What’s something you used to believe as a kid that seems ridiculous now?

When I was young I used to believe that relationships lasted forever 💔 so I was completely devastated when Spilt Enz announced their break up in 1984. I cried for days on end.

Little did i know that Neil Finn would form Crowded House and would become famous the world 🌎 over. I now see that ending was really a new beginning.  That’s how I view relationships ending these days,  always making space for a new beginning. To not hold onto the past, to make way for the new and unexplored.

What’s a piece of media (book, movie, song) that changed how you see the world?

The movie that has had the greatest impact on my life would have to be Pay It Forward.   It is such a moving piece of cinema.  The ending is so sad but the message of it really packs a punch. It makes you think about the world 🌎 that little boy was trying to change  oblivious to the fact that his idea had taken off and had a huge impact on the lives of people. That little boy was an innocent angelic soul. I would advise anyone who hasn’t seen it to watch it, but make sure you have a box of tissues with you.

What’s the best advice you’d give to someone younger than you?

The best advice I would give to someone younger than me is to surround yourself with good people and only let people with the best of intentions be close to you.  It was advice I was given when I most needed it and taking on board that advice transformed my life.  Trust your gut instincts and don’t ignore the feeling in your gut if something doesn’t feel quite right.  It could be God and the angels giving 🙏🏽 you their quiet wisdom. True friends will be revealed to you by just how happy and peaceful and contented they make you feel.

What’s a book, movie, or TV show that you wish you could experience again for the first time?

The television 📺 program that I wish I could experience again for the first time would be the ABC program The Recording Studio which first aired in 2019. I would have to say that program remains my all-time favourite.  I would love it if the ABC would ever do another series of it.  It was the program that first introduced me to Scott Aplin,  my all-time favourite music 🎶 director and pianist. It was so genuine and heartwarming.

What’s a common misconception people have about happiness?

One of the common misconceptions about happiness is that having lots of money or owning lots of material goods will bring happiness.

I am not a very financially well off person but I am happy and grateful for what I have in this life and am wealthy in terms of quality of relationships in my life.  I try to live within my means. I’ve seen those around me get into shed loads of debt because of their addiction to having the very latest material objects yesterday,  getting everything on credit then are unable to pay their debts and ending up in financial crisis.

I have learned to live simply and I believe the practice of mindfulness has be bought me peace, serenity 🙏🏽 and happiness beyond the instant gratification of acquiring more material things.  Taking pleasure 🙏🏽 in the simple things in life is what brings true happiness.

What is one way you have grown this year?

The way i have grown this year is to take time when making life decisions and to not be afraid to ask for support. I am strongly independent in my life and life has thrown me some major curve balls that were unexpected to say the least. It meant that I had to take stock of my life and work out what is important to me. It meant that I had to reach out to my family for support which was challenging for me because I am strongly independent, but I have learned that in some circumstances you need that support and there’s nothing wrong in asking for this.

What is something you wish you could tell your 20-year-old self?

What I would tell my 20 year old self is to not be so focused on finding romantic love. Not everyone has the best of intentions and don’t be swept off your feet until you know the object of your affection really well. Sometimes a wolf wears sheep’s clothing. Be wary.

There are many types of love in the 🌎 world and enjoy the many varied types of love ❤️ that can come your way. The love of true friendships and the unconditional love of a pet can be better and more fulfilling than focusing on romance. The universe is full of love for those who have the best of intentions and goodwill.  Don’t feel any less of yourself if romance isn’t in your life just yet. You will experience many kinds of love ❤️ if you are a good soul.