My son graduated from university on in mid December 2023. It was a fancy ceremony in the old Exhibition Building in Carlton. Lots of interesting outfits from the higher ups and gowns and silly hats (my son's words!) on the graduates.
 
As part of the ceremony, Dr Anthea Skinner, musicologist - a fancy way of saying that she's a music researcher, who's research is focussed on adapting instruments for people with disabilities - gave the keynote speech. Dr Skinner spoke about the advice her mother gave her as a young woman with a disability who was unsure of how she would navigate a world that she didn't “fit” into: 
 
“No one who was just like everybody else ever did anything truly amazing. No one who was just like everybody else ever changed the world.”
 
I share Dr Skinner's words (and those  of her mother) as a reminder to you too, that what makes you unique is how you will make your mark. Embrace your 'weirdness', your 'kookiness', all the things that make you you. 
 
Your way of looking at things, your creativity, your opinion matters. I encourage you to celebrate your Youness and all that it entails.
 
Because no one who was just like everybody else ever did anything truly amazing.

Happy new year! I hope that you had a wonderful Christmas and were able to relax and enjoy it.
 
If you're still on leave - well bragged!
 
If you're back at work, see what you can do to make it an as pleasurable experience as possible!
 
As is custom at the start of a new year, I've been working on my desires for the year. I've spoken about desires before but in case you've missed it, I'll share it again.
 
Desires are different to goals. Even the most exciting goal can feel somewhat heavy and like a real slog to achieve. Desires on the other hand, make you feel all warm and gooey, they bring you pleasure just thinking about them. 
 
For instance, you might set a goal of being able to learn how to do a 50kg deadlift. As a desire, that goal could become “I desire to feel healthy and strong every day.” 
 
Or how about the goal of “I want to find a partner”? Turn it into a desire with “I desire to be in a loving, healthy, respectful relationship with hot juicy s*x where my partner worships me and I worship them”.
 
See what I mean?
 
I urge you to write yourself a Desire List for 2024. 
 
You could set up a space where you won't be disturbed, have a gorgeous notebook and your fav pen, light a candle, have a snack and a yummy drink and play some thinking music to help get you into a pleasure mindset. 
 
Or if you are stretched for time, you can type it into your notes section on your phone while you are waiting for a dr's appt. Make it work for you however it does, but just do it! 
 
If you can't do it all in one sitting, that's ok too. Just keep adding to it when something else pops up or when you've got another few mins to dedicate to it. 
 
If you have some trouble getting started on your list, try some small desires first to get the ball rolling:

• I desire red roses every week.
• I desire champagne Lindt chocolate balls.
• I desire a full night's sleep on gorgeous 1000 count cotton sheets.

I'd also suggest that you are as specific as you can with your desires. You will amp up your pleasure and anticipation by putting in as much detail as you can. 
 
Once you feel that the list is complete - and honestly it may never be because you will always have new desires popping up, especially once you start thinking about them in a more conscious way - put it somewhere where you can see it and remember it. 
 
You might like to set a reminder on your phone to look at it each week. 
 
You could jump on Canva and make yourself a digital vision board and put it on your phone as a screensaver (I've done this!) so you see it each time you open your phone. 
 
You could make a physical vision board or you could paint or draw one. 
 
Check in with your desires on a regular basis. Make sure you are putting your energy and time into the things that bring you the most joy. 
 
Because life is too short not to. ​