Inspire Me Monday

Inspire me Monday-that time of the week again (missed last week due to some personal stuff but this post should more than make up for it). Sometimes you need something to make Monday not so blue. Five things that have grabbed my interest and are sparking the start of my week....

Shoe-spiration

"Give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world" Marilyn Monroe... These shoes are amazing, a clever take from Jimmy Choo on the gladiator sandal by turning them into classy heels with a touch of glitter, for all you Aussies, click here for an amazing discount from the Manolo Blahnik Australian Outlet.

Retreat Memories

Mentoring on my old high school's retreat (for the third year), supporting the students through highs and lows they have experienced as well as providing them with tools for the future. Three days. Unbelieveable memories. This was our outdoor thinking spot, a place to go, be still. I am thankful for the people I was lucky enough to meet, the moments shared, the way they have changed my life and made it better... Whenever I am stressed or upset, I will look back on this and breathe. My own little solace, my own piece of heaven.

Words for Thought

The way we think really impact on how we feel, how we act and the kind of life we have. The three days on the retreat really reinforced that to me, especially when the people I was working with kept telling me that they viewed me as positive, determined and supportive... It really showed me that the internal conflict I sometimes put myself through, really is worthless. If I keep my thoughts and outlook positive it should translate to my life.

Notice ME Nails

I love nicely painted nails, and lately I have been really obsessed with brightly coloured nails. They can add a pop of colour to basic or monochrome outfits (including a work uniform if your job allows it). Once I have finished my no shopping challenge, I think I might buy a bottle or two of Revlon's new Colourstay Longwear Nail enamel, in the theme of gelbased nail polish Revlon have released a product that is affordable, long lasting with bright and intense colours. Looking forward to trying it! (colour pictured is Stormy Night)

A Journey to Jane's World

I have always wanted to read the works of Jane Austen, not just the six main novels but also her short stories and works collected after she died. One of my favourite movies is The Jane Austen Book Club (click the link for the trailor). So today I have started 'Pride and Prejudice' so far I am loving it. Have you read any of the novels?

Here's to another week, looking forward to a midweek break when one of my best friends and I are heading to the coast to eat good food, watch dvds, snuggle under bankets and enjoy each others company.

What is inspiring your week? Kooklah Xx....

Making your Mark...

For the past two years I have returned to my old year 7-10 high school as a mentor for the current students. Mainly I have done this through attending the Year 10 Retreat. Whilst it is a Catholic school and God and the Bible are all included in the teachings or the activities at this three day Retreat, the emphasis is on focusing on the way that the decisions and choices we make will actually influence not only the person we become but also shape how other people see us.

The three days that make up this Retreat can be really special. You see some kids come out of their shell, or truly let others see them for who they are, some kids learn to step outside of the label or image they have branded themselves with (or maybe the one that they were branded with) at school. They accept challenges, try new things, talk to different people- which takes many of them out of their comfort zone.

Through activities, questions, listening to songs or watching a movie and then having to think about the meaning behind it, hearing volunteers or staff talk about relationships in their life or struggles they have overcome the kids are encouraged to think about the choices they make and the ramifications they have for their own lives as well as everyone they are connected to.

One of my favourite activities that we do is called "Make your Mark", we tape a line on the floor and the kids pick one person from their small group to go up and whilst keeping their toes behind the line put a piece of paper as far as they can without falling over or touching the floor with more than one hand. Whilst its fun, the idea is that everyone should have the chance to make their mark on the world. To be appreciated and remembered. Following this we then encourage each of them over the course of the three days to put their own mark on the retreat cloth-something they could be remembered by, something they learnt or something they will take with them and use in the future.

Today on my way home from work, I was thinking about retreat and how I cannot wait to go again next year, when the perfect song came on the radio. The song is called "I Was Here" written and performed by Beyonce. The song is exactly what we hope every retreatant (staff, volunteers/mentors, students) will get out of life. Making my mark is so important to me, I want to have meant something but to also have helped someone make theirs. As Beyonce sings "I will leave my mark so everyone will know I was here...I want to say I lived each day, until I died. I know that I had something in, somebody's life. The hearts I have touched, will be the proof that I leave. That I made a difference, and this world will see- I was here...I lived, I loved, I was here..."

My leaving message for you all is, make an impact on the world and most importantly make choices that allow you to be the person you want to be. This is how you will leave your mark.

K, Xx