What a Community

Being a part of a loving community really does help me do what I do.

I have loved to dabble in many different things throughout my life – I just read Dr Karl Kruszelnicki’s memoir and he and I are very similar in that way. His love of Science is probably not where we are so similar! My nature is to try new things and it’s definitely a familiar trait for many of us ‘Vata’ types if you are familiar with Ayurveda.

We dart from job to job, from idea to idea and when I am out of balance, or out of whack, then I rarely finish anything. When I am in balance, I still change my mind regularly and shift gears but I am more likely to finish what I started.

Two great ways to see what I've been doing for the last 30 or so years included planning a new website, and also writing my resume once again.

I wasn’t successful in getting the job – it read really well on paper but I didn’t meet some of the essential criteria. However the process gave me the chance to see how many awesome things I have been a part of over the years. All of my skills and training and conversations have led me right to this moment in time.

I have waitressed, taught in schools, mustered sheep and thrown fleeces in the woolshed, served wine at vineyards, washed up at posh weddings, driven buses, travelled, come home, acted as a tour guide, volunteered till it hurt, birthed a son, laughed, loved and lost.

And I wouldn't change a thing. Of course I wouldn't. And if you are starting to reflect on your life as you read this, then I wonder if you too can realise that this is exactly how your life was meant to turn out as well.

In March next year I turn 50! I no longer try and fit a certain mould; I am creating my own. I live for my family, friends and community and every day I feel grateful for the gifts that I have and those that I can share. I want nothing more than for everyone to feel like their real selves – who they were meant to be and how they are ready to show up in the world.

I have always surrounded myself with a community that supports me no matter what. As I have tried new things, I have had friends and family encourage me along the way (although telling Dad that I was leaving my full time executive role as a teacher did throw him for a second!)

I don’t think it matters what I do really, I am with a bunch of encouragers and a ready made cheer squad. They just want me to be happy and fulfilled. I just want to be happy and fulfilled. My life looks like my version of it and for now I spend my time tending to my own unique needs so then I can support others.

I no longer feel like a square peg in a round hole (hello Science Teacher!!) and I am so thrilled to be living exactly my dharma – my life’s purpose. I hope for everyone that that is their experience too. If not, give me a yell – I can tell you a story or too, and help you uncover yours – that might just help you find your purpose!

Sending you all so much love, Cherie

The cuddling photo up the top is of Belinda Mawhinney and me, taken by the very talented Camilla Duffy. All of the others of me lazing around are by Sarah from Essjay Photography.

FREE MEDITATION

Let’s breathe together, relax deeply, and reconnect with the nature surrounding us.