With a pun and a nod to Shirl (RIP) and Skyhooks in my title and focus, permit me to share what I am experiencing as I live my encore years past my main career arc – my 70’s. Perhaps it is my 73-birthday approaching – happy birthday Sagittarians! – which has prompted this rumination. Pleasing… Read More

Over the past three years, Sue, my co-author and friend, and I have been on a deeply meaningful journey. I deliberately use the word meaningful because these years have been significant in many ways: the time and effort we’ve invested in our project, our shared belief in the power of having a personal manifesto, and… Read More

While I was poring over wonderful handmade craft ware in my neighbourhood café, one of our my manifesto mates greeted me. In chatting, they said, “You know I have finished my personal manifesto, and it is up on my wall!” Well, no, I didn’t know that and told them that the only way Justin and… Read More

When I began writing blogs for my manifesto, I found a great deal of encouragement from this anthology on my shelf, The Art of the Personal Essay, selected and introduced by Phillip Lopate. His introduction encouraged me – along with the invitation to be ‘playful’ by our very own Justin Robinson – to have fun… Read More

Let me share a beautiful story from earlier this week. Sue and I were invited to be guest authors at Tarneit P-9 College in Melbourne. The opportunity that we were presented with was to speak to 200+ Year 6 students about our book. Well, we love talking about our book, we love young people, and… Read More

Susan David, author of Emotional Agility, suggests that curiosity, along with compassion and courage is useful – vital – for emotional agility. ‘Emotional Agility’ she defines as “showing up: facing your thoughts and emotions and behaviours willingly with curiosity and kindness.” David elaborates: “When difficult or uncomfortable feelings arise, greet them with curiosity: what are… Read More

“No matter how difficult our lives, how harsh our histories or limited our choices this we can do: we can find a way to walk at least one other being home once we have found a way to come home within ourselves with love.” These words from Dr Maria Sirois, which we quote in our… Read More

I have great respect and admiration for many leaders and pioneers in the field of wellbeing and positive psychology, and Tal Ben-Shahar, is one of these inspiring figures. I feel fortunate to have connected with Tal during his visits to Geelong Grammar School, completed his 12-month Certificate in Positive Psychology course, and absorbed the wisdom… Read More

I have written about the sun blessing I receive on my walk as I pass a reserve. The sun slants through the trees and bathes me in light across my left shoulder, my face and body. I interpret this light shaft and the confluence of my path as a ‘go well on your day’ blessing… Read More