Run For Your Lifeline - Supporting The Charity That Supported Me

The selfless Lifeline volunteers do a great service to the community. They have been there in my hour of need time and time again. When friends and family were at work, asleep, or when I didn't want to 'burden' them, Lifeline volunteers are always there to answer the phone, 24 hours of the day. I will never know who the person on the other end of the phone is. Their name, hair colour, skin colour etc. remain a mystery, but their kind voices will never be forgotten.

I can't ever thank Lifeline enough. They supported me when I wasn't well, and now that I am I'm choosing to support them by running in the Run For Your Lifeline Fun Run/Walk on Saturday 5th November. All proceeds go to Lifeline Canberra. I've signed up for the 10km but there is also a 5km or 21km half- marathon. For more details visit the event website.

'Lifeline Canberra exists to support people in crisis and save the lives of those experiencing thoughts of suicide. For 45 years, our highly skilled volunteers have provided 24/7 support via our 13 11 14 crisis support service. Lifeline Canberra telephone crisis supporters listen with care and acceptance, whatever the circumstance, and provide support and information to people in need. As an integral part of the Canberra landscape, we continue to promote community and individual resilience. Each day our staff and volunteers fight to save the next life.'

If you are reading this and feel you need support, you are never alone. FOR SUPPORT IN A CRISIS, CALL LIFELINE'S 24-HOUR CRISIS SUPPORT LINE 13 11 14.

Orchidaholics Anonymous

I have a problem... I'm an orchid addict!

 

...but I can stop whenever I want...

 

My Yoga Story

I started doing yoga through complimentary community classes organised by lululemon each Sunday morning outdoors at Glebe Park, Canberra. The beautiful feeling of the warmth of the sun on my back while moving through poses and the calm that ensued after each class made it a new weekly pleasure of mine. 

At the time, work wise I was burnt out and quite frankly over working in Childcare. I no longer felt passionate about it like I once had, and something needed to change. I had a 3 month overseas trip to South and Central America booked and I told myself that once I got back home I could reassess whether or not to stay working in Childcare or focus my energy elsewhere. However in the weeks leading up to my trip, I spontaneously started doing yoga with the kids at work. I found the benefits worked both ways – my stress levels lowered as I could do yoga whenever I felt the urge throughout the day, and the kids in turn were more engaged, focused and having fun!

During a visit to the travel doctor to get my injections for the upcoming trip, in passing she mentioned a book called ‘Yoga for Travellers’ by Jennifer J. Ellinghaus. I made a mental note and later ordered the book, and absolutely fell in love with it! With sequences for all different travel occasions, it inspired me to continue my yoga practice throughout my travels. The highlight of my yoga adventures overseas was leading yoga sessions at ancient ruins with my hiking buddies at the end of each day along the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu.

When I got back home to Australia I signed up to do the Rainbow Yoga for Kids Teacher Training, and what an unforgettable experience it turned out to be! Over the 3 days of hands-on learning (literally!) through yoga games, massage, partner poses, guided imagery, lots of laughter and even a few happy tears, I learnt so much about how to make yoga for kids fun and engaging. Their motto is ‘Yoga is more fun together’ and I have to say I wholeheartedly agree!

It opened my eyes to see yoga in a different way and I’m now putting what I learnt into practice at work (I decided to go back to Childcare after all). I actually want to go to work again. Yoga has given me my passion for working with kids back, and helps me to stay sane, calm and happy throughout the day! I’m now also chasing my new-found dream of becoming a Kids Yoga Teacher.

I’m so excited for this new and unexpected path yoga has lead me to! 

I absolutely love using my new pretty patterned Envision yoga mat from Vagabond goods! 

Blogging for LBWT - THIS Is Rockin' Rica

My third and final post writing for the Life Before Work Travel Blog is up!

Check out the post THIS Is Rockin' Rica along with accompanying travel photos.

Blogging for LBWT - Pura Vida: Life on the Coasting Costa Tour

My second installment writing for Life Before Work Travel about our adventures on tour in Central America is up on their travel blog! Check out the post Pura Vida: Life on the Coasting Costa Tour. I've been absolutely loving the experience of writing for them. The third and final post is in the works!

Torn

My Entry into the World Nomads Travel Writing Scholarship

World Nomands have teamed up with Lonely Planet  for their 2016 Travel Writing Scholarship competition. They're sending 3 talented aspiring writers on an Australian road trip, and I want to be one of them!

I chose to enter under the story theme 'A local encounter I'll never forget.' View my entry Breaking down barriers through the universal language! and wish me luck.

 

Bonding and breaking down barriers through dance - the universal language!

 

Before leaving for a recent three month travel adventure I decided I really wanted to attend a Zumba class while in South America - after all, it is the birthplace of the dance!

 

After a failed attempt the previous night (a class at another place simply wasn't on as scheduled), I was dropped off by my taxi driver in a dodgy looking part of town. Feeling unsure as I paid the fare, I walked down the street for a minute until I saw flashing lights coming from a corner studio with a bunch of women chatting outside and the Zumba logo displayed clearly. I felt so relieved, I was finally at a class!

 

Although the instructor spoke only a little English, he asked me where I was from. When I told him Australia, he gave me a huge hug and a lolly. The class was amazing and exactly what I wanted - high energy, big moves, enthusiasm and lots of fun! Afterwards a few of the local girls I did the class with took photos with me and wished me well. As I sat in the taxi on my way back, I almost cried from happiness because of how good the experience was and just how welcomed I felt. Dance - the universal language!