Your example vs your opinion
For most of 2025 my morning walks were accompanied not only by my dog Dusty, but by listening to music. Usually upbeat, steady pace, variety of genres, pumping music. But in the last few months of the year, music became too loud for me. Too much for the mind in the morning. It wasn’t working so I turned to podcasts. I’m keen on people, their stories, what they have overcome or how they show up to help others shine and luckily for me, there are plenty of podcast hosts and people to listen to. I have since learned what type of podcasts people listen to can greatly differ!
Last week I was listening to Ant Middleton on Head Game, interview Kath Koschel. She mentioned a poster she had up on her wall that her Dad had given her, it really stuck with me. “The world is changed by your example, not by your opinion.”
Now I have spoken about Kath already as she definitely left a lasting impression on me in her example heading up Kindness Factory and overcoming extreme adversity whilst maintaining compassion and kindness for others.
But the political peacocking that began after the tragedy that occurred in Bondi, media reporting full of opinions, narratives and lies that suit each camps agenda has again been LOUD. Voices are presenting opinions as facts, resorting to personal attacks, and making sweeping claims on behalf of a so-called “majority of Australians,” which can’t be accurate. At the same time, there is a clear lack of accountability from many in government for inaction, gross behaviour, divisive speeches on all sides and everything feels like dealing in extremes.
The loud and outspoken speaking for or over the top of others is not communicating with kindness or compassion. It lacks humanity. It was the worst of humanity that got us to this point, and the best of humanity that have and continue to support the families and communities affected by the mass shooting. I’ll leave the political views here…
As I took a moment to understand why this is all so loud for me, I was able to recognise we are not all this way and there is plenty of hope in the country. Maybe I just revert back to my positive mindset as things get too loud. If that is putting my head in the sand right now, I’m ok with that. It is positive sand that finds the good. And there is an abundance of good that occurs each day here.
Good and greatness like my friend Jess. I got to have the biggest hug and the best couple of hours of non-stop chats with a force that just oozes hope, positivity and kindness from all of her being. It is an uplifting experience every time we catch up and I hope I offer some of the same in return. We spoke about goals for 2026, how they may have changed and the ways we are, and intend to make them happen. How having a great group of people around you sets you up and soaking up all you can from those in the same space or already doing it, becomes the focus and the opportunity to succeed. Not letting the setbacks stop us as we learn from them.
This week I came to the full realisation I was going to be set back from achieving my Laps for Life swimming goal in March of 45km. It’s my 6th year of participating in the initiative raising funds for Reach Out Australia, but this year is different. I’ll still be receiving treatment for Breast Cancer at the time and have a port inserted in my chest to make the treatment easier, but that makes the swimming even more limited.
I was determined to still participate but it had to look a little different and required me to surrender to how it is, be brave and ask for help. I shared a video on socials asking for people to join my team and in less than 24 hours, GOOD shined through. Over 20 people have now joined the team and will contribute both laps in their capacity and assist in raising the funds. A brilliant example of the good in Australian people. The team name also speaks volumes to me - It takes a village.
I’m confident we will succeed. I am confident I am loved and supported by my village. I am not so confident I can manage the 10km goal I set myself, but I have a feeling, this village will support me to achieve that goal too. Together, we will make it happen.
I am grateful for those that have donated already and joined the team. Some of us love swimming, some of us could think of nothing worse and yet are getting in anyway. Others are limited in their abilities and will adapt how they can get it done, but are still going to get it done anyway.
All this humanity, kindness and compassion isn’t loud, but it is present and makes a much bigger difference to community overall. I’ll stick with this space for my source of hope.
