Skip to content
  • Home
  • The why
  • Contact me
clear

Catching the Curveball

The art of dealing with the unexpected

the art of dealing with the unexpected

Just keep swimming
In:DirectionIdentityParenting

Just keep swimming

December 5, 2017February 15, 2018

It is December, the end of the year is coming like it or not. My kids’ teachers are counting down till the year end and I am dreading the juggle that comes with kids on holidays while my legal practice ramps up to end off the year. I am lucky to have the support of two sets of grandparents – unless they, in their retired states, do something inconvenient like travel to go spend their hard-earned money, or to leave town to spend time with other grandchildren.

The last two weeks have been full of school and extra-curricular attendance requirements. The dance class viewings, the school arts parade, the class Christmas performances. The list goes on! It was the week of swimming carnivals in late November.

I love watching kids of all abilities give it their best. My son Zigi who has Down Syndrome has a massive cheer squad get behind him. This year was the first year he swam most events almost independently with just a spotter beside him. The “Go Zigi” chants as he swam 25 meters at a painstakingly slow pace, brought tears to my eyes as his tribe got behind him.

At my daughter’s meet, the crowd roared as one girl in her year level kept smashing school record after school record, leaving others literally in her wake.

My daughter Teja, doesn’t enjoy that kind of encouragement. She isn’t at the upper or lower end of the spectrums that people see and get behind to encourage. But you know what? She doesn’t care. She is more concerned about earning points for her team. She just gets in and swims every single race, no matter whether it is her best stroke or her least favourite. Because it is not about the colour of the ribbon for her, it is about hearing that her team is at the top of the leader board at the end of the day. And it was (that day)! Go Laver!

She swam four races this year (even the “dreaded” butterfly), she came 4th three times and 5th once and earned her team just as many points as the kid who only swam twice and came second each time. Go Teja!

Reflecting on this made me think about the line from the Finding Nemo movie “just keep swimming”. Ellen DeGeneres who was the voice of Dory openly adopts that catch cry for her own life’s story. She had voiced the character years before the movie came out. Soon after, her name sake sit-com was cancelled and she felt lost. Just like the character she played, she says, she just kept swimming. She went back to what she knew the best – stand-up comedy – and not long after, launched her own talk show. The rest is history.

Plan as we might, we never know where life will lead us. We might have things blindside us along the way, or we might have opportunities arise that we never dreamed of. If we just keep swimming – keep contributing, keep doing the stuff we are good at, keep being part of our team, our tribe, our village – then everything we do has some meaning even if there are times in life where we are a little lost.

I find, particularly at this time of year, muttering the “just keep swimming” line to myself over and over, helps me get through some days! How about you?

devotion
8 Comments on Just keep swimming

Post navigation

Previous postToday you are you, that is truer than true – so what is your purpose?
Next postBe part of something bigger than yourself

Related Posts

How to catch a curveball
Stepping up to the plate!

8 comments on “Just keep swimming”

  1. Bec Senyard says:
    December 6, 2017 at 4:44 pm

    Love this Zinta. So encouraging for this time of year too. x

    1. Zinta says:
      December 7, 2017 at 11:49 pm

      Thanks for your feedback Bec! It means a lot coming from a “pro-blogger” like you my friend!

  2. Kavan says:
    December 7, 2017 at 6:27 am

    Such a great reflection, Zinta. Your kids sound so wonderful.

    And, equally valid for other times is a line from the West Wing, “Josh, sometimes you’ve just got to stop dialling.” (Or words to that effect.) Maybe the key is picking the difference?

    1. Zinta says:
      December 7, 2017 at 11:53 pm

      Thanks for your feedback Kavan! My kids are wonderful (most of the time!) but can drive us crazy all at once! I think you are right – there is as much need for the pause (if for nothing else to check direction) as there is to keep moving!

  3. Jennifer Harris says:
    December 8, 2017 at 8:35 pm

    So true it’s literally just about keeping one foot in front of the other at this time of year!!

    1. Zinta says:
      December 8, 2017 at 9:00 pm

      Yes! One foot in front of the other, while balancing on the tightrope and juggling all the balls! Simple!! Ha! “Just keep swimming, two weeks to go!”

  4. Daniella Rowles says:
    December 24, 2017 at 8:44 pm

    Hey gurl,
    Long time no see! I love that you are doing this. Nice to read some intelligent comentary in a sea of (often) rubbish online. As a working mum of two boys now it’s nice to know I’m not alone in my ‘I think I can, I think I can mantra’!
    Merry Xmas to you and your tribe!!

    1. Zinta says:
      December 26, 2017 at 7:35 am

      Hi Daniella! Ahhh the power of a post shared by my sis! Lovely to “see you” again! Thanks for reading. I have always loved to write, but never really thought I had much of anything to say. After a final “push” here I am pressing “publish” on a few ramblings! Glad you have found it relatable! Merry Christmas to you and your family too. Hope you are taking some time out!

Comments are closed.

Hello

I am Zinta Harris. I live in Brisbane, Australia with my husband of 25 years, Craig (known by most as Harry) and our two children Teja and Zigi. I am a specialist wills and estates lawyer by day and inspiration seeker by night. I help Australian families navigate the legal fallout after the loss of a loved one in a calm and compassionate way. My mood is better after a daily double shot coffee and a glass or two of bubbles. I get my energy from people. My superpower is encouraging others. It is my sincere hope that this blog will encourage you. I hope it gives you a chance to chime in with your experience or to feel part of a community that has walked through a valley and made it through. Read about me

Check out my new book! “Rest in Peace” – how to manage an estate dispute without inheriting heartache

https://resolveestatelaw.com.au/

Popular posts

Embracing a new season
Embracing a new season
Celebrating Friendship - World Down Syndrome Day
Celebrate Friendships – World Down Syndrome Day 2020!
Sunset over Florence
Italy bucket list trip insider tips – Florence

Follow me on Facebook!

Tags

Acceptance Anger Beauty Bucket list Celebrate Community Direction Family Grief Hope Identity Lifestyle Love Parenting Positive Reality Uncategorized

Insta Inspiration

The work we do in Estate Administration often take The work we do in Estate Administration often takes us across the world. Having a Latvian speaking lawyer means that we sometimes work with Latvian clients! 

Receiving these traditional goodies from the other side of the world made our week! ❤️

#latvianlawyer #estateadministration #internationalestates
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#lawyersofinstagram #lawyerslife #lawlife #lawinspired #lawyering #attorneys #lifeofalawyer #happylawyer #womensupportingotherwomen
#womeninlaw #solopreneurs #creativeentrepreneurs
#dowhatyoulovelovewhatyoudo #livecolourfully
#catchingthecurveball
#resolveestatelaw #brisbanelawyer #brisbanelife #brisbanebusiness
#probate #compassionatelawyer
#choosecompassion #bekindalways
#zintaharris
Today is Australia Day, Survival Day, Invasion Day Today is Australia Day, Survival Day, Invasion Day, Day of Mourning. As a non-indigenous Australian I acknowledge that today is not a day to celebrate. 

I acknowledge the traditional owners of the land where I live and work - Meeanjin (Brisbane) – the Turrbal peoples and the Jagera/Yugerra peoples and I pay my deepest respects to Elders past, present and emerging on this difficult day. 

As a daughter of immigrant parents whose land was stolen and who took refuge and built a new life in Australia - I stand with indigenous Australians today. 

Yet I am torn between thankfulness for all that living in Australia means to us - and mourning with you on what this awful date marks for you. 

I wish we could find a new date - unconnected to events that represent an unwelcomed occupation of this country - as the date for Australia Day so we can celebrate all that we are as one united country. 

#australiaday2023 #notthedatetocelebrate #invasionday #dayofmourning #survivalday #noprideingenocide #alwayswasalwayswillbe #changethedate #changethenation #ulurustatement
✨LAST CHANCE✨ If you are a wills and estates ✨LAST CHANCE✨

If you are a wills and estates lawyer, financial advisor, mediator or psychologist tired of seeing families battling over inheritance - come and join the next cohort of professionals getting trained in the new collaborative model taking the estates world by storm! 

Join others who are flying in from across the country to do both trainings (Core Skills and Advanced) face to face in Sydney on 2 -3 & 4 February 2023 at The College of Law Australia's new campus!

This will be the ONLY face to face training running in Sydney this year and registrations will closing at 11:59PM AEST today! 

The program teaches the unique Collaborative Practice model developed for the pre-death and post death contexts with a particular focus on multi-party and multi-capacity facilitations unique to estate matters. Coupled with practical role play training in an estates “mock file” role play series, you will receive comprehensive training for the Wills and Estates contexts not offered anywhere else!

Click this link to book now!
https://resolveestatelaw.com.au/collaborative-training/
First day of highschool for Zigi! @teja.harris off First day of highschool for Zigi! @teja.harris officially only starts tomorrow but the legend wanted to hang our with her little bro today to help settle him in! 💕

It might have something to do with that snazzy new senior's uniform she now gets to wear starting grade 10! 👔

Zigi said he was scared and nervous but he was super keen to get dressed and ready this morning! 😬

He was sad to have to take his rainbow nail polish off yesterday so we hid some glittery toenails in his shoes and his funky hair cut under his hat! 🤫

Out the door by 8am - a brand new school morning routine for us - that gives me an extra hour every day! 🙌

Bring on 2023!💥

#firstdayofhighschool #newschool #schoolday #downsyndromeawareness #newroutine 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#lawyersofinstagram #lawyerslife #lawlife #lawinspired 
#mumslife #happymum 
#womeninlaw 
#dowhatyoulovelovewhatyoudo #livecolourfully 
#catchingthecurveball
#resolveestatelaw #brisbanelawyer #brisbanelife #brisbanebusiness
#probate #compassionatelawyer
#choosecompassion #bekindalways
#zintaharris
Did you know? ✨Before making an application for Did you know?

✨Before making an application for probate there are 7 things that a will should be checked for. 

✨If the original will can't be found, probate of a copy of the will can be applied for but only in certain circumstances. 

Want to learn more? Read our blog - link in bio. 

Need our help? Book in for a FREE 15 minute clarity call. 

#willsandestates #lawblog #blogginglife #willsandestateslawyer #whattodowhensomeonedies #estateadminstration #lossofalovedone #griefandloss #griefsupport #griefjourney
Sending out good vibes to those who are facing som Sending out good vibes to those who are facing something new this week! ✨️

It's a big week ahead for us as we 
👩‍🏫send kids back to school
💫get ready for our Sydney training and
👶count down till our first REL baby arrives! 

Thank goodness there's a public holiday in the mix! 🇦🇺

Who else is feeling the need for hope and strength this week? 👋

#mondaymotivation #mindsetmonday
#newday #newhope #newstrength 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#lawyersofinstagram #lawyerslife #lawlife #lawinspired 
#mumslife #happymum #happylawyer 
#womeninlaw
#dowhatyoulovelovewhatyoudo #livecolourfully 
#catchingthecurveball
#resolveestatelaw #brisbanelawyer #brisbanelife #brisbanebusiness
#probate #compassionatelawyer
#choosecompassion #bekindalways
#zintaharris
#dailyquotesforyou #wisewordsoftheday 
#thoughtoftheday
#perspectiveiseverything
#havehope
Here's to surviving the first week back at work! ☕️🎉🙌
.
Facing another big week ahead trying to chanel some back to school energy as we enter a new chapter of life with both kids now highschoolers! 👩‍🏫🎒📚
.
Are you on top of the back to school prep or have you left things till the last minute? 🤪
.
Sending out good vibes to all Aussie parents this weekend!💕
.
#firstweek #saturdayvibe #chillaxing #backtoschoolagain #energyneeded #preparationiskey #parenthoodmoments #sendinggoodvibes 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#lawyersofinstagram #lawyerslife #lawlife #lawinspired #lawyering 
#mumslife #happymum #happylawyer
#womeninlaw 
#dowhatyoulovelovewhatyoudo #livecolourfully 
#catchingthecurveball
#resolveestatelaw #brisbanelawyer #brisbanelife #brisbanebusiness
#probate #compassionatelawyer
#choosecompassion #bekindalways
#zintaharris
In the next two decades we are going to see the la In the next two decades we are going to see the largest transfer of wealth from generation to generation in Australian history. 💥

We have all heard horror stories about how disputes over inheritance can destroy families and their businesses while hard earned inheritances are diminished paying legal costs. 💔

Sometimes making a will isn't enough to stop this. Nor is choosing not to a solution. 😪

What if I told you there is a way to manage inheritance  conversations (pre death or post death) without starting a family war? 💫

Want to know more? Head to the Australian Association of Collaborative Professionals (AACP) website where you can find brochures specifically designed to outline respectful methods to manage wills and estate disputes and family inclusive estate planning. 

Checkout the links in my linktree for more details!

#collaborativeestates #collaborativepractice #teambasedresolution #Inheritance #willsandestates #legacyoflove #abetterway 
#lawyersofinstagram #lawyerslife #lawlife #lawinspired #lawyering #lifeofalawyer
#womeninlaw
#resolveestatelaw #brisbanelawyer
#probate #compassionatelawyer
#choosecompassion #bekindalways
#zintaharris
Follow on Instagram
  • Facebook
  • instagram
  • linkedin
  • pinterest