I’ve been reflecting on why I don’t talk much about my achievements or the things I’m proud of. Growing up, other kids said that talking about ourselves was “bragging,” so I kept quiet. I already felt like I was different — I didn’t need to add “bragger” to the list!
After my first big trip around the world, I came home four years later bursting with stories, but I quickly realised that not everyone could connect with them. People would listen politely to one or two, but if the stories didn’t feel relatable, they’d drift off or change the subject. I get it, but again I became quiet.
That was my first nudge to understand that, as we grow, our paths can diverge from those around us. I noticed even more parts of myself that I couldn’t share — like seeing ghosts, talking to guides, or working with energy. Sure, I had a few friends who were into those things, but for the most part, I remained quiet.
As I’ve grown older, I’ve stopped hiding. These days, I embrace all of me — even if it makes some people think I’m weird, lost, or just nuts for wandering the world and talking to spirit. Their opinions are none of my business. I still pick and choose who to tell what stories. I think it’s unfair to expect everyone to listen to everything! I mean, I am insanely grateful when I don’t get invited to baby showers, so I can pick and choose stories depending on who I’m talking with!
Writing has become my safe space to share my stories, unfiltered. Those who want to read will, and those who don’t can scroll on — and that’s okay. I’ve learned that society often confuses pride with arrogance, but they’re not the same. Feeling proud is about honouring your journey and celebrating who you’ve become.
I’ve chosen a life that feels true to me, even if it’s unconventional. And now, I’m sharing my world — my stories, my weirdness, and my wonders — for anyone who wants to come along for the ride.
It’s funny, though — despite doing some incredible things, I’ve never really celebrated them. When I graduated from uni, I didn’t even open the envelope with my certificate. My diplomas and courses? Half the time, I didn’t tell anyone about them. Looking back, I wonder if I was just scared of judgment or the inevitable questions about “what’s next?”
I don’t overplan. When I try, it tends to go sideways, so I’ve learned to live with intention and let life unfold. Something I’m still working with daily.
In high school, I skipped my formal because my friends teased me about having to wear a dress. Back then, I was a bit of a tom boy. I didn’t start wearing dresses again until I travelled to Brazil, where I finally began accepting my body. Brazil got me wearing bikinis and even buying a denim skirt. Small steps, but they changed everything.
At 17, I had a fake ID — like most teenagers — but mine was pretty convincing. I walked into the motor registry with a friend’s birth certificate and got myself an official ID. By the time I turned 18, I knew all the bouncers. When I told them it was my actual 18th birthday, they were stunned!
Clubbing was wild, but it wasn’t until I stumbled into a drum and bass set, at about 4am, that I truly found my dancing feet. That music pulled me onto the dance floor, and for the first time, I danced like no one was watching. I’ve loved those beats ever since.
During and after high school, I worked in hospitality and retail, selling maps and travel books to dreamers just like me. One night, I saw a show called Cool Heat, Urban Beats — a mix of dance and martial arts. It was love at first sight. I’d spent most of my teenage years heavily involved in martial arts, it was now time to play. So, I added Capoeira to my life and never looked back.
Soon after, I bought a round-the-world ticket. My first stop was summer camp in the US, where I worked as a lifeguard and made lifelong friends. From there, I flew to Brazil to immerse myself in Capoeira, Portuguese and Brazilian men! Six months later, when my visa expired, I crossed into Argentina at midnight with a heart full of memories and no plan.
Argentina led to London, London led to trips all around Europe, Life led me to Africa, and so the cycle went. Each place added a new layer to my story, new friends, new experiences and stories galore! I worked in event management in England, as a tour guide in Egypt and Turkey, led hikes through mountains, and sailed the Mediterranean. When I came back to Australia, I taught swimming, worked with refugees, started a business, became a primary school teacher and ran tours across Australia.
Somewhere in between all of that, I got a bachelor’s in teaching, TEFL Qualification, trained in yoga, meditation, reiki, chakra-dance and breath-work, learned Spanish and Turkish, became a kite-surfing instructor, and earned a diploma in entrepreneurship. Jeez, I even did a course in underwater hockey as part of my job (definitely not a spectators sport unless its played in an aquarium!) I volunteered with elephants in Thailand, helped kids in Cambodia and Peru, and worked at dog shelters after my soul dog, Pokes, passed away.
When I wasn’t working, I was dancing salsa, kite-surfing, journaling, on the yoga mat or wandering wherever life called me. I lived with multiple house mates and had some great orphans Christmas parties. Life is what we make it.
In 2020, my life took another turn. I bought an old yellow van. By 2022, I had packed my things and hit the road, embracing a new chapter of freedom and adventure. Since then, I’ve worked in every state except WA and crafted a life that feels truly mine.
The funniest comment I hear from tourists, as their trip comes to an end, is, “Time to return to reality.”
My reply? “This is reality!”
Looking back, none of this would have happened if I’d been too afraid of change or held back by other people’s expectations. I’ve lived, I’ve learned, and I’ve turned every challenge into wisdom.
Here’s to whatever comes next. Bring on 2025!