B. Teaching
B. Applied Science
Dip. Professional Coaching
Palliative Care Clinical Network Member (CEIH SA)
Bec Smith - family first.
Brayden, Bec and Marleigh
Bec Smith is my first featured Human wellBeing and I’m so pleased to share part of her story. Bec is one of those people that you meet and you instantly like. She is guided by having a really clear picture about what is important to her, and she lives her values rather than just talk about them.
When you spend time with Bec you see love, trust, honesty and forgiveness in action in so many ways. Bec as a parent is pretty special and you can tell she adores her two children Brayden, 17, and Marleigh 14.
In 2024, Bec has introduced Family Date Night, where the three hang out and do something they love. The idea came from Bec’s wish to grow happy and independent kids who can find their own path through uncertainty. Having time together amongst the busyness of their lives was something that Bec thought they would love now, cherish to look back on, and help her children grow into their own independent selves.
January was grabbing some Maccas McFlurry’s and heading to East Shores in QLD to watch the sunset and see the night lights appear. It’s all pretty casual, the beach walks allowed for a chat and check in or just a time to collect thoughts.
The memories are captured with photos and dates that are placed on the fridge (clever thinking Bec, frequent reminder!) so the stories keep adding up and serves as an accountability tool as well when life gets busy.
Since Bec has shared her plan for 2024 it’s gained some momentum with her circle of friends picking up the idea and running with it.
Here’s to 2024 for Bec, Brayden and Marleigh filling the home with good times and the fridge door with some awesome memories.
April 2024
Luke Doecke - challenge, discipline, habits, progress.
Husband, father, son, brother, mate, builder, cricketer,
runner, and now dancer.
Luke Doecke's got a few things on the go hasn't he?
If running Saxony Building with his wife Lisa, as well as father
to Ollie and Tilly, and President and player at Angaston
Cricket Club wasn't enough, lets throw in a little challenge
of running 30 mins every day for 101 consecutive days while
raising money for a cause.
Oh and put on a dance in front of 350 people too if that's okay.
Luke Doecke, another run done.
Despite all the things the man from Mt McKenzie has on the go, its perhaps the dance that's the most challenging, even more so than suiting up into his running attire day after day. Particularly if you've seen his moves on the Saxony insta page!
It's the thought behind it all that drives Luke - the dance is all part of the Stars of Barossa charity night on May 11th, where Luke, and other Barossa Valley identities, will put on a dance in front of a big local crowd to raise money and awareness for local cancer charities.
The running came about to increase awareness of Luke's fundraising efforts and out of respect for those facing cancer challenges every day.
"I wanted to consistently show up and get comfortable being uncomfortable. When someone has cancer they have no choice - they have to show up and so often it is uncomfortable what they have to go through. So I wanted to pay respect to that.
"In researching this, I realised that 30 South Australians are diagnosed with cancer every day so my 30 minutes of running time reflects that as well." Luke said.
It must be noted that Luke was reflecting on his challenges all while sitting next to his newly purchased ice bath that was obviously purchased as a result of his 80 days of consecutive running. Only 21 to go!
"I have learned a lot, it's taught me about discipline, creating good habits and I have enjoyed seeing my progress. This approach is something I'll look to take into my business too when this challenge has finished." Luke said.
And speaking of progress, how's the dance looking?
" We were all pretty nervous before our first session with our dance teacher (Amy from Barossa Dance) but it is all starting to come together. It's a repetitive dance with a few highlights we will save for the night.
"Its been great having our staff involved as it's been an opportunity to communicate with them about something other than work." Luke said.
Collectively, all the Barossa Stars have raised an impressive $8,000 to date with more funds to come in the form of auctions and raffles. And it's Luke that's leading the fundraising pack, raising an impressive $3,000 which will make a real difference to people and families in need.
Don't underestimate the impact Luke's having on all of us too - challenge, discipline, habits, progress - not a bad formula to follow regardless of where we are in life right now.
And then in the middle of May, when the running shoes and dance costumes are packed up, what's in store for this motivated man? Winter's ahead, any challenges in the newly purchased ice bath? Don't rule anything out is my guess.
"During my running I have had so much thinking time so I have a few life, business and running plans ahead. I have always wanted to run a marathon so that could be next and maybe even running one overseas in London, Boston or New York." Luke said.
Regardless of where Luke's running and dancing will take him, I am confident there will be a purpose and an equally strong commitment. And while he's challenging himself, others are bound to benefit.
That's a Human wellBeing - making others feel good just by being themselves.
You can donate to Luke's cause here. All proceeds go to Cancer Council SA and Barossa Area Fundraising for Cancer.
Bringing people and pets along for the run.
Luke, wife Lisa, and Smudge the dog.
March 2024
