Saturday 15 September 2012

Past to Present


Southbank, Melbourne, Australia
Past to Present
Say it now before it's too late.
We don't know what the future holds
or what's beyond the gate.
Regrets are unnecessary,
just say how you feel.
And you will find the words are kind,
no need to conceal.
Don't look back.
Do not say mistake.
You cannot dwell on what is done,
it's just a risk you take.
When chances are embraced in full 
and fun, fight, games take hook:
The adventures of your life will be like pages in a book.

I recently came across this poem which I wrote when I was about 14.  Clearly I was a budding Shakepeare (jokes).  Although the words are simple, the meaning behind them is not.  I wrote this before I had read anything about living in the now and before I practised meditation or mindfulness.  It's as if we have the answers when we're young and if we lose our way at some point life forces us to work to reconnect with the wisdom inside of us.  I think this is what they mean when they tell us to get in touch with our inner child.  Our inner child is our true self before life's trials and tribulations build up in our minds and our bodies.  We are not our frustrations, our pains and our fears.  We are not our careers, our possessions or our achievements.  Our inner truth is loving and wise.  At the core we are gentle and we are kind.  But in a fast paced world we have to constantly work to remain connected to this part of ourselves so that we don't allow negative thoughts and feelings to manifest into anger, fears or limitations.

The past only affects our present if we allow it to.  If we let go of the past then, and only then, are we able to fully live in the present and avoid limiting ourselves to repeating patterns of behaviour over and over throughout our lives.  
We are the authors of our own lives and we have the ability to create anything we want.  We just have to work out exactly what that is.  Your carriage awaits...

If you would like to support this cause you can recommend this page below or donate at this link: http://www.everydayhero.com.au/sarah_walton_6

Saturday 1 September 2012

Relax Max

Port Melbourne, Australia
August was a busy month.  This week I finally finished a project I’ve been working really hard on, so by Friday night I was ready to celebrate!  I rocked up at a friend’s birthday a little disappointed that I couldn’t have a celebratory champagne.  Instead I drank flavoured soda water all night (I’m really living on the edge!) and in the end I was actually glad I couldn't drink because not only did I have an amazing night dancing and chatting to friends, but I woke this morning feeling fresh as a daisy!

In low doses (one or two drinks) alcohol may have effects that are associated with relaxation, but by not drinking I managed to feel relaxed Friday night through to Saturday and the effects will last all weekend.  Any time I surpass a desire to drink because of my year without it I have such a good time and wake the next morning feeling so amazing that I wonder what all the hype over drinking is about.  To all those who have said they couldn't do a year without alcohol (a surprising 90% of people I've spoken to) I have to tell you:  Life is just as good, if not better without it!

I've come across a whole community of alcohol abstainers called Hello Sunday Morning.  Started up by a guy  in his yearly 20's called Chris Raine the site is home to thousands of supporters and members who blog about their experiences with sobriety during stints of 3/6 months or 1 year off alcohol.  It's nothing short of amazing!  Social media is not my forte, but thankfully the 20 somethings have it all under control!  Check out the website: http://hellosundaymorning.com.au/about/

If you would like to support the cause you can recommend this page below or donate at this link:
 http://www.everydayhero.com.au/sarah_walton_6