Try something new - you might actually like it!

How many times do you hear at the dinner table, particularly with children, when offered something new "I don't like that!". More often than not it is said for something that has never even crossed their lips before. It might look or smell funny or different than what they are used to, or that it might seem silly to eat it.

Are you like that in life? When something new comes your way you baulk at it because it is not something that you are used to. You don't want to give it a try because of what people might think.

Who cares? No really, ask yourself, who cares? What do you really have to lose? Do you have anything to lose at all? Is it possible that you might just like it and, heaven forbid, actually find it to be enjoyable.

Put your hand up for that opportunity at work that you wanted, you might find a skill that you have not been able to use before. You might have found your niche, or even a new career path. You might make a life long friend or learn a new skill.

I think back to where this thought process came from, the dinner table with my children. The arguments over whether something has sauce on it, doesn't look the same or smells funny are never ending. It causes unnecessary stress for me and conflict for my family. I love those times where the kids happily try something new, a cheeky smile comes across their face as they say "mmmm nice". I am immediately relieved and know that there is another dish that I can add to my repertoire that I can make for everyone in the family. It basically pays dividends in the long run.

What are you going to try that will help pay dividends to your life in the future? What causes you inner conflict?

Should you care about what others think about you? Sometimes it is worthwhile taking the risk of looking silly, for the potential of what the future may hold.

What are you going to try new today, this week, or this year?

Self Awareness - Just a buzz word or a necessary skill?

How important is it to be aware of ones self?

There are so many people who have an opinion about you, so who do you listen to?

Is it important to remove the emotion from the feedback and genuinely hear what is being said about you. It isn't always nice to hear things about you that are unflattering or negative. But there are benefits if you respectfully listen and analyse what is being said, you will find that you will gain the respect of the person giving the feedback and gain some insight into yourself.

Many times in my life I have not listened to what others had in the way of feedback for me, or listened respectfully and walked away still thinking that I knew best. After frequently being overlooked for a position that I wanted, I decided that it was time to do something differently. I started to listen, and I mean really listen. I even sought out a colleague who I knew really didn't like to me hear what they had to say about me and how I was perceived.

I listened respectfully and heard what they had to say, and although there was a lot of very hurtful things said, I did not get my defences up but listened and tried to compartmentalise how I could improve what I do, or how I could do things better. You will not always be able to please everyone, and I do not suggest even trying. This will only lead to much frustration and hard work, not to mention a near impossibility.

Now I find that I use my intuition to be able to seek out opportunities for growth. I often sense there is something just not right with a person or a relationship with me, then I go to them and seek feedback starting with my intuitive observations. Never underestimate the power of your intuition.

There are many opportunities for self analysis and awareness. Ask people what you did right in any situation, ask what you could have done better too. Don't shy away from opportunities, face them head on.

I know that I am the following things:

• A control freak
• Seen as someone who is a suck up to superiors
• A little bossy
• Not perfect and will never be
• Not good with things that require attention to detail

These are just a few of my learnings. What will yours be?

Some of them are fact, and some are perception. The trick is awareness, so you can work to your strengths and make sure you manage how you deal with situations that arise where those areas, like those above, could be a barrier.

We all know people who lack self awareness. You're probably thinking of about 3 people right now that could do with a jolt of awareness. You don't want to be on someone else's list.

Remember: Big mountains are hard to climb, but the view is GREAT!

Mother's Day: What I learn when I look at my children

Mother's day is an interesting time where we stop to thank and recognise our mums. For me its more about what my children have taught me.

The last couple of weeks my children have taught me about resilience, forgiveness and determination. I welled up when I saw my 11 year old daughter embrace a friend at the end of the State cross country to congratulate her for her placing. The same girl that deeply hurt her feelings earlier that week causing my daughter to come home in tears. Forgiveness at its best as she did not allow the situation to escalate but went back bravely to school to talk about it maturely instead of retaliating and allowing to cause her friendship to go toxic.

Determination is an incredible character trait which I have learnt from my 8 year old daughter. She naturally has the killer instinct and continues to go after what she wants. I am learning more that if there is something that I want, I need to stick at it and not give up. I have never seen an 8 year old so focussed on a goal and going hard for it.

So this Mother's Day I stop to thank my children for the lessons that they teach me. They continue to remind me of those simple lessons that we forget about as we get older. The simplicity of forgiveness, maturity to deal with adversity and determination to accomplish goals. Thank you girls for everything and being an amazing part of my life and journey.