Australia Day is TODAY here in Australia!!

This is where we as a nation all have a day off work and traditionally head to the beach to throw a shrimp on the barrbee or a snag Translation – we cook prawns and sausages on the BBQ! A fair bit of drinking is usually done; of the brown malty substance by the boys, whilst the girls will sip their favourite chardonnay share a few laughs.

An enjoyable relaxing day for many.

We are blessed as a nation to have the ability, freedom and wealth to celebrate such a day. As I indulged in an unexpected sleep-in this morning, I woke to feel refreshed and indeed grateful for (another) day off.  What to do?  We experienced unusual flooding from rains in many parts of my state this week so the usual celebrations have been called off due to the grounds being… underwater.

The sun however, in true Aussie form, is trying to peep through the clouds. This is causing incredible humidity (feels like 100% to me) as the water evaporates – mmm sticky and sweaty.  I took my (later the usual) power walk, pumping my little 1kg hand weights and breaking up my stride with walking lunges.  I do this in camouflage  (cap, sunglasses and loose baggy track pants) due to copious amounts of sweat in this heat.  I walk the talk when I tell you to train ugly!! The ocean is a girl’s favourite friend after training like this – strip down to bikinis (under the camouflage) and in you go for the morning dip. Nice. Awesome way to start the day on Australia Day, and every day.

But today, let’s be even more grateful for our lives and the quality of life that we have. While it is nice to have the day off, it is also important to take a moment and reflect on ALL that we have as a nation.

Australians are ALL wealthy in worldly terms. We have food in our fridge- we HAVE fridges. We have clothes on our back.. often designer clothes too. We get our hair cut, styled, coloured, straightened, curled… You name it.. and oftenus girls will get manicures and pedicures. We drive a car to work, or choose to cycle. Many (most) Australian’s drink alcohol in the weekend, many smoke, and many party all weekend long. We CHOOSE these things. Some choose a different lifestyle in health -they join a gym or get Personal Trainers. These are ALL choices. We worry about our (over) weight problems BUT we reach for that extra cookie, chip or piece of pizza….

However ALL these things are discretionary- they are things many people in the world will never know about, or ever have the option to experience. We are BLESSED as a nation.

On Australia Day this year, let’s be very aware of our wealth. You don’t need to live in the million dollar mansions with the collection of designer cars parked in your garages to be wealthy in Australia. Every single one of us JUST IS. It is a simple fact. Change your outlook on life and realise how blessed we are! Our attitude can change so much in ourselves, and has a direct impact on the  people around us.

By appreciating what we have, and realising we really CAN have what we want – you will bring more into your life.

We live in spacious homes; we are cared for by friends and family. If you don’t have friends and family who care for you, then may I suggest you take a look in the mirror and ask what you can change about yourself, make some changes then go out and meet some new people!! Fresh start! Our Government GIVES money if we choose not to work, and it gives money for those who are incapable of working. It may not be what YOU THINK is enough to live on, but it is a whole lot more than what other nations give – and that is NOTHING.

There is always a way to make it in Australia. So Australian’s… COME ON.. get moving and working!! Don’t sit back ‘expecting’ life to always to easy. The people who make it are the people who have a dream, set goals and then get to work to make it happen. That COULD BE YOU TOO!!

The only thing stopping you is you.. so get out of your own way. “You are far too smart to be the only thing stopping you from succeeding in life.”  I like that quote by Jennifer Freeman – although who is to say she coined it first? It matters not, only that it is truth for this nation.

Go guys and girls!! Tell me about your successes in life!!! I want to hear them and so do so many others! YOUR story may be the edge that motivates someone else who THINKS they can’t make it, or has just taken a knock. Success is all about getting back up, and soldiering on. It is about you having faith and believing that against the odds, you can make it! And sometimes it can be a complete stranger who helps you through one of your dark hours – or it could even be an angel sent by God Himself. YOU may never know.

If you have a soldier story- please share it in the comments below…

 HAPPY AUSTRALIA DAY TO YOU XXX

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