Here’s a great little article from my Mum, Yep, she writes really well, and in this case I just had to share it. I think you’ll see where I get my positive mindset from! LOL…..

Yes, it’s true! The greatest gift ever- Love is free to all to share & rejoice in. That’s amazing- you only have to accept it & pass it on, sharing it with anyone. From this love spreads happiness, kindness, caring & the joy of living. There is nothing better.

‘In the beginning was the word’ another amazing gift- the written word. It is sensational that we can read & write & put our thoughts & ideas on paper for others to read. Bryce Courtney wrote ‘Man’s greatest inheritance is the gift of speech’. It’s through talking that we teach children values, show caring & communicate with each other.  We have libraries that are free with an unlimited supply of books to satisfy all our interests, DVD’s & music to borrow to our hearts content.

Our most precious possessions are our families & our friends. No amount of money can ever replace them. Time spent with friends is always enjoyable, whether it’s a walk in the park or a picnic in the bush, or a chat with a neighbour over the fence. Its time well spent. Grandchildren bring immeasurable pleasure, & needn’t cost a cent. Of course we do tend to indulge them a little but the returns are well worth it. Last week Laura turned 4 & we were chatting about the upcoming celebrations. Laura said ‘I have 2 birthdays every year!’ Mum said, ‘Sorry Laura, we all only have one & that’s the day were born’. Laura said, ‘I always have 2, one on my party & another one on Tuesday as well’. You can’t argue with her logic, & she’s happy, the only girl in the world to have 2 birthdays a year! I can never relate all the happiness my kids & grandkids have given me. I feel truly blessed to be able to see them growing up.

In Australia we are blessed with fresh air, sunshine & beaches with surf & sand to play in. Money can’t buy my morning surf at Warilla where I can catch waves to my hearts content & come out refreshed & ready to start a new day. Some days I gather seaweed for the garden, pick up rubbish left by lazy tourists, or chat to locals. Sunrise is my favourite time & the spectacular sunrises over the ocean are breath taking & certainly free & worth photographing.  Walking along the Hayden’s walking track you see the gynormous red river gums, every one different, each one unique & worthy of a photo. Lyrebirds darting across the road & tree ferns up at Macquarie Pass NP are a joy to behold, & are freely available to all able bodied walkers.

Another wonderful freebee is sharing garden clippings & plants. My garden would be very sad without the plants from friends, neighbours & family. It is wonderful to remember plants by the friends, who gave them to me, & I still have plants from Mum who passed away 17 years ago, & we’ve moved 6 times since then. I can still remember her bringing down the forget-me-nots in a pot for Jodie to plant in her garden. Nothing beats the satisfaction of sharing flowers or herbs from your own garden. Time spent in the garden is very rewarding & repays you with good health & satisfaction.

The list goes on. Volunteering is very satisfying & costs nothing; bird-watching is rewarding & educational. Taking time out to count your blessings you will be amazed at how many are free.

Last thing at night, before I go to bed, I walk into the back yard & gaze at the stars, & do my Tai chi. I couldn’t ask for anything better, and it’s all free.

Thanks Mum. You’re a Super Star! Love you bigger than the moon! xxx