My Personal Story
My personal experience involved overcoming adversity, developing authenticity, learning from past mentors, regrowing my public speaking presence, and advocating for health and inclusion.
I now live in the Newcastle area of New South Wales. I guide public speaking efforts, having grown up with those forms of storytelling. I gain mental clarity and greater health by prioritising rest, whole plants, minimalism, sustainable solutions, and community connection.
Finding my authenticity beyond the traditional upbringing
I grew up in the outer suburbs of Sydney and then focused my attention on my grandparents, community speakers Gary Wilson OAM and the late Elizabeth Wilson OAM, in my early and mid twenties.
Although I am grateful for the public speaking techniques I learned from a young age, I felt more relaxed when looking beyond the conforming formality of my earliest mentors.
I particularly appreciate how my grandparents influenced my choices. That era was a unique experience of growing into adulthood under the eyes of a confident community. However, I broadened my horizons after moving to the coast.
My daughter was born in 2018. Parenting and the pandemic would guide me to pursue a more conscious lifestyle. I feel excited to be sharing alternative ways of living when communicating with audiences.
In 2014, I saw my grandmother’s struggle with cancer at the same time as my grandparents were becoming recognised further as glorified volunteers. I learned at a relatively early age that wellness is crucial because we can only gain experiences if we nurture our health.
Experimenting with various amounts of minimalism
Early parenthood led me to minimalism as I questioned the heavily consumerist marketing aimed at parents. Before becoming a minimalist, I felt overwhelmed by shopping for more and more stuff. I feel more comfortable in a sensible space with things that are truly needed.
Pursuing an eco-life
Along with minimalism came other influences for a sustainable lifestyle. Second-hand clothing and other supplies became admirable when justified by this ethical motivation. Prioritising quality over quantity, products would last longer over time. I reuse jars to store almost anything. I look for natural products such as art supplies to nurture health and the planet.
Eating plants
I initially turned veg because it simply felt comfortable. I never enjoyed cooking meat. And I was the fussy one when it was on my plate. The internet showed me how plant-based cooking is easy and healthy. I gradually switched to emphasising whole plants until it became my permanent lifestyle. My health transformed in ways that I never imagined. I dropped kilograms and a dress size. Affordable whole plants became a form of abundance.
Affordable consumption
We still need to consume things we truly need - healthy food, essential supplies, self-care products and more. As I reconsidered what is truly needed, everyday consumption became more affordable. Life still has its challenges as I rebuild after life events. However, I found responsible abundance from whole plants and sustainable options.
Finding spirituality
I began following spirituality during the pandemic. This path offered inclusive freedom. I am grateful to all the mindfulness teachers and experts who lead me to a more conscious life. This way is a journey more than a destination. The philosophy fits comfortably with my lifestyle.
The wild child
I always knew my daughter needed extra attention. Realising that the education system does not easily accommodate individual needs and strengths, this experience brought me into an era of unexpected activism.
Speaking in Community and Beyond
I found my voice by presenting to community groups for a few years after moving to Newcastle, Australia. I then created my events business, the Motivate Collective, to explore formats of in-person wellness and personal development events.
Contact
mswdigital@gmail.com