belinka

For as long as I can remember, I’ve felt different, but I never really understood why. I’ve always struggled with working full time — I get so exhausted that I can’t do things after work like other people can. While others go out for after-work drinks, I just need to go home and rest. I can pick up on how people are feeling, and strong smells or bright lights really get to me. I’ve never been able to wear perfume or drink coffee, and even some clothes feel uncomfortable. When I found out about the concept of being a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP), suddenly my whole life made sense. I finally understood myself and stopped pushing to be like everyone else. A Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) is someone whose nervous system processes sensory input more deeply, making them highly aware of subtle stimuli — and this constant over-awareness leaves them exhausted by the end of the day. What Is a Highly Sensitive Person? The term Highly Sensitive Person was first introduced by psychologist Dr. E...

Parenting solo with a sensitive nervous system? You’re not broken—you’re wired for deep care. These 9 gentle strategies have helped me go from meltdown to mindful. I didn’t know I was a Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) until my son was about three years old. Suddenly, so much made sense. I’m pretty much the textbook definition of a Highly Sensitive Person—I checked every box on the self-test. Discovering what that meant was a total game-changer for me. I finally understood why those early baby years had felt like I was barely surviving—while my friends seemed to cruise through with ease. The sleepless nights, the overstimulation, the constant needs—I was truly struggling and didn’t have the words for it at the time. Now that I do, I’ve built a way of life that honors my sensitivity and my son’s needs. Is it always easy? Not at all. But there are ways to make it more manageable—and even joyful. Here’s what’s helping me survive and even thrive as a highly sensitive single parent. 1. Stick...

Warringah Shire Mayor - John Frederick Duffy (1863-1950) My second great grandfather John Duffy was the mayor (then called president) and served in the first Warringhah shire council from 1906, he was re-elected in 1908, 1911, 1914 and 1917 his photo resides on the walls of the Warringah shire council building today. He married Sarah Martha Horn at Waterloo in 1894. John and Sarah had a son John Fredrick who served in WWI and a daughter Elvy Margaret Duffy (my great grandmother) (1896-1981).  Sarah Duffy (My Nan's grandmother), Jack Duffy, Elvy Duffy (My Nan's Mother) and John F Duffy (Nan's grandfather). Mona Vale Orchard He was also an orchardist at Mona Vale. Family photos of John Duffy at his orchard. Patrick Duffy - Duffy's Forest (suburb in the Northern Beaches) Paddy's Markets, Sydney City (1930s-1990s) Paddy's Market and Hay St, Haymarket in Sydney in 1929. PITT STREET AT HAYMARKET 1893 The Sydney Markets 1788 - 1988 ; by Michael Christie Elvy Byrne at h...

PRINCIPLES OF MONTESSORI Learning begins before birth All senses are used in the learning process The child is respected The Prepared Environment is essential Role of Educator is to guide, not ‘teach’ Observation is the most important skill of the Educator Hand and mind work together Choice and freedom KEY ELEMENTS OF MONTESSORI Multi age classes – vertical grouping by stages of development Three Hour work cycle Child Led, individual programming, independent learning Self- discipline & intrinsic motivation Materials with a control of error Holistic approach to education WHAT IT AIMS TO DO Create a lifelong love of learning Concentration, persistence & coordination Normalisation & self-discipline Independence & responsibility Creative self-expression HIGHLIGHTS Respect for the dignity of each child Freedom of choice within structure and limits “Follow the lead of the child”: each unfolds at his own pace The environment is “...

Hugh Wilson - Dad's side Direct ancestor (7 generations) 1762 If you're wondering why Luka looks Irish. On my Dad's fathers side comes a line of Irish men from County Down , North Ireland. A lot go by the name James or Hugh Wilson. As far back as I can see on the family tree in MyHeritage is 7 generations back born 1762. James Wilson (born 1831) was the generation that moved from Ireland to Sydney and then Booral, NSW. Patrick Duffy - Mum's side Duffy's Forest Duffys Forest is named after Patrick Duffy, who received a land grant there in 1857. He became a timber cutter and cleared a road through the bush to Cowan Creek , where he built a stone wharf for transporting timber. The wharf is still known as Duffys Wharf and the road is Duffys Track. [2] Duffys Forest is a suburb of northern Sydney , in the state of New South Wales , Australia . Duffys Forest is 28 kilometres north of the Sydney central business district in the local government area of Nor...

Venice