Tough Love Tamvakis-ism #09

Some days are better than others. 

 

Do your best to appreciate them equally.

 

Loving you, loving me...TLT x

Life is beautiful...

It’s a glorious morning so I grab my breakfast and my indoor feline friends and venture out into the backyard to allow the sun’s rays rest on our bones.

 

After devouring my avocado and tomato on toast, I groom then proceed to shower my little fur balls with love. They purr back, eyes closed and tails gently swaying with the breeze.

When done, I slowly stroll around the garden paying attention to the sound of the wind rustling the leaves in the trees and the birds chirping. I stumble upon part of a hatched blue egg and wonder; “What creature was born from this?”

 

I’ve kept it to show my husband, the nature lover and aficionado in the event he can tell me. Perhaps I’ll never know. In any case, it’s beautiful so I photograph it.

I look over at the critters, they are savouring the sunshine.

 

I stand quietly. My mind free thought or expectation. Happy.

I spot a dragonfly on a fence post. I decide to slowly inch my way as close as it will allow me. Step by step, I make my way. As I approach what’s perhaps uncomfortably close for my bronze winged friend, it takes flight. I sigh in disappointment and think “I wish you’d stay.”

To my delight, it seems my new friend hears me, flying a short distance before returning to its perch.

I stand very still.

 

It turns its back to me. I gently bend to capture the beauty of the sun bouncing from its intricately designed wings. It willingly models for me. I smile and marvel at the beauty. Again, it flies away returning quickly and this time, giving me a glance at its stunning golden body.

Are you flirting little friend?

It’s as though with each moment passing, it understands I am quietly in awe so with one final launch my winged friend floats gently through the air and returns to its post, this time facing me head on; without fear.

 

Talk about putting on a show my little prehistoric descendant...Bravo!

 

I walk away, feeling humbled and grateful to receive these lovely gifts from nature.

I give thanks.

 

Life is beautiful.

Loving you, loving me...TLT x

 

Tough Love Tamvakis-ism #08

 

Never underestimate your capabilities nor the possibilities.

 

 

Loving you, loving me...TLT x

Trademarks and legacies...

Mr Peter Harvey, aged 68 died yesterday as a result of pancreatic cancer.

For those who have heard of him, Mr Harvey was a well known and respected Australian Journalist. I grew up watching his news reports and from a very early age understood he had what it took to capture an audience. His commanding presence, integrity and of course his voice; it was instantly recognisable and indeed his trademark.

This got me thinking. What is it about some people that they make an everlasting impact? Why is it they can work a room, attract a crowd or mesmerise? And furthermore what’s my (if I have one at all) trademark? Is there an aspect of my character or a physical attribute that is unmistakably me? Something that shouts, “I am Anna Tamvakis!”

Let’s see...well there’s always that little bump on my right upper thigh. My husband says if we’re ever in a dark room with a bunch of people (the circumstances surrounding how or why this type of identification would be required is a mystery however it’s comforting to know he’s got my back) and he has to recognise me, this is how. But surely it’s something a little more exotic than a mole?

According to the experts, we’re all genius and there’s a special something about each and every one of us that defines and makes us unique. So what’s your genius?

I’m going to lay the challenge out to you right here and now. Ask yourself, your friends and family to list three things that are unique to you. It may feel a little strange or uncomfortable but it won’t hurt a bit, I promise! Besides, it’s likely you’ll be surprised and delighted to hear what they have to say and it may help you find your je ne sais quoi. I did it a while back as part of an exercise prescribed by Marie Forleo (thanks Marie!) and I was dazzled and intrigued at the view of myself from another’s lens.

Speaking of, I’m sad that Mr Harvey won’t be coming at me down the barrel of a camera anytime soon. Aside from being a great journalist, he seemed like a really good bloke with a big heart and a zest for life. A seemingly serious man but by all other reports he was  often silly, fiercely intelligent, optimistic, never apologetic for who he was, a devoted family man and always willing for an adventure. He was my kind of guy.

Mr Harvey, your passing has helped me appreciate that I may not (now or ever) have a trademark but while I'm working on it, I can only aspire towards a legacy like yours. Here’s to you kind sir.

Loving you, loving me...TLT x