SIMPLIFYING LIFE
'Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.' Ralph Waldo Emerson

Chris and I have just returned from Wilson's Prom. We spent three relaxing days in this beautiful untouched environment and it gave us both the chance to really unwind before Christmas.

There's not a lot to do at the Prom other than walk, read, eat and talk to one another. Which is what made it so perfect. No televisions, no shops, no restaurants. Just some basic accommodation, a small general store and an outdoor cinema which operates only one night a week. The days were the longest I can remember.

So it was just us, our cameras, books and the wildlife. And there's plenty of that.

We got up early on the first morning and walked across to Squeaky Beach before anyone else was around. On the path we met with wallabies, an echidna, a wombat, lizards and an array of native birds. As we left the campsite, the sun was low in the sky, casting a gentle light across the landscape that softened the ruggedness of Mt Oberon.

By the time Squeaky Beach was in view, a few dark clouds had gathered, occasionally masking the sun. Somehow they added to the beauty of the morning. Their presence wasn't enough to take the warmth from the day or to spoil the intensity of the water's colour which was pure turquoise, crystal clear, almost too good to be true. We've been here before but it's still a view that takes your breath away.

We were the only two on the rocks and the beach was still free from footprints. It was a weekday and I was playing hooky from work. I felt like I was keeping a secret from the world.

I realised that for this day, I needed nothing more than the simple beauty of nature and some time alone with Chris to make me happy. It is within these quiet moments that I am aware of how overly complicated life can be.

As we near the end of 2008, now is a good time to consider what matters most to you. Sometimes we forget to make time for the simple things that really enrich our lives.

Simplify your life:

- Set aside an afternoon during the holidays to write out your vision for 2009. Make sure you include the simple things you love to do that you may not currently make time for.
- Let go of one expectation of yourself for good. If you have promised yourself you'll get to the gym for the past year but haven't, find another interest you enjoy that increases your physical activity.
- Say no to an outing you really don't want to attend.
- Let go of a relationship that drains you.
- Make your living environment beautiful without spending a lot of money - throw out things you don't need, give your living room a coat of paint, buy yourself a bunch of flowers or redecorate buying only second hand items.
- Get out into nature and reconnect with the beauty around you.

ON A PERSONAL NOTE
2008 has been a great year for Total Balance. We've seen more clients than ever before and we've consolidated our team of wonderful coaches and trainers.

Personally, I feel I've fulfilled my desire to travel and write more. My trip to Northern Territory to work on the Tourism NT 'Holiday Mojo' project was a highlight. I enrolled in my first writer's course at Victorian Writer's Centre and realised how much more there is to know about writing a good piece. Next year I'm going to give creative writing a try.

My family are all pursuing their own creative interests. Chris has been taking lots of photos after finally getting himself a digital SLR camera (check out his slideshow of the Prom here http://tinyurl.com/5w7rvy ); Elsa is thoroughly enjoying her communications course and her role at the advertising agency and Meg is now designing and making her own clothes. Watch this space...some day soon she may have her own label!

Thank you to all of you for your continued support of both myself and my family. I feel incredibly lucky to be part of such a supportive and inspiring community. I wish you a very happy Christmas and may 2009 bring you everything you hope for.