At the end of another year, it’s time again to reflect on what we’ve accomplished, goals we’ve achieved, things we could have done better and things we’ll definitely get to next year. Last month’s breakfast showcased local indigenous film-maker Samantha Martin and as I read her bio in preparation for her coming, I found myself wistfully wishing I could live her life, traipsing around one of the most beautiful continents on earth, making a real difference – how do you get a job like that!

What on earth am I doing????  Really. Im stuck here on the beautiful Sunshine Coast, I live on the stunning Noosa River with an incredibly supportive husband and two independent, delightful children, way to good to really be mine – but somehow I got them. I lead an amazing business with 50 staff, for one of the world’s most respected and prominent companies, NewsLtd,  and have just achieved a career highlight with the incredibly successful launch of not one, but two new community newspapers on the Sunshine Coast .
I get to go to work with people I really like and respect each day, I have many, many amazing colleagues and dear friends who inspire me every day, and I get to preside over one of the strongest most successful women’s groups in the country.
No wonder Im not satisfied!

As I realised the ungrateful nature of my wistful wanderings – always wanting what I haven’t got, I walked myself through yet another of life’s lessons. At the close of what has been one of the most challenging, but also the most successful years of my career, I understand the importance of reflection. The importance of gratitude for a life rich beyond measure and the promise of more to come.

As 2010 draws to a close, how will you reconcile your account? I trust you’ll be as thankful as I for the chance to live my dream and make a difference every day, right here where I am.

Id like to leave you with a beautiful poem by Australian Poet Peter Maxwell, from his book “Feathers in the Well
“Ambition”
With your endless quest for money
And your secret hopes of fame
Look around you some fine morning:

You will find the world’s the same.

Trees are just a little taller
And throw a bit more shade

To cool you

If you’d care to see

The things your God has made

While you’ve been making…

Money.

(you can buy Peter’s book via Deb Perry, Mediared mediared@optusnet.com.au)