Jodies Life Blog - A Page Of Observations In Life's Lessons

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Jodies Life Blog 07

As I write this latest life writing - the wind is howling outside - not odd for Queensland, but odd because it was not predicted for the weather forecast today.  My Bamboo lined against my back fence is swaying back 'n' forth, whipping with the wind in unpredictable ways.  My birdbath water is swaying to the constant flicks of an invisible power that is 'the wind'.  Wind - what an incredible power it is.  Not just for creating and making power, via wind farms, etc - but, for blowing leaves, almost cleaning gutters and maybe not cleaning in some places - but, making a mess.

Wind - It's unpredicable and creates dryness, noise and sometimes destruction. i.e.: Tornado's, etc.  It's correlation to life in general is fascinating and how we secure ourselves, ready for life's wind's - is all part of coping with the day-to-day challenges of what we are expected to cope with.  Some of us find that we can't cope with life's wind's, we get slammed with more wind than others, sometimes slammed over & over for no particular reason.  Sometimes, attempted destruction of our life - is more than we can stand, it's more than we've prepared for, it's more than we've thought about or dreamt about.  Starting out in life, we all seek the same thing: stability, a home with a loved one, purpose and happiness.

None of us really believe that this will never happen to us - we just imagine the best, we hope for the best.  But, do we secure for the best?  Rarely, I think many of us do.  When a storm is coming and the local weather forecast warns of strong winds, what else do they say?  Usually, they tell you to tie down all loose items in your backyard, put things away that could become flying missiles.  PREPARE.  Secure your items to a sure foundation or inside a sure foundation.

Like the wind and it's destructive powers, we must prepare and secure for life's events.  Have I done this?  Yes, I have.  Have you done this?  Ask yourself today - 'Am I prepared for the wind events of life'?  What would happen to me if a storm with destructive winds came my way?  Would I cope?  Would my family cope?  These are good questions to ask.  It's good to be ready and it's important to see that wind/storm in the distance.  It hasn't arrived yet, but it could.

Secure your life's foundation - and if you don't know which way to go, to do that - ask me anytime.  I secured my foundation at the age of 13 and it has created smooth recovery, when the outside is rocking my vessel.  Foundation in life is everything, being prepared is everything.  Life and your love for a better life is everything.  To ask about my foundation, email me.

 

Jodies Life Blog 06

Enjoying life | no matter what the challenge.  This is my latest life blog subject.  Yes, I am still blogging on my life blog.  I haven't forgotten.  I get caught up in family life, in errands, in looking after the home, kids, pets, husband and paperwork.  Being a Mum and a wife can be a busy calling.  It can also be a mundane job for many Mum's around the world.  This includes Dad's and other carers.  The rewards come in ways that we don't expect - smiles, cute gifts, lots of hugs and kisses and from fur-babies - lots of sloppy licks.  Yes, it's hard work - particularly if your a single Mum or Dad and also if you've got an illness or a disability.

There are times in life (particularly after a challenge) where we realise that whatever the lot we've been served - the answer to a happy life is not what you have and own, whether you have a lot or a little, it's not how important your job is or whether you are a CEO or a cleaner.  The answer to a happy life is taking all you've been given, making the VERY best you can with it and applying a slap of happiness, laughter and a sense of humour.  Find what makes you happy.  Look back at the people who once trampled on you and see how far life has transported you into the promises you were shown.  

A few people trampled on me, but, I wished them the best and prayed for them, regardless.

This is the important mixture we all want.  The piece of life's puzzle.  Here in the west we often marvel at happy 'poor' faces.  Doco's showing us very poor people, who don't even have a proper house or a toilet - yet, they're happy, smiling, giggling, laughing.  They have chosen to enjoy their life, whatever they're lot, to be happy - whatever their challenge.  Today, I was reading a website and noticed a day called 'National Toilet Day' - the stats suggest that 2.6 billion people around the world, don't have access to a clean toilet.  I had no idea - how could all of these people find this OK?  Having a clean place to go to the bathroom would surely be an important part of having a happy life.  Would it not?

I think we all must learn to choose to enjoy the everyday - even in physical pain - it's a choice to laugh and to appreciate the flowers, the birds, the waterfalls and beautiful scenery created for us, made for our pleasure and enjoyment.  

Will you enjoy your life today?  No matter what?

I know this is my mission - happiness is sometimes via the simplier things in life :) 



Jodies Life Blog 05

Empathy - is an amazing word.  It means much to many, in various camps.  Whether your a person of faith or an emerging believer, empathy can come with the territory.  I also believe it is written on the heart of every human being and belongs to the beginnings of our creation.  Hopefully, it is something we all try to strive for.  It usually can come (like a tidal wave) after a sole or series of challenges in one's life.  Almost, like a small gift from the rough gravel of disappointment and life's sometime sadness - empathy can be a journey in itself and will bless your heart with a new understanding of how it is to walk in the shoes of a brother or sister.  Empathy can draw us closer to our friends and family and even those we do not know.  It reminds me of a selfless wonder that occured on a cross, at a place called Golgotha - I think of this amazing and remarkable sacrifice daily.

From where I have travelled, both physically & emotionally - I have witnessed the love of people for people.  In a care setting or in a regular everyday family routine.  Empathy is everywhere.  Yet, it is up to us to practice it and be empathy to all of God's creatures around us.  How do we do this?  Follow your heart - follow your faith - speak your emotions to people and tell them of your love for people, their struggles, their desperation and their needs.  When I go to the store, I try to ask the person serving me, how their day is going.  Are they looking forward to a break and when do they get to 'knock off'?  Simple enquiries like this seem well, 'too simple' - but, it might be the only time someone asks that store clerk how their day is going.  We often see people like a machine - they are far more than this and they are more than an animal or a 'mammal' - a creature of evolution.  People are divine reflections of our ultimate purpose and remarkable beginnings.  We must never forget where we came from and ultimately who continues to refresh us from inside and out.

Personally, I cannot forget those around me who held my hand and led me through my darkest hours.  Those people (a reflection of the best of humanity) will forever be examples to me of how I can then 'pay it forward' for others.  Is empathy a dying art?  I believe popular media want's it to appear so.  When we turn on the news, what do we see?  Alot of bad news, about bad people and nasty acts of horrible degree's.  We may be graced to see a tiny snipet of a kind act on the end of the evening news, as a novelty report or occasionally a special report, during easter or christmas.  Does Empathy and kindness only happen at these times of the year?  Hardly - it is all around us - I believe humanity is still interested in being 'kindness & love' to each other - we may have to look for it a bit harder AND turn off our negative news.  It does nothing to make us better people, but simply fills us with distain for others and makes us believe there is no empathy or kindness, left in the world.

What will you do TODAY for someone else?  Forget what your body and mind is telling you to do.  Follow your empathy, your desire to be kind and reach out to others.  It may be as simple as asking your local store clerk, how their day is going?  Maybe taking an ill neighbour's dog for a walk, speak to someone about your love for God and your faith - reach out with a food package for someone who might be struggling.

If your a patient and have dealt with some struggles in health - how can you take your ugly rocks and turn them into gold nuggets?  SIMPLE.  Take your pain and turn it around 180 degrees, in the other direction, start to speak about your gold nuggets, even if they have not yet arrived.  Thank God for your difficulties and ask Him to lighten the load - then share and walk in the shoes of brothers and sisters.  But, be careful to share for the purpose of uplifting and not pulling down.  It is easy to whine and complain - but, taking your squashed tomatoes and making spagetti sauce out of them will bless more people, than you can ever imagine. 

John 15:13
Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.

Jodies Life Blog 04

Today I will write about something close to my heart - The miracle of life!!  I don't think that any of us understand how significant it is that so many of us have a near miss occasionally.  Driving, walking across the road, injury, accidents, battling a disease - Death tries to swallow us regularly, but we don't see it or recognize it, for ourselves.  We may get a small hint when a friend suffers a close call, a relative passes away (close or distant), maybe we have a dream about ourselves 'passing away'.  It can be frightening, yet a relief to find ourselves OK and alive after a midnight dream scare.  Life has not ended, just yet.

Why do we ignore the close calls we have?  It always happens to someone else and not ourselves.  It's a story on the TV, in the paper, from a friends conversation.  Maybe we are reminded about our humanity when we see our parents getting older - or our spouse is diagnosed with a health condition.  Sometimes, the reminder can be as brash as a charging bull - our friend gets a headache and finds out they have weeks to live, apparently.

Humanity and the gift of life is our greatest friend, but so, so brittle and so easy to snuff out.  Out of this blog, as you read - I want you to remember, that tomorrow is a new day - it's the greatest gift on your palm - the greatest miracle, wrapped in and around your heart & soul.  I know it is said many times over and we may hear it in different ways, but quite simply: Everyday, we have to be ready to go, fly away and meet our maker.  Are you ready to soar?  Are you prepared to let go of the railing and fly, through the sky to the other side?  I am ready, are you?

I almost touched the other side twice and I knew 100% where I was going.  I don't think I was ready yet, but if I was called - I could go with complete certainty that a home was waiting for me in a kingdom, beyond this earth.  Where is your kingdom?  Where is your eternity destiny?  

When your wings fly you over the sun and your ready to soar, can we meet there?  I'd love to.  In fact, I imagine that my mansion in the sky will be encrusted with blue and purple cystals.  A diamond, every here and there and gold up on the roof.  Silver will line the floors and reflect the shimmering gold daze.  There will be pathways through rooms marked with rainbow lighting and fountains, with places to meet friends, talk and enjoy the company of beautiful & caring people.  There will be a special place to worship and sing, reach out and heal and touch and converse, to share and understand past sufferings.

My grandmother (Jean Campbell) who passed over many years ago, assured me, she'd be waiting and told me where to find her.  In the baby and young child section.  Her preference was to look after the young ones who had passed away - I can't wait to see her and play with some beautiful babies.

Where are you going?  Are you ready to fly?  How are your wings?  This wonderment assurance is available to you in a quick moment, no money required, no courses, no secrets or special foods, just devotion to the truth.  ASK ME how - your decison, your moment is waiting.  

A warm coffee will also be waiting for you in my mansion, at my table.  We have so much to talk about.  And yes, I've heard they have awesome coffee in heaven.

Jodies Life Blog 03 

Opportunity is one of those words we all seem to be hunting, from the first moments of our life (a baby seeking an opportunity to feed) to the last moments of our life (a man or a woman seeking their final goodbyes, an opportunity to put it all right). 

And certainly all through our lives, every day in fact – we are looking for opportunities….a quiet moment to have a rest, a space in the traffic to merge over, an empty checkout or maybe even the right moment to raise a subject with your spouse.   Opportunity is everywhere and we become honed in our skills in capturing these moments, probably more than we realise. 

As well as opportunity seekers, us humans are great hunters, we don’t back down quickly – we recognize our need, or essentially long-term goals.  We will even search for opportunity; through disability….we find ways to get around the obstacles….to chase the moments that present themselves daily.  But, what is it that stops us from chasing the big opportunities?  Put aside errands to the local store, a free afternoon to take the kids to the Zoo or a couple of weeks off, for a vacation.  That’s not really the kind of opportunity, I am talking about. 

Take for instance, my favourite creature on earth (The Eagle) – I think many of us are inspired by this bird.  In fact, the power of the Eagle and how it relates to life, sort of makes it sound more than a bird.  When I think of the word ‘Bird’ – I think of little sparrows or crows or seagulls.  So, calling the Eagle a bird seems simply wrong.  I think of it more as an inspiration machine.   Machine sounds wrong too, maybe Inspiration in motion.  When watching any type of Eagle – I see the word opportunity written down its back.  Not literally, of course – but as a signal and as a lesson on how we should also grab a hold of a battle, a hurt or a fabulous experience & turn it into opportunity. 

The Eagles decisive dive and flight for its prey is taken with not one ounce of hesitation.  I have never once seen an Eagle sit on a mountain top or a massive tree – spy potential lunch and sit back, cross his legs and think about it for a while?  Doesn’t sound right, does it?  Not for a second.  He is trained to tunnel in with his eyes, stay focused, see his lunch & take off in an instant.  Does he look behind him and ask his mates if he should go and get it (whatever it is)?  Does he wait 10 minutes to see if anyone has an opinion?  If he did, we all know – his opportunity would be eaten, by another Eagle, maybe by an eel or a bigger fish.  That’s why he must go now, grab the fish that is HIS opportunity and make it worth something to him. 

I know from experience sometimes that life really sucks….every person on earth knows this….it’s tough out there.  Our opportunities don’t always come in the form of a ‘live fish’ or a perfectly ‘intact fish’ – I’m sure that if the Eagle waited for a perfect looking meal, he might end up being skinny, wasting and not too healthy.  The Eagle dives for whatever his meal presents as, a fish or a rabbit, a mouse or a rat, perfect or slightly irregular. 

Like the Eagle and his meal, for us opportunities come in all shapes and forms.  Certainly, rarely are they perfect looking; sometimes they look down-right ugly, frightening or messy.   Fear is what holds us back.  Poison meals also presents themselves masked as a tasty dish and certainly we must be weary of what a good opportunity is and what is dangerous. 

So let’s think of ourselves like an Eagle, there is opportunity all around you, to fulfil your dream, to apply yourself in whatever your heart desires, don’t let the people behind you tell you not to dive.  Your gut is probably telling you, you will regret it if you don’t fly into this opportunity, into what is ahead. 

And many of us look back and wonder why we didn’t pick up past opportunities.  There are more on your horizon everyday….don’t lose heart, fly like the eagle and grab your meal today. 

Listen to this song, hear the words and understand that opportunity is everywhere, ‘when you believe’ (click on the picture below): 

 Love & Blessings 2 U All, 

Jodie’s Life Blog 02 

Hello again to my family, friends & supporters. 

★Life can often throw us some curveballs, I know all about that. What is a curveball, you ask?  In baseball terms - a curveball is a type of pitch in baseball thrown with a characteristic grip and hand movement that imparts forward spin causing the ball to dive in a downward path as it approaches the plate.  In the movie with Kevin Costner (For Love of the Game) – by the end of his career, the character: Billy Chapel – has thrown so many special pitches and curveballs that his limb equipment starts to fail on him.  As a pitcher, there is nothing worse than losing your ability to pitch out your opponent; it would be enough to drive a talented athlete to ground. 

Whether we are the receiver of the curveball or a pitcher (like Billy Chapel)....sometimes an involuntary pitcher – curveball’s are unfortunately part of life, whether we are pessimists or optimists – curveballs are everywhere.  They appear out of nowhere, take us by surprise and cause us to doubt our skills, our passion, our talent and our life’s mission.  Sometimes, we can hit them and even ‘drive them out of the park’ – sometimes, we fail – either to hit the curveball or swing & miss.  When an athlete may fail to hit or miss one curveball - is the rest of his career, judged on that one failure?  NO – not at all.  If that was the case, elite athletes would not exist; they wouldn’t take the time and effort to become what they were in the first place. 

Like an elite athlete, we should see life in the same vein.  One bad miss or poor hit of a difficult life curveball won’t and should not alter the course of the rest of our life, neither should a succession of them.  Regardless of how difficult life circumstances can be, how many tears and heartache they often bring, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off and stand ready for the next curveball. 

I meet many people in person or on social media, who have not been ready to receive a curveball.  And really, who is?  Honestly, I think it is very few.  Some of these people I speak to, have been hit by several curveballs, one after another.  Some of us get served some serious curveballs (health, disability, relationship or financial problems) – others not so serious (our home is damaged, we back our car into a pole or someone curses at us).  Any kind of curveball tries to chip away at us. 

Life in its pure essence in an imperfect world can only bring challenge after challenge.  How do we prepare ourselves?  How do we get ourselves ready for the curveballs of life?  Some of these serious challenges – no one can prepare for.  But, what we can do is choose our course and our beliefs, earlier in life. 

I believe the earlier the better.  Create or adhere to a foundation that will weather the storms, the circumstances, the difficulties and the unexpected, the unexplained.  Then talk to a professional, maybe a therapist, a doctor you trust, a psychiatrist, a psychologist.   It is not a sign of weakness to speak to any of these people, more – I think a sign that you care enough about yourself and your family to take care of yourself and your state of mind, after the curveball. 

In 2007, I had just finished fighting the biggest curveball of my life.  It was astronomically massive, and I lived in denial about the impact it had on my mind.  I told professionals and people around me that I was OK, I didn't need any help, I could do it on my own.  Yeah right!!  I don't think so.  Only after, I realized that I had suffered some mental injury from this huge curveball, did I start to seek help.  It was hard to admit that at the time, I thought I could handle it with my own methods.  And only now, 4 years down the track, am I really willing to talk about it all and the damage this curveball did to my brain, I am constantly recovering.  When I looked for help and asked for it, it was given to me willingly and happily and it literally saved my life all over again. 

So, just remember – the curveballs of life were not meant to be tackled alone.  There are many others who have had to face the same things, cheering you on from the sidelines and offering hands and hugs of hope.  People all around you may struggle with the same things.  Just remember though, that people are just people.  They will always let you down.  When you have a curveball and need to recover, like the advice financial experts may give you - diversify - talk to God, talk to people & talk to a professional.  When you've recovered from the Tornado, you'll look back and thank yourself ★

Jodies Life Blog 01

Hey all & welcome to my new life blog.

On this page, I will blog about non-medical issues and lessons I have seen and observed along the way.

I have been told that I am a creative spirit - I guess this is why I have won art awards in the past and why I enjoy creating and web designing.  I would ♥ (soon) to study for an art degree of some kind, art & creativity runs in my veins - whether it's painting, writing, web designing or speaking.

Sometimes, as we all do - looking back at where we were in our early 20's - can be both difficult and provide something to laugh about - ponder & ponder some more.  What makes us go back and consider our decisions, our thoughts (or maybe you're still there)?  For me, going back in the last year, has been triggered by meeting old friends, people I once and (still) love.  I think we all enjoy going back, in thought, spirit and soul.  Whether it's triggered by a meeting or finding an old friend on a social network - like childhood, I frequently think about key moments in my youth.  More in my teens and my early 20's - nothing to regret, but maybe knowing more about life now (in my late 30's) - I may have been more vocal about my opinion and spoke my mind, went for what I wanted regardless of what anyone thought.  Some of us are already that bold in our 20's - it took me some time.

I have a feeling now, that we only get where we want to go, when we speak up and indicate what our heart longs for, what our passion is and how we feel we can get to the pinnacle of where God wants us to be.  Speaking up & thinking up is a better path I believe, to happiness/to understanding - looking in the mirror and seeing who we really are.✿

But, the natural course of life and intelligence gathering (as we learn & make mistakes) gives us a totally new look at mysteries that once perplexed us.  I understand now, the behaviours of people I once was close to - what used to make no sense, now (with learned knowledge) - is as clear as crystal and makes perfect sense.  Not all people from our past make sense now - but some do and that I find, (wow!) fascinating.  It's almost like re-watching a movie we once loved.  Like a childhood favourite, watched again with adult/older eyes.  A new place to explore - new knowledge to understand - new scenes to replay.

I learn alot from going back, remembering good times, even poor decisions.  Reading my journal, from my early 20's - I see a familar, yet different young lady.  I know the importance of journaling, but really - who does it for they're entire life? I have only ever really journaled for smaller portions and then find it hard to do for longer periods.  I think blogging, really is the modern version of journaling, hence what alot of us do today.

I think going back - watching an old film, reading an former favourite book, calling an old friend, reading an old journal, even looking at old photo's - can bring more joy than pain.

Sometimes the pain and poor decisions are forgotten before the joy of 20 years prior says 'Hello' (one of my favourite Lionel songs).  Then again emotional pain is everywhere and when it come to the past, how do we deal with that?  There would never be enough answers for everyone - making a painful emotional memory go away might mean, physically writing & burning - a symbol.  OR handing it in and giving it up in your heart to someone higher.✞

I think (in the end) we could choose to condemn ourselves for the past or see the decisions we have made, as part of greater journey....a path that leads us to where we are meant to be and what we are meant to learn.  Blessings 2 U All....ƸӜƷ