Chasing my Dreams!

#68. Do a ‘Photo a Day’ Challenge – the beginning!

I’m starting the new year off on a creative, fun note! 🙂

I didnt really have any plans to ‘make something happen’ from my List on January  1, 2013…but, as was the pattern throughout most of 2012, of opportunities showing themselves around every corner – I logged into Facebook on the morning of January 1 and there it was…..an opportunity right in front of me!  A ‘themed’ creative Challenge!  I’d been thinking of joining in with a group of people (I had no idea where or who, though!) to do some kind of creative/photo ‘monthly challenge’, and here it was…awesome! 🙂

(click on the image to expand it).

Do you have ‘Be creative/Blog/Take a photo a day’ as something you’d like to do in your life…perhaps its on your own bucket list?
Heres your chance..info is here: http://justbaustralia.com.au/be-creative/creative-a-month-of-moments-24239/, of how to join in with us!

I’d attempted to tick this off the List in 2012 – my 2012 Challenge was a personal one, doing it by myself…and it was going to be for the entire year.  But…after the camera breaking and me being without it for 6 weeks, and then my mind becoming seriously tunnel-focussed for my Fundraiser Event – by the time April came around, the Photo Challenge had lost its magic – it had become a chore for me.  It was no longer fun, or inspiring, to do it – at the beginning (before my mind became so focussed with the Event), I was really enjoying taking time out of every day, looking…really seeing, my world around me, spotting something in my surroundings that I would be able to capture, in a creative way…or something which inspired me.  So as I had lost this feeling, it was “Mission Aborted”.

At first I felt like I was ‘giving up’ on myself and something I had set myself to do – I dont simply ‘give up’, its not in my DNA…haha….but, life has funny ways of working out sometimes – if I had tried to continue juggling the Challenge, with the physical/mental intense focus of bringing my Event together, I know that my photos would have just meant nothing as I would have just done them ‘for the sake of doing a photo every day’.  And that wasnt the point of it..

Heres a compilation of the photos I did take during ‘Photo Challenge 2012’…

(Click on image to view photo compilation video)

Oh, and as for ‘Challenge 2013’ – Jan 1 is ‘Brand New’….I cant wait to look back at the end of the month, and see what inspired me to take each shot!

“We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year’s Day.” Edith Lovejoy Pierce

Anything is Possible….when you are inspired to create and achieve!

2012 – the year that shaped my future, and who I am…Making it Happen!

2012 – What an amazing year!  A year of (continued) discovery which started on Aug 23, 2011 when I raced in that beautiful Supercar: discovery of who I am, what life is really about….and just how many beautiful opportunities there are out there, in this world.  By continuing to honour the absolutely determined commitment I made to myself leading into 2012, that I was going to make the absolute MOST  of my life, to chase my dreams and make them happen, no matter what – I had the most amazing year of my life! None of this “I want to do that ….one day”, and ‘one day’ never arriving because the thought of what I want to do, slipping from my mind – ideas and things I want to do now go straight on my bucketlist and I make them happen…or trust that they will happen one day – and they are!  I will continue to commit to giving my life, and myself, the same energy and focus that I gave throughout 2012 – I stood up (literally! haha), and made it happen!

From being invited by Channel Ten to go down to Melbourne to appear on Neighbours, and The Circle, to creating my (the now former) SBH Qld Fundraiser Event and achieving 3 huge Fitness Goals….from surfing, to modelling….from hugging a Policeman to attending a Hug Patrol…and many more experiences – 2012 has been a year to remember, for SO many reasons!

2012 – What a Year..Chasing my Dreams!
(click on the image below to access the video)

There were some ticks I experienced this year, that REALLY gave me the feeling of absolute passion, of ‘being right at home’, which gave me the ‘click’ deep inside of me similar to when I was in the V8 Supercar last year –  of doing exactly what I know Im meant to be doing, at that moment.  My whole journey, and each dream and experience I have is what I know Im meant to be doing….but when I experienced these particular dreams, I *knew* that they were part of who I am, of whats deep down in my heart and soul….and I am going to be exploring these further, in future…

Part of the trick for me, was to fully embrace the feeling of ‘this time of year’ (a new year in front of us), and dont just let the feelings and commitment fade, of making the changes to our lives that we want to make (like a lot of ‘Resolutions’ which are made, they sometimes fade and ‘fail’, once we get back into our day-to-day life, once the Christmas/silly season fades). Keep that commitment, whatever it is you made, to yourself, and your whole year is on its way to being amazing..thats how my entire 2012 unfolded, by keeping that commitment to myself, to embrace life with all Ive got…not just ’till the feeling faded a few days into January’ (like Resolutions normally do), but for the whole year…and the rest of my life.  I also knew that the way that my mindset, and life was….something had to change..it was time for *me* to change it.  Not to just ’let life happen’, but to Make it Happen!  And in making it happen, magical things manifested in my life! Opportunities turned up everywhere, around every corner, it was…and is..amazing to experience!

Pre-2011/2012, my mindset (without even realising this was ‘what I did’, as I do have a very determined streak!) was to never 100% finish some things/commit to ‘hobbies/interests’ etc long term, because of me, or my life, getting in the way – or never finding that ‘thing’ that hooked me in – not living by my passion. Maybe it was the ‘fear of failure, so I may as well not finish it before I fail’. Maybe..just maybe..I didnt think I was ‘worth the effort’ to stick with something, especially when it was difficult, or stumbling blocks appeared in the way.  My past year (2012) has brought a feeling of (for the most part) just flowing, and opportunities and ‘what I do’ just happening effortlessly. For the first time in a very long time, I now have that trust in life itself, that the path would lead me where it was meant to…not necessarily where I wanted to push it to go.  And this feeling is absolutely invaluable to me – I recently found a ‘vision board’ which I had created a few years back, with the words ‘Trust in Life’ on it – for so long, I had lost trust in Life itself..I just kept getting ‘hit after hit’ of life stressors, and none of the ‘good stuff.  Well now, I have the ‘good stuff’….and Bucketloads of it!   Sure, I still have the ‘bad stuff’, as we all do…but living life the ‘bucket list’ way just seems to make life so much easier to deal with. This is, I believe, because I now am living life with absolute passion..living the life I know I am meant to lead, and following what is important to me, deep down inside.

For so many years I had wanted to release the sense of adventure, my spirit that I knew was inside of me..but I just didn’t know how to do it – especially with my health issues that I deal with every day of my life, I just didn’t know how *I* could live this life of adventure that I saw others living..and I found myself wanting this, so badly.  But ultimately  it was this simple.  ‘Making it Happen’.  Make it happen – if you want to do something…take the steps to make it happen – it just takes making that first step (writing it down – its that simple!) then the next…then the road towards the dream/goal just magically opens up in front of you.  If youre unable to do something one way…think of another way that you are able to do it.  A clear example of this was ‘Climbing my Mountain’, no I didn’t climb Mount Coolum itself….but I climbed MY Mountain – the Coolum Boardwalk.  Since I achieved this, I no longer feel ‘envious’ when I see photos of people who have climbed it – just this morning on Facebook I saw a photo flash up of a friend who had climbed Mt Coolum – I smiled, and remembered my Climb…it wasnt feelings of envy at all!

 Some of the life lessons, and things I learnt about myself this year are:

–  Commitment, seeing things through
–  trust in life itself
–  for the first time in my life I can feel pride for myself, and how resiliant I really am
–  I no longer feel the need to have to ‘fit in’….why try to fit in to other peoples lives?…you’re not living anyone elses life, you’re living YOUR life
–  I now belong, I no longer feel ‘lost’ and just floating around in this thing called Life
–  to take opportunities – a simple email, phonecall, or conversation with someone can open up an opportunity which you never even thought existed for you
–  never be afraid to ask for what you wish for, in life..whether that be actually asking people, or ‘putting it out there to the Universe’ (or whatever your belief happens to be).  If you dont ask, you dont receive…simple as that.  The worst that someone can say is ‘No’, if its a no…search elsewhere for another way to make it happen! 🙂
– Making a dream/goal come true is as simple as identifying it, writing it down…and you’re on the way to making it happen! 🙂
–  the people ive met, the support ive received, the lessons ive learnt (both good, and not so good), the human spirit ive discovered…so heartwarming, and so humbling.
–  I am worth the effort

Sometimes, yes it does take a lot of effort, dedication, and commitment to bring something into your life that you want to create…but, often times, it’s these things that are the most difficult, time consuming, or challenging, which  brings the most rewards into your life.  And the thing to remember is, you are worth the effort to go after what it is you want in your life…its YOUR life after all, no one elses….your life is here to be lived!  We are so blessed to be gifted this life, for as long as we are here to live it.  Bringing to life my (the now former) SBH Qld ”I believe I can clmb’ Fundraiser Event, it was a long drawn-out 9 month journey to prepare for it…so it took up most of my energy for this year – but, the memories, the feelings, the sense of absolute fulfilment, peace, and pride I now have from achieving these goals, and this fundraising for (the now former) SBH Qld, is worth every second of effort it took (especially when I got ill in the middle of preparing for it), absolutely.  Every second.

Giving back to (the now former) SBH Qld – this gives me such a sense of immense pride – giving back to the charity which has given me SO much invaluable support over the years, in my life.  To be able to give back in a way that holds so much meaning for myself personally (through my Chasing my Dreams journey)…awesome…just awesome!

When I look back at photos of each experience I ticked off the list in 2012 (31 of them!) – theyre not just ‘a photo’, each photo represents a very cool, amazing experience in my life, either an experience that I created, or an opportunity that I grasped – none of these would have happened, if I hadnt have said ‘yes’ to the opportunity.

Puts Allan Moffats voice on “Wanna do it again!?”…haha…and the awesome thing is, I get to do it all over again, in 2013 – a whole new world of experiences are out there, ready to be revealed…Bring it on!

Thank YOU..

Thank you to everyone (people I know personally, and people Id never met) who have  contacted me, telling me that ‘what I do’ has inspired them.  Thank you to those who have allowed me to support them to achieve something in their own lives.  As someone who needs support to get through my own life, due to my disabilities….to be in this position of supporting and/or inspiring others….it is such a rewarding feeling, which spurs me on even more – so, thank you, it means so much to me to have this, from others out there in this world.

Thank you to each and every one of you who helped me make 2012 happen, by way of support, encouragement, something you said (maybe simply a word, a sentence, or something meaningful when we crossed paths) or coming along for the ride with me…what a Ride, huh?!  No words can express the absolute heartfelt gratitude I feel towards each and every one of you who helped make this one of the most magical, special, amazing life-changing years Ive had the chance to experience, in whatever way you have done so.  Life is truely magical…and its thanks to YOU that I can very confidently now feel this way.  I wont name names, as I know I will (unintentionally) miss someone out….but I hope you know who you are – never underestimate the value your words, your smile, your encouragement means to someone else, when theyre going along their path in life xx

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My Commitment to myself for 2013:  Quite simply – “Ditto!” – I commit to continue Chasing my Dreams (and inspiring more people along the way, to chase their own dreams!), living this magical life which I have created, and bringing to life more of my goals and dreams that Id love to experience/achieve. Looking through my list, there are so many more possibilities, to bring so many of these to life! 🙂

I am going to do a section of the Sunshine Coast Marathon (maybe walk the 2km, or push (in my chair), the 5-10km – this is in August 2013. I also commit to raising further funds for (the now former) SBH Qld

New Years Day (or Jan 2, depending on energy after NY festivities!), I am going to be ticking something off of my List…something very meaningful to me 🙂  Ive also purchased my ticket for a Music Festival held in 2013, something Ive always wanted to do – this is happening 5 minutes from my home…awesome! I also have various other dreams on my List sitting there waiting to experience, contacts to make, plans to unravel….

2013 – a whole new year, and world, of possibilities – Bring it On! 😀

As for what else will be happening in 2013?  Who knows….thats the exciting part!

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The sky is no longer the limit…its ‘to the moon and back….and beyond’!!

What are YOUR hopes and dreams for 2013 and beyond?  Chase your Dreams….they may just change your life! 🙂

Anything is Possible…when you commit to living your life with Passion…

Its YOUR Life – Create what YOU want….and reap the rewards! :)

There are two things which inspired this post – the absoutely STUNNING sunset we were blessed with here on the Sunshine Coast on the evening of 4th Decmber 2012 – and also a Facebook post by the very inspiring Carren Smith – Author, Speaker, motivator, and Bali Bombing survivor.  Thank you Carren, for inspiring me, yet again! 🙂

This sunset, and Carren, gave me an ‘a-ha’ moment which I had come to me a while ago, but I had let it drift back to the back of my mind, until the last 24hours.  Having it come back to me in a powerful way, inspired me to share it here 🙂

Yesterday, Tuesday 4th December, was an absolutely scorcher of a day with temps hitting (and in some places over!) 40C.  I dont know about anyone else, but I was absolutely struggling to get through the day, I was well and truely over it by about 2pm.  I was making sure I was very hydrated, but I was still feeling quite unwell by it..one of my medical conditions makes it harder to cope with extreme heat/humidity hits. 

But…as the sun started to go down a few hours later, I looked out the door, and my eyes were greeted with the most AMAZING sight….the most incredible sunset was there in front of me…it had been there waiting for us to get through this horrible day, to gift it to us, at the end of it…

Life gives us so many rewards..if we are able to ‘sit out the heat’ and await what will be on the other side of it..

I sat outside, being absolutely blown away by these beautiful colours, right in my own backyard and thought….Wow… after this horrible, unbearably hot day, Mother Nature gifts us with THIS?  This was well and truely worth waiting for, and getting through the day, for.  Who knew that this would appear after such a difficult, draining day to get through?  This to me, is a lot like Life itself…if we ‘sit out the heat/storms’ in our lives, if we just trust that all will be OK on the other side of it..this makes things a little more bearable and easier to cope with it.  If we realise that we will have moments like ‘a beautiful sunset at the tail end of a horrible day’ – if you realise that life will give you many sunsets, many moments to shine, many moments to look forward to, if we just trust that these things are there waiting for us, at the tail end of our struggles…life is just that little bit easier.

The other ‘a-ha’ moment hit me when reading a Facebook post by Carren, I wont go into the details of the post, but I will post my response to it:

“…for a number of years, I was blaming ‘life itself’ for the many, many ‘hits and knockdowns’ it was giving me….for so long life kept knocking me down, every time I got back up…another hit came. But looking back, I realise that I was the one creating this – whenever another ‘hit’ came, I remember thinking many times, in frustration and despair “oh, Come on life, what ELSE have you got for me, bring it on”…and I kept actually expecting the next ‘hit’….and guess what…the hits kept coming!
But now that Ive turned my life and my thoughts and behaviour towards life itself, completely around, guess what, the hits have magically stopped (unpleasant things still happen, sure…but I just deal with them and get on with it now, instead of staying pulled down, by them)…and my life is now amazing, because I expect GOOD things to happen, rather than bad. I now realise it was my thoughts and behaviour that kept creating the ‘hit after hit after hit’…because thats the world I was stuck in.

And you’re right re the ‘excuses’ we make – I had the perfect ‘excuse’ to not get out there and try anything new….’life would just keep knocking me down, so why even try!’…omg…when I realised what I was doing, it changed my life! 🙂 “

How many times do we make up ‘excuses’ to get us out of experiencing our life to the full…how many times do we talk ourselves out of taking that next step, taking a leap of faith, stepping outside of our comfort zone?  I read a quote once “Life is what happens when you step outside of your comfort zone”, and this is so true…I have stepped outside of this ‘zone’, no matter how scary it was at the time (‘scary’ is a cool feeling for me now, I love it, and the challenge it brings to my mind!) so many times since this Chasing my Dreams journey began….and I now know that I am REALLY living how I am meant to be living.  I now know just why I was feeling so lost, for so many years….I was ‘staying inside the zone’.  Stepping out of your comfort zone might mean something completely different to you…but it is well and truely worth experiencing! 🙂

Anything is Possible…..when you Create your life, for YOU!

My first Charity Fundraiser Event!

**Sadly, SBH Qld had to close their doors due to factors beyond their control – which makes this Event, and its memories, all the more special to me.  Grasp those opportunities, everyone! 🙂

In November 2012, I challenged myself to achieve, after a 9 month journey of intense preparation – getting up out of my wheelchair, and ticking off 3 huge fitness goals off my bucket list –

– ‘Climbing my Mountain’,
– Walking on the Beach on sunset, and
– having a Slowdance –
…also ticking off ‘#79 – Undertake a physical challenge and connect it to raising money for charity’.

Below is a video clip that shows how the day/evening unfolded. It was the most magical, amazing time…I have come out of it with so much growth and even more awareness of what you really can do, when you put your mind to it. A year ago, I had no idea that I would be able to achieve anywhere near these things…and have them happen in such an amazing way, but once I set my mind to achieving them, NOTHING was going to get in my way! 🙂

Click on the link to view (length: 33 minutes)

Over the time that this unfolded, $3,725 was raised for charity – I am so absolutely floored and humbled by the generosity of the human spirit, shown during this entire experience – THANK YOU all! xx

(stay tuned for full Blogs and photos on each of these amazing experiences and ‘ticks’ off my list (Im still in the recovery phase right now) – they each were SO special, in their own merit)

Anything is Possible….when you Believe you can do it…! 

#153. Recreate the ‘running up the stairs’ scene from the Rocky movie…’in my own way’

As far back as I can remember, Ive often thought about the ‘running up the stairs’ scene from the Rocky movie – and what a powerful scene that is, what a powerful feeling that must be, to run up stairs like that.  I feel the same when I watch people running up stairs, in training.  But, Id never allowed myself to put it on the bucket list, I always left it as a feeling of ‘Wow that must feel fantastic to do that!’, and left it at that, because, really….how can *I* run up stairs like that, its just one of those things I will never experience…until now.

Thats pure POWER, right there!

Late October, 2012, I was at  home, with the television on in the background, as noise while I was busy getting myself ready for my day.  Something made me turn to the television to watch it, just as a man was being interviewed, who was undertaking an epic challenge, of running up and down an epic amount of stairs, multiple times.

And that was it, that oh so familiar spark inside me flickered on…I *was* going to achieve this…in my own way.  I wanted to get out there, right there and then, and do it, in the way that I had instantly thought of.  Unfortunately my body was still crying with the pain from my gym workout the day before, so I was unable to get out there and do it…but this fired me up even more…I WAS going to achieve this, by the end of the day, once my pain had subsided. I was so excited!

Mid afternoon, I ‘checked in’ with my body…ooooh…no pain, it had subsided…I ws going to get out there and DO this…yay! 😀

Excitedly, and filled with focus, I got in the car, and headed down to Maroochydore beach, where I knew there was a staircase (albeit a very small one, but still a staircase) – I had climbed up and down this a number of times, to access the beach when I had gone beach training – but I had never attempted to climb up or down it on my own.  But, I knew nothing could stop me, I knew i had the confidence to at least attempt this. 

I got out of the car, grabbed one crutch out (yes I was going to be brave enough to attempt this with one crutch – I had never attempted walking outside of the gym before on my own, not since I started getting back up on my feet, 17yrs after using my wheelchair).  But this was the day it was going to happen.  Oooh….a bit nervous, it felt very strange not to have anyone beside me….but I was VERY focussed and determined to do it. 

I got to the edge of the staircase and looked down – yes it may have only been 6 stairs, but it felt, and looked, like ‘Rockys staircase’ to me, in my mind (got to love the magic of having a visual mind lol).  Slowly I eased up into a standing position, at the edge of that staircase, grabbed hold of the handrail with one hand, crutch in the other, and started stepping down…very slowly..I couldnt risk injuring myself this close to my Fundraiser Event!  

My ‘Rocky staircase’

I achieved the first ‘going down, then back up again’ of these stairs, and I felt SO powerful…the whole time I was doing it, I was picturing Rocky running up that staircase.  This was only a tiny staircase, and I was going at a snails pace…but, I was achieving this, ‘in my own way’.  I managed to do about 10x ‘up and downs’ before I started to tire…thats 10x 6 steps each way – 120 steps! Wow..  As I was stepping up and down, I focussed in on Rocky and that scene, and I imagined (again, in my own way), that this may have been the feeling that he had, the feeling of powerful achievement, and pushing his body to do this, on those outdoor stairs…just like I was. 

I did it…I re-created the ‘Rocky’ scene – the only thing I didnt do was, at the top, raise my hands up in victory…haha…but, in my mind, I was doing this!

Absolutely priceless moment!

ANYTHING is Possible…when you use your mind, to not just feel, but to BE, powerful!

#149. Be a guest host/panellist on radio – any time of the day/night

Some opportunities just fall literally on your lap, some dreams dont have to be ‘chased’ – and this was one of those times – totally surprised and amazed how this came about! 🙂

On October 10, I was at home, not knowing which way to turn next, when it came to continuing to organise for my Fundraiser Event to be held on Friday November 2nd.  I was having one of those “OMG I just dont know what to do next, this is all a little overwhelming” days, when the phone rang.  Something sparked inside of me, even before I answered the call, ‘somehow’ I knew that this was going to be something great, something which would turn my whole day around.  And I was right!

My ‘wipeout buddy’ Sharon from my Disabled Surfing experience I ticked off the list earlier in the year (she was on the board with me, when I fell off and went underwater) was on the phone – she had a surprise for me.  I was invited into the Zinc FM/Hot 91FM studios to take part in a segment called ‘Secret Womens Business’, with herself, Kate, and Laurie Atlas, the radio announcer, to tick this off of my List.  Wow! 😀

Excitedly, I headed down to the studios, not knowing what was ahead of me, but SO looking forward to the experience.  Ever since I was a little girl, I had dreamed of one day being on radio – and this was my chance!  (this was totally different to my recent interview on Noosa Community Radio – that experience was basically rehearsed, and I knew exactly what I was going to say/be asked….this was different, this was just chatting away with the others who were in the segment with me, as if we were sitting around on the couch, chatting).  I spent a lot of time in hospitals when I was growing up, with various surgeries, treatments etc for my disabilities – one of the main hospitals I spent this time in (Waikato Hospital, in Hamilton NZ) had a hospital Radio “Tonic Time” – a lot of my time in the ward was spent listening to this radio station – this is where my ‘dream’ was born, to one day do what these people were doing, and be on radio.  And now its happening! 

With Kate and Sharon, the other “Secret Womens Business’ girls – SO much fun!

I was taken into the studios, introduced to Kate, and re-introduced to Laurie (who I had met recently, when Sharon took me for a tour through the Studios – that was amazing, I love seeing behind the scenes of elements of the entertainment industry, whether this be radio, television, at concerts etc.  I felt similar to when I was on The Circle, and Neighbours earlier in the year – somehow, I felt ‘at home’, I was completely 100% comfortable in this environment.  And this same feeling continued when on-air during the segment.  It really was (as was the feeling when I was on the Couch, with the girls/guest hosts on The Circle) as if I was just chatting with old friends.  We chatted about everything from 50 Shades of Grey, to weird dreams, my bucket list, motor racing, fashion trends, womens body image – chatting about this not just with the two other women, but to chat with, and hear from a mans point of view (Laurie Atlas), about what are ‘womens issues’ made for such a fun, interesting experience!  Beauties and the Beast??  Thorn between 3 Roses?? I only hope that we entertained the listeners who heard us! haha…

With Laurie Atkins, Radio Announcer.
“Thumbs Up” – I must have done a good job..haha..

Before I knew it, the experience was over….’Awww, already? That was SO much fun!’.  But sadly, yes, my experience on radio had come to a close.  I had thoughts of, I would LOVE to do this on a regular basis (but also very grateful for this one experience).  I still have ‘#148. Be a ‘guest host’ on a breakfast radio show’ – so when this comes true for me, I will get my chance again, to experience the fun of being on radio, bantering with the other hosts! 🙂  I didnt want to leave the studio, I was really drawn to it (just like I felt incredibly drawn to, and ‘at home’ in, the Neighbours and The Circle, studios.  Hmmmm maybe this means something may be in my future, to do with this industry? Who knows…but thats the exciting part about the future – you just never know what (or who) is going to appear in it! 🙂

If I hadnt have been brave enough to take the opportunity to go surfing earlier in the year (until I actually arrived at the beach that day, I was still trying to talk myself out of it *which is unlike the ‘me, now’ who doesnt say No to experiences in front of me, in life*, I was SO nervous about doing it), I wouldnt have met Sharon….and so this radio opportunity wouldnt have come about in the brilliant way that it did.  The surprise element of it, and the fact that someone wanted to help me tick something off of my List, was an amazing feeling.  This is the very reason why Im a huge believer in grasping opportunities wherever and whenever you can…its lke the ‘domino effect’, one opportunity can lead to another..and another, and more doors open, with the people you meet, and things you experience in life.  Its amazing how it works! 🙂

Anything is Possible…when you grasp opportunities!

#125 – Hug a Policeman – Tick!!

Opportunities seem to come out of absolutely nowhere at times..and this certainly was no different – it was awesome how this came about, so easily! 🙂 On Saturday 22nd September, 2012, I headed to Sunshine Plaza Maroochydore, based at the Community Table down there, to raise funds for my chosen charity for my Fundraiser Event on November 2, 2012.   When I was settled in and set up for the mornings adventures, I noticed the Police Beat opposite me.  I didnt think a lot more of it…except for hoping to catch the eye of the ‘boy in blue’ who was based there, when he walked out of the office, to see if he would be kind enough to support the charity 😉   But…he was just too busy to come over…dammit 😦  haha…  Sunday 23rd September – I headed back to Sunshine Plaza, to raise further funds for the charity.  As I was setting up, the policeman who I had tried to catch his eye the day before came over for a chat, it was awesome to talk to him about what I am achieving, with my bucket list, my Fitness Goals, and my Fundraiser Event.  He seemed genuinely curious and interested in what I was doing, which was great.  Oh, and he (‘Policeman Ray’) supported the charity – awesome! 😀 When he went back inside the Police Beat office, it struck me – No. #125 on my bucket list – ‘Hug a Policeman’!! Opportunity – it was LITERALLY right in front of me..haha.  So, a while later, when my Mum was there with her camera, I rocked into the Police Beat and cheekily asked ‘Policeman Ray’, “I have a favour to ask…you know my bucket list I talked to you about…one of the things on it is to Hug a Policeman – would you help me tick this off, can I please have a hug, Ray?”, I smiled sweetly 🙂 …Ray was very cool about it, a big smile appeared on his face, and he immediately came out and gave me a hug and posed for a photo..

“Constable Stud” was very obliging…haha…

Ticking this off the list was SO much fun! 😀   Later in the afternoon, Rays partner came strolling out, I asked him if he knew how Ray had helped tick something off my list – he smiled and said yes he’d heard all about it…I replied that I should have got one with him as well!  He told me how much longer he was going to be at Police Beat…and another idea struck me – guess who is going to rock back into Police Beat with her camera, in the near future?? haha 😉 Anything is Possible..especially when opportunities are right in front of you!

Six weeks until I tick off my Fitness Goals, and hold my charity Fundraiser Event..Wow!!

Wow…only six weeks to go until I tick off ‘Climbing my Mountain’, ‘Walk down the beach’, and ‘Slowdancing’ – 3 experiences I have yet to discover the magic of…but I will be, soon! 🙂  I am so proud to be not only ticking these HUGE Fitness Goals off the list, and working hard to achieve them – but, to be also ‘giving back’ to (the now former) SBH Qld (Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Qld) at the same time, by holding a Fundraiser for them, in conjunction with these 3 Fitness Goals.

My ‘Fitness Blog’, of the journey towards achieving my Fitness Goals, and details of the Fundraiser Event can be found here .

It has proved to be an AMAZING journey – even more challenging than I thought it would be..much more emotionally-charged than I ‘expected’ (although I had NO idea what to expect)…as people have said to me, it is ‘bigger than you’ – and they are 110% correct.  This is the biggest challenge I have ever set myself – not only working hard to achieve my Fitness Goals, but holding my first Fundraiser Event (which is no easy feat, arranging this – its a juggling act for sure!).  I sure dont do things by halves!  Getting ill, halfway towards the ‘home straight’ didnt help matters…but…this has made the whole experience something that I KNOW, that when I reach these goals, and SMASH them, the rewards will be all the more sweeter, from the struggles Ive had along the pathway to my Goals.

The rest of my Chasing my Dreams bucket list adventures has been put on the back burner for now, at least until after the Event.  Funnily enough, even though I am fully focussed on this very special time in my life of whats ahead of me in the near future – I have still been discovering contacts, and ways of achieving other ‘ticks’ on my list – these have still *as has happened all the way along this journey* been literally ‘falling into my hands’, without me having to go searching too far for them.   This is leaving me with VERY itchy feet, to get back to ticking other things off the list, and experiencing other ‘firsts’ in my life – but, I am fully aware that these 3 Goals, and the Event, are 110% worth my full focus and commitment.  I am fully ‘tunnel-focussed’ towards this magic time in my life..a time in which I want to savour every moment, feel every emotion, really LIVE the experience of what Im going through, to achieve what I am aiming for.  This experience will never come around again…and I feel SO blessed that I have learnt the ‘art’ of really taking in what Im feeling and experiencing in life, rather than just ‘going through the motions’ of it.  THIS is what living is all about!

Training to walk down the beach, with my outdoor trainer, Stacie Mackay

My Fitness Goals, in 6 weeks time – BRING EM ON!! 😀

Im not a ‘Racing Driver Groupie’…honest!…

 The further along this path I go with Chasing my Dreams, the more I realise that, if you truely do live with your heart, with your passions that are deep down inside of you…the more opportunities and ‘open doors’ appear right in front of you.  Call it the Law of Attraction, call it what you will…but theres no denying that when someone (Ive observed this in so many people over the past year) is living doing what they truely KNOW they are meant to be doing in their lives…its not ‘pure luck’ that gets them living their amazing lives which unfold in front of them.  Its because, I believe, they are truely fulfilled, and living what they were put on this earth, to do – so ‘Life itself’ supports this, by presenting these amazing opportunities – which you can either say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to.  And Ive noticed with myself..the more I say ‘Yes’…the more opportunities appear!  Im not saying life is magically ‘easy’ once you start living with your heart and passion – lifes rewards are so much sweeter when you work hard for, and stay focussed on them – but it certainly is ‘easier’, and SO much more fun and fulfilling! Not just ‘going through the motions’ of life….but really focussing on what makes you happy, what I call, what ‘makes your heart sing’.  And, as I often say myself…you’re Making it Happen!

This was very evident in the months of July and August for myself, when I got to have many experiences to do with my big passion in life – motor racing.  Anyone who knows me, cannot deny that this is one of the biggest passions in my life, my love of the sport.  Its more than a love for it though….its something I know without a doubt that I am meant to have in my life, in some shape or form.  My family raced when I was young, I ‘missed out’ because of my disability…but the sport etched its way into my heart in a very strong way – a way that drives me (excuse the pun!) so much, these days.  I look at the passion that a racecar driver has for his sport, and his car….and I ‘get it’, I really do….’in my own way’..

When you live your life following your passions in life…magic really does happen! 🙂

In July and August 2012, I had the absolute priviledge and honour of meeting not just one, but 11…..yes thats ELEVEN racecar drivers (past and present) – SUCH a buzz for me!  Along with the experiences I mentioned in my previous blog (Team Mates Week), having the experiences of meeting all these men, these racedrivers, was incredible.  Following your passion really does bring some amazing experiences into your life!

Pacific Ford FPV Show

Allan Moffat

Lee Holdsworth & Shane van Gisbergen

DJR Team Mates Night 2012

James Moffat

A very special ‘meet’ with Dick and Steve – first time I had seen them both since that Magic day in August, 2011, when Stevie J raced me to my Life Dream! 🙂

Dean Fiore & Steve Owen

 Queensland Raceway

Will Davison & Mark WInterbottom (Frosty)

  …Aaah…Queensland Raceway 2012 – what an incredible day, full of so many highlights which I will post about in a future blog. I also, got to meet (again) Dick, James, Steve O, and Dean from the DJR SuperTeam, at Qld Raceway (unfortunately Stevie J was elsewhere at the DJR Team Mates Signing Session).. …oh, and I cant forget my ‘brief moment’ with Craig Lowndes lol…

Craig Lowndes
…Yes his big grin is even wider up close, than you see on telly! haha..

I was wondering through the grounds at Qld Raceway, near the Merchandise area, looking around in awe at everything that was going on around me….when I felt a hand on my shoulder and a friendly ‘Hey G’day, how ya going?’…I looked up, and who do I see but Craig Lowndes, grinning his huge grin, straight down at me….he was obviously in a rush to go to his Signing (when I reached the Transporter area, his lineup was HUGE! haha..so he couldnt stop, had to go greet his fans/supporters!), so didnt stop for a chat – but I thought that was lovely of him to acknowledge me, as he was rushing past – given that I didnt even realise he was there, till he came up behind me and reached out to me….awesome! 🙂

You know its funny…when I met each and every one of these guys, these guys who are ‘living my dream’ in the racing world…I thought I wouldnt be ‘shy’ – yes with Stevie J we (again, as we did after my Ride last year with him), sat and had a chat, I got my opportunity to thank him for changing my life, and telling him about the magic year I have had, since that day we raced around QR.  But, with all the other drivers, I just didnt know what to say to them…its not that I put them on a ‘pedestal’ or anything, I think its because I am SO in awe of their lives, and what they get to do with it – I just didnt know what to say, when right in front of all these men who were living their amazing lives in the sport that I love so much. 

So yes, I have found people who leave me ‘lost for words’…me, who loves a chat – lost for words?  Yes..ANYTHING is Possible! haha…

So there it was, my month of having the most incredible run of meeting all these guys who are all living their passion – the same passion (well my passion is on a different scale obviously lol) that I have – motor racing.  I absolutely LOVE meeting people who are living their passions – whatever that passion is, I just love observing people who are doing exactly what they know they are meant to be doing, in this world. 

There is no better way to live, in my opinion…

….what is YOUR Passion….what makes YOUR ‘heart smile’?..

Anything is Possible…when youre living your Passion!

“DJR Team Mates Week….here it is!!”

And here it is…a week where I had the opportunity to ‘tick off’ THREE incredible Dreams off of my List…. 

#73. Do a tour through Bowdens Own car collection – 31st July 2012
(As a DJR Team Mate, I had the priviledge and opportunity to Tick this one off, and experience the magic…)

Just a few of the amazing collection of cars, at ‘the Bowdens’…lineup of Dick Johnsons racing beasts…

#75. DJR Team Mates night on the Gold Coast – 1 August 2012
(My first DJR Team Mates night…AND seeing Dick and Steve for the first time, since that magical day in August 2011)

Dick and Steve Johnson, with the gorgeous #17 Beast in the background – awesome. First time I had seen them both since Steve drove me to my Life Dream, and Dick made it happen, in 2011..a priceless moment, right there!

#76. Watch the Dick Johnson Racing/Jim Beam Racing V8 Supercar (and of course Steve Johnson & the gorgeous #17 beast) team race live, at Qld Raceway – 5th August
(Something special – my first time seeing the V8 Supercars race live, AND seeing the #17 beast, along with the DJR SuperTeam, out on track.  Last time I saw the beast out on Qld Raceway, was the day I raced around this very track.  Magical to see the Beast again, working her magic, with Stevie J at the wheel)

Heading out onto the track, from Pit Lane

 ….MIND…BLOWN!!!!

What an INCREDIBLE experience, this week has been!!  I will be putting up Blogs for each individual ‘Tick’ off the list that happened in this BEYOND awesome week – they may take a little while to get up onto the site, as Im full-on into Event planning/Training, right now…but they will get there! 

What I will say is…I definitely was ‘where I am meant to be’, this week (which to me, is what having my Bucket List is all about…putting yourself in situations that follow your heart, your passions…make you feel truely ALIVE!)…an entire week framed around The Team who I adore, fellow Team Mates who are just the most awesome, beautiful people (another Team Mate said ‘we are Family’, and he is SO right in saying that), I had Team Mates reach out their hand to me in support when I needed it, which was just lovely to experience.  I had SO much fun this week, surrounded by these beautiful people, this Team, a whole STACK of beautiful cars to admire and look at with complete wonder and awe….and getting right in amongst a sport which I love with a passion – motor racing.  Awesome….just an awesome week….

(Oh, and I managed to tick off an ‘extra’ two items on my List, that I was hoping for, but they came completely unplanned, which made them even more awesome….haha.  Yes its true what people say…I dont do things by halves!!)

(People I’d love to meet)
1. John Stephenson (the man behind ‘Junior’ the replica #17 Jim Beam Racing Beast) and LOVE to meet ’Junior’, himself! – ‘Half completed!’ – met John at 2012 DJR Team Mates night, but it was too dark to go and meet ‘Junior’

14. Dick Johnson Racing/Jim Beam Racing photographer – met at Team Mates Night

…Blogs to come, for all of these incredible experiences, in the one week! Stay tuned…