Aiden Mocicka Podcast: Recent Episodes
Aiden Mocicka
Welcome to the humble beginnings of my new podcast channel!
Here I will be uploading a variety of podcasts, including personal perspectives and reflections on ideas and/or events, content for education and awareness, and a series called "Living in the ACT", dedicated to my new life in Australia's capitol Canberra.
The plan is to upload every two weeks on Saturday's (Living in the ACT), or spontaneously.
I hope you enjoy my content!
Another month has gone by, too quickly!
The idea of perfection(ism) has circled in my mind lately. I'd consider myself as somewhat a perfectionist. It has its positive and negative traits, however. When is good, good enough? That goal we set ourselves [of perfection] drives us forward in life - without which we can be stuck in stagnation, or lost in the abyss.
Listen in as I waffle on, and recap on an eventful month overall!
A memoir recorded on 16/09/2022.
I believe it is always worthwhile capturing the good moments in time. Whether that is in written, visual or audio form. It is a reminder of where one has been. This can be of utility later on, when one is trying to regain momentum in life.
I am back after yet another lengthy delay!
Its a change of season, and a change of tune for me. I feel that my trip to Melbourne in late July, and a change of placement at work has been refreshing. I'm in much better spirits.
A lot of social activity has taken place as well, with a daytrip to Perisher Valley the highlight - listen in for it!
Nothing too spectacular has taken place recently. However, my internal issues persist; the uglier sides of my being. They cast a shadow over me and my day-to-day life, but I elaborate how I'm dealing with it, and why its important to acknowledge other sides of yourself.
Another month has gone by!
I have been fortunate to have my parents visit at the end of May, and I had a lovely trip back to Melbourne for the Queen's Birthday long weekend.
Otherwise, the cold hit with June: temperatures below 0 of a morning are not fun!
As a consequence, the atmosphere around is not as vibrant - as is expected.
Unfortunately so am I. Struggles have emerged and have me questioning how much am I enjoying the day-to-day of this chapter in my life.
The monotony of full-time work was completely broken recently, as my parents stayed with me for a week! It was a truly wonderful time with them, and I was glad to show them my new life here.
Some perspective was had about my life here, as I evaluated the positives and negatives of working in the APS. For all the negatives, I am grateful to the people I do have here: graduates and colleagues alike.
Also, the election's over - yay!
Recently I have felt a disconnect with my workplace, between daily interactions, work output and income. I surmise that my previous workplace set the bar high in that day-to-day interactions were social and fun - office live isn't as conducive to an outgoing, interactive workplace.
I have also been pondering the absent or lacking communication between the public service, politicians, and the general public. It is election time after all.
It has been an exciting and refreshing period in the last fortnight. Work gave way to rest and recreation in Victoria: Sawmill Settlement and Melbourne.
Having spent 11 days at home, there really isn't much to report about living in Canberra. Hence, this is a shorter episode.
The Canberra chapter has gotten to the point of feeling repetitious and somewhat monotonous. It's not awful, however, the honeymoon period is over.
Maybe its a combination of missing home, not sleeping as well as I should, not eating a balanced diet, or the fact my car is out of action.
Nonetheless, I'm approaching each day with optimism, enjoying the social side of things, and am very keen for 11 days off over Easter and the ANZAC Day weekend.
Bring on the bush!
I really need to get better at podcasting..
Welcome to episode 3 where I discuss and reflect on my routine's, both personally and professionally.
Having settled in and now finding a rhythm, it's making the days and weeks fly by - in a good way.
Still enjoying the journey!
March/April 2020: Covid-19 is declared a pandemic, I was living at home in Melbourne with nowhere to go, and I sadly said goodbye to Beau. One night, I was compelled to write my thoughts on happiness and fulfilment in today's day and age, where much of our lives are tied into digital technology.
This episode I read out my hand-written notes, adding a number of anecdotes along the way.
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A topic I think of regularly is happiness and fulfilment, and my/our relationship with digital technology. It is a beautiful facet of our lives, generally speaking - the capacity to communicate across the world simultaneously, read and research topics of all kinds, share and disseminate cultural boundaries. On the other hand, it can also be used for various illicit, immoral behaviours. Further, our [Western] lifestyles are so imbedded with the technology that distancing ourselves almost isolates us from parts of our communities.
I have travelled in and out of Australia on a number of occasions. Seeing how others live, and their contempt for what many have - which is less than me -, I regularly ponder the strange phenomenon of being unhappy with "everything".
What we need, what I need, is a better relationship with myself, community, and digital technology in pursuit of happiness, success and fulfilment.
Recently (20/03/2022) I travelled alone to the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. There I walked the Birriagi trail and some other trails just to immerse myself with the wonderful Ngunnawal Country.
As I walked, I felt deja-vu from my backpacking days in Europe - those glorious times. I couldn't stop thinking about how much growth, fulfilment and satisfaction I gained from such endeavours, of venturing in my own company. To savour my thoughts, I recorded this audio.
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I have come across a number of people in my time who believe they are incapable, even anxious, of being alone. To me that is a tragedy. Each day we live, we must interact with our thoughts and beliefs that ring in our minds, our subconscious. Each day we look in the mirror and directly at ourselves - at least we should. Rather than be uncomfortable, we should be comfortable, or at least willing and able to interact. There was a time when I would question that person in the mirror, endlessly criticise, even curse. I was at times unsatisfied with who I was, to the point of self-hatred.
Overcoming such internal conflict took much practice. The key was to familiarise myself with myself: spend time for me and me only; look in the mirror and ask questions; celebrate small wins and ponder the failures; read, listen and study others; grow my intellect, perspective and wisdom. It's not always easy, but it is always worth it. Once we help ourselves, we are better equipped to help others find comfort in their own company.
“Being alone has a power that very few people can handle.” -Steven Aitchison
It's now been six weeks since I arrived in Canberra. Safe to say I'm settling in now with work, the apartment and my social circles. Technical issues delayed this episode, this was meant to be uploaded a fortnight ago.
My first working week in Canberra sure was eventful. Protests, political scandals and a noisy National Press Club event (and I say that with good intent)!
Listening to Brittany and Grace talk, and then witnessing the Q&A afterwards, I was conflicted. There was a sadness that these two strong individuals endured - and continue to in some respects - many hardships from their trauma. However, I was grateful to be able to say that I live in a country with two such strong, passionate, resilient and intelligent individuals.
As an optimist, I see their missions and convictions as hope that we are able to root out poor behaviour by those that wrong others; that attitudes and perspectives can and will change.
These are my thoughts and reflections after listening to Brittany and Grace talk to the National Press Club.
Full recording of their speeches: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YO8IQ_rVM8g
Welcome to the humble beginnings of my new podcast series dedicated to my new life in Australia's capitol: Canberra.
This series is a reflective, personal narration of events, thoughts and perspectives, that aims to document my journey.
The plan is to upload every two weeks on Saturday's.
Listen now for my thoughts on the move from Melbourne to Canberra, my first impressions, criticisms and outlook!