5th of January 2014 we as a family flew to Australia to start a new life in Sydney. 5th January 2022 I flew back to New Zealand alone to start a new life in Wellington. Both journeys meant taking big steps into the unknown.

Like most people I don’t like being outside my comfort zone but for the last 15 years of my life, all my decisions have been based on how to push myself to become a braver, stronger more capable person.

At times it hasn’t been easy, personal development never is, many people don’t understand and that’s ok. But seeing the growth in myself is something I value much higher then money or a solid career. When I moved to Australia 10 years ago I was struggling with my health and didn’t know what direction to take in life. 8 years there set me on the course of where I wanted to be. I got jobs and was able to save money to fund my trips to Africa to live my childhood dreams of volunteering.

I came to terms with my physical limitations and learnt to how to say no in healthy ways. I found my voice and became more confident. Australia taught me to love myself and form a health relationship with myself.

End of 2021 I knew my time in Australia was coming to an end. For the next stage in my development I needed to return back to the country of my roots. 2022 passed in a blur, the challenge of setting life up from scratch completely alone was a shock to the system. I learnt kiwi life again. It was hard but exciting to be back.

2023 was a challenging year for me, the numbness and novelty had gone and in its place was the feeling of this is my new reality. I moved house twice, struggled with the loss of a close friend and my grandad and seeing my loved ones suffering. The lows were low but there were some wonderful highs, my physical health greatly improved and I was told I was in remission, I visited the South Island for the first time, had the perfect holiday in the USA, reconnected with old friends and family and forged some beautiful friendships.

As we begin 2024 and I look back at the years that have passed I see how my life is a beautiful patchwork of amazing experiences and though my life may seem unconventional to many, I am living the life I dream. Growth is messy, painful, confusing at times but it’s also so empowering and exciting. I’m so thankful for this journey called life.