q/s1600/Love.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzPVFdmZYMMWudQesPt6L0403WLJcgjI1C97mtEKg7euf1QcLboJp30fUM1Ru96EIYecSeO1WaeH5LAeJPXNYlrCCZzVcHKmux2pR-8rqaHxHUrpG_AP9XGqUTQFDPCj3A6o5TfK5nT2Q/s1600/Love.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We all know that one person who seems to suck the energy right out from us with their negativity. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Whether it's gossiping and backstabbing, or constant criticism and complaining, we feel drained after being in their presence.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
You have two choices when faced with this situation. (No. I lie. There's a third option which is to do nothing and allow yourself to be frustrated/annoyed/depressed every time you encounter them or think about them.<br />
<br />
To me, this option is not really an option at all for an intelligent, growth-oriented person so let's not waste time thinking about it...)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Only you can decide which option is the most appropriate for you and your unique circumstances.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Remove Them From Your Life (Or Remove Yourself From Theirs)</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've added this first, not because it's necessarily the best way, but because I know it's probably what you expected (wanted?) to hear!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This is the usual advice given by self-help gurus, and let's face it, it certainly seems like the most attractive option. Get rid of the problem so we don't have to deal with it anymore. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Yes, there are times when this option is the best way forward - especially if you find yourself in any kind of danger, or you simply feel you cannot cope anymore.</div>
<br />
But what if you can't just prune them out of your life? What if they're family? Or you live with them? Or next door to them? What if you really can't avoid running into them sometimes?<br />
<br />
There is another option, and while it may seem much harder at first, I believe the eventual rewards in terms of spiritual growth are incredible.<br />
<br />
<b>Recognize They Are A Gift</b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Let me say it again, so you know I'm not joking. That whining co-worker, that grumbling neighbour, that spiteful gossip at the mothers group...they are a gift to you. Every person who enters our life is our teacher (and we theirs). Perhaps, they have come into your life to teach you how to set boundaries and be proactive (see Point 1). Perhaps they have come to help you practice forgiveness, or patience, or how to be kind, or how to "rise above".</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
That's the part where they teach you. And what lessons will you offer them, in return? Will you allow yourself to be dragged down into their negativity, or do you have what it takes to model a more loving way of communicating and relating? Or provide an example of more positive approach to life? </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If we simply rid them from our lives every time, we miss that chance to learn and grow. It's quite possible the same kind of person will keep cropping up in our life until we recognize the lesson and learn from it.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Remember to remember: Every person who crosses our path is either giving out love, or crying out for it.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Gossips and whingers and haters are all crying out for love, whether in the form of attention or sympathy. At the heart of the matter, it boils down to love. We all want to be loved. It's a basic human need.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Remembering this makes it easier to meet negativity with love and kindness and compassion. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've lived in a crowded house with extended family (not mine, my husbands) for 2.5 years now, while waiting to build our own house. Being a foreigner (and a supposedly "rich" one), I was treated like royalty in the beginning. Everyone was on their best behavior, me included! But we all know that can only be maintained for so long, before the polite masks start to slip and skew.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Over time, I became aware of certain people's tendency towards gossip and judgemental behavior. Nothing gets on my nerves quicker than listening to people gossip and speculate over other people's lives. Ain't nobody got time for that! Well, in fact, some people <i>do</i> have time for that and seem to take great delight in doing it too!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sometimes they would talk about other people openly in the family room and kitchen. Other times it was done in hushed, disapproving voices which could just be heard through the gyprock walls of my bedroom. Those were the worst, because I would wonder if they were talking about me. With my husband away overseas, and me with my tendency to have male friends (probably something to do with me growing up on a farm with only brothers), well naturally I was a perfect target for speculation and gossip.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In the beginning, I thought the answer was to throw all my energy into getting our house built as fast as possible so I could escape from the gossip and judgements. I tried this way, and that thing, to get our house built, but nothing worked out. The builder was unavailable, my husband couldn't get work to fund the building project, the village noble changed the rules regarding new houses...even the weather seemed to conspire against me! The harder I tried to force my own will, the more resistance I experienced. Nothing went according to plan.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I finally came to realize that this was not a problem that needed to be removed or "fixed" so I could get on with my life. Here was an invitation to transcend, to rise above, to grow beyond what I was currently capable of. After months of fighting and struggling to escape, it was a relief to finally surrender to the lesson. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I started to look for ways to set a loving example. It actually became fun to come up with ideas to offset the negativity. Recently I woke up early and started my day in the usual way - by listing all the things I was thankful for. No sooner had I finished, I noticed the familiar tones of disapproval seeping through the walls. I let it annoy me for a minute or two, before remembering that I wasn't going to allow this to dictate my mood or my mindset. I went into the kitchen (where I couldn't hear anything) and made breakfast for the entire extended family while thinking joyful, loving thoughts. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When they all sat down to eat, I was smiling on the inside, because only I knew they were feeding on coconut rice infused with love. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
PS. The really ironic thing is, once i started to see this as a growth opportunity for me and embrace the challenge, things finally started moving on the house-building front. The builder turned up and began working, my husband got a well-paying, full-time job. Even the weather behaved! As of this week, our home is officially under construction.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It's almost as though...my new house was being held up on purpose, to allow me time to learn this lesson.</div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">You Might Also Like:</span><br />
<a href="http://www.katepunivai.com/2014/05/how-to-meet-kindred-spirit.html" target="_blank">How To Meet A Kindred Spirit </a><br />
<a href="http://www.katepunivai.com/2014/05/how-to-prepare-for-your-life-calling.html" target="_blank">How To Prepare For Your Life Calling (Even If You Don't Know What It Is Yet)</a><br />
<a href="http://www.katepunivai.com/2014/05/5-things-i-learnt-in-heaven.html" target="_blank">5 Things I Learnt In Heaven</a><br />
<br />
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<br />Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01657019147960067075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7197744458640230074.post-27949789582611461372014-05-30T07:52:00.000+10:002014-05-30T08:01:27.852+10:00How To Prepare For Your Life Calling (Even If You Don't Know What It Is Yet)<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</xml><![endif]-->I think it’s perfectly ok to not know what your life calling
is.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Sure, some folks are fortunate enough to know from a young age exactly what they were put on this earth to be and do. But for the rest of us, we may spend years of taking detours and back-tracking and making mistakes, before we start to get the picture. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Sometimes we need to experience hurts and heartaches, tests and triumphs, before we are ready to accept our life calling,
much less do justice to the task.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
If someone had pointed out my life-calling when I was 21
years old, it would have meant nothing to me. Nor would I have had the confidence or skills to do it well, anyway. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
By the time I was 29, however, I had been sufficiently humbled and tested by challenging experiences and when my life-calling came calling for me, it
was deeply personal and mattered so much to me, that I simply couldn’t refuse.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
So, if you’re still trying to figure out what your “life-purpose”
is, relax. Don't fret. Every experience and challenge is preparing you for the task,
grooming you for the future. Stay open, stay receptive…it will be revealed when the time is right. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
But in the meantime, here’s two important things you can do:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Polish your gifts and talents</b>.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
There’s a good chance that
your life calling will involve or utilize your natural gifts and abilities. I
have a talent for writing, so when I knew that my life-calling was to inspire
others to be healthy and live meaningful lives, it seemed natural that I should
reach out to others through writing and blogging. (That’s not the only way I
live out my life-calling, but it’s one avenue I use.)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
When we think of gifts and talents, we think of the obvious
ones like singing or dancing. The scope of human talent is incredible, and it
can be easy to overlook or discount talents like being able to fix anything
with a nail and hammer, being good with animals, or making other people laugh. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
All of these talents can be used to make a profound impact
on the world. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I have a dear friend with the most amazing gift for making
other people feel welcome in her presence. She’s just so warm and genuinely
interested in others. What a gift! When I pointed out this talent to her, she was
shocked – and deeply touched. She had spent the first 41 years of her life
thinking she had “no talent for anything”.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Think outside the box when it comes to your gifts. Sometimes
they’re little things you do every day, and don’t really think about it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Sometimes it’s good to get perspective from others that know
us. Ask them what they think you’re good at. Their answers might surprise you…</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Realize that it’s not really about you.</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Your life purpose is not about you. It’s not about making
you fulfilled or complete or happy – although they are wonderful side-effects! Your
life purpose is about service to others - how you are helping or making a difference
for others. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
I have a friend whose life calling is to be a mechanic. It
may not sound very exciting to you and me – that’s ok, because it’s not our
life calling, it’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">his</i>! He dropped
out of school in Form 2 (about 14 years old) to go and learn mechanics with his
father. This guy knows engines like the back of his hand. He reads engine
manuals in his spare time, for goodness sake! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
But you know the real reason it lights him up? It’s not the engine, or even how much he enjoys doing it, it’s simply knowing he's making a difference in other people's lives. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
He knows that here in this “poor” country, transport can
mean the difference between a family taking their goods to market and earning
an income, or not. Transport can mean the difference between being able to take
their sick child to the hospital in the middle of the night, or not. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
For many of us, we are simply too selfish or preoccupied in our younger years, to give of ourselves to
others in this way. But life has a way of humbling us, and teaching
us compassion and empathy through our own suffering and tears. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Until we have reached a point where we care about other beings enough to suffer for them, put ourselves “out there” for them,
sacrifice our time and energy for them…our life calling will remain meaningless
(and probably hidden from us).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">You Might Also Like:</span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.katepunivai.com/2014/04/10-ways-to-supercharge-your-energy.html" target="_blank">10 Ways To Supercharge Your Energy Levels (No Caffeine Required)</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.katepunivai.com/2014/02/10-compelling-reasons-to-not-be-average.html" target="_blank">10 Compelling Reasons To NOT Be Average</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://www.katepunivai.com/2013/12/i-fed-hungryand-it-was-nothing-like-i.html" target="_blank">I Fed The Hungry...And It Was Nothing Like I Planned</a></div>
Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01657019147960067075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7197744458640230074.post-51705858632215229842014-05-27T10:33:00.002+10:002014-05-27T10:59:31.552+10:00How To Be A Woman: 5 Ways To Nurture & Celebrate Our Femininity<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEYzveWMGfC41fEL_3nMGTtWFXhLEIJ59Z1IMmhyphenhyphensaACLuBNVCKkQiZB-u9Gj22xscoA9FYguGYAHDECL2MbXnoEvoUZUu48iRSu49EKZeRJtLlhW52B0c_8N4Gt2wgn8GqCfO7doy0D4/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEYzveWMGfC41fEL_3nMGTtWFXhLEIJ59Z1IMmhyphenhyphensaACLuBNVCKkQiZB-u9Gj22xscoA9FYguGYAHDECL2MbXnoEvoUZUu48iRSu49EKZeRJtLlhW52B0c_8N4Gt2wgn8GqCfO7doy0D4/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" height="400" width="327" /></a><span lang="EN-AU">I was 30 years old, and a mother of 3,
before I began to question what it meant to be a woman. Up until that point, I
had referred to myself as a “girl”. </span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-AU">I vowed I would always be a girl at heart.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">The truth is, while-ever I was a “girl”, I
could expect less of myself. It was my way of staying small and unnoticeable, my way of
denying that I was more powerful than first thought, because that was
too...confronting, too challenging. That realization would require too much of
me.</span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-AU">But as I began to make tentative steps to embrace womanhood, I began to see and understand things that I had never really thought about before. </span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-AU">Namely, the current imbalance between the feminine and masculine energies in our world, and what this means, not just for ourselves but for all humanity. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">We live in a society that organizes
and governs itself according to masculine concepts of competition, hierarchy,
status, logic and rank. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">Masculine energy is practical, focused,
determined, proactive, goal-oriented. The female energy is spiritual, fluid, adaptable,
accepting, process-oriented. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">The masculine energy aims and achieves, while
the feminine energy attracts and receives</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">The masculine energy thrives on
competition, while the feminine energy thrives on co-operation. We don’t need
to look very far to see the competitive masculine energy at work – our
education system grades and ranks students (competition), governments are
elected via a poll (competition) while experts remind us that “competition is
good for the economy.”</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">The masculine energy “hunts” – goes after
or pursues what it wants – while the feminine energy “gathers” – attracts or
manifests what it wants. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">For the male energy, the outcome is
important, but to the feminine, the journey is what matters. During times of
crisis or challenge, the masculine tendency is to “fix things”, while the
feminine energy seeks to “understand things”. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">Both energies are equally important and
necessary – one to envision and understand, the other to implement. Neither is
better or worse. They are just <u>different</u>. They are two halves of the
whole. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">In an ideal world, the two energies would balance
and complement each other. Like the yin and the yang. In harmony, they allow us
to experience life in it’s richest, fullest expression.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">Each one of us – no matter what our
physical sex is – harbors these energies, yet for many of us, the feminine is
suppressed in order to survive in a society that organizes itself according to
masculine concepts and priorities. The feminine principles of nurturing and co-operation
simply get pushed into the background and ignored.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">One (unintended, I believe) result of the
feminist movement was the further imbalance of the two energies – rather than
encouraging both sexes to honor the feminine and creating a society that embraced all parts of ourselves, it simply gave women permission
to compete and achieve (be more masculine.)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">As a society, we <i>pursue</i> (masculine way of
doing things, again!) a politically-correct version of “equality”, which has
nothing to do with balance, and everything to do with trying to conform women
into roles and positions and policies which are entirely foreign and unnatural
to our feminine spirit. A band-aid solution, at best...</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">It is time for us to embrace our femininity
in an authentic and loving way. This is not about getting a Brazilian wax, and
fluttering my eyelashes at the opposite sex, in order to get what I want, but
rather embracing all that I am – a whole, other, neglected part of myself. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">I’m talking about finding a balance –
between achievement and process, between planning for the future and enjoying <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">this</i> moment, between aiming for what
could be and accepting what is, between pursuing what I want and simply
allowing what I need... </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">Trying to embrace my own femininity has
been a learning experience. Ironically, it has made me stronger yet more
humble, focused but more adaptable. I
have come to believe there are some core aspects that are unique to being a woman, in tune
with our feminine energy. </span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-AU">These are gifts that we can offer ourselves and others, and the world with love...</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-AU">Surrender</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">The masculine energy is all about
persistence. The female energy surrenders. I am not talking about allowing ourselves
to be abused or mistreated - I am talking about surrendering to life itself, to
the experience, to the moment, to God...</span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-AU">On the rare occasions I have surrendered 100%, letting go of all my own wants and plans and expectations, I have experienced the most wonderful state of bliss. (I wrote about it here: <a href="http://www.katepunivai.com/2014/05/5-things-i-learnt-in-heaven.html" target="_blank">5 Things I Learnt in Heaven</a>.)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">We have been conditioned to think that
surrender is a sign of weakness. I believe the very opposite is true. Surrender
– giving up the need to be in control – takes incredible courage. Sometimes it
is the hardest thing in the world! It is an act of the deepest faith. </span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-AU">We may reach this point only after we have thoroughly exhausted ourselves by trying to keep all the balls in the air, organize everyone and oversee every aspect of our life. It can be a surprising discovery that the world doesn't actually fall apart if we step back and simply allow some things to "be", rather than trying to force our own will all the time. </span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-AU">Even consider for a moment the female sexual organs, they </span><span lang="EN-AU">are the epitome of surrender - dark and soft and yielding. “Soft” and
“yielding” does not imply weakness, in fact, it is these same qualities
that enable the birth canal to expand and unfold, and safely deliver a new life
into the world.</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">The feminine energy knows that there are
mysterious, unseen, powerful forces at work in the universe. The feminine
energy is open and intuitive to these, and willing to be guided by these forces that others might call “fate” or
even “coincidence”.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<b>Faith</b></div>
<br />
<span lang="EN-AU">This
is a quiet assurance of our ability to manifest the very experience and result
that we need. (Not always what we want, mind you!! But always what we <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">need</i>...). And when that experience comes
our way, we will not only meet it, we will rise up to embrace the challenge. </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">This is a deep inner <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">knowing</i> that WE WILL BE OKAY - whether in a relationship or alone,
with children or without, with a career or without...we already possess
everything we need to flourish and grow.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">Marianne Williamson once wrote: “Our
greatest fear is not that we are inadequate, but that we are powerful beyond
measure.<br />
<br />
It is our light, not our darkness that frightens us.” That quote is so often attributed
to Nelson Mandela, but it came from the heart of a woman...</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Love Fully</b><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">Only in the past 2 years, I started to
become aware that I withhold love from others, for fear of being taken
advantage of. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">The truth is, it’s not that I'm afraid of
being taken advantage of per se, I was afraid that if I <i>did</i> get taken advantage of, I wouldn't have the confidence to speak up and deal with it assertively. It really stemmed from a lack of faith in myself – to set
boundaries, to say no, to speak up when it was awkward or uncomfortable.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">To love fully is an act of courage. It puts
us in a position of vulnerability – which is why it takes a strong person to go
there. We are stating that we will give of ourselves,
regardless of the eventual outcome. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">Mass media bombards us with songs like we
“can’t live without him” and “I’ll be your slave”. This diminishes our true
power. We will be just fine “without him”, and deep down, we know that. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">Acknowledging this allows us to love deeply
and fearlessly, to give ourselves completely to the joy of this moment, this
embrace, this connection... and not be distracted by what may, or may not, be
tomorrow. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-AU">Honor
Our Role As Mothers and Nurturers. </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">Our bodies bring forth new life. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">The feminine energy tends toward caring and
nurturing and making a home, whether we have actually birthed a baby or not. We
listen to our friends problems and console and sympathize, we delight in
decorating or arranging our own homes. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">Despite the natural desire to nurture
others, this can sometimes deplete our energies to such an extent that we find
ourselves unable to nurture ourselves. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">I believe it is vital that we nurture
ourselves , for two reasons. One being that giving and giving (without putting
back in) eventually results in depletion. At this point, we are empty, and
resentment is bound to set in. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">The other reason is that being happy and
fulfilled (filled full) is possibly the most loving gift we can give to our
children, our family, and our selves.When we are exhausted and running on empty, we have nothing to give others - we simply can't give away what we don't have.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">Nurturing ourselves also includes
nourishing our body with pure, living foods, nourishing our spirit by doing
what we love, that which lights us up, and nourishing our mind by choosing
energizing and uplifting thoughts.</span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-AU">It's okay to ask for help. The feminine spirit thrives on co-operation, not on some misguided competition to see who can be the strongest and most stoic and "go it alone". By the same token, it's time to stop viewing other females as "competition" and instead support and co-operate with each other as sisters. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<b>Self-aware</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">For too long, we have been lulled into
believing that others know best for us. There is nothing more dis-empowering,
than the belief that we cannot trust ourselves!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">So many people believe that a doctor knows
their body better than they do. Just because someone has studied the textbooks
and knows the scientific names for the anatomy and physiology of the human
body...does not make him more of an expert than the person who has actually
inhabited that body since before birth! No certificate or textbook or qualification knows your body more intimately than you know your body. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">For several decades now, we’ve listened
while experts argued and changed their minds over how we should discipline our
children, whether eggs are good or bad, whether margarine is healthier than butter, whether women can
“have it all”...and on and on it goes. Instead of empowering us, the barrage of
information has just confused us, and made us more reliant on the supposed
expertise of others.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">(What does it take to be an “expert”
anyway?! Is there a special course? Must one reach a certain level of
qualification or experience? Or if they talk about a subject long enough and eloquently enough, others will inevitably bestow them the title of expert?)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">Deep down, we know what is right. We’ve
always known! But we tend to get confused by all the conflicting information
and voices, and we begin have doubts that we may not actually know what’s best
for us! Every question can be answered in the body - just visit a trained kinesiologist if you have any doubts. Kinesiologists are not trained to know what's "best" for your body, they're simply trained to "hear" what your own body is saying. </span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-AU">Our
bodies are always talking to us...if only we cared to listen, or seek to understand. Our body constantly gives us feedback about what we ate, whether we're getting enough sleep or nutrients, whether we're happy and fulfilled. When we don't listen, the symptoms become more pronounced until finally, illness or disease manifests. Sometimes sickness is the only way our body can make itself heard...</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">Listening to our intuition, our “gut
feeling”, our inner voice is like any habit – it gets easier with practice. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">Sometimes I imagine what our world might
look like, if the masculine and feminine energies were both honored, both
respected and both utilized – neither one dominating or “in control”, but both
complementing the other and working together for the benefit of all.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">Would there be domestic violence? Would
there be wars? As the bringers of new life into the world, I believe we
are intensely aware of the fragility and the preciousness of life. </span><br />
<span lang="EN-AU"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-AU">We women have so much to offer the world - not by contorting ourselves into unnatural (and unfulfilled) versions of whatever the status quo demands - but by giving ourselves permission to embrace and nurture our forgotten, feminine self. Nobody else is going to give us permission!</span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-AU">Every woman who does this makes it a little easier, a little more acceptable, for their fellow women to do the same...</span><br />
<span lang="EN-AU"><br /></span>
<span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: large;">You Might Also Like:</span><br />
<a href="http://www.katepunivai.com/2014/03/do-you-realize-how-magnificent-you-are.html" target="_blank"><span lang="EN-AU">Do You Realize How Magnificent You Are?</span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.katepunivai.com/2014/05/how-to-meet-kindred-spirit.html" target="_blank"><span lang="EN-AU">How To Meet A Kindred Spirit </span></a><br />
<a href="http://www.katepunivai.com/2014/02/how-to-accept-your-self-and-your-lifeas.html" target="_blank">How To Accept Your Self and Your Life..."As Is"</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01657019147960067075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7197744458640230074.post-22789625299297936132014-05-23T21:02:00.001+10:002014-05-24T05:36:25.913+10:00Your Word Is Your Wand<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHIMPaWqWQxs8eGcW8KfZBIZnmAoOD__n3NwCGdTRPnBTSDMbmj_rQ9IACqKNm-B0KA9CVR6mWkz_B-GQhUFVPuQfKZFarkfdVSbg0wDcPCd_fNNSAsSlWIGA7_OUm5iJHMTchqI8Q59Y/s1600/words+create+worlds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHIMPaWqWQxs8eGcW8KfZBIZnmAoOD__n3NwCGdTRPnBTSDMbmj_rQ9IACqKNm-B0KA9CVR6mWkz_B-GQhUFVPuQfKZFarkfdVSbg0wDcPCd_fNNSAsSlWIGA7_OUm5iJHMTchqI8Q59Y/s1600/words+create+worlds.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Have you ever listened, <i>really</i> listened, to the words you speak - not just aloud, but the internal dialogue playing inside your head? </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A few years ago, I wanted to change the way I felt about myself. I knew that I was low in self-confidence and often felt small and worthless. The first thing I did was started taking notice of the way I was talking to myself in my own head.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm generally a "nice" person. I speak politely and use good manners, but when I started paying attention to my inner chatter, I quickly realized I was anything but nice to myself. I was saying things like "You idiot! What did you do that for?" and "Stupid woman. It's all your fault." </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I don't say those things to others, so why was it okay to say it to myself?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So many of us spend our lives with the same belittling remarks and thoughts going round and round in our heads, like a worn-out tape recording. We're listening to it, but we're not aware that we're listening to it. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I began to change the way I spoke about myself - I made it a rule that I would no longer say anything nasty or rude about myself, either out loud or internally, in the presence of others or alone (Yes, I talk to myself regularly. Some of my best conversations happen with myself!)</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When I caught myself saying something nasty, like "You stupid wom..." I would pull myself up, and I would change it to something like "Ok. You messed that one up. But you'll know better next time..."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
At first it was hard and I was constantly having to stop and correct myself, but over time it became easier, until it just became a habit to speak kindly to myself, and about myself. I began to feel differently about myself, I began to see my own value, to realize that I was just as important as the next person. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When I walked into a room full of people, instead of feeling small and inferior (as I had in the past, and likely telling myself that I would rather be at home with a good book), I simply reminded myself that I was just as interesting and like-able as any other person in that room. I began to blossom into the person I've always been on the inside but couldn't quite express properly, due to lack of confidence: warm and affectionate and genuinely interested in others.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Our words create our worlds. Even our thoughts are formulated and given meaning via words. If we can't organize our thoughts into words, they remain just beyond our reach, vague and tantalizing. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Masuru Emoto, a Japanese scientist, developed a way to photograph frozen water crystals, and he discovered something incredibly amazing. Words change the structure of water. Peaceful, loving words created beautiful crystals but hurtful, hateful words caused fragmented, shattered shapes.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6k0MTSxzkCg2irv3zr733K_dvyfVJBYxv4TVtG_rIxuYNKQ2Z7eFzhECEmRfudXODNP-yd8PYMfn0UFLc6o2J7glLjivGEIcij_PWA9wX3Hu2TsAUzZn1lf1tel7eItxBKbJ0mmBa-ZQ/s1600/Water+Molecules+words.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6k0MTSxzkCg2irv3zr733K_dvyfVJBYxv4TVtG_rIxuYNKQ2Z7eFzhECEmRfudXODNP-yd8PYMfn0UFLc6o2J7glLjivGEIcij_PWA9wX3Hu2TsAUzZn1lf1tel7eItxBKbJ0mmBa-ZQ/s1600/Water+Molecules+words.jpg" height="111" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg35vV_FYrV07Iagn0ndi1itu6Pb200CPDUkJ6aPMQEyEZ7S1DR3KxkkvDCBDa7HpmzMPz1_n2gFDcdvXdJCgPqRgv87fZdK_bKOeWKQJgKM8Qi1Whyl0J75nNKMHjm_LhDISAUqPr3D1A/s1600/Water+Molecules+of+lake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg35vV_FYrV07Iagn0ndi1itu6Pb200CPDUkJ6aPMQEyEZ7S1DR3KxkkvDCBDa7HpmzMPz1_n2gFDcdvXdJCgPqRgv87fZdK_bKOeWKQJgKM8Qi1Whyl0J75nNKMHjm_LhDISAUqPr3D1A/s1600/Water+Molecules+of+lake.jpg" height="107" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
The words didn't even have to be spoken aloud. The written word taped onto a water bottle was enough to affect the structure of the water. Incredible!<br />
<br />
Remember that our bodies are some 70% water? Your body is listening, literally listening, and responding to your words. Can you imagine how 70% of my body was reacting to my thoughts of "You idiot! What did you do that for?" <br />
<br />
I realize everyone has their own beliefs, but for me personally, I
choose to believe that I was created in the "image of God". I am a spark
of the divine, if you will. If I think of myself as an "idiot" or a
"loser", then what must I think of God?<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I used to think I had to belittle myself and denigrate myself in the presence of others, in order to be seen as "non-threatening" and harmless. But as Marianne Williamson so eloquently put it: "There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. Your were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us all." </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I'm learning to see myself as a child of the Most High. The amazing, mysterious power that created vast universes and solar systems and seeds that miraculously sprout new life...is the same amazing, mysterious power that created <i>me and created you</i>. How dare we mope through this life feeling worthless and useless and calling ourselves (and others, for that matter!) nasty names?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We were created for a divine purpose. There's a reason we're here in this place, at this point in history. We matter, every one of us. So be kind, to yourself and to each other. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Our words are our wand. Every word is either lifting us up, or pulling us down. Promoting health or disease, war or peace, victory or failure. Let's be mindful of what we're creating...</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
You Might Also Like:<br />
<a href="http://www.katepunivai.com/2014/03/do-you-realize-how-magnificent-you-are.html" target="_blank">Do You Realize How Magnificent You Are? </a><br />
<a href="http://www.katepunivai.com/2014/03/the-1-most-life-changing-habit-from.html" target="_blank">The One Simple Habit That Changed My Life </a><br />
<a href="http://www.katepunivai.com/2014/05/5-things-i-learnt-in-heaven.html" target="_blank">5 Things I Learnt In Heaven</a><br />
<br />Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01657019147960067075noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7197744458640230074.post-44570560109996525642014-05-20T18:40:00.003+10:002014-09-11T11:56:38.641+10:00The Secret Of Real Financial Freedom<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</xml><![endif]--><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm3oVEQiHu77TEl0nX0rqWv8EnZkY1jhQApG3tbz2Kz9IKnC2vwT6gGE-Zwwgb4Pj-omsl8QrA2WOl7BAvC5pkC38QXtelx7cgNwbub33PRVky8spQ2Os9LtT38CxX3FvLB-6eoKxjq0s/s1600/Money1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm3oVEQiHu77TEl0nX0rqWv8EnZkY1jhQApG3tbz2Kz9IKnC2vwT6gGE-Zwwgb4Pj-omsl8QrA2WOl7BAvC5pkC38QXtelx7cgNwbub33PRVky8spQ2Os9LtT38CxX3FvLB-6eoKxjq0s/s1600/Money1.jpg" height="320" width="256" /></a>I know "financial freedom" is one of the latest buzzwords. People are working on building income streams and businesses on the side.<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">Don’t get me wrong, I think that's great! I believe in being
proactive. I believe in working towards the life you want! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU"> </span>
<span lang="EN-AU"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">But I think freedom is a state of mind, and
not the state of our bank account.</span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">If our freedom is
dependent upon having “enough” money/income (whatever <i>that</i> mysterious figure
might be), then we are not free at all. In fact, we are the opposite of free. We are enslaved. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">I contend that true financial freedom is knowing that you’ll be just fine, whether you have <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>a lot of money or a little money</u></i>.
Because you already know that you have the drive, the creativity, the confidence to <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">create</span> opportunities, no matter what
you’re circumstances are, or what the economy/your employer/the government
does.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">Too many people spend their lives in
unfulfilling, soul-destroying jobs, so they can have money, so they can have
options. <b>Why not use your beautiful mind and create options now...</b>and save yourself all that drudgery?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">Let go of the limiting mindset that we must
have money in order to have “freedom”, or options, or to live the life we want. </span><span lang="EN-AU">Money doesn’t create options, YOU create options!! The truth is that most people don't really want more money, they want the lifestyle they assume can only be bought with money...</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">My husband and I wanted to be out of debt and have lots of time to spend with our children. We tried working harder, longer hours, saving more...all the usual things. But we seemed to be constantly going around in circles, never really getting anywhere. Because we assumed that the only way to be out of debt and spend lots of time with our children was to have more money. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">Then we started to think outside the box. We sold our house (sure that was a hard decision, but life is more important than a house), sold most of our stuff and moved overseas, where we live with extended family while we wait to build our own house. We have very little money...but we also have no debt and lots of time to spend with our children. </span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">Let’s say you want to travel, but you don’t
have much money. Is the dream out of reach? Is it impossible? Of course not! You could:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>House-swap <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">Work overseas </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>House-sit</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">Exchange Program</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Boat-sit
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Back-pack
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Couch-surf</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">Start a crowd-funding campaign </span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Find a host family and stay with them, then return the favor when they come to
visit you</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Be a t</span>ravel
companion for someone who might be unable to travel alone </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Freelance
write or teach English</span><br />
<span lang="EN-AU">Get a job on a cruise-ship </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Do
something bold, like approaching a company and telling them you’ll proudly fly
their company flag while standing on Mount Everest/Running with the
Bulls/whatever adventure you’ve got planned...as long as they pay for your
ticket. Who knows, the worst they can do is say no, right?! (People and businesses
can be surprisingly agreeable, if there’s something in it for them.)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">The options are limited only by your
imagination. </span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-AU"><a href="http://images.ultracart.com/aff/7CA5E5A8E3DB2401486247C485051600/index.html"><img src="http://images.ultracart.com/affiliate/displayImage.jsp?code=7CA5E5A8E3DB2401486247C485051600" /></a> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">There are people who travel the world full-time,
yet they are not wealthy!! They swap, negotiate, work their way around the world,
and they do it far cheaper than it costs to live in any of the major cities of
the world...</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">To think that you MUST have money in order
to have options is slave thinking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Free minds know that there are options everywhere. What’s more, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">free minds <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">create</i> them!!</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">There was a Canadian guy called Kyle
MacDonald. A few years ago, he was unemployed and broke, but he wanted to buy a
house. Conventional thinking says it would be “impossible”. (Conventional
thinking also keeps most of us in 9-5 jobs that slowly snuff out our inner
fire, and then we retire and then we die. Who wants conventional thinking?)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">On his desk was a red paper clip. It gave
him an idea. He went on Craigslist, and asked to swap. He found someone who
wanted the red paperclip, and swapped it for a fish-shaped pen. Then he swapped
that pen for a door-knob.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And so on, and
so on, until he was swapping a jetski and a motorbike, and eventually...a
house. Read his fascinating blog <a href="http://www.oneredpaperclip.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">here.</a> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">The moral of the story is: there are
opportunities everywhere. Most people don’t see them, because they have never
been taught to see them. (The other lesson is that we usually have
something that somebody else wants, and vice versa....so learn to barter!)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">It’s a ridiculous notion when you think
about it. We collect some little pieces of paper in our wallet, and suddenly we
have options? No, friend, we always had options! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">You know the saying: “Many people spend
their health trying to gain wealth, and then have to spend their wealth trying
to re-gain their health?" You don’t need to spend the best years of
your life and health in order to have financial freedom. You can have financial
freedom today, if you just realize this...</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">True financial freedom is being free
of the fear that you might not have “enough”. True financial freedom is being free
of the limiting belief that you must have money to live the kind of life you
dream of. (You don't.)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">True financial freedom is knowing you
have the intelligence, the creativity, the willpower to create options beyond
the sphere of money. No global financial crisis, no economic downturn, no job
redundancy can take those things from you!! Now isn’t <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">that</i> real freedom?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-AU">Everything you need for an awesome life is
already inside you. What a relief! Isn’t <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">that</i>
real freedom? It can’t be stolen, embezzled, lost, eroded by inflation, or poorly invested. </span><br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-AU">Now isn’t <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><u>that</u></i>
real freedom?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU" style="font-size: large;">You Might Also Like:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"><a href="http://www.katepunivai.com/2014/05/5-things-i-learnt-in-heaven.html" target="_blank">5 Things I Learnt In Heaven</a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.katepunivai.com/2010/04/mind-over-matter.html" target="_blank"><span lang="EN-AU">Mind Over Matter: The Gratitude Experiment</span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-AU"><a href="http://www.katepunivai.com/2014/04/how-to-learn-new-language-in-less-than.html" target="_blank">How To Learn A New Language In Less Than 6 Months</a></span></div>
<a href="http://www.katepunivai.com/2010/04/mind-over-matter.html" target="_blank">
</a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
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<a href="http://www.katepunivai.com/2010/04/mind-over-matter.html" target="_blank">
</a><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01657019147960067075noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7197744458640230074.post-68735787429708503112014-05-16T19:31:00.000+10:002014-05-16T19:34:39.118+10:00What's Happening In My Life (May Update)<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFlEgBLe3pDK3vIQJtAg5yqvAx_D7HJdYJApYqhnkRRUxn7TMlFm8-b8qUcOBhvFRV0S16mU3kgGvKtFKFP-1HfDOXcXD4s-xSmdkhKPkCDnjvdPFV5dgGPjOuCE3x0cdXBDnwhFtpvy0/s1600/Tongan+Pics+380.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFlEgBLe3pDK3vIQJtAg5yqvAx_D7HJdYJApYqhnkRRUxn7TMlFm8-b8qUcOBhvFRV0S16mU3kgGvKtFKFP-1HfDOXcXD4s-xSmdkhKPkCDnjvdPFV5dgGPjOuCE3x0cdXBDnwhFtpvy0/s1600/Tongan+Pics+380.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
Wow, the year is flying by! The past month has offered plenty of challenges, but also been rich with blessings and opportunities to grow.<br />
<br />
I <a href="http://www.katepunivai.com/2014/05/5-things-i-learnt-in-heaven.html" target="_blank">caught a glimpse of heaven</a>, had a moment of weakness and <a href="http://www.katepunivai.com/2014/05/a-diary-of-quitting-gluten-one-month.html" target="_blank">ate gluten </a>(then paid the price), and received exciting news about how I'd <a href="http://www.katepunivai.com/2014/05/the-importance-of-little-things.html" target="_blank">helped change another person's life.</a><br />
<br />
The long hot Summer finally succumbed to sublime autumn weather. Warm, sunny days, and nights that are just perfect for putting a blanket on but leaving all the windows open and allowing the ocean breezes to drift in...<br />
<br />
Looking back over the last month, there's a couple of main issues that have occupied my thoughts and my time... </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">House-Building (Or Lack Thereof)</span>: Our house-building still hasn't got underway. The major reason being that the builder (my husband's brother) simply doesn't seem overly keen to get started. Despite my polite questions about the progress being made, I seem to get procrastination and broken promises in return.<br />
<br />
We already have the gravel, sand and bricks sitting on site, waiting to start, but apparently the builder still needs to make something with the metal rods before they can start properly. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Although I've had moments of intense frustration, that is not the overwhelming emotion at this point. Mostly, I feel troubled and wonder if perhaps there's a divine reason for the constant hold-ups? Perhaps we are simply not meant to be building our house in that particular location. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
To be honest, we had some misgivings when we were first gifted this land, but decided to go ahead because it seemed our only option...but perhaps that was just our impatience talking?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So rather than continue trying to exert my own will (as is my usual fashion), I'm simply stepping back at this moment to ponder and seek guidance from above.<br />
<br />
<i>(Wow. God was listening! As I was writing this article, I had a phone call from my husband with good news. He finally got a full-time job in Canberra, Australia, which pays excellent, and we'll now have the money to hire a contract building team so we no longer have to rely solely on his brother. ) </i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Met Someone Extraordinary:</span> Within the last month, I became friends with the most extraordinary person I've ever met. This young man's faith, and compassion for others, just blows me away. In the short time I've known him, I've learnt so much from him, but in the beginning I resisted...</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
He's younger than me (in his mid-20's), I secretly felt it should be ME imparting wisdom and life-lessons to HIM. Then I realized that was just my ego talking and every person has important things to teach us - no matter their number of years, level of IQ or position of employment. That was a humbling, but necessary, realization.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This guy is a mechanic, an absolute master of his trade, yet he's had no formal training and holds no qualifications. But if you put anything mechanical in front of him, he can fix it. Wow, what a gift! When he sees someone broken down by the side of the road, he stops and offers to help. Within 15 minutes, he's got their car going again, refuses any suggestion of payment, then jumps into his van and carries on to his next job. This happens daily, sometimes more than once a day. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Many of the people calling him for help don't have money to pay him. But he doesn't complain, he just smiles and does the job.When he does get paid for his work, he takes the money home and gives it to his mother or sisters, to buy food for the family.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It may be easy for you and I to make excuses as to why we can't all live like this. We might think, "Well, I bet he wouldn't do that if he was married with children." but perhaps we're just trying to make justifications for our own limiting beliefs and scarcity mindset? </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Because of his helpful, caring nature, he has an army of people who <i>want</i> to help him. He regularly has people send him phone credit, or turn up to his house with food or homegrown produce. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
One day, he stopped to help a woman whose car was broken down beside the road. When her car was running again, he refused her offer of payment, and then he and his friend proceeded to a nearby cafe for coffee (that was all they could afford), but while they were there, the waitress bought them both a big plate of food, and explained that a woman (the one whose car had just been fixed) had come in and paid for it. When they got up to leave, the waitress handed him $100, also from the same lady who paid for their food. He promptly handed the money to his friend to put fuel in the car.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This young man happily gives away his time and talents and money, because he just <i>knows </i>that he'll be taken care of. Wow...how's that for faith? Witnessing his faith has had a profound impact on me, and really put a spotlight on my own lack of faith. This guy invites others to become better people simply by his presence, and I thank God that I have the privilege of knowing, and learning from him.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Rumors And Lies</span>: For more than a year now, we've had a young man living with us - Kimi. He's 20 years old, and a cousin of my husband. From the beginning, my husband and I loved and trusted this boy. He was always ready to help out, and never tried to lie or steal from us, even though we let him inside our room and left him alone with our belongings and money.(This made a big impression on us, because the Tongan idea of "stealing" is rather different from the one I grew up with. "Borrowing" and "lending" without asking are often overlooked and excused.)<br />
<br />
In return for his help, we looked after him - cooked meals for him, gave him credit for his phone, and drove him home to his village on Saturday nights so he could spend Sunday with his family. <br />
<br />
When my husband left to go and work in Australia, he told Kimi to help me with anything I needed done. When we cleared the undergrowth and cut down the coconuts, Kimi was there to do it. When I went to town to do shopping, Kimi came and helped look after the kids and carry the groceries. When we had to go and collect water from the tanks, Kimi came to carry the buckets.<br />
<br />
I was so grateful for his help. I came to rely on him but I also enjoyed his friendship and our light-hearted joking. <br />
<br />
This is a small village, everyone knows everyone, and there's not much excitement to distract people, so I guess it was only a matter of time before people starting whispering things behind our backs. But still, when the rumors of an affair reached my ears, I was hurt that people would make up such utter lies about me. One Sunday night, Kimi rang and said he wouldn't be coming to stay anymore, that he was sorry, but it was causing problems in the family and in our village. <br />
<br />
My husband was upset on my behalf and offered to speak to his family (who were also involved in the rumors). I was so tempted to just let him take care of it, since I hate confrontation of any kind, but I knew this was my chance to face up to the issue with dignity and honesty. <br />
<br />
I called my mother-in-law and sisters-in-law into our room and I explained everything to them - that I knew about the rumors, that I had spoken with my husband about it, that my husband had arranged for Kimi to be my helper while he was away, and that I loved this boy like a brother...We discussed the issue out in the open. What a relief! I felt so good about being proactive and dealing with the issue head-on, rather than skirting around it and hoping it would go away.<br />
<br />
I walked away, free from resentment or anger at the way other people chose to behave. I simply felt good about the way I had handled the situation and kept my integrity intact. People can say what they want, I have done what I thought was right.<br />
<br />
Kimi and I are still great mates. He comes to see us sometimes, but doesn't stay here anymore. When our house-building gets underway proper, he'll come each day to help the building team.<br />
<br />
My husband and I plan that when our house is built, he will come and live with us.<br />
<br />
And now, before I love you and leave you...here's a pic I took recently that pretty much sums up village life in Tonga. Kids have come home from school, starving hungry. Someone climbed the neighbour's orange tree and threw a heap of them down, and now they're sitting on the road eating enough oranges to keep their bowels moving along nicely. (What can I say? I'm a mum and a health nut, we think about this kind of stuff...)<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirJU_QGySzdL2qei1hBWVh0im1djS1eL9s50evqchmm1ud3HbA5T8wKcUTVXXnqdGAvOfNJdB0e36opN7Pl3KUJ_itM6GuGn-PnldvUv0lrIUJrQNymbMQresgSSVuH6OfRqEmnbHCAXM/s1600/Tongan+Pics+404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirJU_QGySzdL2qei1hBWVh0im1djS1eL9s50evqchmm1ud3HbA5T8wKcUTVXXnqdGAvOfNJdB0e36opN7Pl3KUJ_itM6GuGn-PnldvUv0lrIUJrQNymbMQresgSSVuH6OfRqEmnbHCAXM/s1600/Tongan+Pics+404.jpg" height="356" width="640" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Mm-otGWvznjGFYwlb1QB6mcoYmiEP4SYIIBNUrxMGoRhx_ULRgsdOtG69yU9e2hCmni9gYUV3mGSfyFWpkHkzGOJof6Gr9PpeM_Kk3TsG4JgOxJD7m2SVqVYxAZ7I82zXRPycbKNVgc/s1600/Tongan+Pics+405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Mm-otGWvznjGFYwlb1QB6mcoYmiEP4SYIIBNUrxMGoRhx_ULRgsdOtG69yU9e2hCmni9gYUV3mGSfyFWpkHkzGOJof6Gr9PpeM_Kk3TsG4JgOxJD7m2SVqVYxAZ7I82zXRPycbKNVgc/s1600/Tongan+Pics+405.jpg" height="358" width="640" /></a></div>
Until next time,<br />
<br />
Blessings x<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01657019147960067075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7197744458640230074.post-7092228557890226492014-05-13T12:19:00.000+10:002014-05-13T12:19:53.942+10:00The Importance of "Little" Things<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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</xml><![endif]-->This blog post was unplanned, but it’s something
that’s been in my heart the past few days, so I decided to share my thoughts with you.<br />
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<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDGlM_jaMigvJ-_2C8MhaHJnFaXYPDAlRuLG-aYk-H5AYtCXIotvyzmGhk0uQzDhAfpD8YH8LTaQJJyVLjx7CAAnbuXbP2cOtOfQY9COwaKKLIw3oIfQdaWcgueduEJG8XnpMOouung10/s1600/file000431899428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDGlM_jaMigvJ-_2C8MhaHJnFaXYPDAlRuLG-aYk-H5AYtCXIotvyzmGhk0uQzDhAfpD8YH8LTaQJJyVLjx7CAAnbuXbP2cOtOfQY9COwaKKLIw3oIfQdaWcgueduEJG8XnpMOouung10/s1600/file000431899428.jpg" height="220" width="320" /></a></div>
You know, life seems to go in cycles. We go through times of
abundance, when things flow easily, when blessings seem to rain down on us and
then other times are like periods of drought – so little encouragement,
everything seems difficult, we struggle to hold onto our faith. </div>
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<br /></div>
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I think both are necessary for our ultimate soul growth and
evolution. I also think both are divinely orchestrated by God...with love. </div>
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<br /></div>
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But naturally, we enjoy one more than the other! </div>
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At this point, I’m going through one of those times of
abundance. Wow, I feel so humbled by the encouragement and support and
blessings I’ve received of late. But it hasn't always been like this…</div>
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<br /></div>
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It’s been nearly 4 years since I realized my life calling was to
inspire people to be healthy and fulfill their true potential. I wasn’t even
sure how I would go about doing it, but somehow the vision has become clearer as I've forged ahead with my purpose.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Along the way, I’ve been ridiculed, criticized, misunderstood,
ignored and laughed at. I’ve spent thousands of hours learning, and then
sharing what I learnt - for no pay, and sometimes no thanks either. But I’ve
stuck to my path not because of the rewards or payback on offer, but simply
because I knew it was right. I’ve kept trying even though at times I questioned
if there was any point? Was I making any difference at all? </div>
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<br /></div>
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But if anything, these past few weeks have reminded me that we simply can’t imagine what effect our actions and words are
having on others. They’re like pebbles dropping into a vast ocean and the ripples
spread ever outwards, beyond our sight. We may never see the final
destination of those ripples, but they’re rippling on just the same! </div>
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<br /></div>
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Recently, I've been contacted by several people who have been inspired or touched by my work in some way. It's almost as though God is whispering encouragement in my ear: "Keep going. You're doing good, but keep going..."<br />
<br />
I want to pass along that same encouragement to you. I want to share one story, as a reminder that small, seemingly unimportant things can have a profound impact on another person's life.</div>
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Last year, I was on a face-book forum where people were
discussing natural cures for cancer. I left a comment about my uncle using bicarbonate soda to <a href="http://www.katepunivai.com/2011/08/cure-for-canceris-in-your-pantry.html" target="_blank">cure his prostate cancer.</a> It was a simple little action,
took less than a minute, but the consequences were far-reaching.<br />
<br />
I did it with the simple intention that someone might find the information helpful or be able to use it in some way. </div>
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The following day, I had a friend request from a man I didn’t
know. Normally I would ignore this, but for some reason I thought “What the
heck?!” and accepted. I then received a private message from this man, who told me his
story. He had read my comment about bicarbonate soda and was interested in
learning more. He was battling cancer, for the third time, and stated that he would
“rather die than go through chemo again.”</div>
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<br /></div>
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I simply shared with him my uncle’s story and what protocol
he had used, and encouraged him to go and do his own research, but he went further than
that! He began changing his diet, practicing meditation, sharing his discoveries with others – the man basically
changed his whole diet and lifestyle. It has been such an honor to witness his transformation, just on my face-book timeline. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Last week, I received a message from this man, and he gave
his permission for me to share it with you:</div>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"I have some great news that I almost
forgot to tell you. I went to the doctor last week. According to my file, 87%
of my body was infected with cancer. As of last week that number has
drastically reduced to 8% ! the doctor ran several tests and dismissed it as
the machines needed adjustment. He wouldn't believe what I told him I was
doing.</span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But here's even better news. His assistant came over and explained his
wife was sick with cancer and he wanted to know what I did to get healthier.
When I told him how I came across the info thru you, and explained just what to
do.... the assistant, with tears in his eyes thanked me. We exchanged numbers
and promised to keep in touch. Thank you Kate. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
GOD bless you and your family. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">P.s. please keep up the great work
you are doing. I will definitely keep spreading the great news, and directing
more people to your page." </span></div>
</blockquote>
</div>
<br />
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Please. Don't overlook little things because you think they don't matter. Little things are the <i>only things that have ever mattered</i>. "Great things" are simply little things multiplied, or little things done consistently, over and over again. </div>
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<br /></div>
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A great mountain is simply trillions of particles of dirt - little things multiplied.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The vast ocean is made up of countless tiny drops of water - little things multiplied.</div>
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<br /></div>
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An incredible journey is made up of millions of small steps - little things multiplied.</div>
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An epic goal accomplished is the result of daily choices and actions - little things done consistently.</div>
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<br /></div>
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So don't ever think you can't make a difference with little things.You may never know the end result, or where the final ripples end up, but understand that your every thought, your every word and every action is having an effect - whether it's positive or negative, seen or unseen - the effects are real, just the same.<br />
<br />
So keep on doing good. Keep on taking care of the "little things" - a friendly smile, a word of encouragement, a phone call to say hello, a random act of kindness, using manners and courtesy, taking the time to pass along your knowledge to others - even if it seems like nobody cares or notices.<br />
<br />
It's being noticed, for that is one of the laws of the Universe. For every action there is a reaction - it can't NOT be noticed.<br />
<br />
<i>Keep going. </i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">You Might Also Like:</span><br />
<a href="http://www.katepunivai.com/2011/08/cure-for-canceris-in-your-pantry.html" target="_blank">The Cure For Cancer...Is In Your Pantry? </a><br />
<a href="http://www.katepunivai.com/2014/05/5-things-i-learnt-in-heaven.html" target="_blank">5 Things I Learnt In Heaven</a><br />
<a href="http://www.katepunivai.com/2013/07/success-my-really-un-politically.html" target="_blank">Success: My Really Un-Politically Correct Definition</a><br />
<a href="http://www.katepunivai.com/2013/07/success-my-really-un-politically.html" target="_blank"><br /></a></div>
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Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01657019147960067075noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7197744458640230074.post-36438661820491477742014-05-09T11:33:00.000+10:002014-05-09T11:50:01.290+10:00How To Meet A Kindred Spirit<div style="text-align: justify;">
Have you ever had a person walk into your life and "see" you instantly, while others have been around you a lifetime, and still haven't noticed who you really are?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I think of these people as "kindred spirits". It's like our souls know and understand each other. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUdGR7YNNgPppcSKjTm9btOIKFl15vuOr7PgducVWu4rqXymct1fsKpSPkm9CqUCEatWEee4Qi51GV7sR9GlZcIQzsXqjMGK2ALMtAqDxflSktcOEE66n3LjKROExdEkDndsXTjOnpFK4/s1600/KindredSpirits.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUdGR7YNNgPppcSKjTm9btOIKFl15vuOr7PgducVWu4rqXymct1fsKpSPkm9CqUCEatWEee4Qi51GV7sR9GlZcIQzsXqjMGK2ALMtAqDxflSktcOEE66n3LjKROExdEkDndsXTjOnpFK4/s1600/KindredSpirits.jpg" /></a>They don't always stay a long time, sometimes they share our journey for mere moments or months, but we remember them forever. Perhaps they stay only long enough to teach us, or support us during a specific time in our lives (and us in their lives).</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Looking back over my lifetime, I've been blessed with a number of kindred spirits over the last two decades.<br />
<br />
Some of them are still in my life today, others have long since moved on, but each time I think of them I offer up a little prayer of gratitude that they graced my life in the first place, and send out best wishes to them, wherever they are now. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
What about if you crave that kind of deep sense of connection, but can't seem to find it anywhere?<br />
<br />
Well, there's a few things you can do to increase the odds.<br />
<br /></div>
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</div>
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</xml><![endif]--><b><span style="font-size: small;">Set The Intention And Then <i>Trust</i>
It Will Happen At The Right Time:</span></b> The most joyous and deepest connections are
made when they just “happen”, not from trying to force something that isn't. Your
kindred spirit will show up…and probably when you least expect it. Keep alert
for opportunities but don’t stress and don’t try to contrive a relationship because you long for that connection.<br />
<br />
It can not, and will not, be faked or forced!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
They say if you want to find
like-minded friends, hang out at places which interest you in hopes of meeting
someone with similar interests. But I’m not convinced that’s how it works with
kindred spirits. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
In almost every case, my kindred spirit came from a completely
different background, had a completely different lifestyle, and even looked
different to my usual circle of friends. And perhaps that’s how it’s meant to
be? Maybe a kindred spirit is not there to agree with everything we already know so
that we can carry on our lives exactly as before. A kindred spirit changes our lives
and shows us a completely different way of looking at the world. They are
divine teachers, if you will. </div>
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Are you ready to have your life changed like that? Are you willing to embrace someone who turns upside down all your comfortable assumptions and lovingly-held opinions? If the answer is no, you may be unconsciously sabotaging every opportunity for a kindred spirit connection.</div>
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<b>Be Authentic</b>: How will your kindred spirit recognize you, if you're busy being someone else? When we show our true
selves, without the social masks, we implicitly give other people permission to
do the same. This makes it easier for kindred spirits to find each other…rather
than trying to wade through all the superficial stuff or simply go by like two ships passing in the night.</div>
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Yes, it can be scary to be yourself, in a world that seems to function on the unspoken understanding that we all quench our natural impulses to dance or run or sing loudly, and instead sit quietly and make polite conversation about the weather and the traffic...</div>
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<b>Don’t Judge a Book By It’s Cover</b>: When I look back on my life, the
kindred spirits stand out in my memory, even years later because they made an impact on my life, and such a soul connection doesn't happen every day. But rarely were my kindred spirits like me in appearance or fashion sense or even musical taste. </div>
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I was a good church girl, and one of the kindred spirits who opened up
my mind to whole new ways of seeing and empathizing was a beer-loving, bass player in a heavy-metal band. Don’t ask me what drew us
together, but we whiled away many magical hours talking about the meaning of life
and what we would be when we finally “grew up” (whenever that magical event occurs!) and everything in between.</div>
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The importance of being open to
other people, no matter what their appearance, was really driven home to me
recently. Just a few weeks ago, I was blessed by another kindred
spirit who quite literally came out of the blue. The circumstances were so unlikely that I can only put
it down to divine orchestration.</div>
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A missed call from a wrong number,
then a conversation that got off on the wrong foot entirely, somehow became that glorious
moment when you realize you have stumbled across someone who “sees” you
and “gets” you right down to the core of your being.</div>
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I didn’t meet the guy
for several weeks, and when I did, I was somewhat surprised to discover that he
looked nothing like the person I pictured in my head. From our phone conversations,
I knew him to be incredibly smart and “switched on” and driven, but also compassionate, humble, kind and a true humanitarian at heart. (A typical Virgo!)</div>
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In “real life” I was surprised to
discover that he dressed and walked with that typical hip-hop style and swagger. For some reason, I just wasn't expecting that, and it
was a reminder to me: <i>Never underestimate or dismiss another person because of they way they look. </i></div>
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We risk missing out on some of the most amazing, life-changing interactions if
we automatically rule out people who look or act or think differently to us.</div>
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If I passed that young man on the
street, I might never have guessed that he is a complete master of his trade,
due to unwavering dedication to learning and hard work, or that most of his work
is done for free, for people who can’t afford to pay him. I probably wouldn’t
have guessed that he dreams of setting up a factory to train unemployed youth
in the poorest neighbour-hood. I certainly wouldn’t have guessed that no matter
what time he goes to bed each night, he’s up at 4am every morning to do his
morning prayers and worship.<br />
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Kindred spirits recognize each other by the way they make each other feel, <i>NOT the way they look. </i></div>
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<b>Be honest</b>: It's okay to tell someone that you feel a connection with them and you'd love to stay in contact. You'll know if the feeling is mutual - they'll seek out your presence as much as you seek out theirs...It won't feel like hard work or too much effort. You'll simply find a way to be in each other's lives.</div>
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But understand that everyone has their own path and their own journey to complete. Sometimes life pulls us in different directions, and we have to be willing to let them go, with love. It is enough to know that our lives are better for having known them (and hopefully theirs are better for having known us!), and we are better for having allowed them into our hearts...</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">You Might Also Like:</span><br />
<a href="http://www.katepunivai.com/2014/05/5-things-i-learnt-in-heaven.html" target="_blank">5 Things I Learnt In Heaven </a><br />
<a href="http://www.katepunivai.com/2014/01/my-incredible-experience-of-travelling.html" target="_blank">My Incredible Experience Of Travelling With No Money</a><br />
<a href="http://www.katepunivai.com/2013/07/why-i-decided-to-become-vegetarian.html" target="_blank">Why I Decided To Become A Vegetarian</a></div>
Katehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01657019147960067075noreply@blogger.com0