Category: Gratitude

When Algebra Met Instagram: My Complicated Relationship With Algorithms


Back in school, “algorithm” was the word that stood between me and my dream of Arts/Law. Now it’s the invisible force deciding what appears in my social-media feed. Turns out the maths I once feared has followed me — with a sense of humour.

If you’d told me back in high school maths that one day I’d be voluntarily talking about algorithms, I’d have laughed (or possibly cried).

Back then, “algorithm” meant a set of steps you had to memorise, the difference between passing and finding a whole new life plan. Mathematics was never my forte, and the thought of tripping over a missing x was enough to keep me up at night. It was the subject that would decide whether I made it into Arts/Law or had to find something else to do.

And in the end, I’m rather grateful to say mathematics did, in fact, let me down.

Because that “something else” turned out to be storytelling,  and there’s far more humanity in that than in any quadratic equation. Still, I can’t help noticing that those same mysterious “sets of steps” I once dreaded have followed me all the way into adulthood, disguised in a new form: social-media algorithms.

These modern descendants of my old nemesis no longer live in textbooks. They live in my phone, deciding whether I see my besties’ social life, someone else’s new litter of border collies, a wombat rescue video, or an ad for something I swear I only thought about but never searched.

They’ve taken the old maths problem – find x – and replaced it with find Lynne.

Somewhere inside that invisible equation it probably reads:

Engagement = (Time × Emotion × Ads Seen) ÷ Willpower

And it’s definitely winning.

But I’ve decided not to resent the algorithm. It’s not evil, it’s obedient.
It’s simply doing what it was built to do: predict what keeps me scrolling.

The trick is to feed it wisely.
If I linger on outrage, it serves me outrage.
If I linger on kindness, it serves me more of that.

So perhaps I’ve finally found my kind of maths after all.
A simple human equation that even I can live by:

Joy = (Time spent offline × Actual friends) + (Laughter ÷ Comparisons)

It may not get me into Arts/Law, but it’s a pretty good formula for life.

#Algorithms #SocialMedia #MathsHumour #DigitalLife #Storytelling #AttentionEconomy #JoyEquation

The day the power came back on

You don’t appreciate something until it’s gone. Water. Power. Peace and quiet.

Last night, the wind didn’t politely rustle the trees, it came tearing through like it had a grudge. By the time it blew itself out, the power was gone, pot plants were on their side, and a grain auger had blown over on Jamberoo Mountain Road.

That’s not where I live, but it’s the road that connects Jamberoo to the Highlands, and when something blocks it, it matters. Especially when it happens at 4 o’clock in the morning. Our local RFS crews were out there in the dark, again, answering the call. I think there were nine callouts in our area alone. They don’t clock off. They don’t wait for daylight. They just get on with it.

Photo Credit Jamberoo RFS

Here at my place, the damage was minor. A few pot plants got knocked over. I went to stand them up and realised some had rooted into the ground,  poor things. They might not survive the shock. But if that’s the worst of it, I’m grateful.

I came from out west, where the weather has its own brutal personality but wind wasn’t really part of it. I lived on a farm there too, and I can’t remember the power going out once. But here on Saddleback Mountain, nestled in rainforest, the trees fall like bowling pins in high winds , and with them go the power lines.

Usually it’s our side of the mountain that loses power. This time, the whole village went down. No lights, no heating, no water, unless you’ve got a generator or a gravity-fed tank system like I used to. These days, I rely on a tank and a pump. And while the dairy up the road was whirring along thanks to its generator, I was standing in my kitchen staring at the tap and shaking my head.

I headed into town to buy some water, only to find the shop I’d planned on was closed. Of course, no power, no till, no open door. But then I ran into Warren at Kings Patisserie, who offered to let me bring down containers to fill with water. I would have, if I had anything other than a few jars.

Instead, I bought 24 bottles of water, which Warren sold to me at a very generous price. That’s the kind of neighbour you want in a blackout.

When the power came back on, I was bundled up on the couch like a retired snowman, debating whether to light a candle or eat another biscuit. I heard the fridge click. The TV  blinked. The lights came on, and I wandered around my house flipping switches like I’d never seen electricity before.

It’s amazing, isn’t it? How much we rely on the things we rarely think about. And how quickly we remember our luck when they return.

So here’s to the power crews. To the RFS out before dawn. To Warren and his water. To the neighbours with tractors who clear fallen trees.

And to the humble joy of a working espresso machine.

#SaddlebackMountain #Kiama #RFSheroes #OutageAftermath #WindyNight #GrainAugerDown #WarrenToTheRescue #KingsPatisserie #RuralRealities #PowerPerspective #CommunityKindness

How We Can Shift Our Perspective and Find Joy and Inspiration in Our Everyday Surroundings by Changing What We Choose to Focus On

I saw a meme today on Facebook that said,

The world you see is created by what you focus on.

It’s never too late to adjust your lens.”

With the sun now shining and the wind disappearing, I decided to take my iPad for a walk around my garden. As I wandered through, I spotted this lonely hydrangea flower enveloped by a spiderweb, and I was fascinated.

In the midst of winter’s cold and wind, this small moment reminded me of the resilience and beauty that can be found even in the simplest things. The delicate web, glistening in the sunlight, seemed to tell a story of survival and intricate craftsmanship. The hydrangea, though weathered and solitary, stood as a testament to nature’s enduring cycles and the promise of renewal with the coming spring.

By focusing on small, often overlooked wonders, we can shift our perspective and find joy and inspiration in our everyday surroundings. It’s a gentle reminder that beauty and fascination can be found in the most unexpected places, if only we take the time to notice.

#PerspectiveShift #FindTheBeauty #NatureInspires #WinterMagic #HydrangeaLove #MindfulMoments #GardenWander #SimpleJoys #FocusOnTheGood #EverydayWonder #NaturePhotography #Resilience #SpringPromise #BeautyInSimplicity

 

The Banksia Foundation Awards are a Gateway to Recognition and Growth

Imagine a world where each victory in sustainability isn’t just a trophy on a shelf but a seed sown in fertile ground, growing into a garden of collaborative effort and shared wisdom. Winning the Banksia Award is akin to discovering a map to hidden treasure, not of gold, but of ideas and alliances. This prize has become the key to a new kingdom—a business that bridges islands of environmental groups and schools into a united continent of purpose. Here, in this land of collaboration, every conversation is a raindrop nourishing the soil, and every shared success, a bloom in an ever-growing garden of sustainable futures. In this narrative, the journey from accolade to action encapsulates the power of unity, turning individual achievements into collective progress.

 

The Banksia Foundation Awards, a prestigious recognition platform in Australia, not only spotlight leaders in sustainable development but also offer unparalleled benefits to its recipients. Winning a Banksia Award is more than an accolade; it’s a pathway to enhanced visibility, credibility, and a host of other advantages that catalyse both personal and organisational growth.

Elevating Visibility and Credibility

Securing a Banksia Award propels winners into the spotlight, significantly boosting their profile among peers and across the industry. This recognition serves as a testament to their commitment to sustainability and innovation, distinguishing them from competitors and elevating their reputation.

Boosting Morale and Motivation

The accolade also has a profound internal impact, uplifting the spirit and drive of teams. It acknowledges their hard work and dedication, fostering a culture of pride and continuous excellence.

Expanding Networks and Opportunities

Being part of the Banksia Awards alumni network opens doors to invaluable networking opportunities. It connects winners with industry leaders, potential collaborators, and like-minded innovators, paving the way for new ventures and partnerships.

Winning the Banksia Award has also enabled me to launch a new business aimed at uniting environmentally-focused groups and schools into a community of practice. This initiative fosters knowledge sharing, enhances collaborative learning, and accelerates the adoption of sustainable practices. By pooling resources and expertise, participants can tackle environmental challenges more effectively, innovate solutions, and create a stronger, more informed network committed to making a significant impact on both local and global scales.

Achieving Recognition and Validation

Above all, the Banksia Award serves as a powerful validation of the winner’s efforts and achievements in pushing the envelope of sustainability. It not only spotlights their successes but also sets a benchmark for others, inspiring a broader movement towards environmental stewardship and sustainable practices.

The Banksia Foundation Awards are more than just a trophy; they are a catalyst for growth, opportunity, and lasting impact in the realm of sustainability. Winning not only marks a milestone of achievement but also opens a vista of possibilities for future innovation and leadership.

#SustainabilityLeaders, #EcoInnovation, #GreenSchools, #CommunityOfPractice, #EnvironmentalImpact, #SustainableEducation, #ClimateAction, #EcoFriendlyInitiatives, #GreenBusinessLaunch, #EnvironmentalNetworking, #SustainableLiving, #EcoCollaboration, #GreenTechSolutions, #ClimateChangeWarriors, #EcoConsciousCommunity #BanksiaFoundationAwards

The Fine Line Between Giving and Over-Giving: Striking the Right Balance for Success 🌟

In the words of Zig Ziglar, “You can have everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want.”

This profound statement underpins the ethos of successful giving – a vital trait in both personal and professional realms. Yet, there exists a thin line between being a giver and inadvertently becoming a doormat. It’s a delicate balance, one that requires introspection and strategic thinking.

The Power of Giving 🤲

Giving, in its essence, is a powerful tool for success. It fosters a culture of mutual support and collaboration. By helping others, we often pave the way for our own success, creating networks of reciprocity and trust. This principle is especially resonant in leadership, where the ability to give – be it time, resources, or support – can significantly elevate a team or an organisation’s performance.

The Pitfalls of Over-Giving 😓

However, there’s a caveat. Givers can find themselves at the bottom of the success ladder if they fail to set boundaries. Without these limits, one risks burnout, being taken advantage of, or losing sight of their own goals and needs. Adam Grant, in his exploration of giver and taker dynamics, emphasises the necessity for givers to establish boundaries. This prevents them from depleting their resources – emotional, physical, and otherwise.

Drawing the Line 🚧

So, how does one draw the line? It starts with self-awareness and understanding one’s limits. It’s about recognising the difference between being helpful and overextending oneself. A crucial aspect is learning to say ‘no’ when necessary. It’s not about being less generous but about being smart with your generosity.

The Balanced Giver 🧘‍♂️

The ideal giver is one who knows how to give effectively. This means prioritising, choosing where and how to give in a way that adds value without draining personal resources. It’s about being strategic – helping others in a way that also aligns with one’s own goals and values.

Embrace Giving, Respect Limits 🔚

Giving is undoubtedly a pathway to success, but it must be practised with mindfulness and boundaries. As we navigate our roles as givers, let’s strive to maintain that delicate balance, ensuring that our generosity uplifts others as well as ourselves.

Have you ever felt like a doormat?
How do you set boundaries?

#StrategicGiving #MindfulLeadership #SuccessThroughSupport #BoundarySetting #EmpoweredGivers 🌍💼🛡️🤗📈