tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-229984202024-03-13T10:42:01.086+11:00Darren Stones Visual Communications - Australian Journalist Photographer WriterDarren Stoneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12873728147798544849noreply@blogger.comBlogger418125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22998420.post-76041115655560530812017-01-06T16:17:00.001+11:002017-01-06T16:22:48.986+11:00Department of Veterans' Affairs supports service people with their journey back to good mental health<b>By Darren Stones</b><br />
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Reaching out for help for mental health issues can be difficult for current and ex-service people. Many factors can be at play, and it is important to encourage and support those who are ready to take a step forward to discuss their issues.<br />
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The Department of Veterans' Affairs has produced this video outlining how current and ex-service people and their families can seek assistance. <br />
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See the Department of Veterans Affairs website for further information.<br />
<a href="http://www.dva.gov.au/">www.dva.gov.au</a><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/h8bR09aIRAk" width="560"></iframe><br /></div>
Darren Stoneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12873728147798544849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22998420.post-84576199515254809922015-02-07T23:11:00.002+11:002015-02-07T23:14:37.194+11:00The stunning Coburg Lake Reserve during autumn<strong>By Darren Stones</strong><br />
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Recently I've been reflecting on my digital photography, which has given me much pleasure over the years. As I was looking back through my catalogue of images, I came upon this one of a beautiful autumn tree with a rainbow. <br />
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Created at the Coburg Lake Reserve in Coburg, Melbourne Victoria, I remember the day was showery and every so often some stunning lighting enhanced the scene.<br />
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Hope you enjoy viewing this image as much as I had in creating it.<br />
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This image can be purchased in various products at Redbubble. <a href="http://www.redbubble.com/people/dgstones/works/8760747-coburg-lake-reserve" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Click link here for details</a>. <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="640" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/photojour/7101609615/player/" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="528"></iframe><br /></div>
Darren Stoneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12873728147798544849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22998420.post-8065264855329289902015-01-26T20:51:00.002+11:002015-01-26T22:08:11.859+11:00How hope can become your reality<b>By Darren Stones</b><br />
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How do you feel when you're considering a new aim whereby potentially making your life more fulfilling? When was the last time you were so passionate about something you wanted to achieve?<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Belief and spirit</span></b><br />
Hope is a belief and it can be a motivating force in driving us towards achieving our goals. Hope is also a belief that can lift our spirits when we're experiencing challenging times.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TutyocViRLM/VMYN_B4gXVI/AAAAAAAAA8A/lGoZkUzZ-N0/s1600/hope-hand-LinkedIn-500pixels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TutyocViRLM/VMYN_B4gXVI/AAAAAAAAA8A/lGoZkUzZ-N0/s1600/hope-hand-LinkedIn-500pixels.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Goals provide motivation</span></b><br />
Let's contemplate these goals where hope can provide motivation:<br />
<ul>
<li>A new and rewarding job role</li>
<li>Achieving an offer from a university to study a program</li>
<li>Beginning a family</li>
<li>Planning a holiday with a partner</li>
<li>Increasing the circle of friends</li>
<li>Purchasing a new or used car</li>
<li>Upgrading clothing and shoes</li>
<li>Gaining physical strength and developing increased fitness</li>
<li>Choosing and eating healthier foods</li>
<li>Ceasing or lessening alcohol consumption</li>
<li>Reading more self-help and personal development books</li>
</ul>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Increase confidence</span></b><br />
By commencing the journey to pursue some of these goals, we can begin to experience positive feelings and enhance our wellbeing. The tangible results could soon be a healthier lifestyle and increased level of confidence.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Select achievable goals</span></b><br />
If we select a couple of achievable goals and begin taking action, we will move from the hope stage to feeling a sense accomplishment. Each step we take is a small measure of progress, and the more steps we take, the further along the path we are towards achieving our aims.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Contemplate, plan, take action</span></b><br />
Be a strong believer in hope. Contemplate and plan, and then take action so your hopes can become your reality.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ljIQo1OHkTI" width="560"></iframe><br />Darren Stoneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12873728147798544849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22998420.post-75791643525900787352015-01-05T17:43:00.002+11:002015-01-05T17:44:21.762+11:00Football is more than a game<strong>By Darren Stones</strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Start of Match</span></strong><br />
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What a great game footy is, and what a great sport for improving and maintaining our mental fitness. For this article, I'm referring to Australian Rules Football, however you're welcome to reframe the following tips, suggestions and comments to align with your favourite football code.<br />
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We don't have to participate in an organised match to reap the benefits of running, sprinting, kicking, handballing, and bouncing. With a little thought - and a pen and paper - we can create our own mini games, drills, and exercises and incorporate the use of a football to improve our fitness and wellbeing.<br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Quarter Time</span></strong><br />
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So you don't have a football, and it's been decades since you've either owned one or kicked one. Maybe your footy shorts are tighter, your trophies are collecting dust, and you can barely recall matches where you were best on the ground.<br />
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Now is the perfect time to break through your own banner and journey to a sports store to grab your new footy. Don't handball this responsibility to someone else - give yourself a pep talk and stay in the game with me. Be your own umpire, blow the whistle if needed, and award yourself a free kick for your effort. Doing this will put more bounce in your step. While you're there selecting your footy, consider buying a few orange disc marker training cones to place on the ground for a few drills.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m5ak15687r0/VKoyK97TrPI/AAAAAAAAA7s/vtTdVPSCPn8/s1600/Darren%2BStones%2Bwith%2BSherrin%2Bfootball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m5ak15687r0/VKoyK97TrPI/AAAAAAAAA7s/vtTdVPSCPn8/s1600/Darren%2BStones%2Bwith%2BSherrin%2Bfootball.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<strong>Darren Stones with a Sherrin Football</strong></div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Half Time</span></strong><br />
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Jogging and bouncing the ball is a great way for us to develop our hand-eye coordination. Here are a couple of drills for us to consider:<br />
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<strong><em>Drill No. 1</em></strong><br />
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Let's jog for 50 metres from the goal line to the 50-metre arc and bounce the ball with our right hand. Then let's turn around and jog back to where we started whilst bouncing the ball with our left hand.<br />
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<strong><em>Drill No. 2</em></strong><br />
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Let's place five disc marker training cones 10 metres apart between the goal line and the 50-metre arc and bounce the ball when we reach each cone. We can repeat this drill five times to further develop our fitness. As we make progress, we can run faster and repeat the drill 10 times.<br />
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Don't baulk at the opportunity of running out on to the ground if the weather is cold. Let's put on our team jumpers and beanies, get out there and run, and twist and turn as if we are dodging opponents. We will find ourselves warming up quickly and achieving new goals before the final siren.<br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Three Quarter Time</span></strong><br />
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If you happen to miss a training session, that's okay. There's no need to appear at the tribunal due to misconduct to explain your actions, because there's always tomorrow to get back into the game and kick some more goals.<br />
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At the end of our training session, let's be our own coach and tell ourselves how well we played. Let's say to ourselves: "Great match, we played well, and we were the best players on the ground."<br />
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Okay, it's time for us to head to the change rooms for some lime juice, water and ice and a few slices of orange. Or whatever we feel is appropriate. :)<br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">End of Match</span></strong>Darren Stoneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12873728147798544849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22998420.post-42067677806431308452014-12-22T15:06:00.001+11:002014-12-22T15:06:14.104+11:00Our young people need us<b>By Darren Stones</b><br />
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We need to be mindful of constantly encouraging and supporting young people to be actively involved in our community.<br />
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We need to message them, chat to them, call them, see them, and tell them how good they are at doing what they do. If we can all do this with at least one young person in our life, we can all make a positive difference in that young person's life.<br />
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We need to pass on the baton by demonstrating how much we care about our young people. We need to show them how much we care about them and do our best to provide new opportunities for them. <br />
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We need to do the little things with and for them so we can develop a respectful bond that sees us all in the community gaining from the experience.<br />
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Our young people are our future. We need to nurture them and provide them with opportunities to shine like rising stars. We need to show them we care about them, so they can go on into adulthood to pass on the baton. We owe it to them and to ourselves.<br />
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Darren Stoneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12873728147798544849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22998420.post-67069743529658965462014-12-22T15:01:00.002+11:002014-12-22T15:01:47.230+11:00Choose to invest in yourself<b>By Darren Stones</b><br />
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Consider that you have the power to choose to invest in yourself when you want to live your life to its fullest.<br />
<ol>
<li>Consider who it is you want to be serving and engage in education, volunteering and work that leads you to achieving such.</li>
<li>Read articles and books that provide information, guidance and insights regarding the people you want to serve.</li>
<li>Research on the Internet about those people who are currently working in roles that interest you. Analyse their work, volunteering and education experiences.</li>
<li>Connect with people who you can meet face-to-face with so you can talk about life in general. Share experiences and discuss your dreams. Talk about family, work, education, current affairs, fashion, music, food, etc. Connect respectfully and build the connection to a point where you trust each other.</li>
<li>Take time to get away from it all. Make this a commitment to yourself and consider it as a health priority. By getting away, you can find space for reflection from a distance. It is when you step back that you can see the bigger picture. This is an opportunity to realign your thoughts and refresh your thinking.</li>
</ol>
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Darren Stoneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12873728147798544849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22998420.post-54093473865346382272014-12-08T17:59:00.001+11:002014-12-08T18:15:08.561+11:00Early Offer to study the Bachelor of Social Work (Honours) at RMIT University<strong>By Darren Stones</strong><br />
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On Friday 21st of November 2014, I was privileged and excited to receive an Early Offer from <a href="http://www.rmit.edu.au/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">RMIT University</a> to study the undergraduate degree of the <a href="http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=BH105" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)</a>. I have accepted the offer and enrolled in the program.<br />
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Commencing in 2015, the program is four years duration on a full-time basis and will see me working towards becoming a fully qualified social worker in accordance with the <a href="http://www.aasw.asn.au/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW)</a>.<br />
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I will be studying the degree program at RMIT's City Campus in Swanston Street, Melbourne at the <a href="http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=qqm17u12x46u1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">School of Global, Urban and Social Studies</a>. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<em>"The School of Global, Urban and Social Studies is a multidisciplinary leader in delivering education, training and research that contribute to a just and sustainable world."</em></div>
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Having successfully completed the Diploma of Community Services Work and Diploma of Community Development with the Kangan Institute, the social work program with RMIT is a progressive step for me towards experiencing higher learning and gaining further qualifications at the tertiary level.<br />
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I do envisage that my studies with RMIT will be a valuable learning experience, and I'm most grateful to those people who continue to encourage and support me in my education goals. It is an honour to receive an Early Offer, and I'm most grateful to RMIT for offering me the opportunity to study and achieve the Bachelor of Social Work (Honours).<br />
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In applying to study with RMIT University, my first preference for 2015 is to study the <a href="http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=BH106" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Bachelor of Social Work (Honours)/Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology)</a> and I remain hopeful of being offered to study this program in Round 1 on 19 January, 2015.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eCdyfJWPq5A/U-1i6YtP8pI/AAAAAAAAA6I/1fllsIqUtG0/s1600/500px%2B-%2BRMIT%2BOpen%2BDay%2BSign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eCdyfJWPq5A/U-1i6YtP8pI/AAAAAAAAA6I/1fllsIqUtG0/s1600/500px%2B-%2BRMIT%2BOpen%2BDay%2BSign.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><strong>Darren Stones at RMIT University Open Day City Campus 2014</strong></span></td></tr>
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Darren Stoneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12873728147798544849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22998420.post-46666787594170569282014-12-08T12:47:00.002+11:002014-12-08T12:51:51.319+11:00A personal view of mentoring<strong>By Darren Stones</strong><br />
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"The path you walk is of your own choosing. If you so desire, I can walk with you along your chosen path and be there to encourage and support you as you decide what is best for you. I am willing to listen to your thoughts and ideas about what you are considering to do. If you wish to discuss your thoughts and ideas, we can happily explore options, views and opinions in a friendly and purposeful manner that could inspire and motivate you to take action. You may discover that your confidence heightens as a result of these interactions between us." - Darren Stones, Mentor, 8/12/2014.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<img src="http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a321/dgstones/Mentoring/MentoringGraphic1.jpg" /></div>
Darren Stoneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12873728147798544849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22998420.post-9839058063153026952014-10-22T16:28:00.000+11:002014-10-25T10:45:29.750+11:00Five-minute activities to improve your mental fitness<strong>By Darren Stones</strong><br />
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Have you ever thought about how to better use five minutes? Utilising five minutes wisely on a regular basis can help you to improve your mental fitness. <br />
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A five-minute activity can actually bring you pleasure and make you feel good. Here are 12 activities to consider, and in doing so, write down those that interest you most. By doing some of these five-minute activities regularly, you will begin to create new behaviours that will improve your mental fitness. All these activities are designed to be done at home, and you may also consider doing some at work during your lunch break. <br />
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<ul>
<li>Listen to a song</li>
<li>Read pages in a book</li>
<li>Prepare some fruit salad</li>
<li>Cut flowers and put them in a vase</li>
<li>Write a shopping list</li>
<li>Read an article on the Internet</li>
<li>Do some exercise</li>
<li>Do a crossword puzzle</li>
<li>Read a movie review</li>
<li>Watch a movie trailer on the Internet</li>
<li>Message or text a family member or friend</li>
<li>Create a photo and upload it to your social media account</li>
</ul>
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Of course you may think of many other things to do and that's excellent. The objective is to do something that interests you and makes you feel good. <br />
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When you feel inspired, do two five-minute activities back-to-back. Or, you may like to do more than two. The choice is yours, so get creative and give it a go!<br />
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Remember, it's the doing that will improve your mental fitness.<br />
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<a href="http://freepdfhosting.com/37b3d4321e.pdf" target="_blank">PDF Worksheet: Five-minute activities to improve your mental fitness</a><br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image by imagerymajestic at FreeDigitalPhotos.net</span>Darren Stoneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12873728147798544849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22998420.post-34343533938403276392014-10-18T19:01:00.003+11:002014-10-18T19:05:25.027+11:00Empowering words of encouragement<b>By Darren Stones</b><br />
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In searching for inspiration with the purpose to increase momentum, I came across this gem of a slideshow of 24 empowering quotes. Please enjoy.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="420" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//www.slideshare.net/slideshow/embed_code/39149541" style="border: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); margin-bottom: 5px; max-width: 100%;" width="510"> </iframe> </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 5px; text-align: center;">
<strong> <a href="https://www.slideshare.net/bbdavenport/words-of-encouragment-24-empowering-quotes" target="_blank" title="Words Of Encouragement: 24 Empowering Quotes">Words Of Encouragement: 24 Empowering Quotes</a> </strong> from <strong><a href="https://www.slideshare.net/bbdavenport" target="_blank">Barrie Davenport</a></strong> </div>
Darren Stoneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12873728147798544849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22998420.post-66369594427978821552014-09-19T09:25:00.001+10:002014-09-19T09:25:19.094+10:00Change the way you think<strong>By Darren Stones</strong><br />
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You have the power to change the way you think. <br />
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If I said these two things to you, what would you think?<br />
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1. "I love you."<br />
2. "Now it's time for you to start loving yourself."<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/photojour/6542725949" title="Ninety Mile Beach, Lakes, Entrance, Victoria, Australia IMG_4614_Lakes_Entrance by Darren Stones, on Flickr"><img alt="Ninety Mile Beach, Lakes, Entrance, Victoria, Australia IMG_4614_Lakes_Entrance" height="334" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7164/6542725949_93b03e24a0.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
Darren Stoneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12873728147798544849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22998420.post-17794675971410354342014-09-05T10:07:00.000+10:002014-09-08T09:09:41.951+10:00Sharing is caring<b>By Darren Stones</b><br />
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Connection ... connection with people. There's times in our life when we connect strongly with people to a point where many things are shared. <br />
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When I say shared, I want to mention actual sharing. Sharing comes in many forms and I believe in my heart that when sharing goes to a level that is sustained over a long period of time, that's when a genuine connection has formed. <br />
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I would say - without any doubt - that the best sharing experiences I can draw on are when emotional support is involved. I believe these experiences truly lead to strong connection where the benefits are felt. They are felt in a way that inspires, motivates and keeps us moving ahead even when we doubt ourselves. <br />
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When we connect strongly with people, and they demonstrate to you over a long period of time that they are supportive and encouraging, they are the people to keep in your life. They are the people that care for YOU.<br />
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<script src="http://www.redbubble.com/assets/external_portfolio.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br />
<script id="rb-xzfcxvzx" type="text/javascript">new RBExternalPortfolio('www.redbubble.com', 'dgstones', 3, 2).renderIframe();</script><br />Darren Stoneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12873728147798544849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22998420.post-66111735682459917942014-08-15T11:41:00.000+10:002014-08-15T11:41:00.287+10:00RMIT Open Day 2014<b>By Darren Stones</b><br />
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RMIT's Open Day for 2014 was exciting, and here's a few photos I took on the day.<br />
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From the <a href="http://www.rmit.edu.au/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">RMIT</a> website:<br />
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"RMIT is a global university of technology and design and Australia's largest tertiary institution. The University enjoys an international reputation for excellence in professional and vocational education and outcome-oriented research."<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_FSPRnMni9E/U-1i41R-mRI/AAAAAAAAA50/BSuW1xdGh3Q/s1600/500px%2B-%2BRMIT%2BI%2BAm%2B700%2BPrograms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_FSPRnMni9E/U-1i41R-mRI/AAAAAAAAA50/BSuW1xdGh3Q/s1600/500px%2B-%2BRMIT%2BI%2BAm%2B700%2BPrograms.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Introduction to RMIT Session - 700 Programs</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Introduction to RMIT Session</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-20Famc_jebc/U-1i5hNoo0I/AAAAAAAAA54/zc8hbx21WbQ/s1600/500px%2B-%2BRMIT%2BOpen%2BDay%2BCatalogue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-20Famc_jebc/U-1i5hNoo0I/AAAAAAAAA54/zc8hbx21WbQ/s1600/500px%2B-%2BRMIT%2BOpen%2BDay%2BCatalogue.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">RMIT Open Day 2014 Catalogue</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">RMIT Open Day Signage</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">RMIT Social Work Stand</span> </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VDHFrA9K9Ts/U-1i8Y4RbYI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/lMnxoKDbKEg/s1600/500px%2B-%2BRMIT%2BStudent%2BServices%2BStand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VDHFrA9K9Ts/U-1i8Y4RbYI/AAAAAAAAA6Q/lMnxoKDbKEg/s1600/500px%2B-%2BRMIT%2BStudent%2BServices%2BStand.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">RMIT Student Services Stand</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-54zOzjHXlSw/U-1i8tLAd5I/AAAAAAAAA6k/0Sd3I1118p4/s1600/500px%2B-%2BRMIT%2BUrbanites%2BUnite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-54zOzjHXlSw/U-1i8tLAd5I/AAAAAAAAA6k/0Sd3I1118p4/s1600/500px%2B-%2BRMIT%2BUrbanites%2BUnite.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Introduction to RMIT - Urbanites Unite</span></td></tr>
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Darren Stoneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12873728147798544849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22998420.post-60671777329616771732014-07-30T20:20:00.002+10:002014-08-16T09:40:09.024+10:009 ways to improve your mentoring experience<b>By Darren Stones, Mentor, Schools Mentoring Australia</b><br />
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A few thoughts about mentoring:<br />
<ul><li>Be prepared to role play</li>
<li>As a mentor, let the mentee explore what truly drives them</li>
<li>As a mentee, be clear in what you want from the mentoring process</li>
<li>As a mentor, encourage the mentee to do research - it empowers them</li>
<li>As a mentee, be willing to be challenged by your mentor</li>
<li>As a mentor, be prepared to be challenged</li>
<li>As a mentee, ask your mentor what they would do in a situation</li>
<li>As a mentor, listen and take notes</li>
<li>As a mentee, listen and take notes</li>
</ul>The mentoring process is mutually beneficial to both mentee and mentor. Both learn about the mentoring process. As a mentee, you will learn how to become a mentor yourself. Mentoring can be formal and informal. It's all around you. You may be learning something new every day.Darren Stoneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12873728147798544849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22998420.post-25726289811778991782014-05-24T19:56:00.004+10:002014-05-24T19:56:53.360+10:00Is this a pathway to great leadership?<strong>By Darren Stones</strong><br />
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When it comes to inspiring good leadership, I regularly tune into the thoughts of Simon Sinek. His words resonate with me, and I feel uplifted and motivated after watching his talks.<br />
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I watch his talks over and again because I like to embed the learning I gain from his words of wisdom.<br />
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Please enjoy Simon Sinek's Ted talk titled <i>Why good leaders make you feel safe</i>.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" mozallowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" src="http://embed.ted.com/talks/simon_sinek_why_good_leaders_make_you_feel_safe.html" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="560"></iframe><br />Darren Stoneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12873728147798544849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22998420.post-64007719113794798872014-05-09T14:52:00.002+10:002014-05-09T15:29:44.439+10:00A strengths-based activity <strong>By Darren Stones</strong><br />
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A brief strengths-based activity to consider:<br />
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1. Think of three males and three females you've come into contact with this week.<br />
2. Write their first names on a piece of paper.<br />
3. Beside each name, write one strength that each person possesses.<br />
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Reflect for a few minutes and write one or two sentences on that piece of paper as to how you feel after doing this strengths-based activity.Darren Stoneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12873728147798544849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22998420.post-26844256254643089142014-04-18T10:25:00.000+10:002014-04-18T10:42:31.261+10:00ANZAC Appeal 2014<strong>By Darren Stones</strong><br />
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Please remember to give generously to the <a href="http://www.anzacappeal.com.au/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><strong>ANZAC Appeal</strong></a> in 2014. ANZAC Day is on Friday 25, April and my partner Bronwyn is collecting again this year. Very proud to say that she has raised over $12,000 for the appeal in the last five years.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kj8FpWcMMmY/U1Bwoz6FuWI/AAAAAAAAA2E/Rg06ag0g3WI/s1600/ANZAC+Day+Appeal+2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kj8FpWcMMmY/U1Bwoz6FuWI/AAAAAAAAA2E/Rg06ag0g3WI/s1600/ANZAC+Day+Appeal+2014.jpg" /></a></div>
Darren Stoneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12873728147798544849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22998420.post-78368696001205254582014-04-10T11:50:00.002+10:002014-04-10T11:54:23.318+10:00The remarkable imagery of Louie Schwartzberg <strong>By Darren Stones</strong><br />
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Louie Schwartzberg is one of the visual geniuses of our time. His mastery in creating time-lapse imagery provides us with the opportunity to experience nature in a way we would not normally see. <br />
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Schwartzberg says that "we are surrounded by things we can't see." He makes the "invisible visible."<br />
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Enjoy.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" mozallowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" src="http://embed.ted.com/talks/louie_schwartzberg_hidden_miracles_of_the_natural_world.html" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="560"></iframe><br />
Darren Stoneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12873728147798544849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22998420.post-27963630750146800212014-04-08T11:29:00.000+10:002014-04-08T11:31:15.639+10:00A reflection on group work learning<strong>By Darren Stones</strong><br />
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The best learning is not done in isolation. The best and most meaningful learning is achieved in collaboration with people who desire to improve themselves.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FQeSUNFsxqY/U0NRVLw5_7I/AAAAAAAAA10/NBLuGnN0p94/s1600/4492828188_f1b466dd09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FQeSUNFsxqY/U0NRVLw5_7I/AAAAAAAAA10/NBLuGnN0p94/s1600/4492828188_f1b466dd09.jpg" /></a></div>Darren Stoneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12873728147798544849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22998420.post-6644878726306165192014-03-30T14:16:00.001+11:002014-03-30T14:18:19.882+11:00Alicia Keys - Empire State of Mind (Part. II) Broken Down<b>By Darren Stones</b><br />
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Love this song ... very inspiring. Enjoy.<br />
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<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="240" scrolling="no" src="http://www.deezer.com/plugins/player?autoplay=false&playlist=true&width=500&height=240&cover=true&type=tracks&id=4761593&title=&app_id=undefined" width="500"></iframe><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/iYmmh9zkpQM?rel=0" width="560"></iframe><br />Darren Stoneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12873728147798544849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22998420.post-80633720788015792442014-02-22T09:07:00.001+11:002014-02-22T09:10:44.529+11:00Participate in goals"If you truly believe a person has the potential to achieve their goal, be honest with them and tell them that they can achieve it. And be prepared to support and assist that person to achieve their goal. The choice is yours." - Darren Stones<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="334" mozallowfullscreen="" msallowfullscreen="" oallowfullscreen="" src="https://www.flickr.com/photos/photojour/8150345460/player/dd3a3f03df" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe><br /></div>
Darren Stoneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12873728147798544849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22998420.post-5261820829845978332014-01-08T16:16:00.001+11:002014-01-08T16:16:24.161+11:00Eden Wharf<b>By Darren Stones</b><br />
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During a visit to the Sapphire Coast in New South Wales during December 2013, Bronwyn and I enjoyed a day trip from our base in Merimbula to the seaside village of Eden.<br />
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Eden has a fantastic wharf where you can see fisherman going about their activities. Here's a few iPhone images of the wharf area.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uAs0ZTiCw9I/Usze39wIPUI/AAAAAAAAA0o/OTnPWXqC3ow/s1600/Eden+Wharf+1+-+500px.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uAs0ZTiCw9I/Usze39wIPUI/AAAAAAAAA0o/OTnPWXqC3ow/s1600/Eden+Wharf+1+-+500px.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GXLXYg19l40/Usze32xLPWI/AAAAAAAAA0k/eKwJVVRckRA/s1600/Eden+Wharf+2+-+500px.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GXLXYg19l40/Usze32xLPWI/AAAAAAAAA0k/eKwJVVRckRA/s1600/Eden+Wharf+2+-+500px.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h5aVFDbueaw/Usze4NP9VdI/AAAAAAAAA0s/G3HORDlPDHk/s1600/Eden+Wharf+3+-+500px.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-h5aVFDbueaw/Usze4NP9VdI/AAAAAAAAA0s/G3HORDlPDHk/s1600/Eden+Wharf+3+-+500px.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cv9mAB3QRr0/Usze5bj9RvI/AAAAAAAAA1A/xN1O7bppLeE/s1600/Eden+Wharf+4+-+500px.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cv9mAB3QRr0/Usze5bj9RvI/AAAAAAAAA1A/xN1O7bppLeE/s1600/Eden+Wharf+4+-+500px.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e3rIOW0WIvA/Usze5BWg7OI/AAAAAAAAA08/tK6rfESQAVs/s1600/Eden+Wharf+5+-+500px.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e3rIOW0WIvA/Usze5BWg7OI/AAAAAAAAA08/tK6rfESQAVs/s1600/Eden+Wharf+5+-+500px.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jXrLufjC3j0/Usze5w0-qaI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/dWLwYW8eZ2w/s1600/Eden+Wharf+6+-+500px.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jXrLufjC3j0/Usze5w0-qaI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/dWLwYW8eZ2w/s1600/Eden+Wharf+6+-+500px.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--PKMVis_S3w/Usze5zYn9ZI/AAAAAAAAA1I/bSh5LPNvzRI/s1600/Eden+Wharf+7+-+500px.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--PKMVis_S3w/Usze5zYn9ZI/AAAAAAAAA1I/bSh5LPNvzRI/s1600/Eden+Wharf+7+-+500px.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mf-baC_u5PQ/Usze6OfYREI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/xD5v90MxzWQ/s1600/Eden+Wharf+8+-+500px.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mf-baC_u5PQ/Usze6OfYREI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/xD5v90MxzWQ/s1600/Eden+Wharf+8+-+500px.jpg" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_0_PyWJQI6g/Usze6nk3XtI/AAAAAAAAA1c/3yR8gU6aa98/s1600/Eden+Wharf+9+-+500px.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_0_PyWJQI6g/Usze6nk3XtI/AAAAAAAAA1c/3yR8gU6aa98/s1600/Eden+Wharf+9+-+500px.jpg" /></a></div>
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<br />Darren Stoneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12873728147798544849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22998420.post-3440772605833048612014-01-07T12:08:00.002+11:002014-01-07T14:27:47.518+11:00Injecting fun into your photography<b>By Darren Stones</b><br />
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Got a Smartphone that can take photographs? Well, if you do, then you could have some great fun with your photography. Let's for a moment leave the serious side of photography aside and consider how much of a great time we can have taking photos and sharing them purely for the sake of fun.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-82zcbK0mWkg/UstQVn5FeAI/AAAAAAAAAzw/KkhD-E8OOBg/s1600/Darren+and+Bronwyn+1+-+500px.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-82zcbK0mWkg/UstQVn5FeAI/AAAAAAAAAzw/KkhD-E8OOBg/s1600/Darren+and+Bronwyn+1+-+500px.jpg" /></a></div>
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<strong>Darren being photobombed by Bronwyn at Main Beach, Merimbula</strong></div>
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Selfies or self-taken group shots are all the rage and I can see why. The fun you can have creating them can inspire creativity and get you involved in photography in a way that isn't serious. I can appreciate how some people may be hesitant to share selfies, however if you're sensible and confident within yourself then give it a go and maybe include a few words to accompany the images.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--lmGMC25AEo/UstQV2K8PRI/AAAAAAAAAzo/4FiVYDHFd0I/s1600/Darren+at+Merimbula+Main+Beach+-+500px.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--lmGMC25AEo/UstQV2K8PRI/AAAAAAAAAzo/4FiVYDHFd0I/s1600/Darren+at+Merimbula+Main+Beach+-+500px.jpg" /></a></div>
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<strong>Darren enjoying the sunshine at Main Beach, Merimbula</strong></div>
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When out and about, I enjoy taking a few shots with my iPhone and sharing them on Facebook. In a world where there's more than enough judgemental behaviour, I believe we can be a little less serious and believe in ourselves to the point where photographing ourselves can help lift us and inspire us to better things. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ubyBRsfZdos/UstQWFslMNI/AAAAAAAAAzs/orA4ivQGx1k/s1600/Darren+at+Short+Point+Merimbula+-+500px.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ubyBRsfZdos/UstQWFslMNI/AAAAAAAAAzs/orA4ivQGx1k/s1600/Darren+at+Short+Point+Merimbula+-+500px.jpg" /></a></div>
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<strong>Darren laying back and enjoying the view at Short Point, Merimbula</strong></div>
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Photography is a great way to capture memorable moments, and it's the fun aspect that can help cement those memorable moments. Whether it's with family, friends, team mates, whatever, get your phone out and use it in a way where you can simply have fun.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mQrgFTMe9Qo/UstQWkNQ4oI/AAAAAAAAA0A/nJL_1yviK_8/s1600/Darren+at+Tilba+-+500px.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mQrgFTMe9Qo/UstQWkNQ4oI/AAAAAAAAA0A/nJL_1yviK_8/s1600/Darren+at+Tilba+-+500px.jpg" /></a></div>
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<strong>Darren demolishing a rum and raisin ice cream at Central Tilba</strong></div>
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As someone who enjoys the serious side of photography, I really enjoy using my phone camera in a way that gives me pleasure. So get out there and have fun with your camera, and share those images in a way where you feel good and satisfied. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qofy1mrscFc/UstRpffwNTI/AAAAAAAAA0U/G-vTPmEkfIA/s1600/Darren+Young+Carers+Rock+Trivia+Costume+-+500px.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qofy1mrscFc/UstRpffwNTI/AAAAAAAAA0U/G-vTPmEkfIA/s1600/Darren+Young+Carers+Rock+Trivia+Costume+-+500px.jpg" /></a></div>
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<strong>Darren in costume as a volunteer for the Young Carers Rock Trivia Night at the Northland Youth Centre in Preston</strong></div>
Darren Stoneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12873728147798544849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22998420.post-57087092531919566182014-01-03T18:22:00.001+11:002014-01-03T18:28:14.777+11:00The importance of creating and sharing activities<b>By Darren Stones</b><br />
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Okay, I admit it. I love a latte. And I enjoy sharing it in the company of family and friends. Recently I've been photographing my coffees with my iPhone for the sake of fun and creating memories. Sharing a coffee with people is an important part of being social and for me it's become an integral part of my life.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kQWrc_L6jy0/UsZkLbrqvSI/AAAAAAAAAzA/RVo7u8jFE24/s1600/Coffee+Club+Highpoint+December+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kQWrc_L6jy0/UsZkLbrqvSI/AAAAAAAAAzA/RVo7u8jFE24/s1600/Coffee+Club+Highpoint+December+2013.jpg" /></a></div>
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<strong>The Coffee Club at Highpoint Shopping Centre</strong></div>
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<strong>Photo: Darren Stones</strong></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X9e6gt7DWS0/UsZkUxr8ZpI/AAAAAAAAAzU/_ejljJC2dlk/s1600/McDonalds+Niddrie+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X9e6gt7DWS0/UsZkUxr8ZpI/AAAAAAAAAzU/_ejljJC2dlk/s1600/McDonalds+Niddrie+2013.jpg" /></a></div>
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<strong>McCafe at McDonalds Niddrie</strong></div>
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<strong>Photo: Darren Stones</strong></div>
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When we spend time sharing a coffee, we create an opportunity to interact with people and share experiences. I believe it's a healthy activity because it provides us with meaningful opportunities to connect with people and further develop friendships.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IoTGrDbW7BE/UsZkUU-yCWI/AAAAAAAAAzM/NXXlhKhWMHM/s1600/Dairy+Queen+December+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IoTGrDbW7BE/UsZkUU-yCWI/AAAAAAAAAzM/NXXlhKhWMHM/s1600/Dairy+Queen+December+2013.jpg" /></a></div>
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<strong>Dairy Queen in Glenroy</strong></div>
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<strong>Photo: Darren Stones</strong></div>
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In my role as a volunteer where I provide 1:1 social and recreational support via Merri Community Health Services, I visit cafes for coffee and use this method as a way creating a relaxed atmosphere where friendly conversation can flow. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xpi-HSCUnAY/UsZkUOp4JNI/AAAAAAAAAzI/Y18x7-6FsVk/s1600/Donut+King+Broadmeadows+December+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xpi-HSCUnAY/UsZkUOp4JNI/AAAAAAAAAzI/Y18x7-6FsVk/s1600/Donut+King+Broadmeadows+December+2013.jpg" /></a></div>
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<strong>Donut King at Broadmeadows Shopping Centre</strong></div>
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<strong>Photo: Darren Stones</strong></div>
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So when going for coffee, think about the positive aspects of engaging in conversations and how it can be a way for deepening connections with family and friends. Enjoy!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5zBTRsd_hzg/UsZhd6NsADI/AAAAAAAAAy0/k0akEqXRqg4/s1600/Strengths+-+Sharing+Activities.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5zBTRsd_hzg/UsZhd6NsADI/AAAAAAAAAy0/k0akEqXRqg4/s1600/Strengths+-+Sharing+Activities.jpg" /></a></div>
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<strong>Sharing Activities</strong></div>
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<strong>Photo: Darren Stones</strong></div>
Darren Stoneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12873728147798544849noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22998420.post-12141640757822115472013-12-31T13:20:00.002+11:002013-12-31T18:11:04.122+11:00What is ahead in 2014?<b>By Darren Stones</b><br />
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As 2013 draws to a close, I'm looking ahead philosophically in the knowledge that my main goal for 2014 is to complete studying my Diploma of Community Services Work and Diploma of Community Development at the Kangan Institute.<br />
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My studies went well during the year, and I feel a strong sense of accomplishment. The opportunity to use my new skills has seen me move into areas where I can support people in a variety of ways. <br />
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2013 was an enjoyable year and one that presented new opportunities. I feel those opportunities assisted me to make new friends and connect and engage with people in the community services sector. I feel hopeful for my future to become a worker in the sector, however I'm aware we're in difficult times regarding employment opportunities. And this is where my life experience helps me to remain hopeful in the thought that being flexible and open to new opportunities may see me achieve a position where I can become a staff member as part of a team servicing people in our community.<br />
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Towards the end of 2013 I made shortbread biscuits and butterfly cupcakes. No big deal I suppose, however the inspiration for doing this came off the back of volunteering with the Young Carers I work with. Youth and people younger than me have inspired me to greater heights this year and I'm grateful for the opportunity to assist and support them as they grow as people.<br />
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<strong>Homemade shortbread biscuits made for Christmas gifts in 2013</strong><br />
<strong>Photo: Darren Stones</strong></div>
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<strong>Shortbread and chocolates ready for gift wrapping</strong></div>
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<strong>Photo: Darren Stones</strong></div>
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<strong>Gift-wrapped shortbread biscuits and chocolates for Christmas 2013</strong></div>
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<strong>Photo: Darren Stones</strong></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uDCq0f0vyDg/UsIrVScLwuI/AAAAAAAAAyM/TDFRhvLQu9A/s1600/Butterfly+Cupcakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uDCq0f0vyDg/UsIrVScLwuI/AAAAAAAAAyM/TDFRhvLQu9A/s1600/Butterfly+Cupcakes.jpg" /></a></div>
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<strong>Butterfly cupcakes</strong></div>
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<strong>Photo: Darren Stones</strong></div>
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With my TAFE studies concluding in 2014, I am mindful of further education. Undertaking a university degree would be challenging and rewarding. I believe education is an important pathway to skills development and making new friends and industry connections. The Bachelor of Social Work is a degree that interests me and I may be investigating this further.<br />
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New technology is something else that I'm mindful of keeping up with, and recently I've been checking out the Apple iPad and Samsung Galaxy tablets. Having purchased an iPhone in 2013, I believe it's important to keep moving with the times so as to be contactable whilst also wanting to enjoy the functionality of these types of devices.<br />
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I'm hoping that 2014 is at least as good as 2013 because I'd like to build further upon the good things I've been involved with as a student studying community services work and community development at TAFE.<br />
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Bronwyn and I enjoyed shopping and coffee together this afternoon - the last day of 2013. It's something we've done regularly through the year because we've needed time to chill out together and just chat about stuff. Good fun and an opportunity to share our respective experiences. I feel it's important to spend time together like this as it just gets us out amongst the hustle and bustle and seeing people going about their lives.<br />
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<strong>Last coffee for 2013</strong></div>
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<strong>Photo: Darren Stones</strong></div>
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And here's one of my favourite images of Bronwyn and I together whilst on holiday in Merimbula, New South Wales. We had a great time sightseeing, visiting places, and enjoying a rest and each others company.<br />
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My favourite song for the year is <em>Roar</em> by Katy Perry. I find this such an uplifting and inspiring song. Enjoy! <br />
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<br />Darren Stoneshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12873728147798544849noreply@blogger.com0