From my heart to yours a big hug and sending love and positivity to all the AMAZING women out there.
In life everything is about timing and how poignant was the timing of today for me.
Next week marks 2 years from the day I was kicked out by my own family and finding myself homeless.
No roof, No walls, No love and Alone.
And guess where I was today?
I was a special guest and invited to the International Women’s Day Morning Tea at City Hall by the Remarkable and Real Councillor Carol Duncan and sitting at the big girls table with Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes another woman who is truly inspiring and grounded.
I never in my wildest dreams thought that 2 years ago this is where I would be?
Surrounded by such inspirational and amazing women.
And there was little ole me…
Im still reeling and pinching myself.
Honestly Carol I am so grateful and appreciative that you seen all along behind my smile and looked through the exterior to see the real me.
Really was such an empowering day for me on so many levels.
To hear the keynote speaker Coralie Nichols CEO of the Ian and Shirley Norman foundation blew me away.
This truly created in me so much excitement for next week.
When Im the Keynote Speaker…….
The theme for today was “Count her in,Invest in Women. Accelerate Progress.”
My usual daily walk along Bar Beach today with little Rippy bought about so much reflection and contemplation.
I really pondered on this and what it means to me.
For me it’s been about the natural progression of my life.
The progress that I have made from only 2 years ago.
No roof, No home, No love, Alone.
Darkness. Not able to see any light.
And there I was sitting next to The Lord Mayor (Nuatali) and surrounded by such amazing women who have all had their own journeys and fought their own battles to be where they are today in life.
I truly was empowered by just how far I have come. Had a bit of a cry but this was also mixed with pride.
It has just instilled in me so much excitement to share my life story with you all and my truth and what is Behind My Smile.
I want to count each and everyone of you in that I see next week.
I want to invest in you and your stories.
And im hoping that by me sharing my story that this will lead to an acceleration in progress of your own lives.
Also I just wanted to give a big warm hug and a nod of appreciation to Councillor Dr Elizabeth Adamczyk who took the time and invested in me today. I could feel your empathetic and caring heart and Mm so honoured with how you helped me xxxx Yet another amazing woman I got to meet today x