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Summer heat in Brisbane can be scorching, burning on the back of your neck, especially while you're standing still. At a corner of an intersection on a busy afternoon in the CBD, there I stood waiting for the sign to show that I could cross the road. Surrounded by a sea of people going in different directions we were all waiting for the sign. The sign came on, the sound along with it indicating it was safe to cross. As I was walking across the road towards Central Station I noticed in the corner of my eye a homeless man lying prostrate on a bench a few meters from the intersection. In that moment I was prompted, the inner voice saying 'go over and offer him something to eat.' Awkwardly, I diverted my direction towards the man sheepishly embarrassed that I would make a fool of myself. I proceeded to sit next to him while diverting my eyes from the gaze of others walking by. You see in that moment, I actually felt shame as if sitting beside him made me less important on the social hierarchy of influence. I waited for a moment then gently tapped him on his waist coat and asked him 'would you like something to eat?' Slowly he rose, eyes squinting by the brightness of the sun he said 'yes.' After memorizing what he wanted I left, grabbed his order and came back to sit with him as he ate his food. I have always had a curious nature and love to ask people questions, not from a place of insincerity but primarily because I love learning through people. I asked him about his story. He spoke about the love of his life and that years ago he was a business man. He spoke about how his wife became ill and passed away. He said how she was the reason for his 'why' and that when she passed he had no reason to go on so, he gave up, losing his business and everything he had worked for. This story was a turning point because I recognized the value of listening to your gut, the prompt, the inner voice. Ever since that moment the prompts have become part of who we are as business owners and human beings. For many years since that time I have been prompted to message someone, call this person, give this person something, pay for their fuel. I have woken up and felt prompted to go the shopping center near where I lived. Weirdly, I listened and went, when coming down the escalator I recognized a man I had worked with. Speaking to him he said he wasn't in a good place, some based on life choices and relationship issues. After our conversation I called an older mentor who then followed up with the man relating to what was happening for him. That leads me to this morning, waking up, prompted 'go to the gym.' I had already been six days straight which is one more than I normally do. I'm there on the treadmill focused on a 30 minute session when I noticed a lady I've seen numerous times at the gym working out on her own. She looks determined, focused, getting her reps in, changing weights, more reps, embracing the grind. At the duration of my session you guessed it, here comes the prompt, 'tell her what a great job she's doing, tell her you admire her dedication.' I walk down the stairs and go up to her and say, "I see you hear alot, I admire your dedication, great job!" Prompts are as simple as leaning in, letting go of being self conscious, and being obedient. “A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” – Winston Churchill

We have started a connect group at our house on a Monday fortnightly in Ipswich from 6pm til 8pm. What is a connect group? Great question, connect is where likeminded people come together to build friendship in a safe, caring environment where we laugh together and support each other on life’s often difficult paths.⠀ Clara and I speak to a lot of people and one thing that comes up time and again is the issue of loneliness. We’ve had many people feel isolated, lonely as a couple or family due to factors such as moving from interstate for work purposes, have no family in the area, or disconnected from loved ones.⠀ We don’t judge people’s situation, however what we do well is offer love, acceptance and forgiveness. We love our community and would love to open our home and our hearts and invite you to join us together on this journey.⠀ If this is something that interests you please DM (direct message ) us and we can send you more details.⠀ Big love from our family to yours, ⠀ Dave and Clara ⠀ 📷: @thebushcollective