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Issue 11, April 2009
Inside this Issue
The future depends on what we do in the present
Gandhi
Following on from last month’s theme, we thought we should talk about what we can do to make the world a better place.
The title of this article is part of a famous quote by Gandhi, ‘Be the change you want to see in this world’.
So often people despair that they can’t make a difference, and so problems remain problems.
One of my favourite sayings is: ‘I am either part of the problem or part of the solution’.
Whenever I find myself complaining about something that isn’t right, I remind myself that complaining means I am part of the problem.
Too often we admire problems rather than addressing them.
Some of the things you can do to be the change you want to see in this world:
- Start small; next time you find yourself complaining, ask yourself, ‘How can I be part of the solution?’
- Clear out some of your clutter and give it to a favourite charity – after all, one person’s junk is another person’s treasure!
- Read a biography of someone you admire; pick one of their traits and try to imitate it
- Say YES more often. Watch Jim Carrey’s latest movie, ‘Yes Man’ and reflect on what happens when you are more open to things that scare you
- Donate some of your time or money to a favourite charity
- Pick an issue that bugs you and ask yourself how you can get involved to fix it. Then take action to get involved
- Read an inspirational poem, story or quote each day and then try to find a way during the day to apply the concept to your life. If you don’t know where to start my favourite is ‘Our Deepest Fear’ by Marianne Williamson – it never fails to inspire me. It is available at http://skdesigns.com/internet/articles/quotes/williamson/our_deepest_fear/
- Never be less than you can be.
So stop complaining about the global financial crisis, the weather or not having enough money and instead follow the wise words of Gandhi.
Have a magical month making the world a better place :-)
Danette
Once again, we had some great responses to last month’s competition – thanks to everyone who took the time to share their favourite charity and why they deserved our support. Here are the winners:
Breast Cancer Australia. I have lost and known a number of dear friends and family over the past couple of years and believe funds towards beating this insidious disease and awareness program can only do good! Allison
I think the Wildlife Victoria Foundation is a deserving recipient of this donation; they are doing wonderful things and could use the support. Animals cannot care for themselves so need the generosity of people to look after them while they recover. I believe that this cause is fantastic and would love to see the $250 go to them. Sarah
Our two caring members have had $250 each donated to their nominated charity this month.
As we move into the colder winter months, we thought you might enjoy a bit of pampering!
This month we’re giving away a pamper pack valued at $80. For a chance to win, all you need to do is tell (in 50 words or less) why you deserve to be pampered.
And remember, be creative!
Email your entry to club@magicallearning.com by cob Friday 22 May 2009.
We have a number of nationally-accredited programs starting over the next few months:
Diploma of Government (Human Resources)
Starting Friday 1 May
Certificate IV in Government (Procurement)
Starting Thursday 21 May
Diploma of Government (Contract Management)
Starting Wednesday 10 June
Certificate IV in Government (Financial Services)
Starting Friday 31 July
Mastering Minute Taking
When are you planning to run it??
Managing Risk
21 May
Creating Outstanding Teams
Tuesday 21 July
New Supervisors
3 day course (22-24 July)
For more information about these and our other programs, please visit magicallearning.com, email us at learn@magicallearning.com or telephone 02 6273 2221.
In the path of our happiness shall we find the learning for which we have chosen this lifetime
Richard Bach
The National Museum is currently running the Australian Journeys exhibition.
Australian Journeys traces Australia's interconnections with the world.
Australian Journeys explores the personal stories of migrants, travellers and traders and how their objects have connected places in Australia with places abroad.
The gallery looks at the social, political and economic impacts of journeys beginning in the period before European settlement in Australia and continuing through to the 21st century ( www.nma.gov.au).
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Sunday 10 May 2009, 7pm to 9pm
Together
This concert, part of the Canberra International Music Festival, is inspired by the Museum’s key themes.
It features the world premiere of a new work by Elena Kats-Chernin, commissioned by the National Museum of Australia.
Costs apply - bookings essential with the Canberra International Music Festival, www.cicmf.org or (02) 6230 5880.
Thursday 14 May 2009, 10am to 11.30am
Get Messy with Grandma… (or Grandpa) Friends
Art and craft activities especially for grandparents and their preschool-aged grandchildren.
Cost: $3 adult, $2 child, free for Friends (includes morning tea) . Bookings essential on (02) 6208 5048.
Here are some great tips for enjoying the colder months and saving money while you're at it:
- Rug up at home rather than using the heater (not only is it cheaper but it is environmentally friendly too)
- Discover crockpots (slow cookers) – you can set them in the morning before work and come home to the smell of yummy home-made soups and stews
- Borrow some books from the library – there is nothing like curling up in bed on a cold winter’s night reading a book
- Buy a hot water bottle and a cover (it is cheaper than an electric blanket and more environmentally friendly)
- Invest in flanelette sheets
- Purchase or hire gym equipment and put it in front of your TV. You can work out while watching your favourite show
- Go through last winter’s clothes and donate any that don’t fit any more.
Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds
Albert Einstein
FICTION
Gone Tomorrow by Lee Child
If you love fast paced, page-turning books then you will love this one. This is Lee Child’s 13th book with Jack Reacher as his main character. Reacher is an ex-military policeman with no fixed address who always seems to find trouble that needs him to fix it.
NON-FICTION
Click by George C. Fraser
We can all improve our networking skills and George C. Frasers shares some great insights in how to do this effectively. Click is about how you create extraordinary relationships easily, whether it is networking, friendship or your marriage.
A terrific read.
Issue 11, April 2009
Magical Learning Pty Ltd. ACN 104 320 550. 45 Melbourne Avenue Forrest ACT 2603 AUSTRALIA
Telephone: +61 2 6273 2221. www.magicallearning.com