Are You Going Home?
Bed at 11:24 pm.
Alarm set for 3:40 am.
Yes, that is not much sleep.
But my bags had to be packed and repacked four times because today is Darwin Day.
On the flight, one of the cabin crew casually asked:
“Are you going home?”
Without hesitation I said:
“Yes.”
And then I felt the biggest smile spread across my face.
Suddenly I was explaining my plans—looking at properties, checking out training facilities, trying the famous Parap pool, finding gyms and swimming coaches.
And just like that, I realised:
I have a plan.
An hour from touchdown, my excitement was palpable.
Then the snacks arrived.
My automatic thought was:
“Oh, I can’t eat that. I’m an athlete.”
I didn't say it aloud. That would have been rude. Everyone else seemed perfectly happy with the beef mince pie. Clearly I was the only athlete on this flight. 😅
Instead, I found a stale mint in the bottom of my bag, told myself it wouldn’t hurt, drank my water and started wondering how I was going to get bottled water to the motel.
It has a harbour view.
I’ll tough it out and drink the tap water.
Three thousand miles to get here.
I’m doing it.
Doing It Regardless
At least eight hours’ sleep.
Although since my sleep tracker stopped working, I can’t be entirely sure.
A big day ahead—and a distraction in the form of a family emergency.
Real life looms for everyone.
I’m not ignoring it.
But I am carrying on regardless because, in the long run, my body will thank me for refusing to cave into acquiescence.
Instead, I’ll lean into the emotion.
I’ll use it to drive me harder.
For my eldest daughter, whose love inspires me.
Doing it regardless.
One Less Thing
At least eight hours’ sleep last night — although, since my sleep tracker stopped working, I can’t be entirely sure!
A big day ahead, with a family emergency also on my mind. Yes, real life looms for everyone, and today is no exception.
Without ignoring what’s happening, I’m carrying on. In the long run, my body will thank me for keeping going and looking after myself through it all.
Today, I’m leaning into that emotion and using it to fuel my determination, with my eldest daughter in my thoughts. Her love inspires me.
Doing it regardless.
Finding My Way Forward
Lately, I’ve started to see my hard work being rewarded, and it feels good to pause and acknowledge that.
There’s something encouraging about seeing your efforts begin to make a difference. It gives you a little more confidence to take the next step, even when you don’t have everything figured out.
I’m learning to be thoughtful about the voices I listen to. There is room for kind, honest advice, but I don’t need to carry every doubt someone else has about my path. I can listen, reflect, and still trust my own judgement.
For me, moving forward means continuing at a pace I can sustain. Some days I have plenty of energy. Other days, a small step is enough. I’m trying to give myself grace for both.
Right now, I’m grateful for the progress I can see and for the people who encourage me along the way. I want to enjoy this moment without rushing straight past it towards the next thing.
I’ve put in the effort. I’m allowed to feel proud.
And I’m looking forward to seeing what comes next.
A Glimpse of the Future
After a night containing a negligible amount of sleep, I am surprisingly energised.
It’s just after 5 am and I’m ready for the day—and the week—ahead.
This time Thursday, I’ll be at Townsville Airport preparing to fly to Darwin.
And I cannot wait to get into that Olympic-standard pool.
Is this perhaps a glimpse of my future?
Bring it.
Not so wicked this way comes
After a night of barely any sleep, I’m feeling surprisingly energised. It’s just after 5am, and I’m ready for the day and the week ahead.
On Thursday, I’ll be at Townsville airport, ready to fly to Darwin. And the part I’m most looking forward to? Getting into that Olympic-size pool.
There’s something lovely about having something ahead that makes you feel this keen to get going.
Is this perhaps a glimpse of my future?
Bring it!
38: A Little Sign of Possibility
Lately, the number 38 has caught my attention. It’s become a gentle reminder to pause, listen to my inner voice, and consider what I’m ready to grow into.
In numerology, 3 is associated with creativity, joy, and self-expression, while 8 represents abundance, ambition, and the rewards of effort. Together, they offer a hopeful theme: making room for inspiration while taking practical steps towards what matters.
Some people interpret 38—or the repeating sequence 3838—as a spiritual sign of encouragement. For me, its value lies in the reflection it invites, rather than a promise of financial success.
Where could I express myself more freely? What opportunities deserve my attention? And what does abundance mean beyond money—more peace, meaningful connections, or time to create?
Today, I’m choosing to take this little number as a reminder to stay curious, appreciate my progress, and keep moving with intention.
What small signs or everyday moments have encouraged you lately?
Something In Between
Lyrics from a song in a musical I performed in another life.
Or was it a lifetime ago?
Before I met the love of my life.
Before I had his children.
Before I lost a child.
Before I moved across the country almost as far away as I could go.
And now I’m trying to forge full-speed ahead, trying to get it right—right now.
Pause.
You got this far.
Pace yourself.
Watch it all fall into place.
Stop worrying about how.
Focus on why.
And keep doing it.
One by One
One by one, everything falls into place. 😁
Things are beginning to make sense.
It’s time to let go of what isn’t serving me and get on with the plan.
No more waiting.
I’m doing it.
Darwin, Here I Come
Yes, on three hours’ sleep.
I’m a machine.
But now I need to put that energy into the real deal.
Darwin, here I come.
Thursday begins the final stretch of my 12 Days of Birthday, culminating in the milestone itself.
New dress.
New shoes.
New perfume.
And a new determination to forge ahead, leaving the unimportant things in my wake. 🌊
Yeah.
Still doing it.
Three Hours Is Not Enough
Insomnia plus responsibilities sometimes equals very little sleep.
Three hours, apparently.
Note to self: sort this out before the trials—or whatever those swimming contests are called. 🤔
Nine days until my biggest milestone yet. Although, technically, that’s how age works. 😅
And today is Day Three of the “12 Days of Birthday”, a longstanding family tradition.
By “longstanding family tradition”, I mean something I invented because it’s awesome.
Seriously, everyone should try it. Celebrating yourself is fucking awesome. 👌
Today: lunch with friends.
And please, God, Mary—don’t make that sugar-free, gluten-free vegan cake again. I cannot convincingly fake loving it twice. 🤣
Onwards and upwards.
Craving sleep.
And normal chocolate cake.
I’m doing it.
Keep Moving
My hard work is being rewarded.
So I forge on, ignore the naysayers and keep moving.
That’s the job now: keep moving.
Two Hours of Sleep and a Master Plan
Two hours of sleep isn’t much to work with, but apparently coffee, a shower and a quick consultation with the universe can fix almost anything. Back to the master plan — then we’ll make some decisions.
Well, I’ve done it before and coped.
Or did I?
Okay, back to Plan A — or at least back to the master plan.
Make no decisions until you’ve:
✓ Had coffee
✓ Had a shower
✓ Asked the universe for what you want today — and yes, this works. I’ll elaborate later.
✓ Counted backwards from 100 without stopping — this one’s new, and yes, I’ll elaborate on that later too.
Right now, I’m naked in my kitchen, ready for a shower and, hopefully, a final decision.
Two hours of sleep or not, apparently the day is happening.
Let’s do it.
Doing it
Floor work done. ✓
Walking next. ✓
Then a high-protein breakfast.
For lunch — personal training.
So far, so good. And I’m pretty sure I’ll sleep well tonight.
Actually sleep.
Because athletes need sleep if they want to recover, get stronger and keep doing it.
And stay posted — I still owe you the explanation about asking the universe for what you want and counting backwards from 100 without stopping as soon as you wake up.
Yes, there’s a method to the madness.
I’m on it.
My Brain Has Other Plans
When your brain is buzzing with ideas, possibilities and excitement about what comes next, sometimes sleep simply refuses to cooperate.
I think I need to find a solid sleeping solution.
I can't sleep when I'm nervous, overtired or excited about my future — so basically, sleeping is difficult.
Is it a chronic illness thing, or just a quirky personality thing?
Too much thinking? Too many fabulous ideas? Or the realisation that there are so many fabulous outcomes possible with what I'm currently undertaking?
Maybe it's time to revisit meditation, cut down on caffeine and make a solid time-management plan.
Starting now.
Just go to bed.
Yes. That's the answer!
So, Who’s on My Side?
Now it’s time to surround myself with the right people.
People who understand where I’m going, who challenge me, support me, and aren’t afraid to push me when I need it.
The goal is getting bigger.
So the team around me needs to get stronger too.
Let’s do it.
Just When We Thought It Couldn't Get Any Better
Moët has announced a 2% alcohol increase in my drink of choice.
Apparently, the “sweet taste of success” is about to get even sweeter!
Of course, being an athlete, I won’t be tasting it any time soon.
But when the time comes?
It’ll be well worth the wait. 🥂