My family has escaped Hobart’s chilly spell- we recently relocated to Perth, WA. My six-year old asked me today if W.A stands for ‘hot.’ We’re not used to temperatures in the high 30′s but I’m enjoying it. Apart from leaving all our family and friends behind, it was sad to leave our thriving veggie patch! There is so much to organise now, it’s a little bit daunting. One day at a time 
I was asked during an interview the other day about the sacrifices required to make it to the top of elite sport.
While I sacrificed most things apart from my family to be able to focus on my primary goal, I didn’t mind. I enjoyed training hard and doing whatever I could to give myself the best shot at success.
I think when you start becoming aware of all the sacrifices required and regularly count their cost, you need to rediscover the joy and meaning in what you’re doing or your days as an elite athlete are numbered.
Donna
Last weekend I spent 8 hours in my garage going through boxes and boxes of clothes and other good stuff. Over the years the boxes had taken over Marty’s workshop space and apparently ‘it made him emotional,’ so I had to do something.
I was ruthless and as soon as I filled up a box for Vinnies, Marty drove it away so I couldn’t change my mind.
I thought I was being economical by saving things that my daughter may wear in 10 years time. In hindsight it was a burden that was costing me more than it was worth.
Donna
It doesn’t take long to do the little things but despite our best intentions, they can easily drop off our to-do list. My child’s Doctor recently rang me himself to see how she was feeling after an earlier illness. How thoughtful! It’s not easy, but if you want to make an impact, do the little things.
Donna
At a recent speaking engagement, I noticed one of the beautiful rings worn by the Brazilian lady at my table. She didn’t speak much English so I complemented her in gestures and she smiled back in understanding.
I didn’t expect what she did next.
She took the ring off her finger and gave it to me. I thought maybe she wanted me to just try it on, but she insisted I keep it. I was blown away. We’d only just met and she was returning home to Brazil in a couple of days.
What a powerful lesson of genuine kindness and generosity with nothing to gain. The value of the ring is irrelevant, it’s a symbol and I love what it represents.
Donna
I’m big on encouragement. I try to encourage other people in their efforts to exercise and have a go at all sorts of things. I encourage my children and importantly, I encourage myself. Telling myself that I’m doing well or I’m closer than I think makes me feel better and is usually enough to kick start a second wind.
Nike gave me a sports towel once that had a slogan on it- ‘There is no finish line.’
What a horrible thought…I think I’ll just give up now! (I gave the towel away to a more loving home). Being yelled at boot-camp style may motivate some, but it’s not that effective in my experience.
Donna
My husband Marty is a master coffee maker. Every morning he grinds the beans by hand and makes me a cup- referring to it as my ‘milkshake’ because of the one spoonful of sugar I like in it.
His love of the pure coffee taste has led him to issue me a challenge- no sugar in my coffee for one week. He’s convinced that after that, I will appreciate the unsweetened version and won’t be able to go back.
I’ve heard it takes 7 days to change a habit. Stopping habits is really hard- substituting one habit for another makes it easier to bear. The odd spoon of sugar isn’t going to kill me, but I’ve decided to humour Marty. In the meantime my morning coffee is not nearly as nice as it used to be.
Donna
At a celebration this evening of a high school mentoring program I’ve been involved with, the most amazing thing was hearing how enjoyable the experience was for the mentors.
Every week over the past three or four months, a student worked one on one with a volunteer mentor on a project they were both interested in.
The outcomes were inspiring. There was a billie cart transformed from a baby’s pram, a work placement in the community sector and a local Council submission for a skate park. If more people could have seen the smiles and confidence of the students, there would never be a shortage of people wanting to be a mentor.
I love learning. There are so many things I want to know more about or get better at doing. I do at least one organised learning activity each week, such as taking part in a webinar, workshop or adult ed course. It doesn’t have to cost a lot of money – many presentations I attend on topics I am interested in are free. The less formal learning is just as valuable- I am a fan of my State library, web research and talking to people who know more than me. There are plenty to choose from!
Donna
The times from the 2010 Commonwealth Games steeple event were so slow that only the gold and silver medallists would have qualified for the Olympics. But times don’t matter at an international event and I’m sure the first three Kenyans are pretty happy with their medals! Part of me would have liked to be in the mix.
I was surprised that there were only 9 starters in a straight-out final, with a third of the field from India. Contrast the last couple of World Championships, which have had around 60 athletes spread over three heats.
I hope that the men’s event is a bit more interesting. Australia’s Youcef Abdi is the one to cheer for.
Donna
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