Last year, I shared a 5-part series of messages at Bayside Church in Melbourne around the theme of THRIVE. As we entered the year, our intention wasn't to merely SURVIVE another year, but to THRIVE. The English word ‘thrive’ means: to flourish, bloom, or prosper. It comes from an Old Norse root worth that means … Continue reading THRIVE
Today’s Questions
Answers. We all love them. A test completed. A problem fixed. A riddle solved. A decision made. Confusion clarified. Resolution. The end. What about questions? Here are some good questions to ask yourself from time to time. Who am I? What do I value? Why am I here? What gives life meaning ... for me? … Continue reading Today’s Questions
The Stories We Tell Ourselves – Problem Stories
In this conversation with Nicole Conner, we discuss various problem stories and what we can do about them. https://youtu.be/gSQuDtNb6AU
The Stories We Tell Ourselves – Defining Stories
In this second conversation with Nicole Conner, we discuss the power of stories in our lives, where they come from, and how they influence us. In addition, we consider the idea of questioning our stories and potentially changing these powerful narratives that we live by. https://youtu.be/-dI4_xIw0ks
The Stories We Tell Ourselves – Narrative Therapy
Today I begin a series of conversations with my wife, Nicole Conner, on the topic of 'The Stories We Tell Ourselves'. Nicole has a Masters of Narrative Therapy and Community Work from Melbourne University and she has her own narrative therapy practice called Defining Stories. Over the last few years, Nicole has been able to … Continue reading The Stories We Tell Ourselves – Narrative Therapy
Reflections on the Game of GOLF
Nice to hear that golf courses are open again here in Melbourne … A few years ago, I was sitting in a nice cafe overlooking a beautiful golf course. I was enjoying a delicious cup of coffee, reflecting on my life, and writing in my journal. I have played a fair amount of golf over … Continue reading Reflections on the Game of GOLF
The Genius of ‘Low Power Mode’
Whoever thought of 'Low Power Mode' is a genius. When this option pops up on my phone, I always hit 'Continue', never 'Cancel'. It's super helpful. Phone battery life is a precious resource. If you don’t manage it carefully, you might find yourself unable to make calls or take photos ... just when you really … Continue reading The Genius of ‘Low Power Mode’
Making the Most of 2021
The new year is well underway. I am sure we are all glad to put 2020 behind us with all its upheaval and disruption. Let’s hope and pray that this year sees greater peace, unity, and progress in our world. Back in September 2020, we launched Soul Food with Mark Conner, a short, weekly video-cast of … Continue reading Making the Most of 2021
Soul Food Episode 18 – Time Out
I am a sports lover - especially basketball and football. In any sports game, from time to time a team will take a time out. A time out is a pause in the action where everyone can take a quick breather …. and think about how the game is going. It’s the same in life. … Continue reading Soul Food Episode 18 – Time Out
Soul Food Episode 17 – Next Steps
With the new year not far away, a lot of people start talking about ‘new year’s resolutions’. Do they work or don’t they? Are they worth setting or just a waste of time? Well, research indicates that 25 percent of people abandon their New Year’s resolutions after one week. Another 60 percent of people abandon … Continue reading Soul Food Episode 17 – Next Steps
Soul Food Episode 16 – Many Hats
In life, we all wear many different hats. In fact, it helps to think about our life as a portfolio of different roles? As a family member you might be a son or a daughter, a brother or a sister, a husband or a wife, a partner, a parent or a grandparent. In your work, you … Continue reading Soul Food Episode 16 – Many Hats
Soul Food Episode 15 – Your Why
One of my favourite items in the kitchen is the ice cream scoop. What an incredible invention! I don’t know how many bent spoons scattered the planet before some genius came up with this idea. It’s designed NOT to bend and to scoop out even the hardest ice cream effortlessly. Now there are a lot … Continue reading Soul Food Episode 15 – Your Why
Soul Food Episode 14 – Life Think
Did you know that many people spend more time thinking about their holidays than they do their life? Today on Soul Food we start a new series called ‘Life Think’ - taking some time to think about and reflect on our life. After all our ‘soul’ includes not only our feelings, but also our thoughts … Continue reading Soul Food Episode 14 – Life Think
Soul Food Episode 13 – Energy
Many years ago, I experienced what I would call an ‘emotional valley’ that lasted for over 6 months. I wasn’t sure what was wrong with me but it took everything within me just to make it through the next meeting, the next appointment, or the next project. My mood was higher when something was done, … Continue reading Soul Food Episode 13 – Energy
Soul Food Episode 12 – Diet
Did you know that the average life span for Australian men is now 80 years of age and for women, it is 84? But the ‘health adjusted life expectancy’ (or HALE) is only 69 for men and 71 for women. Research tells us that we are living longer but that the last decade of our … Continue reading Soul Food Episode 12 – Diet