Rural Reflections #23

August 18, 2019 / Country Heart Spark / 2 Comments

The light has been flickering as I have been juggling life, businesses and my own personal growth. I have been neglecting to share my photos with you as part of my weekly feature Rural Reflections. Guilty I am, but I am back with so much to share. Thank you for waiting for me.

My passion to be more, and to do more, has led me to a new business and new skills to excel with. My underlying desire for sustaining the agricultural industry still exists beneath it all, but my passion to expand and inspire people every day has become the driver in my life. And I am loving life right now.

Remember back, only a year ago, I was suffering from depression and feeling sorry for myself. Angry that I had to experience such heart-wrenching feelings and loss of all basic motivation in life. Depression and anxiety had overwhelmed me… I had no idea what was going to happen and where life was guiding me.

So many of us, unfortunately, do go through these depressive numbing cycles and anxiety can consume us every day. My gift was to experience this first-hand. In hindsight, I now know that it had to happen. How was I to understand if I didn’t feel it for myself?

This time in my life… was necessary to reveal my true passion and what I can do for the world around me. I was determined and with the support around me, I made it through… with flying colours.

My new business provides freelance writing, administration services, hypnotherapy, speaking and life/business coaching. Every day I feel so blessed and grateful to be able to share my skills with those in need. Those that need guidance… those that need office management… and those that need the inspiration to believe in themselves. My words are my gift and I am on a journey to share and to uplift each and every one of you.

Today marks the day, I have set up my new office. My own room dedicated to me, my gifts, my valued clients and the changes that await all of us. This office symbolises a separate part of my life… separate from the farming business. This is my space, my personal inspiration and my business motivation.

I want to share with you, this photo today… taken only 2 months ago on my farm. Still suffering from the effects of drought, yet the oats are growing despite the odds. For me, this photo symbolises my personal journey. I had the odds stacked against me, but I continued to grow. I did what I needed to do. The beautiful sunlight is captured in this photo, shining that healing light upon me.

Rural Reflection #23…

image subject to copyright

We all need to find that one thing that brings us happiness and pure joy… and share that gift with the world. Recognise what is against you and make choices to move forward for the betterment of you, those you love and those that need you in the wider community.

The greatest joy in this world is when we can reach out and help someone else. This gives us purpose and a vision on our horizon. I am no different from you all. You too have the capability to find yourself and chase your dreams.

Believe in yourself and believe you will do it. And you will!

Take care, Karen.

“Nothing can dim the light that shines from within.”

~ Maya Angelou

Immersion Writing Reveals Passion and Truth

June 3, 2019 / Country Heart Spark / 2 Comments

As my passion for writing has developed, I have discovered the style that brings my writing to life and that special something that enthrals me. A connection with Non-Fiction Immersion Writing is where I have selected to lay my written thoughts and focus significantly on experiencing what I write about.

Why? My lack of imagination limits my ability in writing fiction, so alternatively real honest facts are what drives me… so non-fiction it is. Some authors are very creative in their ability to engage through their story-telling, but not me. I am a stickler for only speaking from experiences within my life and what captivates me.

Immersion Writing is a style of journalism where the writer immerses themselves into a situation and with the people involved. The result focuses on the experience rather than the writer. The personal connection with the topic gives a real sense of engagement and honest exposure when writing an article.

This style of writing allows the author to throw themself into the centre of the story and describe the unique experience honestly. Essentially you become the main character with the ability to immerse the readers in to your story. Types of non-fiction immersion writing includes memoirs of your life, journalism and unusual travel diaries. The focus is on the experience rather than the writer.

By writing in this interesting style, you can describe a situation that you have personally experienced, that the reader may not have experienced themselves, but can understand by simply reading your words. It provides a wonderful sense of immersion by not only the writer, but also by the reader.

Honesty and truth is the key to writing non-fiction immersion writing. It can be a challenge to step outside your comfort zone, remove any barriers, expose yourself and confront the subject head-on. You can’t be shy if you want to connect with your readers.

Immersion writing can reveal blunt truths, even about yourself, and can be difficult to write about sometimes. But readers love to see how others deal with complex or difficult situations and appreciate the engagement of sharing.

For me, non-fiction immersion writing is my choice of style because I love honesty, engaging with community members and inspiring others. I can write about personal experiences, struggles, everyday hassles, aspirations and still be able to help someone else through my words and ability to connect with my readers.

Often people would ask me… why do you write a blog? The answer is simple. I love to provide inspiration, encourage others, show compassion and empathy, bring value to other people’s lives… as well as promote the future of the agricultural industry through my writing.

All my passion is wrapped up in what I do every day… whether it be writing, administration, organisation and structure, charitable activities, creativeness or farming. My blog is a means to express feeling, emotion and coherence to other people’s lives, as well as bring value to mine.

Honesty and integrity is my driving force… so there is no better style of writing that I could choose than non-fiction immersion writing. It is a perfect match for me. And now my new business with freelance writing, brings my passion to a career.

The challenge as a writer… is to find that special style that suits you and brings the best attributes into your writing. The secret is to be genuinely passionate about what you choose to write and engage with your readers through your sincere words. Happiness is when you sincerely love your job.

Take care,

Karen

”It is a beautiful thing when

a career and a passion

come together”.

~ Author Unknown

Launching My New ‘Writing & Admin Service’ Website

April 17, 2019April 19, 2019 / Country Heart Spark / 2 Comments

It is now official… Karen Weller ~ Freelance Writing & Administration Service website has been launched today. My passion for writing and administration has enabled me to share my skills and expertise, as I offer my new business services to the community.

I am quite excited to be able to use my 25 years of administration experience and business management, outside of my normal agricultural-based businesses. Although this experience and my former qualifications have prepared me, I am passionate that this new business is based on my own unique ability and services.

It is with great pleasure that I am now able to provide administration services and freelance writing projects to individuals, businesses and organisations. If you are in need of an honest person with integrity and reliability, to bring your business projects clarity and organisation, I am that person you are seeking.

With a strong work ethic and self-motivation, I can produce high-quality work with a personal touch. From inspirational writing and media articles… to grant applications and secretarial services; I can bring your business a touch of creative design, convey emotion and connection through words and prepare business documents. I can also assist with making your ideas into a plan of action.

With my streamlined process; a simple communication via phone or email, to give me an initial understanding of what you need; I then offer my appropriate administration services to suit the individual situation. Communication is maintained and your ideas are incorporated into the project, until it is finalised. As a result, you end up with an inspiring article, a marketing tool or a captivating document, in a timely manner. Your satisfaction is assured.

With the power of technology and digital communications, my services can be provided nation-wide. I am also willing to travel to service the Tamworth NSW region with face-to-face meetings if that is preferred.

I look forward to working with you on your next project and make it into a reality. I will bring inspiration to your articles to captivate your audience or to bring organisation and a professional touch into your office.

Please see my new website, Karen Weller ~ Freelance Writing & Administration Service for more information or contact me to discuss your needs.

Kind Regards,

Karen Weller

Own Who You Are, With Audacity

January 31, 2019 / Country Heart Spark / 4 Comments

Every single one of us is so unique and perfectly created to be somebody or do something important in life. Why do we cringe and sway away from the real person we truly are? Just to fit in within our lives… our work, our family, our social circle… and be the “picture” of the person we think we should be and for others to see.

Sometimes it takes us years to figure it out… to realise that this is crazy. We deserve to be true to ourselves. We deserve happiness…. the happiness that lies within us… when we allow the real person within us to be revealed. And when we discover that person, own it and be bold and fearless in your purpose.

Today I would like to give recognition to three other bloggers, that inspire me… with their wisdom, their compassion towards others and the respect for themselves. Three strangers whom I have never met… yet I feel like I do know them somewhat, through their personal stories and the way they express themselves in words.

RAMBLINGS OF A WALLFLOWER with Dewni, sharing her thoughts and looking for her place in the world. It was her blog Embrace Your Magic… that initially inspired me today. Dewni’s advice is simply stated and is perfectionism in itself “Listen to the depths of your heart and embrace your true self”.

We are told throughout our lives, directly and indirectly, until we tell ourselves subconsciously… we need to fit in and be more like everyone else. That is an unnecessary and enormous burden for us to carry. But when we realise that we can let go of that false notion of perfectionism within society… and be less like everyone else… life magically changes when we take that step to just be ourself.

On a personal level, I have married a farmer, an honest man that just thrives in the outdoors and has a love for animals and a passion for breeding livestock. My love for him in supporting his dreams and being a mother to our children has motivated me for 25 years. But sadly I try to “fit in” within the farming industry, and part of it fits but many parts do not. I do have a strong belief in the future and importance of the agricultural industry, but I do not have a love for the hands-on farm work. So in the process of owning who I am… I now know that I can be an advocate for the rural industry and enjoy my country lifestyle and surroundings. But I know that I do not need to pretend that I am something that I am not. We all need to work out exactly who we are, enjoy the process and embrace what we find.

Secondly, BITTERSWEET TURNS with Priya, using tales and fantasy in this medium to depict deep emotions and feelings. I was captivated by this young women’s blog today Will Power and how she describes that “will power is driven by the WHY of your life”. I think she is spot on with her analogy, as everything we do has a connection to the WHY. As she says “the key is to find the why” and we need to be very honest with ourselves to do this.

For me personally… “WHY do you want to farm livestock in a drought-ridden environment?”. Well, I love my husband and I support him entirely with our farming business. I love administration and the business models that I am able to utilise to sustain our business. The drought is somewhat a temporary setback, one that in Australia will be present at times and the weather will turn and be on our side again. I also believe whole-heartedly that the future of the Australian agricultural industry is important to sustain, so we can feed and clothe our nation and export to other countries for the benefit of our economy. It is this passion that motivates me to continue in the farming industry.

On another level… “WHY do you want to write a blog?”. Well, it really started as a way to release my own emotions while suffering from depression and anxiety during this current drought on the farm and coping with changes in my life. I felt compelled to not hide behind the medication, but to voice my experiences with the world, in a hope to help somebody else going through a tough time. I wanted to reach out… so others knew they were not alone.

I then was able to be myself… and developed a real passion to motivate others to believe in themselves and accept themselves for who they are. As I touch others lives and have the ability to support someone else, to encourage someone else… my compassion is able to be shared through these means. I have raised my 2 sons to adulthood and completed the mothering role for years, now I want to share my warm-hearted and loving nature with others. I may not be able to put it into words verbally and can be a bit of an introvert, so my blog allows me to reach into the depth of my subconscious and share my empathy and inspiration in a unique way. This is now my gift and my purpose in life… and I love that I can be who I really am. I am a writer and I have something to say.

My third and final inspiration for today is from Forty Something Life As We Know It where a fellow blogger shares her journey in life and in her words “searching for wisdom”. I think she under-estimates the wisdom she actually shares with readers. I really enjoy her regular blog and inspiring messages. Two simple messages that she shared today, really touched me and is relevant to the content that I write of today.

Her blog How it is supposed to be… has this simple message and is so true… “What screws us up most in life is the picture in our head of how it is supposed to be”. I think we all have this false perception and are sometimes provoked to be something else. It is our impression that this image is what we strive for. We need to take a step back, re-evaluate our passion and our interests… and then just be ourselves and daringly move forward. Life as we know it, may just change for the better, as we discover the “real” person within and contentment follows.

Another message on her blog It just blooms… “A flower does not think of competing with the flower next to it. It just blooms”. I find this to be an impressive analogy to our friends and associates in our lives. There is no need to compete with each other, to outdo one another or to be better than another. If we just be ourselves… we will magically blossom and shine.

Sadly it sometimes takes many years for us to find out who we really are… as we grow and mature over the years. But it is never too late… to really delve into your own personality, embrace it and courageously reveal the “real” you. It really is worth it, to accept who you are, imperfections and all… I assure you that you are “imperfectly perfect” and wonderfully unique. It is with audacity… that you can then OWN WHO YOU ARE and success can reign on you.

Take care, Karen.

“Be who you are

not who the world wants you to be”

~ Author Unknown

Rural Reflections #1

December 17, 2018February 24, 2019 / Country Heart Spark / 4 Comments

My new WEEKLY FEATURE you can look forward to is “Rural Reflections”. This new feature is armed with an exclusive photo from my farming property. It will also be accompanied by an inspirational and uplifting message within.

I will publish “Rural Reflections” every week as a commitment to share my passion with you all and give a brief vision into my own life. My personal photos included in “Rural Reflections” will be subject to copyright.

I hope you enjoy following my new Weekly Feature giving you a small insight into farming life. I look forward to sharing my passion and hope to inspire you all in your own everyday life.

Rural Reflection #1…

image subject to copyright

This photo was taken in August 2017 when our property had green Winter feed. It was almost on dark, with the moon shining beautifully upon a pink sky and blue clouds.

I really like this photo with the gorgeous contrast of colours and the vastness it creates.

It was the perfect photo to choose for “Country Heart Spark” as it creates a sense of calmness and beauty. So I would like to introduce my new “Country Heart Spark” icon.

image subject to copyright

The underlying photo is a symbolisation of the “country” rural areas across our nation and also a part of my home property. The addition of the red “heart” represents the passion I have for the rural industry and within my life. The purple and pink markings signify the “spark” within me and the ability to share my inspiration through my writing. The glowing moon brings it all together and reminds us to look for the beauty within.

Take care, Karen.

“No beauty shines brighter than that of a good heart.”

~ Author Unknown

Who am I?

November 13, 2018November 13, 2018 / Country Heart Spark / 1 Comment

Hi, my name is Karen and I am a little shy but friendly. I am a first-time blogger and have been setting up my new blog on farming challenges and the inspiration within my journey in life. Undecided and hesitant if I wanted to remain anonymous or be up front and reveal myself. I stand by what I write and am sincere and honest… so here I am.

I bit about me… I have strong family values and a strong work ethic. Reliability, honesty and self-motivation drives me. My life is devoted to my husband and our 2 adult sons. Their wellbeing is my number one priority. I value the importance of inner harmony and have a passion for personal growth and development.

I grew up on a small farm on the Mid North Coast and have owned properties in the New England and Central West regions before settling on a farm west of Tamworth. Involved with farming all my life, now in my 40’s and children all grown up, it is time for my own passion to be shared. The quiet peaceful lifestyle of farming is satisfying and the value of the hard work on-farm is significant.

Passion for the future of the agricultural industry is at the forefront of my mind and it is my intention to promote this and the connection to all communities nation-wide. I feel strongly that Australian’s care about our domestic food chain and sustaining the farming industry.

I am a member of the Country Women’s Association of NSW, the largest women’s organisation in Australia, and I support their aims to improve the lives of women and their families. Their vision resonates with me, in providing a forum for the voice of all women, encouraging the viability of rural communities and lobbying for change. Values of goodwill, friendship, support and understanding is important to me.

My real passion is personal growth and development, and an inner enthusiasm to inspire others through listening and sharing. By using my writing and this Blog, I intend to encourage others along their life journey as well.

For more information and to visit my website Country Heart Spark, please click here

If you would like to receive my blogs by email or contact me, please click here

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I hope you enjoy the ride with me.

Take care, Karen