“What lies behind us and
What lies before us
Are small matters compared to what lies within us.”
(Ralph Waldo Emerson)

 

Recently a man came up to me in the main street and sincerely thanked me for “making such a real difference” to his life through these ‘How To Live The Dream’ seasonal articles. I was deeply touched that mere ‘words’ when truly contemplated can change lives. It also got me thinking that the huge Weekend Australian article (Jan. 4-5, 2014, p.3) stating boldly that “Denmark has been discovered” as “the town that really rocks…a summer playground rivalling the famous wine and surf region of Margaret River” may also transform our Denmarkian life.

 

As within families, schools, workplaces and sporting arenas when we are truly seen, encouraged and appreciated for our creative potential and inherent capacities, we naturally rise to the occasion. Like a tree or any living system, changes are constant and create the conditions for further growth. We only have to notice all the bark on our roads and properties to see seasonal growth in action. A tree, like people must shed something to make room to grow up and out. We also need nurturing conditions for both tree and us to not stagnate or even die – physically, intellectually or emotionally.

 

I am aware that I have stagnated somewhat with each holiday season resenting those ‘intruders’ coming to our quiet little village. Yet when I was visiting Margaret River last year I heard the voices of key business people who so gratefully remarked: “we no longer have to worry about surviving, for now 10 months of the year we are prosperous and vital with people”. So my New Year change-intention is to stop resenting change and differences so that I can remain comfortable, for people and progress are vital for this town and our thriving future. I’m sure we can create and put in place the ‘right conditions’ to nurture this precious Village, grow our resources and offer the wonderful gifts of Denmark and this Region to many more who, like us, come to enjoy The Good Life.

 

Finally I want to thank all those businesses, volunteers and town advocates who warmly welcomed and ‘entertained’ so many over Christmas and New Year. We have so much Goodness ‘within us’ and all around us to share. We gain much and others come to know and love this precious and wild Life.

 

“What is it that you want to do with this wild and precious thing called our lives.” (Mary Oliver)