The Glass is Half-full 6.04.18, By Kian / by Kian West

If something doesn't exist and you want it, make it. 

Merewether baths make the change

This idea has been on my mind and a topic of conversation several times this week. 
How often do we all think "I wish there was a group like X" or "an event like Y" or "A business does Z" but then we don't take action? Honestly, for me, the problem is too often that I do take action and love surrounding myself with people that do the same. This isn't to brag, it's more of a question to people with great ideas "Why don't you take action?"

This weekend is full of great examples of things created by people that wished there was something they wanted and I'll give you two great examples:
1. Newcastle Beer Festival - A celebration of the countries best beer brewers in our backyard on the foreshore at Camp Shortland opposite Nobby's Beach this Saturday. If you love Beer (I do) then this is an event you will not want to miss. 
2. Newcastle Writers Festival - All weekend long a literary celebration. There are so many events that make up the festival now celebrating 5 years and it has fast become a national treasure. 

I was lucky enough to chair a special Writers Festival event last night for the Newcastle Business Book Club. A club I created with a friend of mine, the very talented Alyssa Gill of Squib Communications, because we wanted an opportunity to talk with other people about the books that have inspired us and to motivate one another to read more. With so many distractions in the world, it is nice to have a task like this that helps us keep the personal goal of reading alive. 
Because when we searched around there wasn't an option like we wanted. 
Really, that's the story of Mirage. Ryan and I sitting around wondering why there wasn't something positive for our community that focused on all the local people we think are worthy of promotion. Because what is the worst that can happen? It doesn't work. At least you learn something from it and can grow. 


Maybe there is something wrong with me that I think this way. 
Failure just isn't as embarrassing as not doing anything, really, it is not. 
I heard the quote today that "No one cares as much about what you are doing as you do" and it is true in terms of this. People will very quickly forget your failures if you are honest, hardworking and have a crack. That's a good thing. If you don't have any great ideas, help someone with their great idea and you might come up with your own out of it. Events are always looking for volunteers and businesses like ours are always on the hunt for help delivering or anything really. Hell, sharing this article would be a gigantic help. Shout your love for your friends and their business this weekend. Make your next great idea be to promote the people you think are doing great stuff in the community. It'll add way more value than a funny meme on Facebook (although memes are still cool). 
Happy weekend.