Embracing the Bright Side: Finding Joy in Everyday Moments

Caroline Gillies • March 7, 2024

In a world that often feels chaotic and uncertain, it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life, forgetting to pause and appreciate the simple joys that surround us. But amidst the challenges and hardships, there is always a glimmer of light waiting to shine through the darkness. Today, let's embark on a journey to explore the uplifting and positive aspects of life, reminding ourselves of the beauty that exists in every moment.


Gratitude: A Key to Happiness


Gratitude is a powerful tool that can transform even the most mundane of days into something extraordinary. Take a moment each day to reflect on the things you're grateful for, whether it's the warmth of the sun on your face, the laughter of loved ones, or the beauty of nature. By shifting your focus to the blessings in your life, you'll find that joy naturally follows.


Embracing Imperfection


Life is messy, unpredictable, and imperfect – and that's what makes it beautiful. Instead of striving for perfection, embrace the flaws and quirks that make you unique. Celebrate your successes, no matter how small, and learn from your mistakes with grace and humility. Remember, it's okay to stumble along the way – it's all part of the journey.


Finding Joy in the Little Things


Happiness doesn't always come from grand gestures or monumental achievements. Often, it's the little things that bring the most joy – a kind word from a stranger, a hug from a friend, or a quiet moment spent watching the sunset. Pay attention to the small moments of beauty and wonder that pepper your day, and you'll find that happiness is never far away.


Spreading Kindness and Love


In a world that can sometimes feel cold and indifferent, kindness is like a ray of sunshine breaking through the clouds. Make it a priority to spread love and positivity wherever you go, whether it's through a simple act of kindness or a heartfelt compliment. By lifting others up, you'll find that you lift yourself up in the process.


Cultivating Inner Peace


True happiness comes from within, rooted in a sense of peace and contentment that transcends external circumstances. Take time each day to nourish your mind, body, and spirit – whether through meditation, mindfulness, or simply taking a walk in nature. Cultivate a sense of inner peace that will sustain you through life's ups and downs, allowing you to navigate challenges with grace and resilience.


Embrace the Journey


Life is a journey filled with twists and turns, highs and lows, but it's also a journey filled with beauty, wonder, and endless possibilities. By embracing the bright side of life, finding joy in everyday moments, and spreading love and kindness wherever we go, we can create a world that is a little brighter, a little kinder, and a little more beautiful for us all. So let's embark on this journey together, with open hearts and open minds, ready to embrace all that life has to offer.

By Caroline Gillies August 3, 2025
If you own a rental property or holiday home, keeping the right records is key to maximising your tax deductions and staying ATO-compliant. This week, we’re highlighting what the ATO expects you to keep when it comes to residential rental properties. Here’s a quick checklist of the documents you should hold onto: Purchase & Sale Documents – Contracts, settlement statements, and legal documents. Loan & Ownership Records – Loan statements, refinancing documents, land tax assessments. Rental Income – If you don’t have a rental statement you will need to document all rental income received, including bond money retained, insurance payouts, and any other reimbursements. Expenses & Repairs – Keep receipts and invoices for expenses like advertising for tenants, property agent fees, council rates, strata levies, repairs, maintenance, insurance, and interest on loans. Depreciation & Capital Works – Receipts for assets over $300, depreciation reports, and capital improvement records. Before and after photos of any capital works. Holiday Home Use – If your property is rented out part-time, you’ll need evidence of when it was genuinely available for rent (e.g. booking requests, advertising, availability calendars). How long to keep records: You’ll need to keep most records for at least 5 years after lodging your tax return, or longer if claiming capital works or carrying forward losses. Keeping detailed records ensures you claim everything you're entitled to—and makes things much easier in the event of an ATO audit.  Need help getting your documentation in order? Reach out to our team at Clear Vision Accountancy Group—we’re here to help. To read a more detailed list of items you need to keep for your rental property visit: Records for rental properties and holiday homes | Australian Taxation Office
By Caroline Gillies July 13, 2025
Running a business isn’t just about making sales — it’s about making enough sales to cover your costs and pay yourself what you deserve. But how do you figure out how much turnover (aka revenue) you actually need to make each month? Knowing this number helps you: Set realistic sales targets Price your products or services properly Know when to cut costs or increase margins Understand when your business is sustainable This isn’t just about numbers — it’s about clarity and control. Once you know your required turnover, you can stop guessing and start planning. Whether you’re a solopreneur, a growing startup, or a small business owner, this is the foundation of making your business work for you — not the other way around. We love numbers — seriously. And we get that not everyone does. If you need help breaking things down in a way that’s simple, practical, and actually makes sense (even if numbers aren’t your thing), call Clear Vision Accountancy Group today on 4688 2500.
By Caroline Gillies June 22, 2025
From 1 July 2025, the Superannuation Guarantee (SG) rate in Australia will increase to 12%. This means employers will be legally required to contribute at least 12% of an eligible employee's ordinary time earnings to their superannuation fund. This increase is the final step in a legislated rise from 9.5% in 2021 to 12% by 2025, aimed at boosting retirement savings for Australian workers. If you use Xero for payroll, the SG rate should automatically update in the system. However, we recommend you double-check your payroll settings to ensure everything is correct. If you’re unsure or need assistance, please contact your bookkeeper or get in touch with us at: Clear Vision Accountancy Group (07) 4688 2500 We’re here to help you stay compliant and avoid any costly errors.