The most important decision I didn’t make

Australians are among the highest consumers of alcohol worldwide. Leicester Warburton has a very personal reason for urging us to better educate our children on the perils and damage of uncontrolled drinking.

Spying on friends

There has been ongoing fallout after the recent revelation of Australia spying on Indonesia’s President, his wife and senior ministers. Dr Patrick Walsh, Senior Lecturer in Intelligence and Security Studies at CSU, argues that spying is one of the prices liberal democratic countries must pay for liberty.

Do you experience joy at work? Take the gratitude challenge

One of the easiest ways of experiencing more joy is to practice gratitude. Leah Sparkes explains how we can increase our feelings of happiness and wellbeing at work.

Do you know what has shaped your life?

There are certain people, places and events that stand out and influence who you are today. Sherryl Caulfield shares her personal story of how a holiday in Canada and a mysterious woman changed her life.

Whatever happened to contemplation?

Most of us can’t imagine a life without a mobile phone. Leicester Warburton can, and he wishes more people would remember the gentle art of contemplation.

On the Future of Australia

We have to manage our economic interests, recognise opportunities and act on them when they arise. Peter Fritz identifies four initiatives for action now.

Creating a better community for everyone

Today is the International Day of People with Disability. The Patron of this event, Emeritus Professor Ron McCallum, urges us as a community to become more aware of persons with disabilities.

Attitudes and evidence will underpin disability reform

There still remain a lot of barriers in our urban landscape for people with a disability. Craig Wallace would like to see a national survey on community attitudes towards disability to give us solid evidence about what these attitudes are and what could leverage change.

Tips to reduce stress

Occasional moments of stress are normal, but they shouldn’t be our constant state of being. Edwina Griffin suggests how we can reduce stress and stay healthy.

What is really important?

Surviving cancer shifts one’s perspective. Meiron Lees shares his attitude to life that offers new meaning, purpose and appreciation of what truly matters.

Make a commitment

In the festive season Australians buy more, travel more and eat more than at any other time of the year. This can take a strain not only on our wallets, but also on the environment. Planet Ark introduces the 12 dos of Christmas to inspire Aussies to celebrate a Christmas with more joy and less waste.

Thank you

The team at Open Forum would like to thank our readers, contributors and partners for your support this year. We look forward to discussing a wide range of issues in 2014 with your help.