Inspiration | Builds | Momentum
"When I read summaries of these incredibly brave women acting in ways divergent to the social norms it always strikes me what isn't said. When all we have are public works or interviews to draw on, we do not get to hear about the hours spent in self-doubt, or the moments of fear over repercussion or backlash."
"You work non-stop towards a goal that is unachievable (whether that be the eradication of poverty, the elimination of untreated mental health disorders in the community or something equally as fraught) and you are constantly thrown hurdles along the way to leap with vigour and passion."
Tituba may have been painted to be the "scary" woman who started the Salem Witch Trials, but really it was the misunderstandings of a series of young girls' physical health poorly stirred into a pot of mistrust of slaves, misunderstandings of alternative faiths and mistakes by little girls to push attention away from them onto an easy target.
Who else feels completely immobilised when they become angry? I sit there shaking, on the verge of tears, looking down at the table and worrying my head as I try to stumble through my words. Often when I get this angry, I concede to what I am in disagreement about to get the moment over …
I do love me a good read of the latest Manbooker Prize winner. Author Anna Burns has taken out this year's prize with her novel "Milkman". I'm yet to get into the novel but I'm excited to! Prior to receiving the £50,000 prize money for her efforts, Anna was on welfare. She suffers chronic pain …
I have sat through so many training days and team building exercises since starting work full time that they all mesh into one blur of boredom-induced hunger, stifled yawns and uncomfortable silences while facilitators wait for contributions by people who are being paid to attend. Many of these have been about understanding my work style. …
A few years ago I did something with my aunties that many called crazy. In hindsight I would completely agree it was madness. Together we walked 50 kilometres across 12 hours around our home city. My favourite part of this event, however, wasn't the day itself. It was the training walks we did together, traipsing up mountains, winding …
Content warning: issues around food and self worth I have a niece. A beautiful young girl who is going to grow up to be fierce, independent, strong. She will be these things all in her own way, but with her mother's blood running through her veins she doesn't get a choice. She is going to …
Continue reading "Weekend Read: To My Smart, Capable and AWESOME Niece"
I have been doing my best not to just make this a blog on incredible Crossfit athletes. I made it this far! Before you sigh and switch off I recommend scrolling a little further, as Tia-Clair Toomey is one of the most amazingly talented athletes out there. ** There is a wonderful pride many Australians …
Tell me in the comments below what you have on your list, and why you want to do it 🙂 ** This week in conversation with a friend we stumbled into an interesting topic. You work all week, so you need to do the things you like either in the mornings before work, at night …
I always feel such inspiration when I hear about a person who has managed to write their own book. Then I hear about Jennifer Smith, who decided to write a book at 12 years old, publishing at 16 years old and I am flat out in awe. Let's just add in that she is dyslexia …
A personal note to Gaby: thank you so much for taking the time to talk to me. I thoroughly enjoyed talking to you about your efforts. Despite the draining and intensely sad nature of the information you are exposed to through your work with Grandmothers, you are a positive, forward-looking person invested in getting less …
How many people belong to your "inner circle"? Who are the most important people in your world? Now, tell me: When is the last time you contacted those people? When is the last time you spent physical time with those people? How do you feel when you catch up with them? Why do you feel …
Thank you to my wonderful friend Rachel for providing me with Eleanor for this week's focus. It is always great to hear who inspires my friends and family and I encourage you to reach out if you have a beautiful human that I could feature! ** Eleanor Roosevelt is niece to the former President of …
In a week where Australia was nearly overtaken by a potato I thought we needed a lighter post this weekend. Enjoy! ** I've just happily committed to an upcoming weekend trip to the beach with friends and it has got me thinking. Already, I am excited. I am longing for the salty sea air, the …
Ever wondered who invented Kevlar? It's a pretty niche thing to ponder on at any given time but luckily I have the answer for you! Stephanie Kwolek invented Kevlar. Stephanie was born in 1924. She was a Chemist. She discovered the correct fibers that led to the creation of Kevlar when she was in her …
Please share this post if it resonates with you. I would love to hear from you, privately on in the comment field below if you have gone through similar experiences. As always, if you have a topic you are sitting on I welcome you to get in touch so we can chat. I'd also like …
Continue reading "Weekend Read: You Knew What You Were Getting Into"
Let me try to do justice to the incredible woman and inspirational human, Michelle Obama. Quick snapshot: We share birthdays (17 Jan) but she was born in 1964. I feel close to her already. Michelle is a Harvard graduate and a successful lawyer. I am studying to become a lawyer. Omg guys is this real …
Language is complicated. We can't police every word and thought in our head - we would never speak or have the confidence to generate our own thoughts. What we can do, however, is slowly, gently, over time, shape and adjust the way we express our thoughts and feelings with language. It should take a lifetime. …
Continue reading "Weekend Read: Please Don’t Say You’re Proud of Me"
After starting to write this piece I have started re-reading the series. Hopefully this also prompts you to dip back into the world of broomsticks and magic. ** JK Rowling gives aspiring authors and young children hope. I grew up with the Harry Potter series, ordering my copies in advance of the later books as …
