Looking After Myself

When I look after myself I can look after others. When my battery is low I will focus on what energises me. These are the places I go and the people who guide me so I can look after myself. Thoo (this tree) call the boonoo wubarn (storms and the rain) without this tree there is no rain, no goon (water). Gukoongoon (kookaburra) and Nyarla (owl) are goothoothoom (birds) or the gearee (day) and the noolgee (night) skies. They watch, hunt, forage and bring messages that are significant, some bring us messages that are significant, some bring us messages to guide, and give courage, building resilience in me so I can care for others. My Elders watch me as I grow, like this tree I need water to grow, they are here to mentor and to teach. They teach me to care fiercely for myself, my safety and my family, and to seek refuge when times are hard, when I look after myself I can look after others.