Generally Generous.

I find the quote above striking. And super truthful. Don’t get me wrong, I kinda love getting stuff. My childhood memories of the buzz surrounding present-opening on Christmas morning are dazzling. The fab-o fun of being love-bombarded with calls, texts and countless fb notifications on my birthday (plus cute Star Wars related giftage!) infects the day with incredible positive energy. I also reeeeeally love payday. Like, a lot.  

Having said that though, I honestly (and not in a saccharine ugh-really-you’re-so-painfully-Polly-Anna-kinda-way) adore the act of giving. I love spending money on people I care about. I love surprising loved ones with just-because giftage. The high I get from recalling a random detail and translating that into a thoughtful box of awesomesauce is really intoxicating. And maybe a bit lame too, but whatevs, I’m a weird crazy-cat-lady-nanna-hermit in training. Being generous with awkwardly-intense-hugs, old-man-impressions, work-load-alleviation, arm-flailing-hilarity (anywhere between goofball and cerebral comedy), chauffer-services, Lyn-love, random-film-and-TV-references, giggles and guffaws and my superpowers of empathy, compassion and compromise feels as natural to me as breathing. It really is wonderfully affirming, rejuvenating and fabulous for the day-to-day (and the big stuff). 

 Had a few instances lately (and many fantastic examples throughout my life, if you’ve read these before you know how much I’m a fam-fan and adore my folks) where I have been on the receiving end of some pretty steep selflessness, generosity and grace. I can tell you right now that all of these, from the smallest text message to the grandest public offering of assistance, are so positively impactful I’m at a loss for words. Hence, why I have to make them up all the time… Never underestimate the gift of generosity, what might be the smallest action for you could have the biggest and best ramifications for people in your life. 

A Very Westgaterie Decade.

It was only a matter of time before I wrote a blog post regarding this rather important aspect of my life. Similarly to my obsessive inclination towards Star Wars, people who know me are subject to outbursts of a Westgate nature. For those who don’t know, I play clarinet with the Westgate Concert Band; a community outfit comprising of roughly 40 members who come together on a Saturday morning in Braybrook to rehearse music. We have regular concerts and play-outs as well as social events.

I joined the band in February of 2004. My VCE Music studies necessitated I play with an ensemble and as my High School had none to offer my teacher suggested I go along. It is so strange to think how terrified I was, how my initial plan was to stay as long as I needed to satisfy my VCE requirements and then be on my way whereas now I cannot picture my life without Westgate in it. Last night I received my Ten Year Badge (as well as another honour for my services to the group, one that quite overwhelmed me) and stumbled through a rambling, emotional speech in response. Westgate as an entity, is difficult to articulate but I’m damn sure going to give it a try.

I’m very fortunate to come from a large, loving family (my Mum is one of eight, my Dad one of seven) but I unknowingly stumbled into another fab-fam of sorts when I anxiously attended my first rehearsal so many Saturdays ago. Families aren’t perfect but even so, you can’t help but love them; the same is true of this fantastic group of people. Obviously, musically, Westgate has given me so much (and continues to) but it's more than that. Within the band, I have been guided, supported, mentored, protected and inspired by a special, generous few, whose formative impact on my life has been invaluable. Westgate is the safest, most accepting environment I have ever come across. Honestly, I struggle to recall who I was before Westgate. They took a cowardly, sixteen-year-old shell of a human and gave her the freedom and courage to be herself. Weekly love, support, generosity and validation from a group of people who aren’t obligated in any way to do so is just simply impossible to repay.

I have no idea what is coming in the years ahead for me (well, except for some brand new Star Wars movies, woo-freaking-hoo!) but I know that Westgate will be there and I am forever grateful. I doubt I will ever be finished recompensing the debt I owe this band.