Defy conformity

Choose to forgive and not remain bitter; to remember the good things about a person rather than something they may have done wrong.
Choose to focus on every time you’ve smiled a true and genuinely happy smile.
Look beyond the rain and embrace the possibility of new growth, a new tomorrow, new hope.
Mistakes ultimately make you who you are, so don’t put yourself down because of them. After all, life goes on and time doesn’t wait for anyone.
What’s the use of wasting such a precious commodity on anxiety and fear? There’s so much more out there to live for, to search for and to focus on.
Life is what you make of it, and the decision is yours. No one can make it for you.
It’s a hefty…but incredible responsibility.

You are infinitely extraordinary
Don’t bring yourself down to an ordinary level because the world has unreasonable standards they expect you to live up to.

If the world encourages you to hold a grudge, challenge it, and instead meet the problem with compassion and an open mind. If we cannot learn to love and accept others, there is little for us on this earth.

True joy comes from knowing you defied the usual, and made someone else a little happier.

Alice

‘The Impossible’

Immediately upon seeing this incredible movie, I knew I had to write about it.

How though, can someone write on something that leaves them so speechless? Throughout the movie, I was either in tears, holding my breath, cringing in horror or in awe of the beauty of it all. Never before has a movie been able to leave me as this one did. Still in shock 30 minutes later, I was in the process of really thinking about what I had seen, and how it had impacted me.

The underlying message that really stood out to me was that in the times when all hope seems lost and when your worst nightmare turns into a reality, the human heart has every opportunity to show compassion and love. People reaching out to absolute strangers in acts of support…I honestly even now find it difficult to find the words to say.

The most powerful part, for me, was the sudden realisation that this movie was based on a true story of survival. That the family still lives today and had to live through such a terrifying experience.

That thousands of other families had to go through the same thing.

That so many people were lost.

That so many families were torn apart.

So much loss.

So much pain.

However…so much hope.

Surely in those instances, we can only hold onto the saying, “the night is darkest before the dawn”.

In conclusion, this movie is a must see. I believe it will go down in history alongside the likes of ‘The Titanic’.

I cannot put words to such a magnificent film as this…all I can say is I am so grateful for life, and the opportunity to live safely. I am awed by the human heart and it’s will to survive. I am truly humbled.

A diary entry

A while ago, on the plane to Fiji, I wrote a diary entry that I think deserves to be made public.

4/11/12

We are currently on the plane to Fiji, reality is setting in and our excitement has begun to rise. As the plane lifted off, I made a silent prayer to leave all stress, anxiety and worry behind, so as to truly gain the best possible experience whilst away. My anticipation for the next 12 days is high, and i’m really challenging myself to step out of my comfort zone and see what impact I can make on those around me. The flight doesn’t have movie entertainment, so it has given me the perfect chance to settle into my book ‘Hope’ by Tim Costello, rest my eyes and ponder the true reasons for my journey. Truthfully speaking I’m still unsure what to expect and i wonder whether I’ve set my expectations too high. Many times I think that maybe my place in the world doesn’t involve what I think it does, but then I remember just how much of a change small things can have. Faith, and Hope. The Tim Costello book i’ve been reading has been incredibly thought provoking and most importantly very encouraging. Tim has found his way into a position where he witnesses miracles, compassion and hope constantly. His stories provide real evidence that the world is willing and able to accept change, and that beneath our tough exteriors, stubborn traditions and seemingly immovable ego’s, we are all humans who have the ability to relate and empathise with one another. We all have basic needs, and in times when we find ourselves in strife, we turn to each other in search of comfort and acceptance. 

One of the chapters in Tim’s book outlined perfectly an issue I’ve constantly grappled with. He states that wealth cannot always be the cure for the poverty “problem” and that poverty isn’t always a lack of wealth. When we scratch beneath the surface, we discover that communities with considerably less than we do are far more rich in things such as togetherness, happiness, community and compassion. Where our western world was once so adept in communicating and socialising on the public forum, it has rapidly been replaced with means of social media and general solitary lifestyles. Conversely, communities unaffected by economic growth and technological advancement appear to have still clung to their traditions and values passed down from generations. Perhaps it means that we have a lot to give materially  but we could learn a big lesson from those less fortunate people also. 

Personally, it has not only consolidated the reality of this paradox, but it’s encouraged me to pursue a life more connected, more valued and dedicated to passing down a passion for being involved. I know I want to bring my own children up in an environment where they feel appreciated and valued as individuals, but also where they can reciprocate this to their immediate community and beyond. Through true, honest, traditional means.

Most of all, i know I’ll have a lot to learn from those around me, and I look forward to seeing how this culture shift an impact my mindset and opinions. 

 

I’ve returned to this post on many occasions, re-living what I was feeling at that time. Truth be told, the trip was nothing like what I’d expected it to be, but I suppose that’s the way it goes.

In a way, I’ve set a challenge for myself by writing those things, to keep a check on how I live my life and my daily routines. In years I might return to that exact diary and who knows what I’ll think then.

However, all that being said, I encourage you to take those words, read that chapter in Tim’s book or reflect on the way that you live right now. It’s never too late to reassess what your life is doing. Take inspiration from those around you and mould it into who you want to be.

Most of all….