Instead of doing what you like, start liking what you do, writes MicheleCotter, of Lake Hawea.
Now what? National now governs our country. We know that for three years this is what we have to work with.
So let's get behind what it is as a country we want to see happen.
Government is by the people, for the people. That's you! New Zealand is a beautiful country. New Zealanders are beautiful people.
Unfortunately, some of us have missed this message and like a low in the weather this has fogged the vision of our purpose.
Abuse has gripped and decayed our approach to life's desire to make change.
This has not worked!
So, if you are abusing a situation, may it be of power, feeling entitled to claim a benefit that you know is not a true need; if gambling, alcohol and drug abuse is robbing your family of food on their table; or perhaps you are not paying people who commit their working day to you - a proper working wage that you yourself may enjoy - then now is a time to re-evaluate your future.
We know the road rules. When crossing a road look both ways.
I am convinced if we practised looking both ways in our life, saw who was either side of us, all pulled our weight a bit more, made a casserole and shared it with the people either side of us, we would all have a better sense of what food is really meant to be about.
What life is meant to be about. How ironic it is that we are obsessed with food shows.
Some would have a low-income family's weekly supply of food in their wheelie bin after a night's entertainment.
Talk to a stranger. Walk with a stranger. Ask an elderly person how they are managing.
Tell a child they are neat; ask them ''how are you?'' Too many children have time-poor parents believing that things will sustain their sense of being.
Engage a teenager with personal time that is outside of Facebook, cellphones, or agenda and time frame.
Ask them how they think we are all doing - maybe if we listened, we may hear the echo of some of our own struggles and vulnerabilities.
Save our children from youth suicide or repeat abusive behaviour.
Let's all help their struggle be a solution to outcomes that help us all make ground.
If some things came through loud and clear to me after watching and listening to how our country's election campaign played out from beginning to end, it was what was placed before us.
I felt really sad about people's level of respect.
People feel free to say and do whatever they like today.
The media talk to leaders of our country with no respect.
Once again, sure National is our government.
But if you make a small effort to improve an area of life that you can, take up the tools you have to work with, well then we have a very beautiful New Zealand to live in, with a live beating heart.
And for all you folk out there determined to make a change, in your heart, your home, your community, you are why people around the world believe New Zealand to be a truly beautiful place to live.
Instead of doing what you like, start liking what you do.
