9 Positive Life Lessons I’ve Learned From the “Aussies”

This article was written by new guest contributor, Deb Anderson! 

Australians (Aussies) can be seen as a funny bunch.  With their larrikin humour; down to earth approach and hospitable nature – Aussies love to share – the good, the bad and the ugly!

As a New Zealand born woman arriving in Australia some 28 years ago – I have only just taken stock of what being “Aussie” has taught me.  Specifically in becoming more conscious, living in the moment and expressing myself authentically.

Here are my 10 tips for what being “Aussie” has taught me. Perhaps they will help you too.

1. Laugh at yourself!

Difficult to do when you’re uptight and anxious, I know.  I’ve been there too.  Living life where everything is done only for a result; never entering into play; taking everything so seriously and never accepting a joke. Really? Where is the fun in that? 

Lighten up and see your mood improve. Honestly – “Aussies” don’t take too much seriously at all!

2. Knowing you are okay being you in any situation!

If you can’t be yourself even when you are the only one around – then a room full of people who are truly authentic and unashamed of who they are will inspire you. 

What you see is what you get with most “Aussies” – and that’s the way they like it!  This insight gave me permission to be myself everywhere and nothing devastating has happened to me yet. Who knew?

3. Embrace your shortcomings!

“Aussies” have a wonderful tendency to nickname almost everything – including people. 

Specifically, if you have a distinguishing feature – your nickname will point it out!  Take Moose (big nose) or Bluey (red hair) for example.  Derogatory?  No – the nicest form of endearment to have the privilege of having? Yes –according to “Aussies”! 

It all depends on how you are programmed to respond to your shortcomings.  Embrace them – “Aussies” do!

4. Say what you want!

“Aussies” say it how it is.  Your reaction is your responsibility. Enough said.

5. Ask for what you need!

Like most people, “Aussies” aren’t mind readers.  Subtlety can be easily overlooked and will be.  Be specific. Just ask! As above – a gain, enough said!

6. Sentimentality has a place!

“Aussies” don’t tend to go for sentimentality the way some others do.  Not the

individual, heart wrenching, reminiscent, solo kind anyway.  Specific sporting triumphs, underdog uprisings or those who successfully snub convention; well they are national treasures!  It’s all about perspective folks!

7. Help your mates!

Sentimentality being said, most “Aussies” will give the shirt off their back to help someone in need.  They realise perhaps, that in this big wide land that it could be them at any time in a dire situation. 

This trust that help is always close at hand brings a great source of comfort.  Just don’t forget to ask for what you want or need!

8. Celebrate!

Part of this unity among “Aussies” I’m sure comes from the fact that “Aussies” love to partake in any cause for celebration.  If the best thing that happened today was that someone asked for a hand and they helped, then they will celebrate that with you!  Win/Win – what’s not to love? There is always cause for celebration somewhere – even if it’s just knowing where it went wrong.

9. And finally – Give it a go!

“Aussies” don’t shy away from much – they don’t pussy foot around looking for reasons not to do something (‘cos then they don’t have a good excuse to celebrate) so they usually just get on with living life to the fullest.

So why not give living like an “Aussie” a go? Embrace the best of their way, to live your life to the fullest, in this very moment!  Be yourself; love and celebrate life; be present; be conscious and just give it a go!

Remember:

• Laugh at yourself
• Know you are okay being you in any situation
• Embrace your shortcomings
• Say what you want
• Ask for what you need
• Understand that sentimentality has a place
• Help your mates
• Celebrate, and
• Give it a go!

Aroha!

Deb xx

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About the author: Deb Anderson is a 44 year old woman living in Queensland, Australia with her husband.  Originally born in New Zealand, Deb is a BA graduate with a degree in Psychology and Social Justice, mother to 3 teenage sons, and step parent to 3 adult girls.  Her passions are writing and sharing. She can be found on Pinterest, under her pinner name “Fortunate Look!”

Deb favours the use of her native Maori language, when signing off – being Aroha!  In the simplest terms, Aroha means “love,” but it is also defined as-

“ breath of life…the creative force that comes from the spirit.  Aroha presumes the universe to be abundant, with more opportunities than there are people.  In social interaction it seeks the best in people, draws it out, yet is firm in not accepting aggression, greed, recycled ignorance or other behaviours that damage. Aroha in action is generous.  Aroha in group meetings seeks unity and balance.  Aroha in practice is intelligent, a unified intelligence of the heart, soul and mind.  However with the distractions of life people can lose connection.” (Source: paradise.net.nz)