Guest Blog: Margie Vorillas

My friend Margie is a true kindred spirit. She has such energy and zest for life that is infectious. Margie is great at looking outside the box and providing a refreshing perspective on things. She is passionate about living a fulfilled life and she is a true inspiration to me. Here are her musings on recalibration...

Life gets a little dull when you stay in one spot for too long. I’m talking about that feeling, when you become too familiar with something. The feeling of being too comfortable in your environment. You get itchy feet, you want to travel, move, change things up, maybe even do something reckless. Sometimes you just need to recalibrate!

My work place recently moved a 5.5 minute walk from my home. When I first heard we were moving, I was awakened with excitement, thinking about trips home on my lunch break. I thought it was a dream come true, I could go home to drink hot chocolate, and perhaps fit in little nanna nap. Unfortunately, one minor detail was left off my dream list - I would become stuck in my own version of Ground Hog Day!  

Suddenly I was stuck, in a monotonous routine. Compared to the variety and excitement I’d become accustomed to while working in the big city. In the city I would run across the harbour bridge weekly, have lunch dates in wonderful cafes. Around every corner in the CBD, was a new experience to be embraced. And now, my lunch time is replaced with dumplings, dumplings and more dumplings!

A few months after the move I wanted to pull my hair out, because I felt I was going mad. I began to fantasise about the next big, expensive holiday (I had just come home from 3 months in Mexico). And free time was spent scheming about ways to get back in the city. I was confused, because I love what I do for work, and didn't want to change my job. But I felt frustrated being stuck in suburbia, day in and day out.

Then one afternoon, after work, I had a moment of recalibration! I went to the grocery store, to buy tomato paste. My mind was screaming 'Blrggh I don't want to go to the same local shopping centre again'. I listened to that voice, and drove the extra ten minutes, to a shopping centre in the next suburb. Surprisingly, this small trip shifted me into recalibration.

The neighboring shopping centre was recently renovated. Suddenly I was immersed in sparkly new surroundings. I wandered around curiously, observing the small differences in the new centre. I explored the fresh new shops, ate at an unfamiliar cafe. It was a satisfying experience, for my curious and adventurous soul.

That day I learnt escape through crazy travel adventures, and emotionally charged ideas, is not always the answer. If you feel down in the dumps on a routine day, take a small dip into a new experience. This will help keep the everyday interesting and vibrant. Especially if you wish to stay grounded, and focused on the  bigger vision. Simply get creative with your daily routine, and mix it up a little.

If you’re a gym junkie, go for a swim at the pool one day. Why not book a ticket to an interesting seminar or talk? You could start a side project? Or simply download an album from an unknown artist.

Tomorrow I shall embark on my standard 5.5 min walk to work. But to keep things fresh in Ashfield tomorrow, I will drive to the beach for a morning walk,  use coloured pens instead of the standard black and red colours, email a friend in Spanish, then cook a meal I’ve never tasted.

About Margie...

You will usually find Margie working on a major event campaign, coordinating a private wedding/ function or hosting a quirky party for friends and family. Margie loves bringing communities together and creating buzzing environments through events and festivals. Alongside her love for organising events, she also enjoys learning Spanish, does a little rock n roll dancing with her husband Chris, runs and likes to travel the world. Simply put, Margie believes in approaching life in a creative manner as it makes everyday life remarkably interesting and fulfilling.

Life is a verb

     One of the great things about weddings is getting to know your friend's families. You often hear all about them in stories, but it is so great getting to meet them in the flesh. A few years back I met the lovely Margie at work. A true kindred spirit, it was as if our lives were bound to cross paths. 

    

     Margie would often meet up with her Aunty Jane at lunchtime, when she would return from her lunch dates she would always tell me the awesome things that her Aunty was up too. When Margie started to get into running, I was so impressed to hear that her Aunty Jane was going to join her!

     The years soon passed and Chris and Margie decided to get hitched! It was an exciting time! It wasn't really until the hens party did I really get a chance to chat with Jane. She is full of fun and the life of the party and I just love how she made so many amazing changes in her life. It really just shows, that with determination and passion anyone can change the direction of their life and head down a new path. Here is more on Jane...

What was the catalyst for you to overhaul your lifestyle?

I didn't have some major epiphany. I just decided that I had enough of doing what I was doing and decided to change it.

Jane at the start line of the Mother’s Day Classic, in memory of her friend Saskia who passed away last year from Breast Cancer

What are some tips you suggest for those considering to make a big lifestyle change?

Make a commitment and stick to it. Surround yourself with supportive people. Set goals, small and big. Reward yourself when you achieve a milestone. If I have a bad day, I acknowledge that and I start afresh the next day.

What does a typical day off look like for you?

A day off for me involves doing something for myself, massage, pedicure, a bit of reading or knitting. I also like having a catch up with friends and I love baking. A “nanna nap” on the lounge doesn’t go astray as well.

What are some of your fav activities to rest and recalibrate?

I love reading and knitting and crochet. I usually have two books on the go, one fiction and one non-fiction. I also love magazines, especially running and anything to do with health and fitness. At the moment I’m making “baby boxes” which consist of a knitted toy and then other bits and pieces like nappies, baby powder, baby wondersuit, singlets, all put together in a presentation box.

What does ‘recalibrate’ mean to you?

Recalibrate to me means to re-energise, have a review of the present and make new choices for the future.

Are you an introvert or extrovert?

Extrovert. I am a people person, love social occasions. I have recently joined a Womens Charity Organisation called Zonta which raises money for women’s issues and from June 2014 I am the Secretary of our particular Club, Sydney East.

What’s your favourite smell?

I love the smell of baking and roses.

Are you a morning person or night owl?

Morning person. My husband once said to me that daytime is for doing stuff and nighttime is for sleeping.

         Jane with her lovely hubby at Margie and Chris' wedding 

What types of exercise do you do?

• Strength training
• Running
• Boot camp

Jane completed the Relay Half Marathon in May last year, with her friend Haley 

Do you have any running events coming up?
The Gold Coast Half Marathon (21.1km) on 6^th July 2014.