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

 

 

 

How 27 days can change things...

It's the eve of the last day of the month, and Free Your Mind February draws to a close.
As a parting gift, I want to share some of the learnings about myself, others and life in general that have come about in the past 27 days.

• Writing is my poison
• The guitar is a difficult instrument to master  
• It’s OK to pursue wacky, off the wall dreams
• Preparing delicious food is good therapy 
• It’s OK to take it easy
• Giving gratitude is a very rewarding practise  
• Ice cream is my kryptonite
• It’s important to put yourself first
• Love is all around
• Fresh flowers are the mack daddy
• You get what you give
• There are many wonderful people who support and believe in me
• Don’t be so hard on yourself
• Pay attention to what brings you joy and do it as often as possible
• Create a work space that stimulates and inspires
• Spend time with people who elevate your senses
• I love a calm and peaceful life
• Honesty is the best policy
• Kindness is one of the greatest gifts you can give and receive
• Less is more
• Most of the general population want to feel important and loved
• Dance to the beat of your own drum and invite others to join you
• Laughter is indeed good for the soul
• Everything is going to be OK
• Treat your inner circle like treasure
• Two important ingredients for an inspired life are heart and guts

• Love is the drug for me

It's been a fun project that's opened my mind to wonderful possibilities. I'm proud to have done it and all who came along with me, I hope you've enjoyed it too. Feel free to share any and all of your revelations in the past 27 days. I'd love to hear from you.

Loving you, loving me...TLT x

 

I’m going to tell you a secret – please don’t judge...

Sometimes I don’t feel like writing regardless of my promise to do so every day.

There, I've said it.

Although there are loads of ideas floating through my head, I’m at times lost for words and it can feel like a chore. Yet when I get started and the words are flowing like the Amazon, my energy shifts and I feel what can best be described as an electric charge or what I now dub, ‘The Bolt of Goodness’.

Some days the bolt hits me right between the eyes and gets my fingers tapping at the keyboard like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Other days, it’s a long time coming and you’ll find me staring at a blank page...patiently hoping and praying for inspiration.

There are many things in our daily lives we may not enjoy (for example Burpies or saying no to ice cream) and stuff that we’ve declared privately or publicly that we want to do, achieve or be but are unsure how or where to start. So, what next?

Now I catch on pretty quick and I've noticed that when it comes to getting where or what you want, all the signs point in one direction. The one thing that will separate you from the rest is to consider what’s important and what brings you joy and then it’s a matter of getting started. You heard me – simply get started.

Don’t believe me? Look at what the experts have to say;

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”

- Lao Tzu

 “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase”

- Martin Luther King

“A year from now you’ll wish you started today”

– Karen Lamb

I won't say it'll be easy nor claim the journey will be short but I can confirm that my personal experience in the pursuit of happiness began with one small decision which has sparked a personal revolution and this little adventure has helped me truly appreciate chasing down the life I want to live. I’m overflowing with ideas and excitement about how I can add value to others through my work and although it’s uncertain where it will all lead, I’m convinced that I’m on the right path and that I am indeed, a better woman as a result.

Go on then, get started now. It may not be rainbows and unicorns all the way but when ‘The Bolt of Goodness’ strikes, you’ll thank me for it. I promise.

Loving you, loving me...TLT x

 

When in doubt...