A journey.

What we seek usually isn’t right in front of us—but an adventure awaits if you go searching. The adventure requires change, letting go, and courage. But if it truly matters, you’ll go as far as it takes.

I don’t write the below for attention or sympathy, but for transparency on life’s journey as I know we all face challenges that don’t get talked about. I want to normalise difficult conversations to find solutions as it’s out of those places and through honesty that solutions usually evolve. Sometimes we lack articulation, support or even awareness, but I encourage you to seek out the best version you can and be proud of that.

For anyone that is following my journey around my ankle, this week I found out that my peroneus brevis tendon is completely split in two laterally from top to bottom. I have a Ganglion cyst that is 3cm x 2.5cm x 0.7cm compressing in between my joint and a bone fragment that has grown off my joint limiting my ankle flexion. My original surgery has held which is great, but unfortunately the lateral tear was missed. I’ll be seeking one more review when I return from USA in June before going in for another surgery.

It was a challenging decision moving to Australia, but in my mind i didn’t have an alternative after 5 years of asking for help. Getting these results in 8 weeks here after 2.5 years in New Zealand shows the importance of being in the right environment. This has been huge for peace of mind to stop questioning myself which has happened more than id like to admit. My mental resilience has been tested and my approach and view to life has been significantly challenged in every way.

It’s taught me that were all human, and people no matter how skilled, don’t always lead to answers, but in working with others you’ll be closer to a solution. It’s been difficult keeping my character in check and not being resentful, bitter or angry towards people but has also forced me to be more intentional and forwards while working to try continually shift my mindset towards curiosity and learning; where each meeting is a growth of data towards a solution.

Pain teaches some of the deepest lessons and we have to fight the isolation that usually accompanies it while working through it. It doesn’t mean as much to anyone else as it will to you, so I hope you take action to overcome the challenge what ever it may be. I can promise avoidance isn’t a solution.

Truthfully, the news this week hit like a brick and a sigh of relief. I am sore every day, +40k out of pocket in rehab, 5 years into a process, and back at a potential hopeful ground 0 towards a reality of getting back to maybe being able to walk without pain and discomfort. Life doesn’t stop when you’re feeling down and out.

So i’m grateful for my family, friends and my job as they’re the main reason I haven’t given up. Their joys and passion in life allow me to celebrate with them, their family and kids make me laugh and I get to experience the world through their eyes. My job allows me to work with others to make the world a better place and without these pillars, I don’t know where i would be.

So that being said.

Don’t give up chasing what you believe in if it feels right to you, but stay mouldable for new factors each step of the way.

Be as authentic as possible, as you never know who is watching and how you may be impacting them.

And finally, make sure you have something you’re passionate to live for, because without that, I think we miss out on some of the greatest joys in life.

I have such a fascination for my body and a respect for its complexity in a way i never would have had that will help me help many more to come over the years.