The most useful device in your life is also most likely your biggest real life distraction.

A third of the way through the year and struggling to find time to do any of the things you put on your 2026 list? You are not alone. Time is slipping by fast, but where has it gone?

For many of us there is one answer: the “smart” phone. The little device that slips into your back pocket is a portal to a world of information and activity, but it’s also a black hole that sucks away time and attention, adding overwhelm and anxiety if not used in moderation.

Sound familiar? It should. The average Australian spends four hours of their spare time each day watching TV or using devices (25 per cent of their waking time).

The evidence shows phone usage has many other negative impacts on our health and lifestyle, too. Disrupted sleep, depression, anxiety, lower self-esteem, addiction, and reduced attention span are only a few of the downsides of too much screen time. Add less time spent with friends and family, lower rates of physical activity and reduced time spent outside in nature, and it’s certainly a dark shadow over modern life.

But you can take back control.

If you see yourself in some or all of these scenarios and you’re ready to get your time and life back, it’s time to schedule a digital detox. Here are five tips to get you looking up and experiencing the world around you again.

Getting started

Ask yourself a few questions before getting started:

• What am I trying to achieve through a detox? Writing down your goals will help you stay focused and carry you through the moments when you want to reach for the phone.
• When do I use my phone the most? Identify the times and places when you use your phone and think about whether this is out of habit or genuine need.
• What do I use my phone for? Whether you are looking for information, entertainment or simply filling in time, this is helpful data for taking the next step.
• How do I feel about technology and myself when I use it? Be honest about the type of media you use and how it impacts your sense of self, your relationships and your family life.

Once you’ve set your goals and reflected on your current needs and habits, it’s time to commit to your digital detox. Remember: it doesn’t matter if you have “failed days”, what matters is how you pick yourself back up.

5 Strategies for a Digital Detox

1. Delete

Take a look through your phone and consider which apps take up your time unnecessarily. These might be games, news sites, social media or even language learning apps – you know who you are, Duolingo users.

If you’re ready to take the leap, delete the ones you know are simply consuming time without improving your wellbeing. If they are part of how you communicate with friends and family, let them know you are going quiet for a while. They could always call or send a text.

Remember, you can add the apps back later, so be bold now.

2. Silence

Do you start the day with laser-like focus only to find your train of thought interrupted by your phone beeping away beside you? Turning off all notifications is a step toward controlling who and what gets your attention. Schedule a time in the morning or afternoon to check news, weather and emails. Set a timer and you’ll be even more efficient at staying on top of the important and avoiding distractions.

Put yourself in charge of your time and agenda.

3. Relocate Your Device

Location, location, location. Proximity matters as much with your phone as with anything else. If it’s right beside you, habit will kick in and you’re far more likely to reach for it without even thinking.

Leaving your phone in another room removes the distraction and helps you build new habits.

4. Go Analogue

Do you still have recipe books on your shelves? Pull them out and leaf through them over your morning cuppa. Not only will you avoid mindless scrolling, but you might discover an amazing new recipe for dinner that night: win-win.

Set up a jigsaw puzzle and you’ll have something to return to whenever you want to switch off for a bit.

Is there a book you’ve been longing to read but never seem to get to? Put it next to your bed, on the kitchen bench, or on the coffee table. Do the same with a hobby you haven’t picked up in a while. Leave it in plain sight where you can easily reach for it. You’ll have plenty of extra time, especially if your phone is elsewhere.

Write a list, on actual paper, of things you want to do, places to go, or things to try. Start ticking them off. Yes, with an actual pen.

Get out in nature. Make your morning coffee and take it outside. Feel the breeze, touch some grass, and move your body. Your mind will thank you just as much as your muscles will.

5. Set Time Limits and Phone-Free Zones

There will be some apps you need to access throughout the day. Set realistic time limits on your device. Your phone will alert you when you’ve reached your self-imposed limit. If you find yourself repeatedly going over it, consider deleting the app for a period of time.

Establishing phone-free zones in your home can also help you and you build new routines. Keeping phones out of bedrooms can be particularly useful as you reclaim healthy sleep habits. Invest in an alarm clock, set aside a book you want to read and make the bedroom a place of peace and restfulness. After all, that’s what it’s for.

Next steps

As with any detox, a digital detox is designed to reset your habits and create space for something different. From there, you can decide which changes you’d like to make permanent. Experiment, see what works, and find what can realistically be integrated into your lifestyle long term.

As you develop new habits, they might even rub off on the people around you. After all, you’ll be inspiring company when you start climbing mountains and finally reading all those books.

Article supplied with thanks to Hope Media.

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Decision-making is not only guided by practical considerations but also by our values, spiritual beliefs, and cultural background.

Making decisions about our lives can be difficult. Whether it’s choosing a university, a career path, or a life partner, these important life decisions often come with uncertainty and pressure.

For many of us, decision-making is not only guided by practical considerations but also by our values, spiritual beliefs, and cultural background. We often reflect on whether our choices align with what we believe and whether they will be supported by our community.

Because of these intersecting factors, decision-making can become complex. You may have heard of the term analysis paralysis, the feeling of being stuck and unable to move forward due to fear of making the wrong choice. Often, this happens when a nagging inner voice begins to erode the confidence we once had in our decision.

When this happens, it can be helpful to keep a few key ideas in mind to ease the pressure and support clearer, more confident decision-making.

Not Every Decision Has to Be Perfect the First Time

It’s easy to feel that important life decisions must be perfect from the start. However, adjusting to a more realistic expectation- sometimes we will get it right the first time and sometimes we won’t- can relieve the pressure that keeps us stuck.

Important decisions can feel final, as though once we choose a path, we must stay on it forever. In reality, life often involves adapting, learning, and re-evaluating along the way. Some of the most meaningful lessons come through experience, including situations that don’t go as planned.

For example, someone might begin a university course and later realise their interests lie elsewhere. A person may enter a job and discover it doesn’t align with their skills or passions. Rather than feeling obliged to continue, we can choose a path that better fits the direction we want our lives to take.

Seeking Wise Counsel in Decision-Making

Decision-making doesn’t have to happen in isolation. Speaking with others can provide valuable insight, clarity, and support.

Many people find it helpful to seek guidance from trusted individuals such as friends, family members, mentors, or someone within their faith or spiritual community. These conversations can help us reflect on our values, explore different perspectives, and feel less alone in the process.

Seeking wise counsel is a powerful way to make more informed and balanced life decisions.

Moving Forward with Self-Compassion

Starting again is often part of life’s journey. Across cultures and spiritual traditions, there are many stories of individuals who faced setbacks, uncertainty, or mistakes before finding their way forward.

Recognising that challenges are a normal part of life can help us approach decision-making with greater self-compassion and openness. Instead of being overly critical of ourselves, we can learn to respond with patience and understanding.

Holding onto our values or faith, while also extending compassion toward ourselves, creates space to move forward with greater confidence and peace.

The next time you find yourself at an important life crossroads, remember to offer yourself the same compassion you would offer to others. Decision-making is not about getting everything perfect, it’s about learning, growing, and moving forward with intention.

The Centre for Effective Living is an award-winning Psychology and Well-Being practice serving the Upper North Shore of Sydney.

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Common wisdom has always been that fresh air and sunshine are good for us. But what impact does spending time outside really have?

Nature Play WA CEO, Kelsie Prabawa-Sear notes that we all feel better when we are outside, whether you’re a child or an adult.

“When we go outside, we get sunshine, we get fresh air. We have nice smells and we know that we feel better, but we don’t necessarily know why.”

There is fascinating science behind why outdoor time is refreshing.

“We see a drop in our stress hormone in cortisol. Then we also see an increase in our endorphins, which are associated with happiness and pleasure. There is also oxytocin that also helps alleviate stress and anxiety. So nature just helps our body adjust to feel better just by going outside,” said Kelsie.

Getting Kids Outside

Kelsie said the best thing to do is get ourselves outside, and the kids will follow.

“If there’s nothing inside that they’re glued to, like a screen, if we go outside, they will come. Then generally we get the benefits as well.”

She said that once kids are engaged in outdoor play, they can sustain themselves for a decent amount of time.

“Once you start to recognise how much better you feel, you are more motivated to do it. Everyone feels better and generally you can squeeze it in some part of the day.”

The 2026 Indoor Crisis

It has always been important for people to go outside, but there wasn’t as much focus on it in the past. Many people accepted it as part of their day.

“For a lot of us when we were growing up, kids were outside, so no one needed to talk about it or tell us to go outside.”

The University of Kent came out with research that shows when kids have time outside, they get positive associations of smells and the feel of nature. When these children become adults who are struggling with mental health, the return to nature brings back those positive associations.

“They get better results than people that never had that time in nature,” said Kelsie.

“Not only is it good for the kids when they’re little, it’s also helping to safeguard them when they’re older so that they can sort of draw on those positive associations and help them feel better.”

Kelsie said this is due to the overwhelm of events happening in the present day that can sometimes keep us from healthy habits that are better for our overall health.

Outdoor Time

“Research shows that ten minutes of walking outside will positively impact your wellbeing and how you feel,” said Kelsie.

“Then for kids, if it’s not just walking, but running and jumping and cartwheeling and swinging, that just makes everyone feel even better again.”

She said there are added benefits of resilience that they can learn.

“There’s lots of ways that it kind of builds up on the time to just make us a little bit more emotionally regulated in the moment and then longer term helps us with our resilience.”

Article supplied with thanks to Sonshine.

Feature image: Canva

Younger Australians are building portfolios instead of looking at property as the key to a secure financial future.

In a landscape defined by cost-of-living pressures and housing affordability debates, it would be easy to assume that financial optimism is dampening. Despite the Great Australian Dream of home ownership remaining elusive for many young Australians, they aren’t giving up.

The emerging generation are pivoting their financial aspirations, likely out of necessity as much as preference. Gen Z is an engaged investing generation, balancing current financial anxiety with a belief that their best financial days are ahead of them. This future may just look different from what they imagined. While property is the dominant asset class for older Australians, as the baton passes from Baby Boomers to Gen Z, there is a structural shift from a nation of property owners to a nation of portfolio builders.

From brick and mortar to digital portfolios

For decades, the path to wealth in Australia was clear. Buy a home, pay it off. As the pathway to ownership gets more challenging, the younger generations are carving a new path. Despite facing high entry barriers to housing, Gen Z and Gen Y are not being passive, they’re pivoting to more accessible investment opportunities.

Gen Z and Gen Y are more likely to be active in other investment classes (shares, crypto, managed funds) compared to Baby Boomers.

The younger generations are no longer just a future home buyer in waiting. They are sophisticated, active, diversified investors, who are building wealth through other means.

The optimism paradox

An interesting trend is the disconnect between current anxiety and future hope. Currently half of Gen Z (53%) are worried about their financial future (strongly/somewhat agree). This anxiety is real, driven by the immediate cost of living and inflation pressures.

Despite this, Gen Z are the most optimistic generation. Two in five Gen Z (39%) strongly agree they will be in a better financial position than they are today, compared to just 10% of Baby Boomers. This optimism is largely related to life stage, where many Baby Boomers are likely drawing on their super to fund retirement and considering passing wealth onto the next generation. Many may also feel their wealth creation phase is over, and are therefore less optimistic about their financial future. Younger generations, however, see their current financial struggles as a chapter, not the whole story. For financial services, the opportunity lies in easing financial worries, validating optimism and giving the next generation tools to create their financial future.

While the active investment numbers are encouraging, there is a gap between the genders. Males are twice as likely as females to strongly/somewhat agree they’re actively investing in various asset classes (38% vs 21%).

A nation of financial DIYers

Despite the complexity of the modern financial landscape, crypto, global markets, ETFs, non-traditional retirement funds, prediction markets only 32% of Australians strongly/somewhat agree they seek professional advice before making major financial decisions. This indicates there is a large proportion that may be making financial choices based on self-education, social media, or family advice.

The cost alone is not a barrier to advice, as even among high-income earners, the trend persists (35% earning 156k or more per year strongly/somewhat agree they seek advice before making a major financial decision). The challenge for the financial services industry, therefore, is to demonstrate value in a world where information is free, but wisdom is scarce.

Gen Z re-brands budgeting

Contrary to the stereotype of younger generations engaging in reckless doom spending, Gen Z are the most disciplined budgeters. Half of Gen Z (52%) strongly/somewhat agree they have a monthly budget they stick to, which is the highest of any generation Gen Y (48%), Gen X (44%) and Baby Boomers (45%).

In this budget rebrand, it’s no longer just for the frugal, it’s a primary tool for the ambitious younger generations who are building for the future. When it comes to budgeting, those doing it aren’t just the family CFO or the family financial advisor, it’s the 24-year-old trying to navigate rent, HECS, and a side-hustle simultaneously.

The bottom line

When it comes to financial identity people are resilient. Despite difficult conditions the younger generations are taking agency and a long-term view. For leaders, brands, and institutions the message is clear: don’t mistake anxiety and disappointment for pessimism. The next generation of wealth builders is active, engaged, and looking for ways to create their future.

Article supplied with thanks to McCrindle.

About the Author: McCrindle are a team of researchers and communications specialists who discover insights, and tell the story of Australians – what we do, and who we are.

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The NDIS support that helps a Paralympian live independently, on and off the sporting field.

“To have such a high level of support that I need when I travel overseas … then to be able to go home at the end of the day and have my own independence but still have someone I can call if I need them in my alone time is something that I really treasure,” shares Paralympian, Jamieson Leeson.

Jamieson is joined by Laura Cowell, CEO of Australian Operations at TLC Disability Services; and Dr. Louise Gosbell, disability researcher and advocate, to explore the topic of disability and support.

In 2024, disability support funded by the NDIS enabled Jamieson to train for and reach one of her biggest life goals yet; to compete at the Paris Olympics in the sport of Boccia. With several medals to her name from this and other domestic and international tournaments, NDIS support and the high level of care it provides to Jamieson is enabling her to accomplish many of the same life goals as those who don’t live with a disability.

At an organisational level, the purpose of the NDIS is to do exactly that, agrees Laura Cowell.

“The NDIS is a government initiative … (It) is really about empowering people to reach their goals to live their best life. It provides the ability for people to access the support and services they need to do that.”

However, despite NDIS support, many barriers still exist for those living with a disability, explains Louise, which prevent them from being able to participate in life’s activities on an equal basis with others.

These barriers, she says, tend to fall into one of three categories;

1. Obvious – E.g. failure to include disability-appropriate accessibility such as wheelchair ramps or accessible toilets
2. Communication barriers – E.g. no captioning on social media videos
3. Attitudinal barriers – resulting from poor understanding of disability and limited experience

Considering the extensive barriers people living with disability face, Louise asserts that it’s not enough to only support disability at an institutional level. All of us have the ability – and the responsibility – to learn more about the difference we can make in our own spheres of influence and put those good intentions into action.

“I always like to think about hearing the voices of people with disability … hearing from them (about) what we can do to make this better … where I have influence on a personal level as a mother, as someone in a workplace, as a researcher – using the tools and the experiences that I have to the best of my advantage to be able to make a difference.”

We must also not forget, encourages Laura, to care for the carers – for those who come alongside people living with a disability to support their needs in every capacity. Their important roles are vital to the challenge of enabling those with disability to live their best life, and we must ensure that their physical, emotional and mental health is also adequately monitored and cared for.

Jamieson, who has the support of a one-to-one carer every day, completely agrees.

“I wouldn’t be leaving my house if it wasn’t for my carers every day, so to ensure that they’re just as healthy as I am … they play a pivotal role in making sure that I am succeeding in life, it’s crucial for them to be healthy and fit.”

Article supplied with thanks to Helping Hands TV.

About the Author: Helping Hands is an Australian produced TV program that airs on 9GEM, Channel 9 and 9NOW, and showcases people and organisations who make the world a better place.

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According to veterinarian Dr Ewen Blaikie, dental disease, weight gain, and skin or ear issues are among the top reasons pets visit the clinic – yet simple lifestyle changes can make a significant difference.

Dr Blaikie explained how early action helps pets live healthier and happier lives.

Prevention Starts with Everyday Habits

A common thread connects many pet health concerns: lifestyle. Just like humans, pets are affected by diet, activity levels, and daily routines. “These are all preventable problems,” Dr Blaikie says. “If we get ahead of them early, we can avoid a lot of treatment later.”

Modern pet lifestyles, including softer foods and reduced chewing, play a major role in health issues that vets now see regularly.

Dental Disease: A Problem That Begins Early

Many owners believe dental disease only affects older dogs, but signs often appear by three years of age.

One major reason is diet. Domestic dogs typically eat highly digestible food that requires little chewing, unlike animals in the wild that naturally clean their teeth by chewing tougher materials.

Without enough chewing action, plaque builds up quickly and eventually turns into tartar, leading to gum disease and discomfort.

How to Support Better Dental Health

Pet owners can help prevent dental problems by encouraging activities that physically clean teeth, including:

• Providing safe chew toys or ropes
• Offering vet-approved dental chews
• Playing tug games that promote chewing
• Checking teeth regularly at home

While brushing a dog’s teeth is ideal, consistent chewing activities can still significantly reduce plaque build-up. Owners should occasionally lift their dog’s lips to check for signs of dental issues.

Do Natural Dental Products Help?

Some owners explore supplements such as seaweed products or coconut oil for dental health. While these may provide small benefits, they should not replace physical cleaning.

Removing plaque requires mechanical action – chewing, brushing, or other physical contact with the teeth remains the most effective method.

Pet Obesity: A Growing Concern

Weight gain is another widespread issue, with an estimated half of pets visiting veterinary clinics carrying excess weight. Obesity affects more than appearance, it reduces exercise tolerance and increases strain on joints and vital organs.

Why Dogs Gain Weight

Weight gain is not always caused simply by overeating. Factors include:

• Portion sizes and calorie intake
• Lifestyle and exercise levels
• Hormonal changes after sterilisation

Desexing plays an important role in population control but can also slow metabolism, making pets more prone to storing fat.

Feeding for a Healthy Weight

Whether a dog eats once or twice daily matters less than overall food quantity. Owners should focus on:

• Measuring portions carefully
• Avoiding gradual overfeeding
• Considering diets designed for sterilised pets
• Monitoring body condition regularly

Addressing weight early helps protect long-term health and improves quality of life.

Managing Allergies and Ear Issues

Food allergies are also common and often show up through skin irritation or recurring ear infections. Early warning signs include redness, itching, or sensitivity around the ears, and acting quickly when symptoms appear can prevent more serious infections.

Helpful steps include:

• Sticking consistently to approved diets
• Checking ears regularly
• Using vet-recommended cleaning products
• Seeking targeted treatments when needed

Early care is far easier than treating advanced infections.

The Key Takeaway: Act Early

The biggest message for pet owners is simple: prevention works. By paying attention to diet, encouraging chewing, monitoring weight, and responding quickly to health changes, owners can prevent many common problems before they begin.

Small daily habits can lead to healthier pets, fewer vet visits, and more happy years together.

Article supplied with thanks to Sonshine.

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As we look to the future of marketing and the future consumer, the task is to adapt the tools, not truths. By elevating timeless human needs in timely ways, organisations can navigate disruption with a proactive disposition that energises others.

In the rapidly evolving consumer landscape, marketing teams are navigating an era defined not by linear growth, but by paradoxes. As we chart this new terrain, we see a world where disruptive innovation and enduring human needs collide, creating a complex roadmap for brand relevance.

In an era of rapid change, marketing leaders are navigating an era defined not by linear growth, but by paradoxes and accelerating change. As we explore this new terrain, we see a world where disruptive innovation and enduring human needs collide. Brands need to find a way to meet people where they are at amidst the volatility and complexity of this era of disruption.

To position your brand effectively, organisations must become both agile and anchored, embracing the shifts of the future while staying grounded in timeless human needs. Despite the paradoxes at play we see that while times change quickly, people remain anchored by unchanging social behaviours and human drivers.

Here is how businesses and organisations can tap into timeless human needs to build meaningful connections in a rapidly transforming world.

Belonging & Identity

Society is more digitally connected than ever, yet it remains socially fragmented. Our research reveals that 56% of Australians often or sometimes feel lonely. This isolation is most acute in younger generations, reaching 71% for Gen Z and 69% for Generation Y, aka The Millennials.

People ultimately crave connection to communities and causes that reflect who they are. The opportunity is to move beyond selling a product and focus on creating a community around a shared identity. Do this by inviting your customers to co-create impact. Brand experiences that facilitate belonging can act as a powerful antidote to the isolation many consumers feel.

Trust & Safety

We are witnessing a significant shift from tech optimism to tech scepticism. Today, 78% of consumers are concerned about how their personal data will be used in AI-driven shopping experiences.

In this environment, ethical creation and transparency are no longer premium differentiators—they have become “hygiene factors”. The opportunity is to build trust through integrity and consistent brand values but also prioritise authenticity and truth over perfection. In an age of curated realities, consumers are far more likely to reward brands that offer radical transparency in their supply chains and data practices.

Convenience & Value

While consumers are increasingly values-driven, they face real-world constraints of time, money, and convenience. This “consumer pragmatism” means that 74% of people will still buy an additional item just to unlock free shipping, and 56% would purchase a cheaper product even if they know it is bad for the environment. The opportunity is to use technology to provide “intelligent convenience”, predicting needs before they arise but to focus on the AI strategy as much as the human emotion. For the 67% of Gen Y excited about the time savings from AI, the goal is to make the purchasing journey experiential, affordable, and frictionless.

Agency & Personalisation

The rise of the subscription economy has brought both convenience and complexity. While 89% of Australians agree subscriptions allow them to always have something new, 57% feel overwhelmed trying to keep track of them. The opportunity is that consumers want the agency to shape their own lives and express their unique identities. The strategy is to empower your audience with choice. Offer a mix of ownership and access models to suit different generational needs, ensuring you are reducing their mental load rather than adding to it.

Beauty & Joy

We are moving into a “post-material” world where wealth is increasing, but satisfaction is often decreasing. 77% of consumers are now more interested in experiences and meaning than accumulating material possessions.

Remarkably, even under economic strain, 69% of Australians choose to splurge on small luxuries that provide emotional comfort. The opportunity here is that throughout history, people have been inspired by beauty. The response for marketing teams is to invest in creating meaningful, beautiful experiences that bring joy. In an AI-driven world, elevating these human-centric moments will be the key to brand longevity.

Want to understand not just the timeless human needs, but the ways the different generations engage with brands? Download McCrindle’s Generational Consumer Profiles Infographic to discover the specific drivers and values shaping every generation of the modern consumer.

Article supplied with thanks to McCrindle.

About the Author: McCrindle are a team of researchers and communications specialists who discover insights, and tell the story of Australians – what we do, and who we are.

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I was listening to a podcast recently, and the speaker shared about a near-death experience they had been through. One of the things she mentioned was that we live life in the small moments, the ups and downs, the mundane.

Read more: Finding Contentment in Life’s Mundane Moments

Live in The Present

That line really stayed with me. As someone who has struggled to find contentment over the years, always coming up with the next big plan, it rings true. I think her perspective may be the key to fully embracing rest. I have at times led our family down paths we can’t afford, both financially and mentally, due to my desire to chase the next exciting dream. Living in the present, slowing down to find joy in the everyday moments, could be a key to feeling rested even when life is busy. Continually chasing the high moments in search of meaning can’t lead to lasting peace. It leads to hustle culture and an inability to slow down.

We Don’t Just Live Life On The Mountaintops

If we live for the highs, we never see the beauty in the tiny steps along the way. Life isn’t lived just on the mountaintops. We don’t just live it in the big occasions and grand celebrations. We live life in the laughter of a toddler and the smile of a stranger as you pass them by in the street. It’s in having a great cup of coffee in the morning and waking up thankful for all you have. Life is lived in the day-to-day, when you catch up with a friend or complete a project at work. It’s lived in the fight with your spouse, but then remembering why you still choose them every day. Every single day is made up of a thousand small moments, some good and some bad.

Contentment can be found in the day-to-day, the mundane. There can be joy in the good and the bad, not just the highs of life. It’s in learning to slow down and truly live in the small moments that we can embrace rest.

Article supplied with thanks to Lorrene McClymont.

About the Author: Lorrene McClymont is a writer and photographer from Hope Images. On her blog ‘Moments to Rest’, she shares about rest, faith, and family.

Feature image: Supplied (Lorrene McClymont)

I live in a house with too much stuff. That means when friends come over, my wife and I move the stuff from our living room into our bedroom. But when the friends leave, we have to move the stuff off our bed back into the living room.

We never get rid of the stuff. We keep shuffling it around. Nothing changes.

Is that how life feels? Like we don’t get anywhere?

Every year at New Year’s Eve, there’s the promise of a fresh start. But by Easter time, the world is back to where it was. Worse, I’m back to where I was. I’m the same person. My life hasn’t gone anywhere.

Why can’t I be better? Sometimes I blame the universe. The universe itself isn’t getting any better. The universe is like my 20 year old car, which leaks oil onto my driveway. It creaks and groans when I drive it. That’s because its parts are grinding away and falling apart.

If this universe isn’t getting any better, then what chance do I have of getting better? But what if there’s another way?

If you ever have any computer problems, then what you need is a 14 year old in the family. Whenever my wife has problems with her computer she calls our son, who simply turns off her computer, counts to 10, and then turns it on. Taaa-Daaaah! In other words, our son reboots the computer, and it works again.

That’s exactly what Easter offers us. A reboot. Because something in us — and in our world — is deeply broken, and we can’t fix it on our own.

The Easter Reboot

Maybe we know some of the facts of the Easter story? Jesus Christ, God himself, becomes one of us. He dies on a cross on Easter Friday. But he also rises back to life again on Easter Sunday.

What we might not know is that, when Jesus rose from the dead, it also rebooted the universe.

You see, when Jesus died on Easter Friday, it shut down the universe. Jesus, the Giver of Life, gives up his own life for us. God, the Maker of the Universe is dead. The lights are turned off. But when Jesus rises from the dead, back to life, on Easter Sunday, it reboots the universe. The lights are turned on again but … brighter than they were before.

It’s a reboot!

Recently, as a doctor, I did a refresher course on Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). So much has changed in CPR since I was a junior doctor many years ago. The biggest change is the invention of the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) pads. Now, almost anyone can place AED pads on the heart attack victim, and the pads shock their heart back to life.

We Can Reboot the Heart!

But Jesus does something even better than this. When Jesus rises from the dead, he kickstarts a new life for us and the world. Yes, Jesus rises from the dead with a new and better body. But he also begins the project of restoring this universe into a better universe – his Kingdom, which will be filled with his love, mercy, peace, and justice. And there’s the promise of a new life for us – which Jesus calls Eternal Life – which begins now and continues into the life-to-come.

Christians believe we need this supercharged reboot because our chief problem isn’t only that we’re ageing and crumbling. It’s that we’ve cut ourselves off from God, the source of life and all goodness. Being cut off from God shapes us on the inside and means that our hearts don’t naturally move toward what is true, good, and beautiful on their own.

But when Jesus rises from the dead, it kickstarts the universe back into the direction of what’s true, good, and beautiful. And if we put our trust in him, Jesus also kickstarts our “hearts” back into the right direction.

So how can we receive this supercharged rebooted life? The Bible tells us to respond to Jesus’ call.

Take the Call

Whenever I receive a phone call from a number that I don’t recognise, I ignore it. But recently I took a call from a number I didn’t recognise. I’m glad I did. It was a person reaching out to me who I hadn’t been in touch with for a while. By taking his call, I got connected with him, and received an unexpected boost.

In a similar way, Easter is God’s way of reaching out to us, offering us a reboot. God is initiating a connection with us. We can respond by accepting God’s Easter call, maybe in a prayer, and connecting with him. We can ask Jesus to kickstart our heart in the right direction.

For a long time, I’ve found New Year’s Eves to be depressing. My family and I watch the fireworks on our screens. But it’s never impressive. I’ve also been too lazy to go to the city, to fight the crowds, to see the fireworks in person. I’m locked in a cycle of being a victim of my own apathy.

Last New Year’s Eve, friends offered us free tickets to see the world famous fireworks at The Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge. At first I said no because I didn’t want to be in the crowds and heat.

But my family snapped me out of my cycle of half-heartedness and said “What are you thinking? Someone is offering us free tickets to see the fireworks. We have to go!” So we went. And I’m so glad we did. Imagine missing out on the fireworks when all I had to do was accept the tickets?

Every year we can stay locked in our cycle of apathy and sometimes even despair. How can we ever break out of this and become a better person?

Easter offers us the chance of a supercharged reboot. We can be filled with Jesus’ Spirit of resurrection – his life and power. We can have a new life – Eternal Life – which empowers us to a new and better life, both now and in the life-to-come. All we have to do is take the call.

About the Author: Sam is a theologian, preacher, author, evangelist, ethicist, cultural analyst and medical doctor.

Article supplied with thanks to Espresso Theology.

Feature image: Canva

For many people, introducing themselves sounds something like this: “Hi, I’m Sarah. I’m a teacher,” or “I’m Mike, a builder.” Our work often becomes closely tied to who we believe we are. But is our job really meant to define our identity?

Pastor Geoff Woodward from Metro Church explores why so many people link their identity to their careers, and how faith offers a deeper foundation.

Why We Tie Identity to Our Work

According to Pastor Geoff, the connection between identity and occupation begins early in life.

“As children, adults often ask, ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’” he explains. “They rarely ask, ‘Who do you want to be?’”

From school through higher education, much of life prepares us for a career path. Naturally, when we spend a significant portion of our time working, our sense of identity becomes wrapped around what we do.

However, problems often arise when circumstances change. Retirement, job loss, or career dissatisfaction can leave people asking difficult questions about purpose and self-worth.

Many individuals eventually realise that their job doesn’t fully reflect who they truly are, prompting career changes or deeper personal reflection.

When Career Identity Starts to Crack

Pastor Geoff notes that identity struggles often appear during life transitions. Someone may spend years studying or working toward a specific role, only to wake up one day feeling disconnected from it.

This experience is increasingly common as people seek meaning beyond achievement or professional success. When identity relies solely on employment, changes in work can feel like losing part of oneself. That’s why building identity on something more stable becomes essential.

What Does It Mean to Find Identity in Christ?

For Christians, the phrase “find your identity in Christ” is familiar – but what does it actually mean in everyday life?

Pastor Geoff explains that the Bible describes people as both saved and called. This calling isn’t limited to pastors or ministry leaders; rather, it reflects a deeper truth that every person has value and purpose.

Identity, he says, should not be measured by:

• Popularity or recognition
• Social media followers
• Career status or income
• Other people’s opinions

Instead, faith teaches that worth comes from being loved and chosen by God.

Understanding Your True Value

Sharing a personal story from his school years, Pastor Geoff recalls often being the last student chosen for sports teams because of his small size. That experience shaped how he viewed acceptance and belonging – something many people can relate to.

He believes many adults carry a similar feeling into life, wondering whether they truly matter or are simply tolerated.

Christian faith presents a different perspective: God’s love is not based on performance or perfection. Just as a parent deeply loves their children despite flaws, God’s love remains constant. Recognising this truth helps people anchor their identity in something unchanging rather than temporary circumstances.

Living With Purpose Beyond Your Job

When identity comes from faith rather than occupation, career changes become less threatening. Work remains important, but it no longer defines personal worth.

Pastor Geoff encourages people to remember:

• You are valued beyond what you produce.
• Your purpose is greater than your profession.
• Your identity isn’t determined by who pays your salary.

Ultimately, understanding identity through faith brings freedom – allowing people to work, change direction, or face uncertainty without losing their sense of self.

Because who you are matters far more than what you do. 

Article supplied with thanks to Sonshine.

Feature image: Canva