No one intentionally invites others to treat them badly. Unthinkable acts are inflicted on some of us in circumstances completely beyond our control. Any form of abuse is unacceptable. I dream of a time where all forms of violence and aggression are eliminated. My aim is to bring awareness to…

The useless pleading wasn’t going to make it bounce out of one of the boxes I had already scoured through. I knew it was gone, but I kept searching, and hoping. Hands in the air and boxes everywhere, my serious face wouldn’t crack. My gut clenched. Not only because I…

I smiled as I watched my husband forge ahead of me as we were striding through the bush the other day on our morning walk. Every so often, he looked over his shoulder. I think he was making sure I was still there. In the early days of our relationship…

My naturopath scratched above his eyebrows. He was studying the detailed pages of my food diary, which showed ultra-healthy, clean eating. He’d ordered some tests because I’d had some terrible symptoms, but the results were all clear. …

I’ve harboured unnatural fears, anxiety and unnecessary guilt throughout my life. It’s been difficult for me to set healthy boundaries and I’ve said sorry way too many times for things that didn’t require an apology. I became an expert at negative self-talk, small things have disproportionately upset me and I…

‘You’d hate it. You can’t smile at anyone, you have to stay completely still, and you can’t even go to the bathroom.’ I felt tingles rise from the nape of my neck. But I really want to be on the security team. It was 2016 and I had volunteered to…

I believe that wanting to please others, typifies a caring and considerate person — one who isn’t self-absorbed or narcissistic. It may even sound like a cute and harmless term, but ‘people pleasing’ also has a sinister side. People pleasing becomes a problem, when destructive behavioural patterns develop. When we…

I always assumed I’d have babies. It was part of my life plan. I spent my childhood role playing being a mum. I never considered my life without children. I wasn’t told it was an option. But here I am, without children at forty-six. I am part of a minority…

We all know the difference between physical and emotional pain. Or do we? As children, we are encouraged to avoid physical pain. ‘Don’t touch the stove — you’ll get burnt,’ don’t run — you’ll trip over,’ and ‘don’t play with knives — you’ll cut yourself.’ …