My name is Nadia. I am the Academic Manager of Distance Learning and the editor of the blog. I thought it was about time I introduced myself and shared a personal message with you.
I don't know what kind of year you had in 2016 but I know that as migrants trying to settle in a new country you must have faced many challenges and in fact not only you but the whole world is wishing for a happier new year.
Last year I came across an inspiring story about a woman who, like all of us, was looking for happiness. A wise nun advised her to take time out every day to reflect on the day and find something she was grateful for. Being a photographer she took a photo and wrote a little note every day of something she was grateful for. This turned out to be her 365grateful project that changed the way she viewed life and helped her be happy.
I took up the challenge in 2016 and even downloaded the app on my iPad. I took a photo every day and added a note about something I was thankful for. Although admittedly I couldn't last the year, this exercise helped me develop a habit of gratitude and what a difference this made!
At the end of 2016 all the DL team just did that. We stopped, reflected on the year, and decorated our Christmas tree with our notes of gratitude. Here are some of the things teachers were grateful for:
- The meaningful AMEP program that makes a difference. We all know it costs the government millions of dollars yet is offered free to new migrants
- You, the DL student, and for the rewarding experience of teaching you and seeing you learn, grow and achieve your goals
- The fantastic DL team of teachers who are extremely talented and caring, and I dare say fun to work with
There will always be one more word to learn, book to read, skill to master, dream to realise and challenge to conquer in 2017. But I hope you can stop and celebrate what you already have and what you've already achieved.
Having said all that I wish you a VERY HAPPY new year full of gratitude.
- What are 3 things in 2016 you are grateful for?
- What wishes do you have for 2017?
- What are your thoughts on the relationship between gratitude and happiness?
Remembering to be grateful is a good habit, I think. You don't have to tell anyone about it and it only takes a minute, but it can make quite a difference to your mental 'weather'!
ReplyDeleteThese are 3 things I am grateful for:
ReplyDeleteI'm grateful for the educational opportunities in Australia
I'm grateful for my teacher and my children's teachers
I'm grateful for my husband because he always helps and understands.
What a beautiful way to start the year Nadia!! being grateful is a way to happiness!! taking time stop and see how lucky we are to have an opportunity to wake up to a new day every day, to admire the beauty of the flowers, the sunsets, the trees, the nature and the wonderful people that we are surrounded by, our family and friends. I am grateful for every experience, because it is learning in everything that we do!!
ReplyDeleteThanks very much Nadia. A very positive way to start the New Year. It's interesting because once you start looking for things to be grateful for, it really balances out the challenges we all face. The secret is to be aware and look and think about the many things in life that we can be grateful for so we don't let them slip by us.
ReplyDeleteI am graetful for meeting my lovely boss who offered me career opportunies in 2016. I am also grateful for the amiable staffs I have been working with and customers I have met through my job. The last not the least, I am grateful for my partner who is always there for me.
ReplyDeleteOh wow! It's nice to meet you here Nadia 😃 Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great welcome blog for our year 2017 and thank you for that!
I had a very difficult year last year yet I am still feeling grateful that it ended with a positive outcome and when I actually look back at it, there are more things to be grateful for.
I would like to share my story in the near future to inspire my co-DL students about how grateful I am in my life here in Australia inspite of my hardship as a new migrant.
ReplyDeleteI wish a happy new 2017 to everyone. I hope you have a year full of love and happiness. I'm very grateful to have the opportunity to study English.
Wishing everyone a safe, blessed, happy and fulfilling 2017! I'm very grateful to have new opportunities and a great year of hard work in 2016 and starting a new year with a new job.
ReplyDeleteThank you for all of thing you do and congratulations for your hard work to set up and manage the team to teach us. I was grateful for developing more confidence in English and I got the knowledge about Customer Services and I also got a childcare job. I am looking forward to studying in interesting course at Navitas.
ReplyDeleteWell said everyone and thank you for taking the time to add your comments. Good luck to all our DL students in 2017.
ReplyDeleteI think that is the best message to start the new year with. If we can keep on appreciating the small things in life that so often go unnoticed, then we can surely make our lives feel more enriched and satisfying. Thanks for sharing the link as well. It has been very enjoyable for the students to explore.
ReplyDeleteYour article and idea is inspirational to all staff members . It's something we will remember as we start 2017 .
ReplyDeleteVery inspiring story... a photo each day makes you aware of all the little things which you take usually for granted. Thank you for this story.
ReplyDelete