Kia ora e te whānau
We have moved into a new phase with a new team. I have had the privilege of being welcomed into the waka with a beautiful welcome and ‘handing over of the paddle ceremony’ led by Matua Damon Ritai our Board Chair.
This organisation is incredible. Jamie and Suzy Allen (who remain with us) have been thought leaders and led this organsiation to where it is today. The Taranaki Retreat is much loved by our community and it is nothing short of awe inspiring. I am humbled and excited to now be trusted with the waka.
Like any of us a new year brings a time of setting up new expectations for ourselves. We tend to make promises about what we will start doing, stop doing and do more of. The pressure this places us under can have a knock on effect that is negative. I decided this year not to make any new years resolutions but instead to start stacking new habits slowly (one at a time). I deliberately started before new years eve simply to take the pressure off. I have a few phrases in my kete that mean this has been much easier this time to stack a few new habits. Phrases I have been given by others such as “one small step made several times adds up to lots of steps” and “the power of just starting” and last but not least “give yourself grace” are phrases that I hold and repeat to myself (and anyone else prepared to listen). Maybe they will mean something for you?
Ngā mihi
Caroline
