What sacrifices have you made in life?

Probably the moat significant sacrifice I made was to leave my marriage when it became obvious that my husband was involved with someone else.   It was not what I signed up for when I made my marriage vows, and I decided to stay true to my values and leave the marriage behind.   If I hadn’t done that, my life would’ve taken a different course, and I may not have taken up writing a blog, and getting Lily, etc.  I believe everything in our life happens for a reason, and I don’t live my life with regrets.  I try to make wise, considered decisions, and not just react impulsively to whatever happens.  I now have a happy , fulfilling life.

What’s the oldest things you’re wearing today?

The oldest things I am wearing today were some of the clothes Susanna gave me, some winter pants and a long sleeve bamboo 👕 shirt.  They are good  quality and comfortable, and I am drawn to them because of the sentimental value of them being given to me by Susanna.  She had good taste, and I love her for her generosity.  Wearing them makes me feel good.

Are you a leader or a follower?

Perhaps I am a leader because of my career as a peer support worker in mental health.  I think the work I achieved in mental health paved the way for those lived experience workers who followed me.  I tried to be a good role model, which I largely achieved,  bur I did occasionally have a relapse of my symptoms, and this was frowned upon by some of my employers.   It couldn’t be helped, though, because I never know what curve balls life will throw at me.   I do the best I can and manage my  illness well on a day to day basis.  I try to be the best version of myself and find writing ✍️ about my life in this blog is both empowering and fulfilling.   If writing ✍️ about my life informs and paves the way for people like me to follow, then I guess I am still a leader and a role model.

List your top 5 favorite fruits.

1 Raspberries

2 Strawberries

3 Apple

4 Mangoes

5 Melons.

What’s one small improvement you can make in your life?

I am a morning person and often get up early if I am awake and alert and have a busy day ahead. Unfortunately, I am not busy with a full agenda every day, and when this happens, I can find it hard to not think of negative things and find it hard to move myself out of bed on those days. However, I know if I do get up and get moving my attitude and therefore my day improves immensely when I do get moving.  I guess that is the way my mental illness sometimes manifests, and I have learned over time to both manage and control it.  I know if I can get busy and distract my mind me mental well-being improves, and I live most days symptom free.  I must admit having Lily helps because she gives me something to care and be responsible for, and it is a pleasure taking care of her.  Dogs really are canine antidepressants. She really dies wonders for me on those days that I find it hard to get moving.

One small improvement I can make is to walk her more than once a day. I normally walk her first thing in the morning 🌄 and I will continue to do so,  but now tribal going to endeavour to walk her around lunchtime OJ the days I don’t have other appointments around that time. It would be good for the both of us.

Share a story about someone who had a positive impact on your life.

Today’s topic again got me thinking about the many people who had a positive impact in my life, but Michael Fleming came utmost in my thoughts.

Michael, when I knew him, was just beginning his role at VMIAC the  (Victorian Mental Illness Awareness Council) as an advocate.   I had been working in a few peer support roles when he came into my life, initially as an advocate, mentor, and artist and later as a really good friend and father figure.   Michael had his own experience of mental health issues and was well thought of because of his respectful 🙏🏽 nature.  We worked on so many projects together, mainly art based, as creativity can be so healing and empowering.   Michael always treated me with the utmost respect, and I thank him for his guidance throughout my career in mental health. Before Michael was an advocate, he had been a very good chef and I feel that he is now in heaven cooking dessrts in Susannas  tearooms, as  he at one stage was head dessert  chef at The Windsor here in Melbourne.  When he passed away, I was sad for his loss, but grateful 🙏🏽 for the impact he had on my life . Everyone comes into our lives for a reason,  some only for a season and some forever more.

What does freedom mean to you?

Freedom to me means that I have the right to live my life as I choose.  I am blessed that I live in Australia,  a country known for its freedom.  I am a woman who, by choice, lives on my own in many countries that would be frowned upon. A divorced childless woman would have low value in some societies.   I am lucky to live in Australia because of the freedoms and rights of it citizens.

What is your career plan?

My career plan is to further my writing ✍️ through writing this blog and also write more children’s literature. 

What was the last live performance you saw?

I have not been to a live performance in a long time initially because of covid, but more recently because I just can’t afford it.  It is a luxury I really now can’t afford.

The last time I saw Neil Finn was at Melbourne Zoo Twighlights with his son Liam..  I think this was the year before covid. I really haven’t been able to afford any concert since then, but I am hoping I get to see the legendary Cold Chisel later this year. The cost of living means I can’t afford to pay to see a live performance.