A Journey of Body, Heart and Mind by Taking One Step Forward
Oct 10, 2025
Mental health is a way of being in relationship with yourself — in movement, in stillness and in all the spaces in between rather than being and her teaching a destination.
This morning began with the sound of my own breath, my feet hitting the footpath, a gentle breeze through the trees and kookaburras singing in the distance.
Ten days into the One Foot Forward challenge, I have almost clocked my first 100 kilometres of 355 kilometres for the month of October. These numbers become far more than numbers on a tracker.
Each step feels symbolic like a grounding back into the body, a clearing of the mind, a small act of hope for those going through silent struggles and trying to find light during dark nights of the soul.
Ten days into the One Foot Forward challenge, I have almost clocked my first 100 kilometres of 355 kilometres for the month of October. These numbers become far more than numbers on a tracker.
Each step feels symbolic like a grounding back into the body, a clearing of the mind, a small act of hope for those going through silent struggles and trying to find light during dark nights of the soul.
The air was crisp as my feet hit the footpath.
The sunrise painted the horizon in soft peach and gold hues, the kind of beauty that doesn’t demand attention — it simply invites presence.
From a young age running has always been a mirror for me.
The sunrise painted the horizon in soft peach and gold hues, the kind of beauty that doesn’t demand attention — it simply invites presence.
From a young age running has always been a mirror for me.
Some days, it reflects strength and ease; other days, resistance and fatigue.
In every single run there is movement toward clarity, creativity, healing and growth.
In every single run there is movement toward clarity, creativity, healing and growth.
As I ran today, I thought about how the One Foot Forward challenge represents so much more than physical endurance. It is a segway for a collective declaration that we are not alone.
Each step taken by thousands of participants echoes the truth that mental health matters — deeply, wholly and universally.
Each step taken by thousands of participants echoes the truth that mental health matters — deeply, wholly and universally.
If you would like to walk or run beside me, even from afar, you can click here to support the cause.
Every donation, every share, every conversation helps light the path forward for someone who needs hope.
In my mind and body exercise is not just for the body — it’s therapy in motion, a dance between endurance and emotion.
Healing doesn’t happen all at once. It happens one mindful step at a time.
After my morning run, I met a special lady in my life for breakfast — a woman whose creativity, encouragement, heart and support have become an anchor of inspiration over the years.
This morning over a banana, avocado and honey smoothie, a few cups of coffee, scrumptious food and soulful conversation, we dreamed aloud about a collaborative project that is coming to life — something heartfelt, purposeful and so aligned. More details are just around the corner, but for now, the joy is in the curating, the dreaming, the imagining.
This morning over a banana, avocado and honey smoothie, a few cups of coffee, scrumptious food and soulful conversation, we dreamed aloud about a collaborative project that is coming to life — something heartfelt, purposeful and so aligned. More details are just around the corner, but for now, the joy is in the curating, the dreaming, the imagining.
The most nourishing breakfast is not what’s on the plate — it’s the company that fills your heart.
There is something powerful about meeting people who mirror our passion and remind us that shared visions can become medicine for the world.
We laughed, reflected and spoke about how connection (especially between women) can be one of the most healing forces of all.
We laughed, reflected and spoke about how connection (especially between women) can be one of the most healing forces of all.
A beautiful new connection was also formed this morning with one of her friends, whose energy I instantly connected with.
Watching lifelong friendships that continue to flourish through the changing seasons of life reminded me that our mental and emotional health thrives when we nurture these bonds.
Watching lifelong friendships that continue to flourish through the changing seasons of life reminded me that our mental and emotional health thrives when we nurture these bonds.
True connection doesn’t need fixing, forcing or faking. It flows, like sunlight finding its way through clouds.
Late afternoon, I attended a networking event at Rydges Newcastle hosted by Mitch Toner. The sun was shimmering on the harbour, the air was filled with optimism and the energy in the room was magnetic.
Conversations flowed effortlessly about purpose, growth, business, vulnerability and wellbeing.
On arrival I was greeted with the warmest smile and hug from mindset coach Cathy Feenan, whose grounded energy instantly made me feel at home.
Cathy has a gift for helping people shift perspectives and return to their truth, and her genuine presence reminded me how important it is to lead with compassion and kindness.
Cathy has a gift for helping people shift perspectives and return to their truth, and her genuine presence reminded me how important it is to lead with compassion and kindness.
I had the joy of speaking with Nikki Nobilo, a passionate advocate for mental health first aid, whose dedication to awareness and early intervention is nothing short of inspiring. Her work is a reminder that education and empathy can truly save lives and that mental wellness begins with understanding over judgment.
I also met Kelly Patterson, a registered psychologist whose warmth and insight reflect the heart of her profession. Our conversation reminded me that psychology is not just about theory — it’s about heart, humanity and helping others find their way home to themselves.
Before the event came to a close I reconnected with Melanie Suzanne Wilson, the creator of the Motivate Collective Podcast, where I had the honour of appearing as a guest just a few weeks ago. You can catch the episode here. Seeing her again felt like crossing paths with a humbrella human who believes in the power of storytelling to heal, inspire and connect.
When people gather with purpose, wisdom multiplies. Every conversation has the power to become a catalyst for change. Community is the heartbeat of mental health.
The day left me reminded that wellness isn’t only cultivated in moments of silence and solitude, it also blossoms in community. When we gather with open hearts, share our truths and listen deeply, we create spaces where healing can take root.
I was reminded that mental health doesn’t just live in therapy sessions or quiet meditations; it also breathes in spaces where people meet with authenticity, curiosity and openness.
The right conversation can shift your entire day.
The right conversation can shift your entire day.
One kind word can change not only how someone sees themselves but how they also see the world and connect with it.
These moments of people gathering to learn and share as a community reminded me of the importance of belonging.
Connection is a fundamental human need. We thrive when we feel seen, supported and safe enough to be our whole selves.
Connection is a fundamental human need. We thrive when we feel seen, supported and safe enough to be our whole selves.
Community is the medicine we forget we need. Every time we speak our truth, we provide the safety and permission slip for someone else to speak what is on their mind or in their heart.
After an adventure-filled day, I now find myself in the comfort of my living room, gazing out the window as stars begin to fill the night sky after a nourishing dinner. It is time to prepare for day 282 of one of my most sacred rituals at the moment, my evening candle meditation.
This practice began on the 1st January as a simple act of slowing down, but it has become a profound journey inward. Each evening, I light a candle and let the flicker of the flame guide me back to my body, my breach and my brilliance.
The gentle and graceful flicker has taught me more about myself than most words ever could.
The gentle and graceful flicker has taught me more about myself than most words ever could.
Here are some of the most recent pieces of wisdom that have emerged through the stillness:
The flame doesn’t rush and neither should you.
The gentle dance of the candle flame reminds me that growth isn’t linear, healing isn’t hurried and the most meaningful changes happen quietly.
The gentle dance of the candle flame reminds me that growth isn’t linear, healing isn’t hurried and the most meaningful changes happen quietly.
You can be both the light and the shadow.
Some nights, the flame burns bright; other nights, it wavers. Both moments are sacred. The same is true within us — light and darkness coexist beautifully when we learn to hold them both with compassion.
Some nights, the flame burns bright; other nights, it wavers. Both moments are sacred. The same is true within us — light and darkness coexist beautifully when we learn to hold them both with compassion.
Stillness reveals what movement hides.
When I stop trying to control, fix or achieve, clarity arrives naturally.
The mind softens.
When I stop trying to control, fix or achieve, clarity arrives naturally.
The mind softens.
The body exhales.
The heart remembers its rhythm.
Presence is the greatest form of prayer.
Whether it’s five minutes or fifty, sitting with the flame reconnects me to something bigger — a quiet knowing that peace is always accessible, even in chaos.
Whether it’s five minutes or fifty, sitting with the flame reconnects me to something bigger — a quiet knowing that peace is always accessible, even in chaos.
The flame has no agenda; it simply exists — alive, gentle, luminous and steady. Be more like the flame.
When you slow down enough to see the light flicker, you start to see your own reflection in it.
This ritual has transformed from a nightly routine into a living teacher. It has shown me that emotional, mental and physical wellness are not separate — they are intertwined like breath, body and spirit.
The breath calms the mind through clarity.
The breath calms the mind through clarity.
The body heals through sensation.
The soul speaks in stillness.
The soul speaks in stillness.
Today, on International Mental Health Day, I want to honour the full spectrum of being human — the days when you soar and the days when you stumble.
The moments when you feel powerful and the moments when you need to rest, cry or ask for help.
The moments when you feel powerful and the moments when you need to rest, cry or ask for help.
Mental health isn’t about never feeling anxious, sad or lost.
It is about honouring our humaness and having practices, support and self-compassion to navigate those moments.
It is about acknowledging that healing is not a straight line but a spiral — one that brings you home to yourself, again and again.
It is about acknowledging that healing is not a straight line but a spiral — one that brings you home to yourself, again and again.
You are not behind.
You are beautiful.
You are becoming.
You are becoming.
You are blooming.
Healing is not about fixing what is broken, but remembering what is whole.
From this day forward I invite you to connect, pause and move.
Breathe deeply.
Breathe deeply.
Call a friend.
Go for a walk or run.
Light a candle.
Whisper words of kindness and love to yourself because the most radical act of wellness is fully, tenderly and unapologetically show up for yourself.
Mental, emotional and physical health are not separate paths. They are one wild, winding trail that we walk every day. Some days, we sprint. Other days, we stumble. Each step, each breath, each flame lit in the darkness brings us closer to wholeness.
Whether you are running toward your next goal, sitting in stillness or connecting with others know that every act of presence is a prayer for your wellbeing.
Take care of your mind as it holds your thoughts.
Take care of your heart as it holds your stories.
Take care of your body as it carries them both.
I invite you to pause, breath and receive the following words as a reminder that even in the wildness of the jungle of life there is always wisdom, balance and light within you.
May your breath be your anchor,
your body your compass and your mind your gentle companion.
May your light burn steady through every storm and your heart stay open even in the dark.
Remember — you are the flame not the wax.
Remember — you are the flame not the wax.
May you move when it is time to move and rest when it is time to rest.
May your conversations bring healing, your connections bring hope and your silence bring peace.
May you remember that you are already whole, already worthy, already enough.
You always have been and you always will be.
One breath at a time.
One beautiful, brave heart that keeps beating beautifully.
One foot forward.
One more conversation.
One foot forward.
One more conversation.
One step closer to wholeness.
One wild and wonderful life, lived with love.
