I think the importance of community is significantly overlooked. As women in the Western world we are fortunate enough to have ample opportunities in life. What this looks like, however, is women saying ‘yes’ to everything whilst inside we’re flailing. It’s the duck approach - all is calm and peaceful above water but underneath little legs are running at double speed.
This is why we need community. If we’re going to do it all - the family, the house, the stellar career, then we need help facilitating it (and we need to not be too proud to ask). Whether this looks like family, friends, neighbours or strangers coming into our life, a sense of community and belonging is at the core of humanity. Let’s not forget that Belongingness and Love are considered the third basic need in Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs.
I am incredibly grateful to be surrounded by a community of family and friends who support me through life. I honestly don’t know where I would be without them.
Having a consistent yoga practice makes me feel strong both physically and mentally. Lots of chaturangas also help with abs ;)
Having kids has really made me think more about our planet and the direction in which we’re heading. I understand people’s fear of bringing life into this world and their uncertainty of the future. Big change can feel daunting and far reaching, so right now I’m focusing on what lessons I can teach my children for them to grow into respectful, caring and compassionate people. The future of our world really does depend upon these next generations and as parents we need to ensure they're equipped to deal with all of this (no pressure!).
I know it sounds basic if we all let go of our egos, embraced empathy and understood each other a little more, don’t you think big problems could be solved more efficiently and with less repercussions?
I’m trying to teach our children empathy (our big boy certainly has it). To understand that we are all fundamentally the same. We are all people walking this planet doing the best we can to live a full and happy life. That although we may not always have the same ideas, we need to hold space and respect others' opinions.
I recently listened to Jay Shetty’s interview with Kristen Bell and when he asked her “What would be one law you could make for humanity if you could?”. She answered - "Don’t be a jerk.” I couldn’t agree more.
As cheesy as it sounds my biggest accomplishment would be our two kids. They test me every day (they’re two and four) and sometimes I wish they had a mute button, but I bloody love them. Watching them develop into their own little humans makes me feel pretty damn proud.
Next up would be our life in Bali. My husband and I always visited and I’m half Indonesian so have always felt a deep connection there but we dreamt of uprooting our then-city lives and taking a slower path so that’s what we did. It’s not as easy as people expect but there is something so magical about that place, it will always have our hearts.
A little more about me...
I was raised in a small beachy town on the Far North Coast of NSW. I grew up with an older brother and a single mum who taught me everything I know about being a strong woman. She is the most gentle, kind-hearted soul I know and has influenced my life more than she realises. Most of my family live in the area which I’m incredibly grateful for. We’re all very close and they make up a big part of my community.
My husband and I have been together for 12 years. We’re very different people but I think that’s why we work. We open each other up to a different perspective and pull the other person into line when they’re being too headstrong.
We’ve just finished building our first home in Lennox Head, NSW, where we live with our dingo-looking dog and two beautiful (but wild) kids. I’m a Naturopath by trade but have found my way back into fashion and am working for a company based in Byron Bay. The working mum life is not for the fainthearted. Life is busy but oh so sweet and I wouldn’t change a thing. Except to have more sleep. One can only dream.
