My Nanna once told me as a young girl – “Sharyn, life is like a bucket, you must put something in that bucket daily to keep it full and you will always have something to take from that bucket!”
How right she was. How very lucky I am to have had the wisdom to heed her words and continually fill that bucket.
Now, for those of you wondering about this bucket, sometimes it was a spiritual bucket. Other times, it was emotional or social. It has even been a tangible bucket.
Let me explain…
So often, we go about our days and weeks without the awareness of recognising so many people’s needs. These may be spiritual, emotional, social or otherwise.
I feel blessed and rewarded knowing that in my daily life, I have put something in the buckets of those around me. I have given and shared my time, knowledge, support, care and even material or financial support.
This in turn has kept my bucket full!
InIn this new year period, let us all reflect. Each day, let us make a conscious effort to think of our family and friends, or even someone we hardly know.
If we put ourselves in their shoes and make a conscious effort to put something into their buckets, we can enrich their life, lift their soul, ease their burden or simply make them smile or laugh. We will all be the better for it.
With summer here and the sun shining, this is the perfect time to re-emerge from indoors. It is also a wonderful time to share the sunshine with our friends and families.
The Europeans are masters of hospitality. They have always enjoyed the abundance of family, friends, food, wine and sharing in the fun, laughter and enjoyment at the dinner table.
I think the Australian lifestyle has been modelled on this practice. We too enjoy our times together around the table, sharing in great food, our love for wines and local produce. These moments bring us together for a good laugh and some great times.
With Christmas behind us and New Year festivities well underway, we are all enjoying our summer. Many of us are indulging with friends and family, enjoying holidays, beach getaways and fun weekends across SA.
It is a time to enjoy the many coastal escapes, beautiful wine regions and fantastic getaway destinations. It is also a time to experience the love and unity that comes from spending time with family and friends, while enjoying everything this great state has to offer.
We certainly are a lucky country!
Let us embrace the beauty of this country with family and friends. Let us fill our cups over these summer holidays, share in the good times and support those around us.
We wish everyone a truly safe and enjoyable time in SA over the summer. Please remember to be mindful of others who may be alone or challenged this season. Reach out where possible and offer care and support.
Those small acts of kindness can change another’s entire world.