Living to Thrive

30/05/2025

Good tip for living the life that makes you feel good.

27/04/2025

Honouring the Full Story: Grief, Truth, and Accountability.
With the recent passing of the Pope, I feel it’s important to share a perspective that is often left unspoken. As an atheist, I hold no personal connection to religion, but I also hold no judgment toward those who find comfort in faith. What I do feel deeply connected to is the pain of those who have suffered — and continue to suffer — because of the actions of others.

As many honour the Pope’s life, we must also remember the deep and lasting harm caused by the Catholic Church — harm that countless survivors and their families continue to carry every single day.
Some painful truths:
• Widespread child sexual abuse: A 2021 report found over 216,000 children were abused by clergy in the French Catholic Church since 1950, with 2,900–3,200 abusers identified. (BBC News, 2021)
• Systemic cover-ups: Senior Church leaders moved abusers between parishes, shielded them from prosecution, and prioritised reputation over justice. (The Guardian, 2022)
• Complicity with N***s and sheltering war criminals: The Vatican remained silent during the Holocaust and helped N***s escape justice via “ratlines.” (The Guardian & BBC News, 2011)
• Mixed LGBTQ+ stance: Pope Francis supported civil unions and blessings, but Church doctrine still labels homosexuality as “disordered.” (Wikipedia, Al Jazeera, 2023)
• Suppression of women’s rights: The Church continues to oppose contraception, abortion, and women’s leadership. (The Conversation, 2021)

For many survivors and marginalised communities, celebrating this Pope’s life feels like a painful reminder that their suffering is still being overlooked.

Honouring a life should never mean silencing the truth, even if it creates discomfort.

03/04/2025

Did you know the DAP handshake has its roots in the Vietnam War?

What many now see as a cool or casual greeting actually started as a powerful symbol of unity, dignity, and resistance.

During the Vietnam War, Black American soldiers faced intense racism, both from within the military and back home. In response, they created the DAP — a stylised handshake that stood for Dignity and Pride.

It wasn’t just a greeting. It was a silent protest, a way to affirm each other’s humanity and strength in a hostile, unequal system. It built trust, connection, and solidarity at a time when it was needed most.

Today, the DAP lives on in different forms — from fist bumps to elaborate handshakes — but its history is a reminder of how culture, identity, and resistance can be carried in even the smallest gestures.

Respect is where it all began.

10/03/2025

Self-compassion is incredibly valuable. The more you have, the better you feel.

10/03/2025

Self-compassion is incredibly helpful. I encourage each of us to explore and treasure it.

28/02/2025

Happy 2025 LGBTQIA+ Sydney Mardi Gras! Enjoy the party and our privilege of being able to sing, dance and love who we want, tonight and forever!

23/01/2025

You are enough, and so am I.
We all are, with countless reasons why.
It’s okay to love yourself inside and out,
If others say differently, it’s their doubt.

Love yourself true and deep,
Hold onto hope that’s yours to keep.
You are enough—no one can take that away,
Self-kindness and joy should lead your way.

We are enough, just as we are,
No past or words can dim our star.
Our value is ours, firm and bright,
Determined by us, shining in the light.

05/11/2024

13/03/2024

Life throws curveballs.😲 From unexpected professional setbacks to personal upheavals, navigating challenges is an inevitable part of the human experience. But what separates those who crumble under pressure from those who emerge stronger? The answer lies in a superpower we all possess – personal resilience. 📈

Resilience isn’t about avoiding adversity; it’s about developing the mental and emotional agility to bounce back. It’s the ability to weather storms, learn from setbacks, and keep moving forward with purpose. In today’s fast-paced world, where burnout 🔥🥵is a constant threat and job security feels elusive, building resilience is more crucial than ever.

Consider this:

* 💪🏼A resilient employee adapts to industry shifts and embraces change, becoming a valuable asset in a dynamic environment.
* 🧑‍💼A resilient leader inspires confidence and fosters a team spirit that can overcome obstacles together.
* 🔋On a personal level, resilience empowers us to navigate heartbreak, job loss, or illness with strength and grace.

So, how do we cultivate this invaluable quality? Here are a few tips:

* Embrace a Growth Mindset 🧠: Believe that challenges are opportunities to learn and grow. Reframe setbacks as stepping stones, not dead ends.
* Focus on Controllables ⚡️: Channel your energy into what you can influence, rather than dwelling on what’s outside your control. Prioritize and tackle manageable tasks to build momentum.
* Build Your Support Network 👯: Surround yourself with positive, encouraging people who uplift you during tough times. Don’t be afraid to seek professional help if needed.

Now it’s your turn: Share your best tips for building resilience in the comments below! Let’s start a conversation about how we can all become more adaptable and thrive in the face of adversity. 💬💬💬

16/01/2024

I was recently featured in Dr Ellen Langer’s promo for her new book. The pic was taken on the harbour side of Manly Beach during a sunset this past winter.

17/12/2023

You deserve it.

15/12/2023

Ho-ho-hold on a sec! Mental health tips for a chill (and not-so-chill) holiday break: The season of sparkly lights, festive cheer... and potentially explosive family dinners?

Yeah, let’s be real, the holidays can be a bit much sometimes. Between the forced merriment, awkward reunions, and Aunt Mildred’s questionable fruitcake, our mental health needs a little TLC. But fear not, fellow holiday warriors! Here’s your guide to surviving (and even enjoying!) the festive frenzy with your sanity intact:

1. Boundaries, bae: “No” is your new holiday mantra. Don’t feel pressured to be everywhere or do everything. Politely decline the third round of eggnog (or the 10th family photo request) and prioritize your peace of mind. Self-care, baby!

2. Breathe, don’t break: Feeling overwhelmed? Hit that pause button. Step away from the chaos, take a walk, meditate, or just find a quiet corner to chill. Remember, your inner peace is more precious than any perfectly wrapped gift.

3. Gaslighting got you down?: Unwanted comments or passive-aggressive digs? Don’t let them dim your shine. Acknowledge your feelings, then remind yourself you’re awesome. Their negativity is their baggage, not yours.

4. Ditch the picture-perfect pressure: Let’s be real, Christmas isn’t always picture-perfect. Embrace the messy moments, the burnt cookies, and the slightly-singed turkey. The real magic is in the shared laughs and genuine connections.

5. Self-care ain’t selfish, it’s self-love: Prioritising your well-being isn’t a Grinch move, it’s a self-love superpower. By taking care of you, you’ll be better equipped to spread joy and good vibes to everyone around you.

So this holiday season, remember: it’s okay to not be “merry and bright” 24/7. Take care, set those boundaries, and let your authentic light shine, even when things get a little nutty. Happy holidays, y’all!