A year ago I enrolled in the Vocational Graduate Certificate of Sustainability at Swinburne University. This was not part of my twenty year plan. Not that I have one, but if I did, it would not involve going back to study and especially not studying something as seemingly ‘dry’ as sustainability.

Initially I had a long list of reasons for not being able to do the course: it would cost too much, I don’t have enough time etc. The universe was one step ahead – somehow each of my concerns were addressed. Not only was the course subsidised by the government, for the most part it was delivered on-line and, the contact days were on Tuesdays, meaning it did not cut into our trips to the farm. So I signed up.

I now feel incredibly fortunate for having been given the opportunity to do this course. I have learnt so much about what it means to live sustainably. One of the first things I learnt was that it is not just about buying more efficient light globes and installing insulation. The other thing I have learnt is that every little change we make matters. At first glance, these two lessons may seem contradictory. I soon came to the conclusion that it has a lot to do with living consciously and to acknowledge the way that everything is connected.

For the last twelve months I have been looking at where I can make changes towards living a more sustainable life. It has not been easy. I was not prepared for the ability of my mind to resist change. Any change – big or small.

For the next twelve months I would like to share with you my wins and my losses in this ‘journey’.

A stitch in time saves nine and a change in time?

Who knows what could be saved, it’s worth taking that first step.