WORD UP PG

This week's mantra FIRST, FORGIVE YOURSELF. Between raging fi res and war mongering, (not to mention all of the personal, private challenges we each individually face) it’s hard not to feel angry, overwhelmed, disempowered and pessimistic. And for many of us... incredibly guilty or ashamed. (That you should be doing more. That you should have already done more. Or even that you should be telling people about what you have done. Or that you aren't allowed to also be experiencing joy during hard times.) Do you know what that adds up to? A shit ton of shame. And for the record: Shame is not an eff ective way of creating change in ourselves (or in others.) If you want to create lasting change, accountability is important, but so is kindness. So if you are carrying around the weight of guilt or shame during these already heavy times, if you're feeling powerless or paralysed, that's okay. That’s normal. If you are frozen, turn inward and forgive yourself fi rst. Start by shedding the shame and honoring the goodness within you that wants to do well. Because self- forgiveness gives us permission to evolve (and do bett er) and to be our very best selves. Shame does none of that. You are good and I love you.

VOLUNTEER BEACH SURVEY OFFICERS Positive Change for Marine Life are seeking volunteer Beach Survey Offi cers to help coordinate fortnightly beach cleans and data collation. Visit PCFML.ORG.AU and click “TAKE ACTION” for more information.

Byron Bazaar supports local businesses, creatives and communities. We are providing an opportunity for new and emerging businesses and talented individuals to advertise their product or service for FREE

Send in your advertisement titled "Watch This Space" to hello@byronbazaar.com The dimensions of the ad should be 92.5mmW x 128.5mmH (the size of this box) saved out as a B&W high resolution .jpg or .pdf fi le..