Think Big and DO IT

Have you ever felt like the multiverse is trying to tell you something? This makes me understand why people believe in God: you hear/see/read something that resounds with you and then hear the same message again (and again sometimes) from different sources. 

This is happening to me right now. First I had a life-altering conversation with Norm, the owner of Sarinbuana Eco Lodge in Bali, and now one of my blogging idols Matt Frazier is telling me the same thing. So what are they saying?

Think Big and DO IT.

Lets start with Matt Frazier's blog post, "5 Easy Steps for Making your Unrealistic Goal a Reality". If you haven't read this then give it a try - especially if you have a big goal in mind.

Matt's 5 points so closely matched my own thoughts after our talk with Norm that it really felt like the universe/multiverse/God/whatever-you-believe-in was ramming its ideas home. The five points of Matt's blog are:

1. Think really big
2. Ask: Does action flow from it?
3. Give yourself time
4. Create massive accountability
5. Get to work

Norm was even more direct - points 1 and 5 summarise his attitude. I went into our conversation looking for insight into planning an eco-retreat and I came out with a fire lit under me. I was ready to change the world.

That's what was so inspiring about our conversation; Norm said, building an eco-retreat in Western Australia is fine, it's going to take you the rest of your lives and it'll be fine. But you can do MUCH more than that.

So that's the plan! To do MUCH more.

Stay tuned ...

It's Not about you: How being shy is egotistical

I've already briefly mentioned the Bali Eco Lodge we stayed in during our recent holiday, but I didn't tell you about the talk we had with one of the owners, Norm. The three-hour talk quite probably changed my life (only my actions following the talk with prove that or not) but one minor thing he said has affected my outlook greatly.

When he described getting up in front of a room full of people to discuss permaculture, my response was, "I could never do that, I'm shy". Norm simply replied, "It's not about you". He went on to explain how he had to go on national television once and was extremely nervous, he simply remembered no-one was watching to see him, they were only interested in what he had to say and so focused on that.

That's when I realised every time I have said "I'm shy" that's my ego speaking. What's worse is my ego had developed a victimised strategy of dealing with social situations, "it's hard for me because I'm shy" is really just an excuse for getting out of things.

This amazingly simple idea has already allowed me to say yes to a few things I wouldn't have considered before, because of my shyness. For starters I have booked a hair/ makeup/ photography session with a friend of mine so I can have some nice pictures while I have my Bettie Bangs in. 

The idea of that much attention is very uncomfortable for me, but then I remember - even getting my photograph taken is not about me! It's about the moment in time I'm looking to capture with a friend. The same can be said for doing things out of your comfort zone: why not sing that karaoke song? It's not about you, it's about having fun with friends.

Once you take your own ego out of the equation there is nothing to be afraid of! Are you shy? Then just remember, it's NOT about you. There is no I in shy. 

Afternoon Delight

I don't think I'm the only person out there who is a bit over excited about the upcoming release of Anchorman 2. I was reminded recently how funny Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy was, so went back and watched it again, having forgotten a LOT of the hilariously stupid 'fight' scenes between the various news groups.

Just about every actor in Hollywood gets a cameo in the original so it will be very interesting to see who pops up in the long-awaited sequel. And since I blogged recently about Clueless it was great to see that Paul Rudd (from Clueless) was one of Ron Burgundy's side-kicks, AND he'll be back for the sequel. Apparently he's been a busy boy so I might have to check out some of the MANY other comedies he's been in - suggestions anyone?

So having watched Anchorman the other night I have been obsessively singing 'Afternoon Delight' ever since, a harmonised song from the seventies sung beautifully by the cast. If you haven't seen the movie then youtube the song, it's kitsch, funny and beautiful all at the same time.

Sky rockets in flight.... Pew!

Best Eco Lodge in Bali?

Mike and I have just returned from a fabulous week in Bali. We stayed at Sarinbuana Eco Lodge on Mount Batukaru and I can't recommend the place enough. The food was amazing - every single meal! The staff were friendly and spoke good English and we even got to meet with the owners about how they created their permaculture Eco Lodge.

If you or anyone you know is going to Bali and looking for an alternative experience away from the heat, noise and crowding of the beach scene then head to Sarinbuana Eco Lodge for a few days or more. We stayed for a whole week and that was the perfect length of time for us.

There's workshops you can do such as cooking classes or wood/stone carvings, but I just lazed for a week; I managed to read three books, have two massages and meditations over the week and that was enough activity for me!

I've returned to my life a more calm and peaceful version of myself, and just can't wipe the smile off my face. I am inspired to move forward with our plans for a working permaculture site with tourist accommodation here in WA, although finding somewhere in the tropics seems like a much easier way to get things off the ground! Hmmm, food for thought there...

Sunset from the Orchid Bungalow