Trafficking Leaders

 


The day had finally arrived when the 'Good Ol' Boys" would once again ride off into the Never Never, forgoing the art of showering for some weeks in favour of tall stories and rollicking adventures. Tales of male bonding and friendships strengthened would emerge from a journey covering 4000km in 12 days.

The bike of choice amongst 7 riders - Dave Deane, Bruce Lumb, Andy Herman, Geoff McBride, Jim McBride, Laurie and the man known as Rod "Rocket" were being backed up by Big Kev in his Swiss Army Knife 4 Wheel Drive. The 4 wheel drive prooved invaluable in the 2006 bash that the boys did out to Alice Springs (but that is a whole other story).

On Friday 24.07.09 I rode my Ducati 600 Monster down to Ballina and across to Alstonville with Dave and our friend Laurie. This was to be my turn around point where I'd farewell the lads and head for home. On my solo journey back, I found my mind reflecting on my road bike competency test and a lesson for life learnt that day. The Instructor had shared with our class the following points:

- we need to look confidently ahead
- chin up
- eyes firmly fixed
- do NOT look down
- do NOT drop your chin
- know your centre of gravity
- know your emergency braking

Following are the opportunities and some would say, hazards, of people on the move, of 'Trafficking Leaders' to remember the above lessons and the impact on everyday living, playing and working: driving, riding, or walking on the Motorway of life:

- where your chin leads, your eyes will follow > look down , fall down
- you will be putting others at risk by not looking clearly ahead and anticipating what's coming around the next bend > look ahead, shape the future
- clear vision, clear goals = clear purpose, greater influence on outcomes
- know your centre of gravity > what your values are, what your faith is based on, what shakes you
- recognise, anticipate as best you can when something is about to rock your world and know how to STOP and take stock, reposition yourself for the next part of the ride of life.

So every time I ride, I remember to lift my gaze, consider the lessons of the past, be mindful of hazards and seize opportunities. Our challenge is to apply these same principles in our regular world, ever day. Will you join me?

Trafficking Leaders ~ for People on the Move

People Are Important Designs - PAID

The day started with rain and though it was night, ended with Sunshine!

Relationships are the all important factor that will continue on long after we have gone from this place. How we are NOW with one another will leave an impact, a footprint as it were on the generations that we do life with.
It can be difficult juggling all the demands on our time, the people we need to see, want to see, those who want to see us and spend time with us... Each encounter an opportunity to let one another know, despite the reality of timelines, that hey right now - you're it and there is no where else I'd rather be.

Today my husband and I spent some time with 2 of our nieces, Georgia and Lu Lu, while their Mum took the youngest girl to the Doctors for her shots. So, here we were in Aunty Tari and Uncle Davo's kitchen pretending like Aunty Tari was a contestant in Masterchef. It was a brave move as yesterday my Guacomole Dip had Georgia declare "Sorry Aunty Tari but you're the Loser". Harsh from a 7 year old. Today however, we made a warm pumpkin and pine nut salad for lunch. The girls sat on the bench and our conversation turned to step families, my daughter (their favourite they said!) and the following conversation unfolded."Tari you and Davo will die one day but you want to see us married and have our own kids too. But don't worry if you're dead we'll write you a letter and let you know the boys name. Then we'll give the letter to God and He can tell you all about the wedding so you don't miss out".

Kids see things so simply. These girls squeal with delight and love hanging with their extended family. We over complicate life sometimes don't we? Let's place value more, and more, and more on relationships.

Rather than get caught up in the global financial crisis (gfc), why don't we undertake a GLOBAL FAMILY CHALLENGE - GFC? Strengthening ourselves individually and collectively by purposefully investing in our community. Talk to our neighbours, encourage our youth, lend someone a hand. Stop politicising, break down barriers and recognise the high price PAID by Love. Turn negativity on its' ear!

The day ended with Sunshine and hope for the future.

Tarran Deane ~ Embracing Ability

Tarran Deane ~ Embracing Ability

Winter ~ A Season of Reflection

It might seem that very little happens during the colder months. Leaves have fallen from the trees. There is a crispness in the air that chills the bones as the winter winds come in from the southwest across desert lands and collide with offshore gusts. In the house on the hill the heater is on low from midday. The wind swirling below floorboards and palms bending with the gusts. Yet, the diehard surfer is never put off by the chill. A faithful 'steamer' and clean crisp waves beckon for attention. The husband is delighted and almost skips out the door with anticipation. The wife relaxes and reclines, content in the knowledge that her Prince is doing something he loves. The call for a late morning coffee comes with the suggestion that surfing may be completed. She walks down to Burleigh and into the Vanilla Bean for Ginger Infusion and the promise of a date with her husband, the barefooted surfer.
Later, sitting in the fleeting sun, trying to hide from the breeze, she sits reflecting. Winter is a nice time for that. A touchstone of rememberance in Psalm 139, of value and worth and love. Winter, where a lot happens beneath the surface, hidden from the naked eye. A repositioning, harbouring a season of potential and the promise of Spring - a flourish of growth that will nourish many in the months to come