You learn new things every day... but you need to be open to it
Easter is but a faded memory (too much chocolate, an abundance of hot cross buns and vino to wash it down) and most of us are already back in the grind of every day life (that means "work" for those of us who are not still in holiday la la land).
I have arrived safely at my desk at 11.30am after an early morning interstate flight and am a bit weary even though I have just spent 5 days away, in the most picturesque setting possible with loads of sunshine, great wines and good food. The company wasn't too bad either ;-)
Queensland is such a stunning place. Like most people who travel up there, I always dream of living there permanently because in a week, you don't get bored, the flies don't bother you too much, and you cannot get enough of the sun and surf. It is pure paradise. Beautiful one day, perfect the next as the slogan goes.
Never one to 100% tune out on business, I learned a few things during my Easter break that I would like to share with you:
I have arrived safely at my desk at 11.30am after an early morning interstate flight and am a bit weary even though I have just spent 5 days away, in the most picturesque setting possible with loads of sunshine, great wines and good food. The company wasn't too bad either ;-)
Queensland is such a stunning place. Like most people who travel up there, I always dream of living there permanently because in a week, you don't get bored, the flies don't bother you too much, and you cannot get enough of the sun and surf. It is pure paradise. Beautiful one day, perfect the next as the slogan goes.
Never one to 100% tune out on business, I learned a few things during my Easter break that I would like to share with you:
1. Work doesn't stop even if you do: I landed in Queensland and had a number of calls on my mobile, emails were coming through in the truckloads and there were last minute things that I had to organise. When you travel, make sure you allocate time to keep in touch with the office, check your emails and listen to your phone messages, just in case there is anything that really needs doing but do not let it take over your holiday.
2. People are kind, just because that is who they are: Some people are just outright kind. My Sister-in-law's Mother, Kate, picked me up from the airport which was a bit out of her way, with a huge smile. She didn't have to do it, but she offered anyway because she likes doing things for others. Kindness doesn't cost a thing, but good people remember it and reciprocate.
3. Family is everything: Spending time with family is such a joy. Each of your siblings, no matter how annoying they may be at times, has something of you in them - good or bad. It's great to work out what that is and appreciate the little things that make you the same just as much as you do, about the things that make you different.
4. Art is in the eye of the beholder: My gorgeous Sister-in-law is an amazing artists. She has enormous talent and is so understated in her approach to her abilities - that I could not imagine her 'putting herself out there' showing off what she can do - but gosh, I wish she would. I want to share her talents with the world (and perhaps one day I will!). Art comes in many forms and a bunch of women from Maryborough Queensland are putting on an art showing in May with all their different artistic platforms. I love all of their work, but its funny, as I was flicking through magazines on the weekend, and asking opinions on art and interior design of the people around me, I was once again reminded that everyone is different in what they like and dislike when it comes to art and people see things differently. That's what's so brilliant about art. It allows us to see something that perhaps someone else did not see.
5. Ripping people off leaves a bad taste, but rectifying it gets you a client for life: I have never been overly loyal to car hire companies. I typically pick ones that I know but whoever is the cheapest on any given day for the vehicle I am looking for, usually wins. On Sunday, I decided that it was easier for me to drive myself to the airport, so I looked up car hire companies on google and searched for the best price. The price was 3 times normal. The most reasonable - which wasn't reasonable may I add, was Hertz. So, I waited for a 30 minutes to decide what to do and then went back to the website. The price had gone up $30 in that time. Ridiculous. Nevertheless, I made a decision not to inconvenience anyone so I booked it anyway. The next day when I went to pick it up, the man, Barry, was so pleasant. Big smile, happy go lucky type of bloke. I said to him that the price was a bit steep this time of year just in general conversation, and he listened and agreed. He then said, because you use Thrifty so much, how about I give you this rate? It was approximately $100 off. Now, he didn't need to do this. He owns the franchise so there is no advantage in it for him. On top of that, he only came into the office that day to hand over the keys to me and it was Easter Monday. I will now always place preference to Hertz Car Rental. If this is their customer service ethics - they win everytime for me.
6. Take time out with the people you care about: I spent a few hours on the weekend just hanging out with my brother flying his plane. We chatted and just enjoyed hanging out with each other. It was very special and great to be able to have one-on-one time when so often there is always people around. You can also talk about things that perhaps you can't talk about in mixed company.
7. One persons perspective, isn't necessarily anothers: There was an instance on the weekend, when a conversation took place whereby a good friend of one of my friends gave some advice that I thought wasn't positive for the person they were giving advice to. Basically, their advice was not to do something that is a great opportunity, until they get better at it. Now she is immensely talented, and has been given an opportunity of a lifetime to use this talent, but she is nervous. Like anyone else is when they are putting themselves out there. My advice, ignore this. Go out there and just do it! These people have confidence in your abilities. Reach for the stars. BUT... we all must remember that while we should always listen to what someone has to say, we don't necessarily need to do it.
8. No matter how accurate you are in following a recipe, the recipe can still fail. Need I say more.
9. The grass is not greener on the other side: Always remember this.
10. Take time out for yourself and appreciate what you have done in your life, how far you have come and the beautiful people that enrich your life.
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comments ( 8 )
Marco van Olst
13 Apr 2012Nice blog Mellissah, and good to know that you had a great Easter. I also had a great Easter with friends and family. Always on these days I know what family and friends mean to me. And than it is good to take out time with them, and enjoy life.
ReplySometimes I think that the grass is greener on the other side, but that is not. Because when you see the other side you will see that there is also something wrong, or something that you do not like. So I think it is very important to invest in your family and other relations and to be there for them when they need you.
I am very excited to go to Australia and to learn from a very ambitious marketing company. And I see this as a life present and a big experience, so I seize it with both hands! And I will always remember these important things in life.
Cedric
12 Apr 2012I coudn't not react to this post!
ReplyAfter being far away from home for almost 1 year I can confirm that everyday I learn something new.
About me, about the relationship with my family and with my sweet heart and obviously in my professional life!
I didn't go to uni this year due to my internships and my exchange students program but I know I'll finish this year with more (useful) information than I have ever finished a scholar year!
Life is a permanent training!
Raihan
12 Apr 2012I feel that sometimes you're too engrossed in your life, you forget others are probably facing similar issues as well. A simple chat or smile would change another person's day for sure! Barry from Hertz and your sister in law's mum sounds lovely and definitely added that extra special touch to your awesome getaway! Good to hear you had a well deserved break! :)
ReplyJosh
12 Apr 2012I find it hard sometimes with all these people in your ear giving you advice about the same thing and your right, if you can't act on what everyone says so in the end it really comes down to you!
ReplyRen
11 Apr 2012I really like this perspective:
ReplyOne persons perspective, isn't necessarily anothers:
How true is that! Many seek out the opinion of another person just because that friend has been available or nearby at your time of need. However, are they actually giving you valuable insight? When it comes to crunch time, and they give you seems slightly pessimistic advice then maybe it's not a great idea to sit there and take that advice.
It's fantastic if a person/friend can jump in and intervene with the pessimistic advice, (provided the person jumping in provides optimistic advice). But how often is it that you will gain that opportunity. (Maybe at an open coffee or dinner discussion). What ever the scenario is, chances are, if you are uneasy about the advice then maybe the advice isn't right for you and intuition will tell you that you need to seek out advice elsewhere.
Sometimes we all need to make judgement calls, it's about trusting your gut instinct and being completing informed. Weighing up the pros and cons and choosing a pathway best suited to your future goals. Making the right call can be a challenge but only you know yourself better, you have the power to make that call. Trusting your decisions will help you reduce any sort of dissonance, so be firm once you make that call.
Sandra
11 Apr 2012Sounds like you an had an awesome Easter Melissah!
ReplyThere needs to be more people like Barry from Hertz Car Rental. People need to speak up if they think prices are too high. I'm glad you mentioned it, otherwise you wouldn't have received a discount.
One persons perspective is not necessarily anothers. I would have told your friend to give whatever it is a go, whether they are good or bad at it. When life presents you with an opportunity of a lifetime, seize it.
Brittany
10 Apr 2012A great blog about all the important things in life to always remember.
ReplyMellissah I'm sure it was hard for you to get out of "work mode" during such a busy time for Marketing Eye, but it seems like you had a fantastic time with your family.
My favourite part is number two. People all around us are so kind, it is important to make sure we thank them for it.
Ellah
10 Apr 2012Great post Mellissah!
ReplyGood to hear you had a lovely Easter. You give really great advice, "Go out there and just do it" is certainly something I'm trying to learn and live up to.