WOWNOW

Hi Everyone

Today I read an article titled ‘Christian lobby group urges MPs to reject adoption bill, you can view it online at  http://www.news.com.au/breaking-news/christian-lobby-group-urges-mps-to-reject-adoption-bill/story-e6frfku0-1225911982342 The article is calling on members of the NSW Parliament  to vote against a bill to allow same sex couples to adopt children.

Now before I speak further I declare that I am currently an employee of the NSW Government and all views expressed in this blog are personal and are not comments on the Government of the Day or Members of Parliament. Further any reference to the current policy are for information purposes only. I further state all views, unless expressly stated otherwise, are my personal views and do not necessarily reflect the views of either my employer or the views of any other organization that I am affiliated with in any form.

With the disclaimer out of the way, let me share my views on this matter.

The above mentioned article as stated is calling on politicians to oppose the adoption bill that would allow same sex couples to adopt children, which quite frankly is an issue I can not stay silent on. Let me state that I support the adoption of children by any person or couple, same sex or opposite sex couple, that can provide a loving and nurturing environment for the child.

Children become available for adoption for many reasons, each of these reasons are unique to the circumstances of the birth parents. It must be a very tough decision for a parent(s) to make, the decision to place a child up for adoption.

What I believe to be the case is that in every instance the desire of all concerned is that the child will be adopted by a loving person, a loving couple, with the means to support and nurture that child emotionally and financially.

Indeed even in the generations where children of unwedded mothers were taken from their birth parents and placed up for adoption, I fundamentally believe that an underlying reason was to ensure that child was supported and nurtured on their life journey. I know that this is a controversial statement and that many believe that in years gone by those decisions were motivated out of religious shame. I am not saying they were or they weren’t but I do believe at the time the people concerned thought they were doing what was in everyone’s best interest.

Those readers that follow my @jasonsbradshaw twitter account would understand I adore and love my parents and my mothers parents. In 1956 my Grandmother and Grandfather adopted my mother the first of four (4) children they would adopt. In the 50’s and 60’s it was not common place to adopt so many children, but I am very grateful to my grandparents for doing so.

I have witnessed first hand the unwavering love and support that only a parent can give to a child. I have seen my mother and her siblings receive this love and support to the same extent that I have from my own parents. There is no difference in the love, it is the same, the only difference is my parents are my biological parents and for Mum they are her adopted parents. I have discussed this topic with my Mother many times and she sees Grandmother and Grandfather as her parents and believes without a shadow of a doubt that she was raised with love and support in the same way she herself has loved me, her (biological) child.

I have also observed, from a distance, my Uncle and Aunt search out their biological parents and in their own way express after the fact that nothing can ever replace the love from their parents, my Grandmother and Grandfather – technically their adopted parents.

I share this with you to demonstrate that what matters here, in my opinion, is that the child is provided a loving a home, a nurturing environment and support to be the best person they can be. Something I am grateful my Grandparents gave to my Mother and her siblings.

I also do not believe that an opposite sex attracted family has any greater capacity to love or provide for a child than a same sex couple has. I further do not buy into this notion that the only suitable environment for a child is with a woman and man raising them. I think this statement itself is disrespectful to the thousands of single parent families that raise children alone and have done so forever, in many cases not through choice but circumstance.

No I don’t have a child myself but my sexuality nor the sex of my partner should determine my ability to adopt a child. Nor do these things dictate my ability to love or to be a good parent.

If you believe that in NSW Same Sex couples should be allowed to adopt children I encourage you to visit the Gay & Lesbian Rights Lobby website at http://glrl.org.au/index.php/Take-Action/Current-Campaigns/Inaction-is-Unacceptable-Remove-Adoption-Discrimination-NOW where you can easily voice your support for this legislation.

I also invite you to leave your comments on this blog.

In closing – equality should be a birth right.

Thanks

Jason Bradshaw

PS – I know this blog has some grammatically errors but I wanted to get it out there fast (plus it’s part of my quirky charm). Thanks for reading.

Hi Everyone

Ok, I know it has been a while since I posted a blog, l hope that during the period of silence you have been achieving great things.

I thought I would make this post an update on what’s been happening with me over the past few weeks.

Firstly let me extend my thanks to my Mother, Father and Grandmother for their unwavering support and encouragement throughout my life.

Secondly let me extend my thanks to my friends and colleagues that have shaped, supported and encouraged me throughout my life. In part that thanks should also go to those people who don’t fit into any of those categories but who have challenged me to think outside my comfort zone and consider alternate perspectives.

If you follow me on twitter @jasonsbradshaw or on facebook you will know that recently I was successful in my application and was appointed as Director, Transformation Management Office within the NSW Department of Services, Technology and Administration.

Myself and my new office will be responsible for implementing significant reform to State Procurement in partnership with my colleagues and the wider team. I am confident that we will deliver on the plan. A plan that will deliver increased savings and value to the NSW Pubic Sector which results in improved outcomes for the people of NSW.

You may recall that last year I posted a blog regarding my desire to achieve a certain level by the time I was 30, so becoming Director at 30 fulfills that goal and reinforces my belief that setting clear goals and passionately working towards them will result in better outcomes.

I also believe that my success, in life and career, is always best achieved through helping others be successful in their endeavors and that is a reason I always try to support my friends and why I donate my time to a number of mentoring programs.
To add to this exciting news I was also elected to the Board of Oz Showbiz Cares / Equity fights AIDS and is dedicated to mobilising the unique talents within the media, entertainment and arts industries to mitigate the suffering of individuals affected by HIV/AIDS. I am excited by this Board appointment as it allows me to continue to expand my contribution to the community.

I now sit on the Board of two organizations, ACON Health Limited, Australia’s largest Gay, Lesbian, Bi-Sexual and Transgender Health Promotion and HIV Services company and OzShow Biz Cares an Incorporated community organization. I am honored to be involved in both organizations and encourage you to get involved in supporting the community in some way, volunteering your time, donating money or simply attending events, it helps make a difference to the lives of so many. I also learn so much through my involvement in these organizations that no matter how much I give of myself to these organizations I am rewarded through the learning and experiences – get involved it’s great!

So apart from that news I also share with you that 11 July 2010 marked the first year anniversary of my fathers death. My Dad was to me a remarkable man who above all else was never afraid to show his love for Mum and I. He taught me so many things but of all the lessons, I know I will live every day, the lesson of unconditional love and to not to be afraid to show it.

Dad would always tell me to lead by example and he demonstrated daily that applied to love, friendships and career – I hope that everyday I lead more by example than the day before. I hope that by doing so I make my Mother, Father, Grandmother and friends proud of being in my life.

No matter what you do, do it with passion and if you ever want to vent, bounce an idea off me or ask a question, whatever – just send me a note and I will help where I can.

Take care – enjoy life.

JB

Hi Everyone

I am often asked for recommendations about what podcasts to listen to and I always include TED. TED explains itself as a nonprofit organisation devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading, ideas by people from all walks of life with all sorts of ideas.

The wide range of ideas shared via TED is amazing and I always enjoy listening to or watching the podcasts. Each year TED holds an annual conference in Long Beach which always sells out fast. Thankfully now there is TEDx events, local community events based on the TED conference to help individuals share their ideas. Being a long time follower of TED I was very excited to learn that TED was coming to Sydney called TEDxSydney on the 22 May 2010.

The TEDxSydney Team released an open invitation for people to develop a short video to share their ideas and a number of videos will be broadcasted live during TEDxSydney.

So here is my idea, a simple one – have a listen.

Ok so I know the video quality isn’t the best, but hey I hope you like the idea enough to share this blog on your social media sites.

Don’t forget to take up the challenge!

Regards

JB

Hi Everyone

I hope you are enjoying my posts and if there is something you would like me to blog about please let me know.

Today’s post was in part inspired by a movie I recently watched where an actor said, “the most important things happen with someone.” I could not agree more, from the random unforgettable conversation with a stranger, the first kiss with a person to falling asleep in the arms of a loved one, all of these things would not be the same alone.

The line in the movie led to some self-reflection and asking is it possible to find a +1, a life partner, while maintaining and building a busy career. The question of career / life balance, if you will.

Do you have to put your life, romantic desires, ahead of your career?

Let me put this in perspective from my personal experience. At the age of 20 I started a long-term relationship that lasted 6.5 years. During this time my career went from strength to strength and while very important to me, my partner and family were always first in my life, or at least I thought they were. However there were probably times were I was not as attentive as I could have been as a result of my focus on my career. (As a side the separation wasn’t my idea.)

Now having been single for four years, despite some set backs, I still remain passionate about building a successful career. I however wonder have I replaced a sustained romance for a busy a life. Despite going on numerous dates over the four years I remain single but the number of projects in my life have continued to grow.

From a young age I was always someone to have many projects on the go, so this is part of my DNA, but do we get to a point where we self-sacrifice part of our desires for the fulfilment of others?

Unlike other blog posts I don’t have any hints or tips in this one, except to enjoy life and to remain passionate about what you enjoy.

I would like to think that the “right person” would always compliment you, bring balance to the areas that need it and encourage the best in you. Therefore being passionate about career and being busy because of it, wouldn’t be a road block to having a successful romantic relationship.

So does everybody need a co-pilot, a partner, in life?

I would love to hear your thoughts.

Take care

JB

A good friend of mine posted a blog called Four Things today and as you may assume it was a sharing of four things in various categories about her. I’ve decided that I would adapt the questions to suit this blog and here are my responses.

Four Things I Achieved Today

1. A hair cut – it was very overdue and a score it was only $22, my cheapest hair cut in probably ten years.
2. I commenced discussions with the Australian Financial Review about being a panellist (speaker) at a future technology event.
3. Finalised a sensitive government briefing.
4. Developed a story board to progress a major project.

Four Things I Was Reminded of Today

1. That sometimes the simple questions can reveal the most information.
2. Taking time out to chill, is just as important as achieving the to-do list.
3. The importance of 30 minutes of exercise a day.
4. A smile will return a smile.

Four Goals I Want To Achieve This Year

1. Triple the number of corporate event, key note speeches I deliver in 2010
2. Obtain a new position that challenges me, leverages my strengths and rewards me appropriately.
3. Grow as a person – in areas such as intellect, fitness, experiences and emotional intelligence.
4. Be a positive influence in the communities that I am fortunate enough to be involved with.

Finally Four Things That Made Me Smile Today

1. A random chat with a member of our facilities team.
2. A business meeting that included time just to be in relation with each other.
3. A waiter’s personal approach to service at dinner.
4. The thought of someone special to me.

In our busy lives I feel it is easy to become underwhelmed and feel that we are running but getting no where. Why not take some time out and acknowledge that in a day it is full of great achievements, growth, movement towards goals and importantly smiles.

I hope you find the time to give this a go and that it helps you realise that you have amazing things happening every day.

Take care

JB

Hi Everyone

I hope everyone is going well.

The other day I posted a tweet that read, “I just got an SMS and it made me smile.” As is the way with twitter there was some responses and conversations pursued.

Some of my twitter followers were, or at least appeared, generally surprised that a SMS could make me smile and I don’t just mean for 5 seconds I mean it made me smile all day.

There is no need for me to go into the contents of the message or why it made me smile, that is not the purpose of this blog, but rather to share with you something that I feel is fundamentally true.

The “SMALL STUFF” – value it, it’s the staff that memories are made of.

What do I mean by this? Well for me the “small stuff” could also be called the simple stuff it is, the text message that makes you smile, the randomly left note saying how awesome you are or how loved you are, the cuddles in front of the TV or that good morning kiss hello, the note from the boss saying thanks for going the extra mile.

I think you get what I mean by the small stuff and many of my readers who know me in person might be thinking but we know you love the glitzy the glamorous, if you will. You would be correct, I have been fortunate to experience many facets of life, I’ve travelled in the good seats on planes, stayed in nice hotels, the list goes on but at the end of it all it is the “small stuff” that I remember and value the most.

I do feel that experiencing the spectrum of lifes offerings from 1 to 5 stars helps with personal growth and an enriched perspective but don’t forget the “small stuff” please.

So before I close out this blog I have a couple of questions.

1 – How do you feel when you randomly got a text message saying, “I’m thinking of you”

2 – How do you feel when you get a hand written message of thanks from someone?

3 – So how in your work or social life how can you bring some random “small stuff” in to someone’s life to help them have the joy of the feelings you just remembered?

In closing today when I got to work I had a great “small stuff” moment, sitting on my desk was (refer pictures) a little bag with the words “Jason J Love from Alexzander!” A 4 year old (turning 5 this weekend) knew that I thought his party bags were great so he asked his mum to make me one and get his dad to bring it to me here at work.

I think kids are much smarter than we give them credit for – they don’t care about the “stuff” they just care about being in connection with people.

Take care and thank you for reading.

JB

A great big hi to everyone.

For those that have been following my work for some time you will be used to me banging on about the benefits of getting out there and experiencing new things.

I truly do believe that it is through experiences that we learn new things and importantly grow as individuals. It is for this reason, amongst others, why I have more and more so challenged myself to try new things as the years go on.

The best thing about new experiences is that they are completely personal, what pushes your boundaries, what is new to you is completely unique and doesn’t need to be as thrill seeking as bungy jumping or it can be – as long as its new, its another experience to help you grow.

So yesterday I decided to travel interstate / across country from Sydney CBD to Brisbane and onwards to my mother’s in Oakey – to be specific in a train. A trip that by plane would usually take me under 2 hours (including connections) by train and bus it took me just under 17 hours (including connections).

EEEEEK Right – what was I thinking? Well the thinking was both based on my thirst for new experiences (see above) and that whenever I travel to a new country I always include 1 leg of the trip by rail to see the country side and experience the country from a different perspective, having never done that in my own country I thought it was about time.

So on Friday 12 February 2010 at 4pm I set out on my first Australian cross-country train experience. Before I proceed I should tell you that I was very excited about the impending trip, having decided to go be it all very last minute (booked my ticket an hour before boarding) I was moving around the train taking photos and anxiously awaiting the journey to begin – if you can imagine a kid in a candy store, well that was me on the train.

Unlike my experiences in the USA, Europe and ASIA I did not leave the train with the same excitement I had when I joined it – while my energy was depleted I was not defeated.

On reflection the trip was great, sure there were parts where I couldn’t stop laughing at just how terrible it was; none the less I was experiencing, laughing and smiling – pretty good things to do I say.

The highlights included having a two-hour conversation with a complete stranger where we reflected on the importance of living in the moment, following your passion and the challenge of enjoying your hard work (earnings) now but maintaining enough for the rest of your life (which can end when?).

Not to mention being woken up at 3am by a lovely young girl wanting assistance to put her bag in the overhead baggage rack. While I have no idea why she had to wake me to help her I did so positively and chuckled to myself at the randomness of human behaviour.

The main let down on the trip was the catering, having read the website and reviewed the cabin classes, etc I was absolutely convinced I would be in for something reasonable. However I was faced with TV dinner style meals and wine that I can only imagine was closely related to petrol. If the airlines can manage food that tastes decent at 30,000 feet after 5 hours in the air surely a train company could achieve the same just on tracks instead?

I was also shocked to note the lack of in-transit entertainment, no televisions, no movies and no live-tv to seat. Once again if these things can be achieved in the air, why has this technology not made it to the train?

In summary the trip had me laughing, the lack of sleep may have contributed to the laughter, but it is an experience that I won’t forget.

So what did I learn from this – well apart from other things the reinforcement of the importance of stepping outside the comfort zone and just giving something a try.

Perhaps one day I will work my way up to the bungy jump.

Take care, JB

PS – the total time on the train was just under 14 hours, total sleep under 4 hours. Survival tips: laptop, reading material and mobile phone with coverage.

The weeks podcasts have included
-    Winning verse Solving Problems.
-    This Is It – live your passion.
-    Focus, Mission & Strategy.
-    Why goal before plan.
-    Winning lotto – why wait?

This week the main theme has been on creating a crystal clear vision of what you want to achieve and then creating a plan to achieve them. Following on from last weeks action I continue to promote that having a bias for action is the number one way to achieve your goals.

Throughout the week we have explored the concept of creating a vision board, a visual representation of what it will look and feel like when you achieve your goals. I shared with you a great free resource www.visisonstatement.org.au

In addition I encouraged you to ACT NOW and find just one thing that you could use to start your vision board. I hope you took the time to find something to et you started on the journey of achieving your goals.

A common question I get asked about vision boards is, “What if my goals change?” The answer to this is a simple – update your vision board. Not only is it perfectly normal to refine you’re your vision and goal as your life experiences change but it will help you achieve your goals. As your clarity level concerning your aspirations and goals increases so will your action plans improve.

The power of a vision board is amplified when you take time out each day to look at it to help us stay focused on our goals. Attached to the vision board is your action plan this can be as simple or as detailed as you need, the important thing is to remember it  needs to be bite-sized steps.

Bite-size steps are not only easier to complete, easy to catch up if you fall behind schedule, but also allow you to achieve and feel success sooner. The experience of success, the joy of success and a time out to congratulate your progress helps build excitement and momentum towards achieving your bigger goals and vision.

Of course I can’t leave it at that without sharing more resources. The first is Oprah Winfrey’s website http://www.oprah.com/subtopic/money/career Oprah has teemed up with a number of people to bring everyone some fantastic FREE resources to help build our careers.

At Oprah’s website you will find some great tips for bringing passion back in to your job, and how you can make the job one that you love to do that plays to your strengths and energises you – it’s free have a look asap.

Before I close out this week I take the time to pay my respects to Michael Jackson’s family and to honour Mr Jackson for his passion, devotion and talent that he brought to all of us through his music.

I recently saw Michael Jackson’s This Is It Movie and it reinforced so many key learning’s to me but perhaps most importantly the importance of humility and respect.

So in closing thank you to everyone that allows me to learn from them and to everyone who lets me share my knowledge with.

As always I look forward to hearing from you.

Jason Bradshaw