Important announcement:
After today I will not be posting in this blog anymore.
But don't fret, this is not the end of my dream diary.
Instead, I now would like to re-direct you to my main blog, where I will be posting my dream diary from now on. To kick things off, I have posted a dream diary update there today, so check it out!
Thursday, 4 January 2007
Saturday, 30 December 2006
Silly me
For two entire weeks now my most recent post has made a fool of me to the entire world, and not one single person told me... until today.
I meant champing at the bit! James is sitting right in front of me now laughing his head off.
I meant champing at the bit! James is sitting right in front of me now laughing his head off.
Friday, 15 December 2006
How Ironic
The irony of having a dream diary is that if you are busy living out your dream, you may not have time to write in your dream diary.
I have been busy at work training the girl who is taking over my position. This week I came to the sudden realization that yesterday was supposed to be my last full-time day in the office with her ~ next week all staff are required to be at a 2007 planning retreat, at a location 3 hours' drive from Melbourne, and the following week is Christmas so the office is closed until the new year.
So in January, instead of making the clean break I had hoped to, I will still be at the office part-time (one day a week) to tie off the loose ends in the training process.
How ironic that I need to work part-time in January 2007, because I couldn't finish training my replacement during 2006, because I was required to be at a staff retreat, the purpose of which is to plan for 2007.
On a brighter note, I spoke on the phone today to the CEO of the training school with which I will be studying to get my fitness qualifications. Nice guy. The course starts in February ~ hopefully I won't be so busy tying up loose ends at my old job in order to move a step forward towards The Dream that I don't have time to submit the application form I need to submit to be allowed to take that step.
I can't wait to move on. I feel like a horse biting at the champ, waiting to start the race...
I have been busy at work training the girl who is taking over my position. This week I came to the sudden realization that yesterday was supposed to be my last full-time day in the office with her ~ next week all staff are required to be at a 2007 planning retreat, at a location 3 hours' drive from Melbourne, and the following week is Christmas so the office is closed until the new year.
So in January, instead of making the clean break I had hoped to, I will still be at the office part-time (one day a week) to tie off the loose ends in the training process.
How ironic that I need to work part-time in January 2007, because I couldn't finish training my replacement during 2006, because I was required to be at a staff retreat, the purpose of which is to plan for 2007.
On a brighter note, I spoke on the phone today to the CEO of the training school with which I will be studying to get my fitness qualifications. Nice guy. The course starts in February ~ hopefully I won't be so busy tying up loose ends at my old job in order to move a step forward towards The Dream that I don't have time to submit the application form I need to submit to be allowed to take that step.
I can't wait to move on. I feel like a horse biting at the champ, waiting to start the race...
Sunday, 19 November 2006
Encouragement
Today a lady from my church who has three young (and gorgeous) daughters, and whom I admire very much, approached me after the morning service.
She shared with me that she, too, has had an interest in working in the fitness industry. However her own internal voices told her that she doesn't have the right personality for it. Since learning that I am moving in this direction from the beginning of next year, she has been inspired to re-visit this dream of hers, do some research, and possibly do a course next year too.
It is such an encouragement to me to know that simply by daring to pursue my dreams, and sharing this pursuit with others, they are being encouraged to do so too!
She shared with me that she, too, has had an interest in working in the fitness industry. However her own internal voices told her that she doesn't have the right personality for it. Since learning that I am moving in this direction from the beginning of next year, she has been inspired to re-visit this dream of hers, do some research, and possibly do a course next year too.
It is such an encouragement to me to know that simply by daring to pursue my dreams, and sharing this pursuit with others, they are being encouraged to do so too!
Friday, 10 November 2006
Fitness Instructor Courses
I got information for fitness instructor courses in the mail earlier this week. The next course intake commences in February. It seems like so long away, I almost feel like I can't wait that long because I'm so keen to get started now.
However in terms of my current job, I must finish strong and it will probably take until the end of this year to train the girl who is taking over my job. So really, with that in perspective a February start is quite good timing.
However in terms of my current job, I must finish strong and it will probably take until the end of this year to train the girl who is taking over my job. So really, with that in perspective a February start is quite good timing.
Thursday, 2 November 2006
It's a New Season
If you noticed how late I posted that last blog and also this one (around the midnight hours) it's because I've been a very busy bee lately. This week Kellie, who will be taking over my job, started her training with me at the office.
That's right, it's official! She's taking my job, I'm training her to replace me! Wow, I'm actually training someone to replace me. Which means I'm working myself out of a job. This job. Which means that weeks from now, I won't be working in this job. Wow!
HOW EXCITING!! It's a new season, it's a new day, a season of power is coming my way!
But this training season is oh, so daunting because I never realised just how much I do and know... from nothing, I created and developed many of the systems I use and because I created them from nothing I understand them intimately and now have to explain not just how to use them but how to understand them to someone else, something I've never had to do before. I've been "doing" much of it for so long that now I really do run on autopilot.
In only two days I am beginning to realise how big the task of "passing the baton" on is going to be.
However it's also exciting ~ I can already tell that Kellie is going to be great at this job, and probably even better than me! It will truly be a win-win situation for everyone involved. Yay
That's right, it's official! She's taking my job, I'm training her to replace me! Wow, I'm actually training someone to replace me. Which means I'm working myself out of a job. This job. Which means that weeks from now, I won't be working in this job. Wow!
HOW EXCITING!! It's a new season, it's a new day, a season of power is coming my way!
But this training season is oh, so daunting because I never realised just how much I do and know... from nothing, I created and developed many of the systems I use and because I created them from nothing I understand them intimately and now have to explain not just how to use them but how to understand them to someone else, something I've never had to do before. I've been "doing" much of it for so long that now I really do run on autopilot.
In only two days I am beginning to realise how big the task of "passing the baton" on is going to be.
However it's also exciting ~ I can already tell that Kellie is going to be great at this job, and probably even better than me! It will truly be a win-win situation for everyone involved. Yay
Wednesday, 1 November 2006
...finally the post you've been waiting for!
Okay, I am really, really, sorry! It's been 3 weeks. Thank you Vicky for the gentle reminder!
It just goes to show how quickly time can fly... we need to start acting upon our dreams today, not tomorrow and certainly not next week. Otherwise before you know it, your life will have flown by and your dreams remained unrealized.
But to my dream... or more specifically, to the meeting with my gym manager, Glen.
In summary, my meeting with Glen demonstrates just how little I know about the fitness industry in Australia, because one major thing I learned is that most fitness professionals don't have a "full time" job with one gym, but rather a series (I guess two or maybe more) of part time jobs with several gyms. The main exception to this is those who work their way up to a manager level. Most also work to build their own personal client base. So all in all, in this industry employment means having a combination of several part-time jobs and also working for yourself through gaining personal training clients of your own.
Our discussion was all very interesting, educational and completely foreign to me. But I liked what I heard.
Where to from here? Well Glen told me that if I am good there will be no end to the number of gyms that will employ me. I am feeling quite optimistic about my prospects because I have the passion and desire to excel and be one of the best in this field. This is not going to be just a job to me. I even have a medical science background to get me started (pop trivia about me: at University I got an undergraduate degree in Biomedical Science) which means I've already got a bit of foundation into the workings of the human body, and I plan to learn more and know my stuff well, not just enough to get me by.
Whilst I know this probably isn't quite the exciting news you were expecting to hear, one thing is for sure. I am definitely excited!
For those of you who are thinking, "yeah, yeah, but what is the outcome of all this?" - my hunch is that Glen would be willing to take me on board his staff once I get my qualification. As for when I will be getting said qualification, I've inquired with the training school and their next class intake is February. I could start earlier if I do it by correspondence but I really feel that I want to do it in a classroom setting and learn from others in the industry whilst also making some friends.
Also, Glen is still willing to book me in through his gym, and has even kindly offered to help me out with anything if I get stuck in my studies. Isn't he awesome?
It just goes to show how quickly time can fly... we need to start acting upon our dreams today, not tomorrow and certainly not next week. Otherwise before you know it, your life will have flown by and your dreams remained unrealized.
But to my dream... or more specifically, to the meeting with my gym manager, Glen.
In summary, my meeting with Glen demonstrates just how little I know about the fitness industry in Australia, because one major thing I learned is that most fitness professionals don't have a "full time" job with one gym, but rather a series (I guess two or maybe more) of part time jobs with several gyms. The main exception to this is those who work their way up to a manager level. Most also work to build their own personal client base. So all in all, in this industry employment means having a combination of several part-time jobs and also working for yourself through gaining personal training clients of your own.
Our discussion was all very interesting, educational and completely foreign to me. But I liked what I heard.
Where to from here? Well Glen told me that if I am good there will be no end to the number of gyms that will employ me. I am feeling quite optimistic about my prospects because I have the passion and desire to excel and be one of the best in this field. This is not going to be just a job to me. I even have a medical science background to get me started (pop trivia about me: at University I got an undergraduate degree in Biomedical Science) which means I've already got a bit of foundation into the workings of the human body, and I plan to learn more and know my stuff well, not just enough to get me by.
Whilst I know this probably isn't quite the exciting news you were expecting to hear, one thing is for sure. I am definitely excited!
For those of you who are thinking, "yeah, yeah, but what is the outcome of all this?" - my hunch is that Glen would be willing to take me on board his staff once I get my qualification. As for when I will be getting said qualification, I've inquired with the training school and their next class intake is February. I could start earlier if I do it by correspondence but I really feel that I want to do it in a classroom setting and learn from others in the industry whilst also making some friends.
Also, Glen is still willing to book me in through his gym, and has even kindly offered to help me out with anything if I get stuck in my studies. Isn't he awesome?
Tuesday, 17 October 2006
The Outcome....
If you're wondering about the outcome of my discussion with my gym manager, it's coming I promise. I haven't forgotten about posting it, promise. I've just been quite busy at work. Stay tuned...
Monday, 9 October 2006
The Biggest Loser
This is one of my favourite TV shows! I just finished watching it tonight. I find it inspiring to see so many people make the decision to change their lives. I love following them on their journey through pain, tears, and plain, hard work! It would be so awesome to be a Biggest Loser Trainer one day!
Dream in the Making
It would probably help to know what my dream even is, huh?
I want to become a fitness instructor. Maybe even a personal trainer. Hey, one day I may even open my own gym, or a whole franchise of them! I'm a bit of an ideas woman, so trust me when I say that I have plenty of ideas swimming around in my head.
Why fitness?
I see a huge need for fitness professionals, especially in a country like Australia where obesity and related diseases such as heart problems and type II diabetes are increasing at alarming rates. I want to play a part in serving people in this area of need. People who know me today would say I'm fit and healthy. They know I enjoy my exercise and go to the gym regularly. They know that I'm an advocate of eating a healthy, balanced diet. But I remember myself as a teenager, being the "chubby girl". Secretly consuming sweet snacks because of the momentary good feeling I got as I ate them. Being told repeatedly by my parents that I need to exercise more, but not really knowing how to do this and not even knowing that I could actually do it. I want to show people that they can be fit and healthy ~ exercise is hard work but it's possible to enjoy hard work! Food does not have to control us, we can control it!
I remember when I first started going to aerobics classes. I was 18 years old and in my first year at university. I really enjoyed them and thought to myself, "wouldn't it be cool to be an aerobics instructor?" Of course like most thoughts we have, I dismissed this and continued pursuing my studies in an area that I thought I should be studying - Biomedical Science. I went on to complete this degree with honours, only to discover during my honours year that I passionately disliked the day-to-day job of scientific research.
Upon learning about what I want to do with my life, the initial reaction of many of my friends and family is typically, "that's SO different from what you do now!". Which just goes to show how much we define ourselves and one another by our jobs or careers. Many of my more recent friends and acquaintances do not even know that I was never formally trained in accounting and that I actually studied medical science, of all things!
But anyway, enough of the background stuff. I have some exciting news: tomorrow afternoon I meet with the manager of the gym that I am a member of. I spoke to him two weeks ago to ask about his professional opinion on the many training schools in Melbourne. He told me he's about to book some of his staff in for training and would be happy to book me in with them if this is something I am interested in.
Tomorrow we are going to talk more about this, but also about the prospect of employment for me with the gym. So I am truly excited.
I want to become a fitness instructor. Maybe even a personal trainer. Hey, one day I may even open my own gym, or a whole franchise of them! I'm a bit of an ideas woman, so trust me when I say that I have plenty of ideas swimming around in my head.
Why fitness?
I see a huge need for fitness professionals, especially in a country like Australia where obesity and related diseases such as heart problems and type II diabetes are increasing at alarming rates. I want to play a part in serving people in this area of need. People who know me today would say I'm fit and healthy. They know I enjoy my exercise and go to the gym regularly. They know that I'm an advocate of eating a healthy, balanced diet. But I remember myself as a teenager, being the "chubby girl". Secretly consuming sweet snacks because of the momentary good feeling I got as I ate them. Being told repeatedly by my parents that I need to exercise more, but not really knowing how to do this and not even knowing that I could actually do it. I want to show people that they can be fit and healthy ~ exercise is hard work but it's possible to enjoy hard work! Food does not have to control us, we can control it!
I remember when I first started going to aerobics classes. I was 18 years old and in my first year at university. I really enjoyed them and thought to myself, "wouldn't it be cool to be an aerobics instructor?" Of course like most thoughts we have, I dismissed this and continued pursuing my studies in an area that I thought I should be studying - Biomedical Science. I went on to complete this degree with honours, only to discover during my honours year that I passionately disliked the day-to-day job of scientific research.
Upon learning about what I want to do with my life, the initial reaction of many of my friends and family is typically, "that's SO different from what you do now!". Which just goes to show how much we define ourselves and one another by our jobs or careers. Many of my more recent friends and acquaintances do not even know that I was never formally trained in accounting and that I actually studied medical science, of all things!
But anyway, enough of the background stuff. I have some exciting news: tomorrow afternoon I meet with the manager of the gym that I am a member of. I spoke to him two weeks ago to ask about his professional opinion on the many training schools in Melbourne. He told me he's about to book some of his staff in for training and would be happy to book me in with them if this is something I am interested in.
Tomorrow we are going to talk more about this, but also about the prospect of employment for me with the gym. So I am truly excited.
Friday, 18 August 2006
Never too small...
"If you think you are too small to be effective, you have never been in bed with a mosquito." -Betty Reese
I read this quote this morning and wanted to shared it with you. I hope you find encouragement in it, especially in times when you are down and your dream just seems too far away and unreachable to attain.
I read this quote this morning and wanted to shared it with you. I hope you find encouragement in it, especially in times when you are down and your dream just seems too far away and unreachable to attain.
Wednesday, 16 August 2006
My "Land of Familiar"
I work for my church full-time as an administrator. My main responsibilities include managing the church finances and payroll, bookkeeping, and administrating human resources for the missionary-sending branch of our church.
The job pays well and the work conditions are fantastic ~ great colleagues, friendly and loving work environment, flexible hours and freedom to be myself in a place that cares for me not just as an employee, but as a person.
Moreover, I am naturally gifted in the area of administration which is demonstrated by some of my personality traits: I like everything to have its place, I prefer to be invited to events in advance rather than a day (or less!) before, I am constantly looking for ways to do things more efficiently... and math was one of my favourite subjects in school so the bookkeeping and finance stuff comes easily.
But (!) I have learnt that just because I am employed in a job that I'm good at with ideal pay and work conditions, doesn't mean that I am living my dream. I might be living someone else's dream, but it's not necessarily the fulfillment of my own.
I originally took this job because the opportunity presented itself at an ideal time ~ I had just completed my University degree and needed a full-time job. I was about to get engaged and wanted to save up as much money as possible to financially prepare myself as best I could going into marriage. It was convenient. It was easy. It was helping me fulfill my goals at that time. I was good at it!
In the past few months, even though I know I have one of the best jobs around, I have found it difficult to get up in the morning to go to work. Some days I just want to stay in bed. I knew that something was wrong. At times the thought would cross my mind that maybe I should pass my job on top someone else and free myself to seek what my heart is really passionate for. But then "reality" would come crashing in to interrupt these thoughts: "But your job is so great!" "But you earn a good income and your family needs that income, you can't give it up!" "But this job is so stable and secure, why would purposely choose to do something that's not?
Friends, it is easy to allow these and many other thoughts to hold us captive in our own Lands of Familiar. Yes, Familiar is comfortable, it's easy, many times it's even really good. But it's not the best. If we choose to stay with the good at the cost of getting the best, then we could instead end up with a life full of regret for never "giving it a go".
If we want to seek our dreams, then we must be willing to step over our fears, out of our comfort zones and pack our bags, prepared to leave our Land of Familiar to go in search of our Promised Land.
Are your bags packed?
The job pays well and the work conditions are fantastic ~ great colleagues, friendly and loving work environment, flexible hours and freedom to be myself in a place that cares for me not just as an employee, but as a person.
Moreover, I am naturally gifted in the area of administration which is demonstrated by some of my personality traits: I like everything to have its place, I prefer to be invited to events in advance rather than a day (or less!) before, I am constantly looking for ways to do things more efficiently... and math was one of my favourite subjects in school so the bookkeeping and finance stuff comes easily.
But (!) I have learnt that just because I am employed in a job that I'm good at with ideal pay and work conditions, doesn't mean that I am living my dream. I might be living someone else's dream, but it's not necessarily the fulfillment of my own.
I originally took this job because the opportunity presented itself at an ideal time ~ I had just completed my University degree and needed a full-time job. I was about to get engaged and wanted to save up as much money as possible to financially prepare myself as best I could going into marriage. It was convenient. It was easy. It was helping me fulfill my goals at that time. I was good at it!
In the past few months, even though I know I have one of the best jobs around, I have found it difficult to get up in the morning to go to work. Some days I just want to stay in bed. I knew that something was wrong. At times the thought would cross my mind that maybe I should pass my job on top someone else and free myself to seek what my heart is really passionate for. But then "reality" would come crashing in to interrupt these thoughts: "But your job is so great!" "But you earn a good income and your family needs that income, you can't give it up!" "But this job is so stable and secure, why would purposely choose to do something that's not?
Friends, it is easy to allow these and many other thoughts to hold us captive in our own Lands of Familiar. Yes, Familiar is comfortable, it's easy, many times it's even really good. But it's not the best. If we choose to stay with the good at the cost of getting the best, then we could instead end up with a life full of regret for never "giving it a go".
If we want to seek our dreams, then we must be willing to step over our fears, out of our comfort zones and pack our bags, prepared to leave our Land of Familiar to go in search of our Promised Land.
Are your bags packed?
Saturday, 12 August 2006
Easily sidetracked
How time flies ~ it's been almost 2 months since my last post!
A common enemy of living out our dreams is "responsibility". It can cause years, even decades to go by before suddenly one day we wake up and wonder what we've been doing all our lives. Now I am not saying to stop being responsible. But I am saying that responsibilities should not be our excuse for living an unfulfilled life.
It is too easy for most of us to settle for the mediocre: a secure job, a steady income, a life where we can predict what tomorrow will bring. It is easier to settle for what we know and are familiar with rather than taking that step into unknown territory. It is easier to fill our lives with busy-ness and productivity so that we don't have to think about whether we really do enjoy what we are doing, or whether we will regret not "having a go" when we look back at the end of our lives.
Wilkinson addresses this very thing in his book ~ I can totally identify with the main character, Ordinary, living in my very own Land of Familiar. What is my Land of Familiar? Stay tuned for the next post!
A common enemy of living out our dreams is "responsibility". It can cause years, even decades to go by before suddenly one day we wake up and wonder what we've been doing all our lives. Now I am not saying to stop being responsible. But I am saying that responsibilities should not be our excuse for living an unfulfilled life.
It is too easy for most of us to settle for the mediocre: a secure job, a steady income, a life where we can predict what tomorrow will bring. It is easier to settle for what we know and are familiar with rather than taking that step into unknown territory. It is easier to fill our lives with busy-ness and productivity so that we don't have to think about whether we really do enjoy what we are doing, or whether we will regret not "having a go" when we look back at the end of our lives.
Wilkinson addresses this very thing in his book ~ I can totally identify with the main character, Ordinary, living in my very own Land of Familiar. What is my Land of Familiar? Stay tuned for the next post!
Friday, 16 June 2006
No more excuses
Bruce Wilkinson teaches that everyone has a dream. I believe him. His book is leading me to search inside myself and rediscover what my dream - or dreams - are.
For a long time, I thought I was one of those people who doesn't have a dream. But a realisation hit me last night. I have been unknowingly following a pattern set out for me by my parents. As I look at their lives right now, I believe neither of them are living their dreams. Probably their biggest excuse for this is that they are committed to putting family before themselves, whether that be raising and providing for their children or caring for their elderly parents. But just the other day my Dad shared with me that he isn't enjoying life right now - he is overworked and stressed, and I think he feels that there is nothing he can do to change his situation.
On the other side of the coin, I have a husband who is a huge dreamer! One of his biggest dreams is to be a major influence in Australian politics. Late last year he made the decision to go back to university, and this year he commenced part-time studies in a law degree on top of his full-time job.
I was so happy for James and yet at the same time so jealous. Happy because he was taking a pretty big step towards making his dream into a reality. Jealous because for years I had felt I had no dream, and when James started his law degree, I felt that it was my responsibility was to give up my own life and dreams (I thought I had none anyway!) and support him. After all, a law degree was a pretty big financial commitment so I have better keep working in my job to help support my husband.
Last night I realised that I was using James as my excuse, just like my parents, and probably my grandparents, have unknowingly used family as their excuse. I even secretly blamed James for my not having a dream, let alone pursuing one.
So no more excuses for me! I am ready to step out, to give it a go, to fail and to pick myself up again. To break through obstacles and opposition. If you want to dream and feel that you're the only one in your family, you are not alone! Partner with me and we'll encourage and spur one another on!
I am ready to live. Are you?
For a long time, I thought I was one of those people who doesn't have a dream. But a realisation hit me last night. I have been unknowingly following a pattern set out for me by my parents. As I look at their lives right now, I believe neither of them are living their dreams. Probably their biggest excuse for this is that they are committed to putting family before themselves, whether that be raising and providing for their children or caring for their elderly parents. But just the other day my Dad shared with me that he isn't enjoying life right now - he is overworked and stressed, and I think he feels that there is nothing he can do to change his situation.
On the other side of the coin, I have a husband who is a huge dreamer! One of his biggest dreams is to be a major influence in Australian politics. Late last year he made the decision to go back to university, and this year he commenced part-time studies in a law degree on top of his full-time job.
I was so happy for James and yet at the same time so jealous. Happy because he was taking a pretty big step towards making his dream into a reality. Jealous because for years I had felt I had no dream, and when James started his law degree, I felt that it was my responsibility was to give up my own life and dreams (I thought I had none anyway!) and support him. After all, a law degree was a pretty big financial commitment so I have better keep working in my job to help support my husband.
Last night I realised that I was using James as my excuse, just like my parents, and probably my grandparents, have unknowingly used family as their excuse. I even secretly blamed James for my not having a dream, let alone pursuing one.
So no more excuses for me! I am ready to step out, to give it a go, to fail and to pick myself up again. To break through obstacles and opposition. If you want to dream and feel that you're the only one in your family, you are not alone! Partner with me and we'll encourage and spur one another on!
I am ready to live. Are you?
Thursday, 15 June 2006
Introducing the Dreamer
My name is Fiona and I'm the dreamer.
I personally feel it's nice to be able to attach a face to a name and a blog, so here I am. :)
And so begins the journey...
I picked up this book yesterday at the local Christian book store. It's called The Dream Giver, written by Bruce Wilkinson.I read the first half of the book in one sitting, I couldn't put it down. This book is the inspiration for starting my own dream diary. I decided to write this diary online - right here - so that others can share in my journey and be inspired to also get out of their comfort zones, exit their "Land of Familiar" and begin their own journey towards the "Promised Land".
I can't promise my story will be the most exciting journey for you, my friend, because, like you, I have no idea what lies ahead. But I certainly hope that my story will inspire you to construct your own.
Let's dare to dream together.
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