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

Celebrating another lap around the sun
In:CelebratePositive

Celebrating another lap around the sun

May 30, 2018May 28, 2018

May is the month of celebrations for our family. For me it has always been a much-anticipated month. As a child it was all about MY birthday coming and I was convinced that the magic of autumn turning the 100-year old Elms that lined the street where I lived in Canberra into a golden yellow was nature’s way of preparing for my special day.

Photo of Grant Cres, Canberra – Credit Grahamec (via commons.wikimedia.org)

When we moved to tropical Queensland I think that was my biggest disappointment. There was no change to the season, no heralding of May…the anticipation was all but gone.

I share the month with both of my parents who have birthdays on consecutive days in May. But May started to get a little more hectic when I started dating Craig also born in May and THEN we decided to set out wedding date slap dab in the middle of both of our May birthdays so we could celebrate for a week every year. Having kids, then added to the crazy, throwing Mother’s Day into the mix.

My house pretty much looks like a florist right now! Not that I am complaining!

Since losing a friend my vintage a few years ago, I am grateful for each and every birthday I see in – because it is a blessing denied to many.

Those who know me well, know that I have been 37 for over a decade now. My mum was 35 till she was 50, so I figured I would do the same. Many tease me about being in denial, but I am not. I am just not a big fan of the number four. To me it is such a “meh” number. It can’t even work out how it should be drawn – some people draw it closed and pointy, others draw it “open” like some odd headless stick figure with an arm pointing skyward! There are no lovely curves AND you have to lift your pen off the page for it! The pain of it!! So – I am skipping the fours and I’ll jump straight to 50 when it is time to! Judge me all you like. This is me. Ha!

I know it is cliché but I really do want to make each day count. There are days that I do that better than others of course, but I try to live each day so that I have no regrets. If I am not happy with how a day has gone, I do my best to make amends where I need to or make the next day a better one.

Late last year after connecting with a business mentoring community I was challenged in my thinking on goal setting and invigorated like never before to back myself to use my experience in the law and in life to see if I can’t bring some change to my “world” and to leave it a slightly better place. Three weeks later, I started writing this blog. Posting to the sound of “crickets” I thought, yet now I am surprised at getting feedback from the other side of the world and as I type I am humbled to say my posts have been read over 6,300 times in just 6 months.

I am madly writing a “how to” book in the hope that I will have that written and published by November this year. With it, I hope to spread the message to law colleagues and the community generally, that there is a better way to resolving wills & estates inheritance disputes than starting down a court battle pathway. I am genuinely passionate about helping grieving families navigate, what is already such a difficult time, in a better, less painful and less costly way.

For the last few months I have seen midnight more often than not. I am at times tired, but my bigger goal gives me the energy to keep going.

If you are working on something exciting that you really care about, you don’t have to be pushed. The vision pulls you. Steve Jobs

I do want to leave my “world” a better place. I want to make a difference. I try to do that daily in my life as a mum to my two kids, as a wife to my hubby, as a neighbour, as a friend and as a boss. The key, I think, is living in a way that aligns with the things I value the most. I put family first and I value relationships above material things. I want to do right and make right. I love to try new things and to see things from different perspectives. I try to encourage and build up, I cheer others on. Sometimes I do ok, other times I screw up. But most of the time I am contented knowing I have given this thing called life my best shot each and every day.

I had a conversation with a friend over the weekend just gone – about how hard it has been for her to watch her strong and capable father, age and now suffer with the daily pain of an incurable cancer. Yet she took comfort in knowing that neither she, nor he, nor their family will have regrets when he breathes his last. Not just because his suffering will end and his eternal life will begin, but because nothing has been left unlived or unsaid. Love has been shared freely, openly and often. Family holidays and overseas trips have been enjoyed with an ever-expanding family of grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. Life has been long and full and overflowing with the good things that outshine the bad.

A life well lived is a legacy in itself.

Try and leave this world a little better than you found it, and when your turn comes to die, you can die happy in feeling that at any rate, you have not wasted your time but have done your best.

Robert Baden-Powell

As I mark having navigated another lap around the sun, I am grateful for the life I have lived so far, and I am excited for the days, weeks, months and, God willing, years ahead.

How about you? What plans do you have to leave your “world” a little better?

better, big picture, birthday, celebrate, legacy, values, vision

Post navigation

Previous post5 ways to break “drought” times in your life
Next postRenew your mind – smile from the inside out and be kind!

Related Posts

The art of Negotiation
The art of Negotiation
The art of living after loss - making good decisions
The art of living after…
World Down Syndrome Day 2018 - fix your eyes on the ups not the downs
Fix your eyes on the…

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

When I first reached out to @firstlightwidowedasso When I first reached out to @firstlightwidowedassociation a few years ago to see if I could refer my recently widowed clients to them I never thought that conversation would lead to a beautiful partnership.💞
.
Now I have had the privilege of supporting two Camp Widow conferences and made some wonderful friendships. 👫👭👬
.
I am blown away by this community of beautiful souls who have found comfort despite their heartbreak. 💫💔💫
.
It was an absolute joy to join you today. Thank you for having me. 🙏
.
#youvegotafriendinme #partnerships #lethopeshine 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#lawinspired
#dowhatyoulovelovewhatyoudo #livecolourfully 
#catchingthecurveball
#resolveestatelaw #brisbanelawyer #brisbanelife 
#probate #compassionatelawyer
#choosecompassion #bekindalways
#zintaharris
#perspectiveiseverything
#lossofalovedone #timeheals
#havehope
#griefandloss #griefjourney #griefsupport 
#griefsucks #grieving
Celebrating the launch of a snappy new podcast @br Celebrating the launch of a snappy new podcast @briefcasepod curated by the hugely talented @sarahelkekraal! 🥂🍾🥂
.
"A podcast for lawyers with ears" was one of her funny taglines! 🤣👂🤣
.
But seriously - case updates in 15 minute grabs sounds like music to my time poor ears! 🎶🎙🎶
.
Have a listen my fellow lawyer nerds! This gal knows her legal education stuff and is connected to superstar legal minds - so you will no doubt be spood fed legal caviar each time you listen! 🎧🥄🎧
.
#legalpodcast #podcastaddict #lawnerd #legaleducation #shortandsweet #soundbites 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#lawyersofinstagram #lawyerslife #lawlife #lawinspired #lawyering #lifeofalawyer 
#happylawyer #womensupportingotherwomen 
#womeninlaw #solopreneurs #creativeentrepreneurs
#dowhatyoulovelovewhatyoudo #livecolourfully 
#catchingthecurveball
#resolveestatelaw #brisbanelawyer #brisbanelife #brisbanebusiness
#probate #compassionatelawyer
#choosecompassion #bekindalways
#zintaharris
The team at REL love to spread kindness every chan The team at REL love to spread kindness every chance we get. 💕
.
This week we have been getting ready to support those attending Camp Widow the annual conference put on by @firstlightwidowedassociation to support those who have lost their soul mate. 💔
.
Beatiful @rebecca_adams_249 and Jo @whenhopeshines and the amazing group of volunteers have pulled together an incredible program of local and international speakers. They have worked tirelessly for months because they know what it is to have walked this hideously heartbreaking path. 💝
.
Because of their vision to ensure others who experience the tragic loss of their partner will have the support they did not - the next two days will be an outpouring of kindness and support. 💖
.
We are incredibly proud to be a small part of this wonderful event. 💞
.
#compassionatelawyer
#choosecompassion #bekindalways
#lossofalovedone #timeheals
#havehope
#griefandloss #griefjourney #griefsupport 
#griefsucks #grieving
Last night my dad said he could tell that I was ju Last night my dad said he could tell that I was juggling a lot because I had gone "quiet" on my socials. I love that he follows me on Instagram and I love that he noticed. 🥰
.
It's true though isn't it - when life gets nuts we can get a bit "quiet" and that's ok. 💝
.
Getting quiet helps us:
💖focus on what is important
👍do the things that matter first
🙉cut out the "noise"
🤗pay attention more
.
So here's my #MindsetMonday post on a Wednesday - because it's ok to go quiet when life gets noisy. 💕
.
Drop me a🤫emoji if you agree!
.
#quiettime #newfocus #bestill #focusonwhatmatters 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#lawyersofinstagram #lawyerslife #lawlife #lawinspired  #womensupportingotherwomen 
#womeninlaw #solopreneurs #creativeentrepreneurs
#dowhatyoulovelovewhatyoudo #livecolourfully 
#catchingthecurveball
#resolveestatelaw #brisbanelawyer #brisbanelife #brisbanebusiness
#probate #compassionatelawyer
#choosecompassion #bekindalways
#zintaharris
#dailyquotesforyou #wisewordsoftheday 
#thoughtoftheday #griefquotes 
#perspectiveiseverything
Celebrating @concettina____ and her blueberry, pea Celebrating @concettina____ and her blueberry, peanut, cashew or pickle...or is it a donut 🍩 she has cooked up? 🫐🥜🥒
.
With a pending arrival date of 31 January we could not be more thrilled with the perfect "law land" timing!👏👏👏
.
Enjoy those @wildlifebotanicals alcohol free bubbles and brace yourself for the wild life that parenthood will be! 🥂🍾🤪
.
#bunintheoven #pregnancycelebration #congratulations🎉 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#lawyersofinstagram #lawyerslife #lawlife #lawinspired 
#lawyering #attorneys #lifeofalawyer 
#mumslife #happymum #happylawyer #womensupportingotherwomen 
#womeninlaw #solopreneurs #creativeentrepreneurs
#dowhatyoulovelovewhatyoudo #livecolourfully 
#catchingthecurveball
#resolveestatelaw #brisbanelawyer #brisbanelife #brisbanebusiness
#probate #compassionatelawyer
#choosecompassion #bekindalways
#zintaharris
It was so great to share collective experience and It was so great to share collective experience and trusts and estates career stories with these impressive women Melanie Costin and @morganwass__ at the @stepqld networking event tonight! 💕
.
Just as enjoyable were the conversations had after the event with the lovely crowd that came to join us! 🥰
.
Huge thanks to @collawaust for hosting us all at your Brisbane rooftop space! 🙏
.
#hopeforthefuture #collectivewisdom #mentoring #shareknowledge #collaborationovercompetition #bettertogether❤️ #conversations #staycurious 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#lawyersofinstagram #lawyerslife #lawlife #lawinspired 
#lawyering #attorneys #lifeofalawyer  #womensupportingotherwomen 
#womeninlaw #solopreneurs #creativeentrepreneurs
#dowhatyoulovelovewhatyoudo #livecolourfully 
#catchingthecurveball
#resolveestatelaw #brisbanelawyer #brisbanelife
#probate #compassionatelawyer
#choosecompassion #bekindalways
#zintaharris
Smitten with this little ball of fluff who has for Smitten with this little ball of fluff who has forever changed our world! 🐶
.
As someone who has only ever owned cats as pets - the puppy training gig sure is a whole new thing!🐕🤪🦮
.
I keep chanting the mantra "short term pain for long term gain" hoping that the sleep deprivation and constant toilet training will all be worth it! 😴
.
I sent Craig a list of things to grab while out at woolies among them a pack of 50 tranquillisers...he didn't realise I was joking! 💉🤣💉
.
#puppiesofinstagram #puppylove❤️ #sleepdeprived #catloversunite #shorttermpainlongtermgain 
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
#lawyersofinstagram #lawinspired 
#lawyering #attorneys #lifeofalawyer 
#mumslife #happymum #happylawyer #womensupportingotherwomen 
#womeninlaw #solopreneurs #creativeentrepreneurs
#dowhatyoulovelovewhatyoudo #livecolourfully 
#catchingthecurveball
#resolveestatelaw #brisbanelawyer #brisbanebusiness
#probate #compassionatelawyer
#choosecompassion #bekindalways
#zintaharris
Tomorrow we finally get to meet her. 💕 . This c Tomorrow we finally get to meet her. 💕
.
This cute little ball of fluff - soon to be named Bille (short for Billecart Salmon for those who know I name my pets after my favourite drinks). 🐶
.
Bille Pumpkin Bubbles to be exact! Because....well....Zigi.🐶🎃🍾
.
Tomorrow marks the end of our pet free life as we know it! Here's to a new chapter of sleepless nights and cleaning up messes! 🤪
.
Pray for us! 🙏
.
#newpuppy #schmoodle #puppiesofinstagram #puppylove❤️ 
#billecartsalmon #champagnetaste
Follow on Instagram
  • Facebook
  • instagram
  • linkedin
  • pinterest