‘a Culture with Voice’
MARCH 2015
Our mission is to create awareness towards the importance of maintaining good health and having a positive outlook towards life to be able to feel confident and strong within to achieve the heights that you aspire towards, "with a voice". JOLEA will bring a cultural influence into your heart and minds that will lift your imagination and take you to a place where you have not been before. #joleaculture
Contents
07 I DARE YOU To do what you want to do
28 10 BELIEFS You need for personal excellence'
08 BE BRANDED Personal Branding the biggest trend
30 COME ON BARBIE > GET REAL! Natural is not a sin.
In every issue: Body & Soul | Arts & Culture | Lifestyle | Inspirational Pins
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24 OP SHOP FUN Shop til you drop with Vintage
32 YOUR JOURNEY Turning adversity into a positive experience.
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Who needs anything more.
QUOTES “You are the only one that makes your happiness and rules... Live life with sunshine and smiles” - JOLEA “Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.” - Winston Churchill “In matters of style, swim with the current, in matters of principle, stand like a rock.” - Thomas Jefferson “Don't make a permanent decision for your temporary emotion” - JOLEA “You will never be happy if you continue to search for what happiness consists of. You will never live if you are looking for the meaning of life.” - Albert Camus “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle” - Albert Einstein “Each honest calling, each walk of life, has its own elite, its own aristocracy based on excellence of performance.” - James Bryant Conant
ARTS & CULTURE
COLOUR THERAPY Colour therapy was used back in Egyptian times but is still very relevant now. We are drawn to certain colours to heal an emotion or situation we are dealing with. If drawn to orange it is a sign you are ready to start empowering yourself. You will do this often with out knowing why. You may like this on clothing cushions bed spreads. Yellow is a healing colour. Green is a heart colour and healing emotional issues. If you want to wear only very dark colours without any bit of other colour you may be not ready to deal with issues. Some colours will make you feel sad and unmotivated. If you are wanting to shift stagnancy look to change colours around you. You will be amazed how much better you feel. Blessings.
Janice Richards
BODY & SOUL
Dare
I you to Start Doing What You Really Want In Life
7
Want to break the rules a bit? Start doing what you really want, rather than what you think you should do. I dare you to be a rebel. First, let’s get clear on the kind of rebel we’re talking about here. Rebel: One who stands up for what they believe in, despite the good opinions of others. One who takes action based on what feels good to their intuition and makes decisions based on their unique purpose in life. It's different from most definitions, I know. Yet I really think we can't afford to not take this risk. I believe it's safe to say we’ve all been there, where we've fallen pray to a massive case of should bombs: I should go to an hour spin class and get my booty in shape, or I should go after this job, my family thinks it's the best next step for my career, or I should be able to land that yoga pose. (Ahem, this is not what yoga’s about!) Or how about this one: I should love it here, but I'm miserable. Feel the guilt? WARNING: When should bombs are falling, pay attention. They can get real messy. Suddenly we find ourselves basing decisions and the direction of our life on what we believe other people expect of us, or what we think is the “right" thing to do. So we now have a strong cocktail of 1 ounce fear and 1 ounce regret with a splash of guilt. Then, quite frankly, we feel like shite. This ends up taking us far away from listening to our intuition aka, our internal pot of gold. Now, we're aching for freedom, the world’s longest vacation on a tropical island, and the winning lottery ticket. Sound familiar? Let’s change it up! How about we create a life filled with what makes us feel alive and see where we end up? Sound a little scary yet liberating? Like you're going on an adventure you’ve dreamed of? Fantastic! Let’s get started, shall we? It begins with ‘Creating Your Own Rules’. Yes, go ahead, get deep with yourself for a hot minute and figure out what’s really important to you, not what society, your parents, or even your friends have told you is important. Ask yourself these questions: 1. What makes me feel free and most alive? 2. Who do you love to spend time with? and what do you enjoy doing together? 3. What sparks my passion and revs up my enthusiasm? What could I could spend hours (if not days) doing and actually lose track of time?
4. How would I ideally like to spend my week, (days, and weekends)? 5. What would my ideal work place be? Who would I work with (if anyone)? 6. What stimulates my mind and body? 7. What helps me feel relaxed and fulfilled? 8. What do I do to give back to others? Jot down your answers. Elaborate as much as you’d like, create more questions, dig deeper. Note whatever helps you gain more clarity about what you want to do and what makes YOU happy. Next, let's focus on the contrast. 1. What am I willing to say no to in life, in order to say yes to what I do want? 2. What am I willing to let go of in order to thrive? Write it out. Now I encourage you to put that list of ‘what makes me come alive’ somewhere you can see it regularly throughout your day. Now, start integrating. Baby steps. It’s the subtle shifts that create radical change. Start with one thing you can do during the week that will help you feel more happy. Does it seem too scary? I'm going to give you a little nudge here. The world needs you, your unique gifts, your unique personality, your unique laugh, your unique quirks, all of it. And the more you give yourself permission to be more you, the more you inspire others to do the same.
Breaking News! Authenticity & passion are contagious .
“Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” - Howard Thurman So let’s stop trying to fit into the Tiffany Blue box we’ve created for ourselves and be rebels. Start today. One baby step at a time. Let’s not over complicate this, it begins with the decision to try.
8 BRAND ME.
You have a personal brand, whether you like it or not. Thanks to the Internet, everyone can present a shiny, online version of themselves as a quick way to cash in. Personal brands are no longer just for stars like Oprah or Beyoncé. It's an important way to set yourself apart from the loud voices crowding online culture. But where to start? It has become its own business, with various experts in the field telling you what you can and can't do. It can be an intimidating experience for someone who has social media platforms like Twitter or LinkedIn, but might not know how to use them or the biggest mistake using them incorrectly. Here are the basics 1. Stop and think. Before you get started launching your brand, sit back and think — "What is my brand?" If you're stumping yourself, We recommend reaching out to others. Ask family, friends, coworkers, managers — anyone who has knowledge about what your area of expertise might be. Identify what it is you gravitate toward. 2. Analyze your idols. Who do you admire in the personal branding kingdom? Are you more Gwyneth Paltrow than Martha Stewart? Do you align yourself with overall brand masters like Sean Combs? Williams recommends identifying people who inspire you, whether they're celebrities or people you know. Pick five people, and describe them each with three adjectives. Through that exercise, you'll get an idea of what it is you value most and how those values apply to your brand. 3. Find your niche. If you're fighting to be a generalist, you'll get lost in a sea of similar people. Let’s say it’s your wedding, do you go for just a photographer, or do you go for a photographer who specializes in weddings? Companies are always looking to hire people who have a core area of expertise. Be as specific as possible, because you simply don't have the resources to have mass appeal. 4. Label your expertise. Once you have that niche market down, make sure it's in all of your social media profiles. This is imperative for being searchable, so those who are looking you up can easily identify your profession.
or LinkedIn. For example, if you're a film expert who is particularly passionate about film criticism, share aninteresting movie review and explain why you're sharing it. Something as simple as "I enjoyed this critic's language," or "I disagree with the critique about the script," shows people your personal connection and knowledge. Doing something like this at least once a week, so you build up your reputation. 6. Use one photo across the board. Your photo is the strongest visual representation of your brand. One of the quickest ways to tie your social media accounts together is to use the same photo across all networks. If you're really antsy about sticking to one picture, make sure you use different ones that all tie back to the same brand. Are you an expert pastry chef? Use photos that represent that aspect of your life. 7. Have one username. This might seem painfully obvious, but this is the lazy person's guide after all. Consistency is vital in personal branding, Neher says. When you look at powerful brands, you notice there is consistency across all social platforms. 8. Audit your existing social media. Google yourself and see what comes up. Then, look at the content you have on existing social media accounts. How would you define the person who appears? Start just by looking at your Instagram account. What are the values represented on that page? For example, Neher looked at her own account and realized many of her pictures were of alcohol. While I do love a cocktail, the content of my account would make me look like I had a drinking problem, Neher tells Mashable. I applied a principle of balance — I still take pictures of drinks, but I also have professional content and other social content to balance it out. 9. Leave Amazon book reviews. If your social media footprint is a little light, we recommend leaving Amazon reviews for books in your field. It's one of the first things that shows up if people Google you, and will automatically show people just how passionate you are about your area of expertise.
One key mistake young people make is using a catchy but esoteric title, like "architect of ideas," instead of specifically saying "marketing major." Title your area of expertise with something specific, but unique, and then make sure it's listed on all of your social accounts.
10. LinkedIn, LinkedIn, LinkedIn You just have to have it. There are plenty of ways to optimize your LinkedIn account, if you're a newbie, from using keywords to having a great photo. We recommend using LinkedIn's blogging tool to share personal knowledge about your area of expertise. It is a great way to grow your network, from sharing links to congratulating people when they get new jobs or celebrate work anniversaries and it’s unlimited to industries and locations.
5. Get your opinion out there. People who research you will want to know just how much of an expert you are in your chosen profession. Get your opinion out to the world, whether it's via Twitter, Facebook
We have only touched on the virtual YOU but remember it also includes your personality traits, such as the clothes you wear, your opinions and views and most of all your passion for what you do. BE CONSISTENT.
UNISEXY If you believe that style goes beyond gender, E8's Suwun is right up your street... In a shipping container pitched on Netil Market, East London, Egle Rutkausk and Tigana Sari are running a unisex ethical lifestyle shop. By way of a mission statement, Suwun was born, they say, “out of a passion and need to… cross borders between genders, fashion, arts and ethics” and offers a welcoming environment for anyone who “believes that style is beyond gender”. The pair curate a rotating selection of products, not just from London, but around the world. While formulating the concept for Suwun, Egle and Tigana headed off to South East Asia – a region so often linked with sweatshops and other dodgy cost-cutting operating practices – to meet designers and makers both committed to ethical ways of working and doing interesting things with the unisex aesthetic. Tigana is a fashion graduate, and was keen to open her own shop after experiencing a growing frustration trying to find clothes that didn’t quite exist in either the men’s or women’s sections of traditional stores. Sociology graduate Egle came to the operation with a wealth of experience in retail, arts and charity work, and was keen to do something that supported indie artists and makers. @suwunlondon
LIFESTYLE
Voice it
So we’ll start by saying I don’t have a degree in political science, I don’t write for a living, I couldn’t adequately explain economic rationalism any more than I could teach physics, but I am super excited about the chance to get people to think and talk about what’s going on in the world, Australia or their local community. I truly believe that it is because we are all so caught up in our busy lives, catching our news from feeds on FB or Twitter, and not talking about this stuff for fear of having a different opinion to someone, to truly understand, question or debate in fear of looking stupid, that things are as bad as they are right now. Or is it the really sad option that I only recently accepted – people just don’t care about things that don’t affect them directly right at time. First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out – Because I was not a Socialist. Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out – Because I was not a Trade Unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out – Because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me – and there was no one left to speak for me. Something to think about perhaps. That quote and versions along the same lines comes from the post WWII period about the Nazi’s but it makes me think. I had a couple of pretty humbling experiences just the other week that made me think - who looks out for others? If not us, when things that are unjust unreasonable or unfair unfold in front of us, then who? I was at my local shopping centre about 12km from Brisbane CBD in a reasonably affluent area, feeling sorry for myself about a whole heap of 1st world problems. I was walking along, cranky that I was
doing groceries on a Friday afternoon when I would prefer to be having a couple of cold beverages with some work colleagues, grumbling to myself, when a woman approached me. She was mid 50’s dressed neatly in jeans, a t-shirt and joggers and my first instinct was that she was asking me for directions to somewhere in the complex. She then proceeded to explain to me that she was hungry, that a meal at McDonalds across the road was $8.00, she held out her arms to show me she wasn’t a junky and then asked me there in the crowded shopping complex for any money I could spare. Now maybe I’m a sucker, the “one born every day” but I gave her what I had, not much as I had little cash on me, and felt bad that she was going to have to repeat that story to someone else along the way. I got through my groceries, wondering how that woman went. I was waiting as the woman behind the cash register rung up my purchase asked me what I had planned for Valentine's Day….. Well, that sent me into another grump, after answering her politely, of how dare she! I am alone and miserable for Valentine ’s Day and she should think about these things before embarrassing someone that way! felt humiliated at my singleness being so publicly flaunted etc etc etc then I looked over at the next register, where a woman was apologising to the young man behind the register as she got him to remove item after item in her trolley from the bill until the total came in to a number she could afford. A jar of pasta sauce, a packet of biscuits, a container of diced fruit – not extravagant purchases by any means. Again I cursed both my empty of cash purse and my ridiculous spoilt ranting’s of the preceding moments and was humbled by the choices the people around me had to make and the reality that these really weren’t choices were they.
ARTS & CULTURE
That’s the kind of blanket I put over the broader injustices in the world, I think about them the same way. Don’t we all need to look around us, look at what we don’t think is fair or just and at least talk about it. Whether it is the local scenario’s I just outlined or accusations of children being abused in Australian detention centres when fleeing persecution from their homeland, or two young men preparing themselves for execution for a stupid mistake they made 10 yrs. ago in a foreign country which they have shown remorse for and repented, or laws being changed arbitrarily by an unchecked government that prevent groups of two or more people who are members of an association or club from meeting in a public place, in the guise of cracking down on organised crime, or mining magnates being allowed rights to dump their foul crud on one of the natural wonders of the world off the Qld coast because there is a dollar in it, it doesn’t matter which one of these things you can relate to having a problem with, I bet there isn’t a heap of conversation happening about it at your back yard BBQ or local park, and I think it might be because we don’t think we know enough about it to justify a position on it. You know what – it doesn’t matter – you don’t need to study every facet of these issues to have an opinion. If more people were open about what is right and wrong about this world maybe the law makers and opinion writers would not think they can run these lines and tell us what to think instead of us – the people who have to live in this world - directing the social commentary instead of being directed by it. To speak up. Now maybe you are getting the idea that I am some radical sympathiser of bikies or
potential terrorists or a bleeding heart for any social justice issue going or a tree hugging greenie, but let me tell you a little bit about me. I am just like you. I am a mother of 2 trying to find my way raising a family on my own. I work full time and my kids participate in team sports and excel at their studies. I come from a loving family and have a small circle of friends from a wide spectrum of society, lawyers, cleaners, teachers, politicians, nurses, social workers, CEO’s. In spite of this, or perhaps because of this, I keep falling back to this despair about why we are all so polite, scared, closed, I’m not sure what, about talking about the things that move us. So I hope when I pose questions here and propose a point of view that people are encouraged to think about these topics, to find out more about them if they aren’t sure what they think yet and to go on to discuss them with your social circles. We all need to take some responsibility for where our world is heading. If you don’t think it is right that children are held for years at a time in disease infested camps while seeking asylum, or if you feel the deep sadness I do about two young men facing the ultimate punishment for what was a terrible crime but what was also the folly of two young men 10 years ago, if you care that our grandchildren may never get to see the wonder that is the Great Barrier Reef because a couple of already very rich people want to be richer, that a woman needs to choose between pasta sauce and mince in her shopping trolley, then let’s talk about it. If you think all those things are fair and reasonable things to be occurring in the world we live in then talk about it too but let’s educate each other, not be told what our view on these things should be by those who gain from us holding that particular view. Fiona Hovey
ARTS & CULTURE
FRANCIS UPRITCHARD Francis Upritchard's rainbow-skinned figures may have stooped shoulders, sagging bellies and bald heads, but they never stop dancing. These hand-modelled, marionette-sized creations bend their knees and wave their arms, raver-style, absorbed in trance rhythms only they can hear. Others around them strike tai chi or meditation poses. But they all keep their eyes shut, refusing to connect. They're normally rendered naturist nude (but for the occasional tie-dye cloak) then painted all over: anything from bright purple to harlequin patterns. They could be the descendants of an off-grid commune, evolved in the wake of a nuclear disaster so their skin has taken on hippy hues. Or are they wandering minstrels from the middle ages? They seem both ancient and futuristic, as if they've not only tried to buck the system but have moved outside of time Born in New Plymouth, New Zealand, in 1976, altogether. the now London-based Upritchard grew up in a hippy environment
where the local hub of crafters and alternative therapists was offset by the oil industry. The failure of the 1960s peace and love dream, bringing in the "me" generation in place of a communally minded world, is one of the key ideas behind her figurines Upritchard made a name for herself in the early 2000s by turning consumer tat into ritualistic objects – a biscuit jar reworked as a funeral urn; an ancient Mummy whose tributes include a pack of B&H instead of a gold bar. She often referenced tribal cultures like New Zealand's MÄ oris. Turning the tables on colonial anthropologists, she drew analogies between the cheap trinkets westerners amass and talismans and amulets traditionally used to protect against evil spirits. Her clay figures made a splash on the international scene in 2009, when she represented New Zealand at the Venice Biennale, suggesting a shift away from her interest in magic objects and folk beliefs owards doomed ideals and utopian dreams.
ARTS & CULTURE
Healthy Choices
'Don't have time to make Breakfast?'... A Healthy and motivational thought for Breakfast - YOGHURT People who eat yogurt every day will gain less weight and are less prone to type 2 diabetes, according to the findings of scientific studies recently published in leading medical journals. Nutrition experts stress that the most up-to-date studies in nutrition indicate that regular consumption of yogurt contributes significantly to public health, and they strongly recommend daily consumption of yogurt as part of a balanced, healthy diet. Yogurt is a source of a nutrient-rich diet that contributes to our health in many ways. Most dietary guidelines in the world recommend the consumption of 2-3 portions of milk daily, and it is important to incorporate yogurt in one of these portions. Apricot and Honey Almond Shake... Ingredients/ • 1/2 cup drained apricot halves • 1 cup almond milk • 200g tub apricot lactose-free yoghurt • 2 tablespoons honey Baked Peaches with Ricotta... Ingredients/ • 4 just-ripe freestone peaches, halved, stone removed • 200g fresh low-fat ricotta cheese • pinch ground cinnamon • 3 sesame snaps (see note), crushed • 1 tablespoon honey, to serve Cucumber Rounds... Ingredients/ • 1 medium Lebanese cucumber • bought avocado dip • celery, finely chopped • carrot, shredded • alfalfa sprouts.
LIFESTYLE
TONGA The Kingdom of Tonga is one of the most relaxed and relaxing countries on earth. Like most nations in the South Pacific, Tonga lives life in the slow lane, adhering to the unhurried clock of “Island Time”. Made up of 170 fertile islands, the sovereign has ample settings in which to while away the days’ long hours. Unspoilt and uncrowded, Tonga’s beaches are fringed by azure waters and some of the world’s most exquisite coral reefs. Strap on a snorkel and discover amazing sea life like turtles, manta rays and whale sharks. Or pull on a wetsuit and dive ancient underwater tunnels and massive cliff drop-offs, formed millenniums ago by volcanic activity. A Tongan underwater adventure often comes with the spectacular added bonus of whale songs. From June to November southern humpbacks return from the depths of Antarctica to West Polynesia’s shallow and warm waters to give birth to their young. Experience the gentle marine giants breaching and splashing about from a whale watching boat trip.
Self-claimed to be The Land Where Time Begins, Tonga is also known as The Land Where Time Stands Still, proudly retaining centuries’-old culture and traditions. Many Tongans still live in village communities and slow cook meals in earth ovens called umus. Kava is consumed to mark special occasions, and day-to-day life is filled with colourful and lively displays of song and dance. Dubbed the “Friendly Islands” by Captain James Cook, Tongans are known to be among the friendliest and most accommodating people on earth. Tour a village and participate in a kava ceremony and dance performance. Or visit a marketplace and watch as local craftspeople create traditional arts and handicrafts using techniques passed down over generations. Stunningly scenic and brimming with culture and adventure, Tonga is authentic tropical paradise and outstanding holiday destination.
Situated just east of the International Date Line, in the middle of the South Pacific Ocean, Tonga welcomes morning before anywhere else on earth, with the first rays of sun of the new day
Peaceful... Relaxing
Simply Beautiful
Secluded...
TRAVEL & EVENTS
24 OP Shop Fun
Do you love op-shopping? Hunting through the racks and boxes in the hope that you'll uncover a special treasure? I first began op-shopping (aka “thrifting”) when I was in high school. My friends and I would spend days during the school holidays visiting all the op-shops in town, searching for peculiar knick-knacks and unique pieces to add to our wardrobes. Since then my tastes have changed and I’ve somewhat refined my criteria for what I consider a treasure, but sorting through racks of old coats and stacks of vintage books is still one of my favourite hobbies. I just love it!
unnecessary items. When I first started thrifting I used to bring home almost everything that I liked (because it was so affordable) but I soon learned that this is just a recipe for clutter. The cost of all those small purchases adds up too, so you can wind up spending a lot more than you might imagine. Try to resist the things you like and only bring home the things you love.
Here are 10 hot tips for making the most of your next op-shoping adventure.
Think creatively Look for the potential in things and try to be open-minded. Sometimes clothes, knick-knacks and furniture just need a minor alteration or repair to make them wonderful. Other things can be repurposed into something entirely new. Use your imagination and try to think outside the box.
Go often Stock in op-shops can come and go very quickly and the best items tend to move fast, especially in busy city stores. Go as often as you can to maximise your chances of finding hidden gems. If you are really serious about op-shopping, it doesn’t hurt to ask an employee when they refill their stock and find out if there is a schedule for adding new items. If you go right after the stock has been replenished you’ll beat everyone else to the good stuff.
Remember what you actually need I have certain things that I collect, so when I enter an op-shop I make a beeline for those sections. I also try to keep a mental list of things I need and want, so that I remember to keep an eye out for them when I’m thrifting. I find that if you go into a store without any idea of what you need or want, you’re more likely to miss out on treasures (because you won’t be looking for them) or come out of the shop with a bunch of unnecessary extras.
Be prepared Some op-shops still don’t accept cards so make sure you have some cash on hand. Thrifting is also a bit more time consuming than shopping in retail stores and, unlike when you are at a shopping centre, there probably won’t be stalls selling snacks nearby. Make sure you have plenty of time and eat before you go. Op-shopping isn’t much fun if you are rushed or hungry.
Be impulsive It stands in direct contrast to my last point but part of the fun of op-shopping is that you can be a bit more impulsive than you might normally, and come home with something completely unexpected. I love the thrill of stumbling across something weird and wonderful! After all, if you change your mind about the item you can always donate it back.
Wander further afield I have always found little op-shops in small towns to be absolute goldmines, so when we go on road trips we always make a point of stopping at as many op-shops as we can. Try to get off the beaten track. Be thorough Op-shopping is not like strolling through a clothes store where you can quickly scan the displays. You need to set aside some time to go through the individual racks of clothes, sort through the crockery and dig through the boxes of assorted junk. It takes a little more patience than traditional shopping but if you are thorough, you can be rewarded with great finds at bargain prices. Only buy the things you love If you op-shop often and you bring home everything thing you like, you will very quickly find yourself overwhelmed with
Leave some treasures behind Sometimes I see an amazing vintage dress that isn’t in my size and find myself wondering who I could buy it for, or considering buying it to resell. When that happens I have to remind myself that I would probably never get around to listing all those vintage items that aren’t quite right for me, so they’d just be taking up space in my house. If it isn’t going to work for you, or you have no need or space for it, let it go. I find it helps to think about how happy the item will make the next person who comes along and can actually use it. Don’t get discouraged Sometimes I go months without finding a single thing and I begin to wonder if all the vintage treasures have disappeared for good, then out of nowhere I’ll find something amazing. You never know when you are going to discover the next little gem so don’t give up! In my experience, if it feels like your luck has totally run out, you are probably just around the corner from finding something really special.
MEDITATION There are many things in life that are beyond our control. However, it is possible to take responsibility for our own states of mind – and to change them for the better. ‘Buddhist meditation practices’ According to Buddhism this is the most important thing we can do, and Buddhism teaches that it is the only real antidote to our own personal sorrows, and to the anxieties, fears, hatreds, and general confusions that beset the human condition. Meditation is a means of transforming the mind. Buddhist meditation practices are techniques that encourage and develop concentration, clarity, emotional positivity, and a calm seeing of the true nature of things. By engaging with a particular meditation practice you learn the patterns and habits of your mind, and the practice offers a means to cultivate new, more positive ways of being. With regular work and patience these nourishing, focused states of mind can deepen into profoundly peaceful and energised states of mind. Such experiences can have a transformative effect and can lead to a new understanding of life.
BODY & SOUL
28
10 Beliefs You Need
for 'Personal Excellence’
Your potential is limitless. As you move towards becoming the best person you can be, you have the opportunity to experience amazing adventures and personally evolve in the process. In striving towards personal excellence, your core beliefs are of the utmost importance. Here are ten beliefs that will propel you towards the excellence you desire: 1. There are no mistakes in life. There are only experiences. There is value behind every choice you make, even if the outcome turns out differently than you had hoped. Although it isn’t always easy to understand the meaning behind every ‘bad’ decision, you gain wisdom in experiencing challenges. Be thankful for your missteps. They are your greatest teachers. 2. I am responsible for my present situation. By blaming other people or circumstances for your present state, you fail to realize you are the one responsible for creating your own life. Don’t give your power away by maintaining the belief that you have no control over your future. You do! If you don’t have one already, begin cultivating an internal locus of control by being accountable for everything that happens in your life. 3. I will never stop learning. The world is changing fast. To keep up with it you must be committed to continuing your education on a daily basis through reading, studying and interacting with others. Being dedicated to learning doesn’t necessarily mean you have to open up a textbook every day. It can be as simple as talking to a stranger and being receptive to the lessons that person might have to teach you. 4. I only need to be focused on the action I am taking in this moment. In the pursuit of personal excellence, sometimes we set “big” goals for ourselves. In setting these benchmarks, it is easy to get overwhelmed. Consider this: to climb a mountain, you only need to concentrate on putting one foot in front of the other. Your goals will become more attainable when you break down the steps you need to take, then focus on completing each of them, one at a time. 5. It is OK to ask for support. You aren’t on your journey alone. Allow the people who want your continued success to lend a hand, but also give someone you don’t know (but whom you admire) the opportunity to share their knowledge with you. Also remember that because of our global interconnectedness, many of the resources you seek will readily appear with the push of a few buttons. Asking for support demonstrates courage and openness.
6. I am dedicated to pushing myself beyond my existing boundaries.To become a better version of yourself, you will have to take calculated risks. If you aren’t challenging yourself, you aren’t growing. In evaluating whether a chance is worth taking, consider whether your action has the potential to power you to a new personal high in your life. Then…close your eyes, plug your nose and jump off that cliff. 7. I am willing to adapt to changing circumstances. Life can be a wild ride. Sometimes we don’t know what is waiting for us around the corner.The ability to recalibrate after something unexpected happens will not only expand your capabilities, but it will guarantee your sustained existence in an ever-changing world. 8. All knowledge I acquire has the potential to serve me. Whether you are aware of it or not, you are constantly absorbing information from the world around you. Even those things you aren’t cognizant of (or don’t understand) have the potential to help you in your search for personal excellence. Some portion of this subconscious knowledge will likely surface as a future answer to a burning question or problem. Because of this, never discount any person or experience as worthless; that person or thing will someday serve you in a way you don’t expect. 9. I give myself permission to say no. You can’t give to others if your personal gas tank is empty. To keep your tank full, stay in optimum performance condition by maintaining emotional, physical, mental and spiritual balance in your life. Sometimes this means saying no to others and saying yes to yourself. 10. By authentically expressing myself, I bring my unique signature to every person and thing I touch. Stop allowing your mind to censor your heart’s desires, and live your passion. Take pride in your every strength and fault. Have full confidence in your gifts without comparing yourself to others. Nobody is more excellent at being you than you. Remember, the road to personal excellence never ends. As long as you are breathing, you will always be working towards realizing a newer, better version of yourself. Don’t get caught up in thinking you will be “complete” once you attain one goal or another.
The achievement will be in your constant advancement. Your real joy will be in the journey.
COME ON BARBIE > GET REAL! Beauty is often judged by our looks. Are you skinny? Is your skin spot free and perfectly smooth? Is your hair luscious like the L’Oreal commercials? All these factors come into play when people define beauty, but that is not what beauty is about. Don’t believe all the media you read, it will mislead you and never lead you to happiness. What defines beauty is your personality and your attitude. Someone could be perfectly beautiful, yet they are the most shallow and vindictive person you could ever meet. Here are the true traits of why you’re a beautiful girl. Your passion speaks louder than your looks. Your passion defines you more than your looks. You are so passionate, you radiate an attitude of ambition and enthusiasm. You are yourself around others You don’t let others hold you back from being yourself. To many people, showing your real face to others is terrifying. But you are always yourself. You don’t chase the limelight You don’t need to be the center of attention. You are not the one who makes as much noise as they can, just to be heard. You know how to talk You know how to speak to others, with confidence and kindness. You know the importance of communicating properly. You do not shy away from conversation, but speak when necessary, without having an aggressive manner. You know the value of showing interest in others, instead of speaking about yourself and yourself only. People want to know you are interested in speaking to them as well as listening to them. You are independent You are someone who is independent and does not need someone to do things. This means you are not shy about doing tasks on your own, whether it’s going to a workout class alone or going to do the shopping on your own. You are confident in your own abilities and understand that you can do things alone. You never need direction from others because you trust your own instincts. You care about more than just yourself You care about others more than just yourself. This means that you show interest in others and you are not solely self-focused (or self-obsessed). You don’t talk about yourself, but ask others about themselves and are concerned by what they say. You have an open mind You do not have a closed mind, but you accept other people’s beliefs, without criticizing or judging them for it. You understand that we all have different opinions. You could even go as far as listening to other opinions with a willingness to accept it.
You have a soul It’s as simple as it sounds, you have a soul. You are not someone who is cold-hearted and lives in misery. You do not act like a soulless zombie, who simply does not care about anything. You are someone who cares about life and how you can enjoy it. You care about life and those around you because being miserable is a waste of time. You don’t strive for perfection You understand that you can’t spend your time aiming for perfection. You know that no one is perfect and you can only give your best (without needing to be dead-on perfect). Everyone has flaws or makes mistakes, it’s a part of the learning process. Being a perfectionist only leads to a restricted life, meaning you will miss out on life’s opportunities. You are happy You feel that being yourself makes you happy. After all, why should we let our flaws stop us from being happy? Being happy is more important than focusing on the negatives. You embrace yourself for who you are and don’t focus on any mistakes you may make. You don’t need validation from others You don’t require validation from others around you. You understand that what you do and say does not have to be approved. It is your life so it doesn’t matter if someone else frowns upon one of your choices/morals. You smile often One of the most beautiful things in life is smiling. It shows you are a happy and positive person, something that will attract others to you. You are optimistic You look at the world through optimistic eyes. This means you do not look at the negatives in life. Instead you focus on what you can learn from a bad experience.You always look at life with love and excitement. You look at what can go right in a future scenario, not at the worst outcome. You are prepared to show your flaws This can be a hard thing to do, as it means allowing people to see your faults. This is also why it is a beautiful quality to possess, as it shows that you are being yourself. Pinch yourself, you were not formed from a plastic mould. This is not to say that our health and self care of our outer body should not be maintained but it should never become an obsession. I know women and men who live at the beauticians and plastic surgeons and would not be able to live another day if they were to shut their doors tomorrow. Real glamour and beauty is about being yourslef and enjoying life with a smile and contentment, with this on the inside the outside will shine.
YOUR JOURNEY. We all experience events in life that change our world. Some are good and some bad, Some of us have family and friends to support them and others experience isolation and despair. Our experiences make us who we are today.
Turn Adversity Into a Positive Experience “Human life runs a course in the metamorphosis between receiving and giving.” - Goethe Sometimes it seems that there is no end to the problems that we face in life. Sometimes it feels that for each step we take forward, adverse circumstances pull us two steps back. A wise person once said that 'pain is inevitable but the suffering is optional.' You have to decide how much suffering and emotional stress your pain is going to inflict upon yourself and those around you. As always it is easy to write or read such positive affirmations opposed to practice. I have always been a true believer that we are inspired by the journey of others, some may have herd the expression ‘you learn by others mistakes’, it extends further than just a mistake, its an ‘experience’ with a positive definition. I like many have experienced my share of adverisity and I do know from experience how that feeling of despair can set in, I had reached a point in my life where I began to reach out and read. I read many clinical articles, self help books and how to books, but it wasn't until I came across a story written by someone just like us - not a celebrity rags to riches story but the girl next door, she was real - that I began to learn and be inspired by. The following ways of thinking can help turn any adversity into a positive experience. Adversity is not a cause but a symptom. More often than not our adversity is a symptom of some other, deeper issue or problem. You lose a job and you think that this is a devastating turn of events, but do you try to figure out why you lost your job? What is it that made you so forgettable or dispensable? Was it even the right fit for you? Similarly, if you or a loved one is sick, try to figure out why the sickness has happened. Is it lifestyle? Is it the environment around you? Is it a combination of them? Sometimes there is no reason but what I ask is that you look at it differently and try things that have not been done before. Whatever the situation is, you should take note of the source of a problem if possible. Unless you solve it, you will keep getting into similar situations. Adversity can be a lesson. The day to day business of our
lives does not allow us the time to pause and to appreciate the people we have around us most of the time. More often than not, adversity often awakens us to the opportunities and treasures that are before our eyes and that are far more important than money or material possessions; our health, our family, and our friends. Sudden loss of money teaches us that we should not base our happiness on money. An illness teaches us to be humble and to lead a healthy life as much as possible. It also teaches us who is really important. A sudden loss in the family makes us appreciate the cycle of birth, life, and then death and hopefully makes you realize that there is so much more after we are gone. Adversity can be guidance. Sometimes if you’re paying close attention, adversity can come to your life to suggest that it’s time to change course in the river of life and to swim like hell. For example, when someone leaves you there is no use in sulking and blaming yourself or others. Instead you need to take it as a sign that a newer and more enlightened relationship should be sought one that is more meaningful and one that is meant for you. Or maybe you need to or should invest your time in other pursuits for the time being? Rather than getting bogged down with our own problems we should pay attention to people who happily survive and even prosper despite all of the odds. When you open your eyes and heart and have a look at the whole of the world, you'll appreciate how well life has treated you no matter the situation. Be thankful for each moment of each day. Open up to those around you and be human. None of us are superhuman. We all need help and should ask for it when we do. We all should pay it forward as well to those who need the help for one day it may be you doing the asking. So each day try to see the world in a different light. If it does not go your way one day we have tomorrow and the next. Our life and our connections to each other are all dependent on how we respond. Respond to all with a positive mind, open heart and wide open eyes and lean from it all. It is always UP TO YOU!
‘a Culture with Voice’ JOLEA PO Box 1551 CARINDALE Q 4152 Tel: +617 1300 364 732 Email: enquiry@jolea.com.au www.jolea.com.au