The aesthetic of this ephemeral artform is sublime.

This clip is poignant.

If you have an interest in leadership development and life coaching, check out my new blog Leaders' Log.

If you're interested in politics in New South Wales, Australia, check out Politics NSW.

In the months since Council was dismissed I have been a little withdrawn from the community as I reflect on the last four years and what my focus will be over coming years. I have now settled on a renewed passion for life coaching and leadership development. I am building a dedicated leadership blog, which I will announce here when it is ready to be launched.

Every aspect of my life has changed from this time last year. I am in relationship with a wonderful woman Dame. I have moved to Port Macquarie and changed my job. I am no longer a Councillor since the dismissal of Council and will be redirecting my community service efforts to Rotary. While recent times have been tumultuous, I now have a greater sense of hope and deeper peace than I have had for some time.

If you asked me when I was 11 what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would have said Systems Analyst/Programmer. One week ago I commenced work as an Application Developer. This represents the attainment of one of my life-long career aspirations.

The dawn of 08 has brought with it the challenge to re-evaluate not only what I do, but who I have been and contrast that with the vision I have for my life. I have validated the maxim that we are harder on ourselves than anybody else could be.

The time for self-flagellation is drawing to a close as I consolidate and bring focus to how this year will be. Of course vision alone is insufficient. Not by a single heroic or catastrophic act will my life be made or undone, but by the weight of daily acts the shape of my life takes form.

I have set a score of goals for the year, and one of them is regular blog entries. I have been doing around an hour of exercise each day; connecting with my family more regularly and reading for personal development.

If early 08 was a movie, the sound track is a mix of Sia, Tori Amos, Massive Attack, Delerium and Hans Zimmer (the music from Gladiator).

It is with excitement and some trepidation that I face the prospect of the year ahead, but trust that I will draw to me what I need.

I've updated my LinkedIn profile