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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?

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8 Comments on Just keep swimming

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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!

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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/

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There was an interesting program on @insightsbs la There was an interesting program on @insightsbs last night about Inheritance. 
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My key takeaways:
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💌Holding conversations about Inheritance before death WITH your family can save so much heartache after you are gone. 
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💔Escalating conflict by diving into litigation to contest an estate can cost your family everything.
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❤️‍🩹Taking on an executorship can take a massive toll on those who choose to take on that responsibility (it is a choice by the way - you don't have to accept such an appointment).
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💓Having no expectation of an Inheritance brings freedom and breeds self sufficiency and drive.
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💕Finding unique ways to use a modest Inheritance to honour those from whom it has been received can have a profound impact. 
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You can watch the full episode on SBS on demand. 
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If you want to know more about how you can hold conversations with your family about Inheritance in a way that will spare your family heartache - please reach out - it is the very reason I wrote my book "Rest in Peace" (you can order your own copy via the link in my bio 👆)
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How are you with change? 💫 Do you resist it or How are you with change? 💫

Do you resist it or embrace it?🥰

Sometimes when change happens beyond our control we find it harder to accept. If we chose a new path it can be easier. 💕

You don't have to wait for the time to be right - a new beginning starts when you chose it.💥

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Still in luuurve 28 years later.💖👰‍♀️🤵🏼‍♂️💖
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Lucky enough to celebrate with a beautiful dinner at @detourrestaurant and a sneaky staycation @sofitelbrisbanecentral. 💋🍾🍽😋
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Thanks to Keithy and @roslyn.harris.716
for minding the kids for us!👴👫🧑‍🦳
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While celebrating Craig's birthday this week - he While celebrating Craig's birthday this week - he decided to surprise us - announcing the news that we could get a puppy dog! 🐶
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Those who know me, know how long the campaign for a dog has been (far longer than the Australian Election Campaign that's for sure)! So I know you will celebrate this win with me! 🥳
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This has however come as a surprise (even to me) since we truly had lost all hope that Craig would ever change his mind! 😲
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So now the research on dog type begins! 🐕🦮🐶🐩🐕‍🦺
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Our thinking is a small-ish dog (one that doesn't need loads of exercise but also won't expect to be carried). Low-sheding fur (is that even a thing?) allergy friendly with a good temperament. 🥰
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Still tossing up between adopting a dog or buying a puppy from a breeder. Not sure I am ready to embrace another season of sleepless nights and toilet training! 😬
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I might not be able to spoil you with a stay in an Italian palace this year but I know you would much prefer to be surrounded by your family! 💞
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We love you more than words could say and we are so grateful for all the ways you love us back so fiercely! 💝
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The festival of Craig has already begun and will continue - so enjoy all the love that comes your way today. You deserve it all! 🥰
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Here comes the sun do, do, do, do...🌞 . Celebra Here comes the sun do, do, do, do...🌞
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Celebrating a sunny Monday morning in BrisVegas after the rainy days we have been having of late. 🌤
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Weaving her own flower wreath "vainags" with an Aussie twist (Eucalypt leaves) had me bursting with pride! 🥰
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