How would you improve your community?

I would improve the community by educating youth at schools more about mental health issues, starting this during late primary school and secondary schools as well. Hopefully, this will lead to a reduction in stigma and better understanding that mental illness can affect anyone in differing circumstances.  

What are your morning rituals? What does the first hour of your day look like?

My morning rituals begin with me getting up and reading an angel card for the day ahead. I then have breakfast, then shower and get dressed.   I then take  Lily for a walk, then send my loved one’s a gif every morning.

Which aspects do you think makes a person unique?

There are s a few aspects that I think make a person unique.  When I look at my particular circle 🔵 of friends, we have some similarities that bond us together, but also there are some qualities that we all possess that stamp us as being unique.   None of my friends are stereotypical, and all my friends have compassion and empathy and quirks that make them unique.  They behave well and are eloquent in their communication.   It is these qualities that make me bond with them,and I appreciate our differences as things that set us apart and make us unique

If you could have something named after you, what would it be?

If I could have something named after me, I would like to think it would be for someone who has mental health issues and is creative like me, being given a grant to work on their creativity,  maybe writing materials,  or art materials,  or money to put towards publishing their works. I guess we can always dream of that sort of recognition.

If you could have something named after you, what would it be?

If I could have something named after me, I would like to think it would be for someone who has mental health issues and is creative like me, being given a grant to work on their creativity,  maybe writing materials,  or art materials,  or money to put towards publishing their works. I guess we can always dream of that sort of recognition.

What makes you laugh?

I’m a person who appreciates a good sense of humour, I love genuine Wit.  I don’t find sarcasm to be funny.  People who can see the genuine humour in everyday life are what I like.  I don’t take myself too seriously and find humour in my experience of mental illness.   I always tell people that I lost my marbles many years ago.  Some people don’t like the fact that I can laugh about my disability,  normally these people are those who think sarcasm is funny.

My favourite comedians are Sandi Toksvig and Adam Hills.  Sandi is just so intelligent, warm, and witty, and she is  a remarkable host of QI,  one of my favourite television shows.   Adam Hills is very funny, and I love how he has made a living laughing in a really healthy way about his disability., but I would hsve to say I most like him as the host of Spicks and Specks,  here in Australia.

Probably the think that brings me the most joy and puts a permanent smile on my face would have to be my dog Lily.  She brings me so much joy, and her innocence 💕 is just so lovely.  Having Liky helps me to be optimistic about life.  Life is better with a dog 🐕. W

When you were five, what did you want to be when you grew up?

When I was five, I longed to be a ballerina when I grew up.  From an early age, I definitely wanted to be an author.   When I was a little older, I wanted to be a vet, like Vicki on A Country Practice,  a popular drama series here in Australia.   I always knew I would end up being a writer.

How has technology changed your job?

Technology has changed the way I work to such an extent that I use my phone for just about everything. Because I always have my phone with me, I can use my phone for my writing ✍️ as soon as I have an idea and feel inspired.  Who would have thought that our personal computers would become so small that we could hold them in the palm of our hand  and use them for just about everything we need Technology wise.  It is quite amazing.

How often do you say “no” to things that would interfere with your goals?

In recent times, I have become better at saying NO to things that interfere with my goals or when something just doesn’t feel right.  I no longer put up with people treating me in a way that interferes in my life, and I certainly no longer reward bad behaviour in my life.  For my own peace of mind, I am getting better at saying no. I feel that as I get older I am becoming stronger and better at saying no.

What is your favorite type of weather?

My favourite weather would have to be the weather we experience in late spring or early autumn here in Australia.   I love the fresh crisp morning air and the mild sunny temperate days of up to around 24 degrees Celsius.   I like wearing a light cardigan in the morning, and I also love the feel of the crisp fresh air on my skin.  I like it when it is still, or only a gentle breeze.   I can’t stand really windy weather.  Mild warm and temperate is my favourite weather.