Single Parent Getting After It
Why Why Why?? When minutes are so precious, why take time out of my day to practice a meaningless activity in a sport that I don’t even play? Because, it’s not meaningless. It’s an opportunity to keep moving, to stay agile, to feel young, to be healthy, to keep conquering challenging tasks. This 50by50…
I woke intensely nervous, I was lacking confidence and self-doubt was setting in. I ferried the kids off to school and hastily returned home, capitalising on my deliberately empty stomach, I rushed to tackle this obstacle head-on. The obstacle is the way. In the stillness of the room, the house in silence, my Japanese Zen…
I read a bunch of information online and decided to put my trust in this four-week process by Ian Donald (an AIDA master freediving instructor and author). I followed Ian’s c02 and O2 tables pretty much to a tee except I did all my breath holds on land as I didn’t want to risk passing…
I have been enjoying my Wim Hof (WHM) breathing sessions for the past 18 months, they seem to give me increased energy and alertness. There is a feeling of stress reduction, there is something about the controlled hyperventilation that activates the parasympathetic nervous system. The holds can give you a natural high and prolonged energy…
Dear Noah, You are blossoming. I have a birds-eye view of your life and it is beautiful to watch, just like you. Two areas in your life are shining bright. Your leadership qualities and your interest and increased love of sport. The combination of these two is powerful. You are developing awareness, working on your…
I read a bunch of books last calendar year and did my first random book review in September. I read ‘Man’s Search for Meaning‘ in July last year but revisited the masterpiece this week while reading my current book, Ikigai as they are related in concept and teachings. So, I decided to punch out another…
It’s all too easy to get caught up in the demands of family and work. As we navigate hectic schedules, we often overlook the importance of prioritising our very own wellness. The saying, “If you don’t make time for your wellness, you will be forced to make time for your illness,” serves as a powerful…
I thought I’d revisit a post from 31 August 2022 as it’s something that’s been a key positive ingredient in my mental health. If you’re reading this and you haven’t tried this technique, I urge you to give it a crack. I use it for the negative feelings that decide to knock on my door.…
At the end of 2022, I reflected on a year that had me derailed but as December rolled in, I was optimistic and putting my energy into a successful proceeding year and stated; 2023 “is a journey for me to be young. To think about and do things that defy my age. To be happy,…
This first photo was taken a handful of days before Lou found a lump. 18 months later on 12 January 2019, Louise would sprout angel wings. While five years goes by extremely quickly, there are nearly 2000 days in that time. You can’t change a minute that passes by but you can influence the proceeding…
There may be no better way to start 2024 than to fly out of the country at 6 am on January 1 with my two excitable overgrown offspring and 17 days of foreign discovery ahead. After 8000 km in the air, 75 km in two different sardined Japanese trains, a quick sleeping pit stop in…
Unfortunately, I have been knocked unconscious an estimated 25 times in my life. Four of these knocks resulted in memory loss and three were hospitalised. I’ve become paranoid about various memory incidents I’ve had in recent years and I’m anxious about the possibility of CTE symptoms coming my way. CTE or Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy is…
My theory is, I was allocated 15,000 alcoholic drinks at birth. By the time I reached my early 40’s I had drunk them All. This meant my hangovers and recovery time after a binge session became painful and slow. My ability to parent, work and exercise was incredibly diminished. Temperance/moderation didn’t exist in my life.…
On your first day of school six years ago you wouldn’t leave your mamma’s side. Yesterday you were nominated school vice captain, 2024. Your graciousness in not getting the top spot is an inspiration to me on its own. You were genuinely happy for Sammi and simply said “he’s the best boy for the job.”…
I had a big goal to complete >150 combined sessions of Pilates, Yoga or stretching by February 2024. I arrived at this goal two months early, today I did my 100th Pilates session on top of >50 stretching sessions and a handful of yoga classes. While I wasn’t specific on the break up of each…
Evie Harper, Nine! Your last year as a single digit. I miss you. You have started to thrive athletically, your sporting interests have been a pleasure to watch. You can achieve anything you want in any sport you choose. I know schoolwork doesn’t come as naturally as gymnastics, soccer, basketball or touch footy. I can…
Ciao Benson!! You had a good run buddy. Lou sourced you when she couldn’t get pregnant with Noah, you filled a solid childless void in our home for several years. You kept Lou company when she was debilitated by migraines. Lou always said you knew she was getting sick, that you could sense the seriousness…
If you search any phrase or question related to Stoicism on the web you’ll land on content that Ryan Holiday’s team has produced. Ryan is an American author, marketer, and entrepreneur known for his work in the fields of Stoicism, marketing, and personal development. Holiday has written a dozen bestselling books, many of which draw…
Words aren’t going to do this justice because if you haven’t felt it, you haven’t felt it. The thrill of being on the starting gate in a moto is an unrivalled intense experience that can be difficult to put into words. It’s a moment of anticipation and excitement that beats all drugs. You feel your…
After 10 years without reading a single book I started reading again in July last year when my sister recommended I read something that would help me out of an acute mental rut, which it did. I read a couple of additional self-help books after that, then Dad gifted me a book for Christmas that…
I’ve been dropping Marcus Aurelius’s name a bit lately. Marcus was a Roman Emperor who ruled from 161 to 180 AD. He faced numerous trials during his reign, including wars, a plague, political disputes, and personal hardships. Marcus engaged in regular self-reflection, as evidenced by his “Meditations,” in which he explored his own thoughts, actions,…
I’m not all that fussed about Father’s Day and days alike. But if the history of it’s invention is true then I love its origin. Supposedly, Sonora Smart Dodd began campaigning for the creation of the day. Sonora was one of six children raised by their single Father and Civil War veteran – William Jackson…
In the early stages of Lou’s cancer fight, she and her friends hosted a “Girls Night In” fundraiser for the Cancer Council and smashed all money raising records for any previous events of that kind. She spoke so well and displayed so much courage that The Cancer Council wanted her to be an ambassador. Unfortunately,…
It’s late in the evening, I’m tired, and I’m under time pressure to feed the kids their dinner, I grab the big bag of beans from the shopping pile but accidentally grasp the bottom of the bean bag and whip the fresh vegetables across the kitchen so it’s raining green. What is your response if…
In my rugby playing days I always performed well in wet and muddy conditions. The majority of outside backs would hope for sunny skies, zero precipitation and a gentle breeze. I made a choice very early in my career that if a hurricane came through town on game day that I was going to love…
I haven’t been very active on my blog but no news is good news. I have continued to write a short diary entry (new habit ) most days, either preparing for the day ahead, reflecting on the day that was, reminding me of the wisdom I have learned, pondering a thought or asking myself “What…
A 2000-year-old philosophy that started in Greece and made its way to Rome. We don’t control what happens to us but we do control how we respond to what happens to us. Everything that happens to us in life is an opportunity to respond with what the philosophy calls – Virtue Virtue is made up…
Habits have an impact on every aspect of our lives and to a certain extent they define who we are. Habits play a primary role in our energy levels, sleep patterns, our physical and emotional strength. Habits shape how we respond to decisions and events. Our good habits will aid our personal development and support…
“When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive – to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.” Marcus Aurelius May was a wash of magic early sunrises on Sydney Harbour – Drummoyne. Rowing in an ageing boat crew of eight and preparing to win the Great…
I’m going to achieve a handful of goals that require an extremely high level of physical health, some of my running goals depend upon exceptional musculoskeletal health, which I do not have. I did so much running as a school athlete and rugby player, that overuse and poor maintenance have taken a serious toll on…
Super fun morning racing The Convict 100, one of Australia’s longest-running mountain bike marathons in the township of St. Albans. The course follows the historic Convict Trail through the Hawkesbury Valley, with some cracking scenery while smashing up rugged fire trails and rocky descents. I dug deep today and pushed super hard. I was pumped…
Mike Tyson was asked by a reporter whether he was worried about Evander Holyfield and his fight plan and Iron Mike’s speedy reply was; “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.” On Sunday morning, I got punched in the mouth by the ocean, and wow did it bring me unstuck. Over…
Earlier in the year I finalised a list of goals to attempt before I’m 50. One of those goals was an ocean swim. I wouldn’t call it a phobia but I’ve always had a heavy fear of the ocean. Something about having zero control of the environment and an unjustified apprehension about the larger style…
To be voted by your peers is such a tribute to who you are and what you mean to them. I am so proud of you Noah.
There are many things that make you so special Noah. You’ve been a gift ever since you were made just for me. After struggling for several years to grow a baby, you were created to replace my maternal anxiety with love. So much love. My dad’s said since you were born; “there is something special…
I cleaned up my iPhone home screen about two weeks ago so it only has productive widgets along with photo memories that the phone chooses to serve to me. I really enjoy the photo memories and they make me feel good. When your phone has thousands and thousands of images there are some very fun…
How many years have gone by since I started saying ; This will be the year. It’s time to take charge. Fulfill my potential. Get fit. Drink less. Get healthy. Make more money. Hmmmmmm, it’s been about 23 years since I started making such false intentions……… Have I finally made that commitment? I hope so.…
Τὰ εἰς ἑαυτόν | Ta eis heauton | or “to himself. It is my mission to live a happy a meaningful existence (Eudaimonia) based on the trifecta of virtues. I’m going to use the philosophy of stoicism to achieve this and journaling is going to keep me on track and make me accountable. Journaling is…
I’ve been accruing a number of goals (50 to be precise) and documenting them in preparation for massaging them into a plan and going after them. In the lead-up to turning 50, it’s my ambition to thread these goals into my daily life. I’m conscious of aging and I’m keen to hang onto my youth…
Didn’t that happen with ridiculous haste? Born in the family home, on the floor, in 1978, today I wake up in 2023, on an epic family holiday, with two swiftly-growing “big babies.” And me, a 45-year-old rapidly aging man. Mum was rummaging through some dusty old photo albums and sent me the image above just…
Four Years!! It feels like yesterday Noah and Evie gave you goodbye cuddles. I wish you could cuddle them today. You should see them now!! They have grown into beautiful little people, exactly the way you would have wanted. They keep you present every day Lou Lou. They are you.
I’m excited to tackle the proceeding 365 days. I had my first dry Christmas and NYE in about three decades, setting a standard to be HAPPY, STRONG and HEALTHY. The reality in my life is that I’ve lived more years than I have left. It’s a thought that needs to be turned into action so…
I’m attending a lunch today that has been running for >15 years. It’s a group of mates that get together and have a good laugh. Or even a good cry. Most of the day is beers and banter but the lunch is somewhat progressive for a bunch of washed-up ageing blokes. During the course of…
Little Puffin Rabbit. I have not felt any prouder. To see your peers standing around you today with your award in your hand. Any problems I think I have, just vanished. Your mum is proud of you every day but today she is dancing from star to star with an abundance of joy. ‘Mumma’ mentioned…
I think about this for Noah and Evie every single day………
My Little Girl, Your Dadda’s heart just glows in your presence. I feel the warmth and affection where I rest. In the Sky. Watching. Adoring. Loving. You bring us so much joy. Wow, you have matured this year, sprouting into a big girl with confidence and the early signs of independence. Your development on the…
https://www.youtube.com/embed/aMZ4QL0orw0
Noah and Evie see their grief counsellors, Betsie and Kerri throughout the year. While the benefit truly lies with the kids it’s always been validation for me that for a family that lost its strongest pillar, we’re on the right path. On arrival at The National Centre for Childhood Grief AKA A Friends Place, we…
I’ve been a massive binge drinker since I was a teenager. I’ve been through periods in the late 90s and early 2000s during the rugby selection process where I’ve exercised some control. Still, I have never had drinking and recreational drug use under proper personal management until this year. It’s funny because I gave up…
While this month has been kind it’s also a feeling of reward because I’ve worked hard for it. I kept rolling with the self-help strategy that I shared and it turned over a mental profit for me. I wouldn’t say I’m walking around 24 x7 with a bounce in my step but I’m not dragging…