Well….it has been an ‘interesting’ 2 years hasn’t it?! Mel and I were just reflecting on it and our gratitude for this community that has been with us for so long.
If you have ever seen the great Australian classic movie ‘The Castle’ you will understand what I mean and laugh when you read “How’s the serenity’! I highly recommend starting off 2022 by watching the movie with your family, a bunch of friends or by yourself! It’s brilliant, funny and carries a great primary message.
That a house is not a home, it’s the people that make it a home; and that it’s love that makes a house a home. It’s a story about how people help each other and show their humanity despite what is going on around them.
And I have a new understanding of what joy is and it’s ‘the serenity’! There is a very funny part of the movie where the family is at their ‘holiday’ house which is under massive powerlines and full of insects that are constantly zapping in a ‘mozzie zapper’! And the father is surrounded by his family as they enjoy each others company with the zapping going constantly in the background! Yet, he smiles, sighs contentedly as if all is right in his world and says ‘how’s the serenity’!
The last two years for me (as it has everyone) was a time of massive change, my calling (speaking) had to change dramatically as I transitioned to virtual. I am deeply grateful for winning a couple of government grants that allowed me to set up a professional studio, although I still don’t know how to master all the technology! It was set up by a generous friend and I touch nothing but the on buttons! LOL.
But it works and I’m grateful for positive feedback from our clients. And that there is still a way for me to share information with people and feel useful.
Personally, a lot has changed. For years I have been working at becoming more present, slowing down, more conscious and understanding myself better. And I actually truly appreciate the changes that COVID ‘life’ has presented.
I am much healthier, calmer and a much better gardener! HAHAHAHA. Not that I ever planned it. I am more connected to my friends here in Australia and very grateful for video calls that allow me to stay connected to my USA family. I can paint parts of a house now; and can sit quietly and leave chores undone; I can sit with friends and just relax more without telling myself I have a gazillion things to do; I have learned the enormous value of community and connecting with more people, more deeply. But I think the greatest gift from the last couple of years is my ability to tune into myself better and to be more clear on knowing what I want life to be like., and what really matters.
I am waiting with wonder to see what unfolds as it sure seems that speaking live in front of crowds is not going to be happening too often! Mel says she has appreciated learning to slow down, be more patient and do less with less as well. The slowing down has helped her connect even more deeply with her family and friends as well.
We wonder how it has been for all of you? And how you are dealing with the uncertainty and changes.
She and I were discussing how we could be of most value to you all and we decided it would be a great idea to ask you!
So this newsletter is a bit of an update on what is happening for us and to ask you if you would like to share with us how we can best serve you.
HOW can we be of value to you? If you would be willing to help us please click on this link (https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSckZtAwqG7dwXTSrX0iYGV8TijphqKMKcZGc4SO2U_kze8sNg/viewform?usp=sf_link) for a survey Guru Mel created where you can write your answers, it’s only short and won’t take much time!
For the meeting planners out there or people still working in companies, planning a meeting has been and continues to be a nightmare because of the uncertainty of bringing people together, which we so desperately need. If you have to plan any meetings, what we have tried to do is master the art of connecting heart to heart virtually, and from the feedback, it seems to be working!
We have attached a little video here that you can click on and see a virtual show reel, and if you felt it might be of value for someone, would share it if you think they could use me at an event? We would be so grateful.
‘How’s the serenity?’ How do you feel? Becomea master of knowing how you feel and when it is anything other than calm…stop, breathe deeply a few times (in for 5, hold for 5 and out for 5), listen to what you are saying to yourself and choose to tell yourself you are safe (unless you are not, in which case go to a safe place!); go outside barefoot if you can and ground yourself then find something for which to be grateful and focus on that until you feel calmer.
And when you sit with your family or friends, really savor it!
Mel and I are truly grateful for you! You have been with us a long time many of you and it helps us feel connected to a wonderful community!
Sending you hugs and zooties
Zooties
Amanda (& Mel) xx
PS. You can join us over on our new Facebook Group to share ideas, laugh and connect.
