A Wish for My Daughter

"Children are likely to live up to what you believe of them"

Lady Bird Johnson

This week marks the end of my daughters' years in primary school. She is heading off to high school next. It has been wonderful to watch the emotions that she has experienced in the lead up to this event. Everything from fear and nervousness before her first interview with the school, the happiness and excitement after her orientation day. The more she learnt about her new school, the more knowledge she gained, the more people she met - the more comfortable she has become with the thought of leaving behind what she knew and heading into the future.

On the brink of this new stage of my baby's life, I began to reflect on my hopes for her. So Beautiful Girl it is my wish that you can see yourself as I do and embrace the following beliefs about yourself.

I am perfect exactly as I am

I do not have to prove to anyone or anything who I am

I am a stunning example of feminine strength

I blossom with joy and beauty

I now choose to eliminate from my life and mind every negative, destructive, fearful idea and thought that would keep me from being the magnificent woman I am meant to be

It is safe for me to grow

I now stand on my own two feet and think for myself

I am a blessing to the planet

My future is bright and beautiful

I am a kind-hearted and sensitive soul

Together we lovingly nourish an even more beautiful world

With joy, I recognise my perfection and the perfection of Life

So Little Miss Jess Lyn, I ask that you may take these beliefs with you throughout your life. To take on the challenges that you will encounter with determination, to cherish the friends that you will make, to enjoy the opportunities that come your way, to know that you can and do make a wonderful contribution to the world, to let yourself shine and inspire others and to never forget that you are a special, unique and amazing individual.

I love you, I am blessed to have you in my life and I am proud to be able to call you my daughter. So when you look in the mirror, remember that you may not always hear all the compliments that you sweetly deserve, but you are worthy of all the friendship, treasures, love and joy in the world

A Wish for My Daughter

Power of making a decision

Nearly 18 months ago I made a decision that i was going to have my own photography business specialising in portraits and events as that is what I love doing. At the time I was teaching and while I enjoyed it - it was a job rather than a passion. Now today that goal is a reality!

How - through hard work, effort made meeting new people and taking new risks but mainly because I had decided that it was going to happen. The how is really not that important, it was going to happen!! What I have discovered along the way - is that I have become a better person because of this journey that is not over because I have achieved this goal. It is just another beginning of a leg in the journey.

So many people have helped me achieve this goal - some without even realising it. I am extremely grateful for the encouragement and belief that others gave me. It seems that once that decision had been made, things just fell into place, opportunities opened up from all around, help came if and when I needed it. I also worked hard to make things progress as fast as possible. It appeared that the universe was conspiring to help me along - it was and is amazing.

I am also glad that I had the opportunity to make a public declaration of my decision. I stood up in front of a group of friends and announced that I was going to do this thing. And they held me accountable to get it happening - when I would see them they would ask how things were going. That made me feel an urgency, it stopped me from procrastinating along the way as they were always very excited for me to hear of the progress that was being made.

These are the things that I have found that I need to make my goals and dreams, reality: belief that it is possible, gratitude in advance for what is unfolding around me, the willingness to stick to it and work hard, a trusted group of cheerleaders that also believe in me. And the most important thing is that you have to make that first and definite decision that it's going to be. That total clarity of the end result even if you have no idea how you can make it happen, it's going to happen regardless.

These are the first pictures I took in my studio - I still love saying that - MY STUDIO - how cool is that. They are of my daughter, my best and favourite model. They are and always will be special.

Power of making a decision

Looking for Happiness

Happiness is that elusive thing that we are all looking for and striving for. Everyone seeks to be happy and live a more fulfilling life.

Happiness is just an attitude, a feeling of contentment and satisfaction with yourself and your place in the world. Here are some thoughts that will help you in your search for happiness.

Learn to Relax Take your time to enjoy the small things in your life, slow down and just enjoy being. Aim at reducing the things that cause you stress whether it is work, time commitments, relationships or other demanding situations.

Experience Joy Be aware to laugh more often, sing and dance whenever you get the chance. Express the joy that is inside you. Create an atmosphere of carefree joy.

Focus on the Future Set some optimistic long and short term goals and pursue them with a passion. The effort you make in achieving these goals will bring you personal satisfaction and more joy.

Practice Forgiveness It has been shown that people who hold on to anger and grudges have greater health problems. Old hurts and resentments only pull us down. There is a saying "would you rather be right or happy?" So choose the path to happiness and let go of the past.

Be a Friend Develop a positive peer group around you, people that make you feel good about yourself and help you towards your goals. Take the time and make the effort to establish good relationships with people by supporting them and giving them your attention.

Smile More Not only do you look better but smiling and laughing is good for your health. Studies have shown that people who smile more are not only healthier but also more successful, so grin and show it.

Give it to Others Often when we are struggling with life it is hard to see outside of your own world and sphere. That is why it is important to take the focus off yourself and take the time to help others. It doesn't matter whether it is assisting a friend with a home renovation project or a stranger by giving your time and effort to charitable services, giving back helps you as much as the other people.

Mainly though you can be happy when you make the decision to be happy or in the words of Alian-Rene Lesage "I am happy and content because I think I am."

Looking for Happiness