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What I learned this summer
In the rush of life, I have become more and more invested in taking the time to stop and reflect. I used to do this monthly but I am joining with Emily Freeman in moving to a seasonal approach. Today marks the end of summer here in the Southern Hemisphere. The end of a season provides a chance to stop and take stock of what I have learned. I share those lessons here with you, both the deep and the mundane. (This post contains affiliate links which help to support me and my writing at no extra cost to you.) Sabbath from social media- I have been reading the journeys of…
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What I learned this Spring
Today is the first day of summer, the first day of many of our Advent activities, the first day of the last month of the year. In the midst of looking forward to the Christmas season, I want to take some time to stop and reflect back on the season that is ending. I am increasingly thinking of my life in terms of seasons, both in terms of weather and seasons of what God is calling me to do. Here is what I learned this spring: Momentum only lasts if you keep it up! I am able to achieve a whole month of posts, establish great momentum in my writing and…
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What I learned in July
We have arrived at the end of July, which always signifies the start of the slide to the end of the year. We have tipped over the half way point. July was quite an epic month for us in many ways. I often discover more of what I’ve learned as I write and reflect, so join me on a journey of unpacking what I learned in July. It is possible to experience our wettest camping trip ever while staying in the Pilbara (semi-arid desert area) in the dry season. The area received 400% of its average July’s rainfall in two weeks! I was incredibly thankful for my last minute (as…
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What I Learned in May
May was a jam-packed month for me and left little time for reflection. I have felt behind and only just succeeding in juggling the many responsibilities, to dos and heart pursuits. Are you like me and still occasionally (or more often) write 2015 in dates? It’s like a part of my brain hasn’t caught up to the fact that we are in 2016. Has the middle of the year caught you by surprise too? I genuinely started to write “What I Learned in March” as that feels far more suitable! In the midst of this busyness and season of stretching, I have had some deep revelations about myself, taken some…
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What I Learned in April
April has been a bit of a blur. To stop and reflect on what I’ve learned becomes even more important in months like that. Here is what I’ve learned over the past month: I need to keep using my daily planner to stay on top of everything. I used my planner for a total of 3 days over April and I feel like I’ve dropped the ball on several fronts this month. (If you’re interested in what planner I use, check out this post.) Recovering from getting your wisdom teeth out can be more difficult than you initially anticipate. And then it can all suddenly improve overnight! It also involved…
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What I learned in March
At the end of each month, I take some time to reflect back on all that I’ve learned and lived. This month has contained some big challenges and growth opportunities for me. I will attempt to corral my thoughts about these, although I know that there is still processing going on. I can go away for a weekend and both my daughter and I will survive! I was so anxious about this trip for our MOPS Field Staff Training Seminar in Melbourne. It was the longest I had ever left my daughter and most definitely the furthest I had ever been from her. I was also well aware of the fact that…
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What I Learned in February
February has felt like a monumental month. Sitting down to reflect on what I have learned this month took me by surprise when I considered the changes and living that have been enclosed in such a short month. This sense may have something to do with the head cold fogging up my thinking power but that doesn’t diminish the significance of this month! When you have an only child (and don’t plan on having any others), your daughter starting school is both for the first time and the last. I have the mix of emotions of first time parents and those watching their babies leave for school. Sitting outside for…
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What I learned in January
The first month of the year is finished! It may not have been quite as I planned and it now seems like a whirlwind, but it was a good start to 2016 overall. I learned a few things along the way: Anticipation can be torturous! My headspace was often full of what February was bringing- my daughter starting school, being back at work with adjusted work hours, MOPS launching for 2016 with me in my new role. Plenty to wrap my head around. The anticipation filled my mind with so many what ifs and trying to work out logistics. It got to the point of just needing it to begin…
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Reflecting on 2015: What I learned this year
I have come to accept that my memory is not great. Looking back on the year that was leaves me with general impressions, swaths of emotions over time periods and only a few distinct memories. I indulged in a couple of hours of reflecting on 2015 and looking ahead to 2016 using Amanda Viviers questions, a highly worthwhile exercise-especially if you are a writer or creative in any way. I was left with impressions of these being my take away lessons from this year: Deep community can develop in only a year– I find it hard to fathom that some of my closest friends today were really only acquaintances at this time…
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What I learned in November
Can you believe that it is December already?! As Advent starts, I am taking the time to take stock of what I learned in November. I really love Gilmore Girls One of the Australian TV channels has be airing reruns of Gilmore Girls and I caught it at the start this time. It is not at a time I can actually watch so I have a series record set. I indulge in an episode on several nights. It brings back memories of my teenage years where I would share this show with a special friend. It is still as hilarious and engaging as it was back then. I even catch…
Encouragement for women in leadership
