hope

After going through a really tough time mentally, I can finally say I’m feeling much better. The heaviness has lifted, my thoughts are clearer, and I feel more like myself again. It took time, patience, and small steps, but I’ve come a long way.

I'm focusing now on building healthier habits, staying present, and appreciating the calm after the storm. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about feeling okay, and that feels like a huge win.

If you're in the middle of your struggle, just know that things can change. Healing happens in quiet moments, and one day, you might look up and realize you're doing better than you thought.

#mentalhealthrecovery #healingjourney #feelingbetter #Hope #selfcare #progress

You are loved, you are seen, you matter and you are not alone.

Sometimes I surprise myself at how I can be blind to obvious solutions. For too long I have endured a load of stress trying to navigate Sydney traffic trying to get to appointments on time.

Traffic can be upended so easily if there is an accident or other interruption so we use a live traffic gps program all the time to avoid getting stuck in a jam. Even then though it can be unpredictable and frustrating.

For too long I have found myself getting very stressed trying to be on time. This morning driving to Tai Chi the traffic was challenging, then the obvious dawned on me.

I could turn this problem into a procedure by simply planning to arrive ten minutes early. If I am early I have some time up my sleeve. If I am delayed then I will still be on time without stress.

So simple, so promising.

I am in court today, this is so out of my comfort zone. The 3 year legal fight we recently endured, and won, means it’s quite triggering bring here.

Four weeks ago a lady fleeing domestic violence moved into the charity my Wife and I run. She has been in Australia for four months after arriving from Iran. Her abusive husband has kept her under his control and kept her as a virtual slave. In an attempt to escape she damaged some of his things and was arrested.

Today she will appear before the court in this matter. I have helped prepare a defence for her. Praying this case is resolved favourably and very quickly. I really don’t want to be here.

Update: The judge asked me to speak about the charity my Wife and I run. He asked lots of questions. He could see that living there offers an incredible opportunity for this lady to be safe and also turn her life around.

He put her on a 2 year good behaviour bond but more importantly recorded no conviction. This means she doesn’t have a criminal record. This is the absolute best outcome possible. I am exhausted but so happy.

Yesterday we drove 7 hours from Sydney to the town of Mallacoota. We are staying with good friends. 5 years ago this small town was engulfed by unprecedented bush fires. 300 homes were destroyed and 4000 people from Mallacoota and surrounding towns were evacuated to the beach for their safety. The navy had to send ships to rescue the residents.

This morning walking on the beach I saw this blackened tree that had been burnt in the fire but surrounded by new growth.

Our hard seasons might look barren and devastating. Yet, eventually hope of a new day comes. Hold on. Hope is calling your name.

Watching the memorial of the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz and Birkenau concentration camps has been very emotional.

Some years ago my Wife and I visited the Auschwitz camp as her Grandmother was enslaved there as forced Polish labour. It was harrowing and confronting in so many ways.

The depravity that humanity is capable off is frightening. The challenge for me is what do I do in response to this awakening. I can’t change history but I can change the future. How?

By loving those are different to me. By seeing everyone I meet as having worth. By practicing forgiveness and kindness. By being grateful.

By never forgetting.

Whatever you are facing right on. To the storm you are navigating. In answer to the desperate prayer you are silently praying. This is for you. You are seen. You are loved.

Seeing I have a perfect track record of keeping this New Year Resolution for 3 years in a row, I’m sticking with it.

Care to join me?

I resolve to drink coffee only on days ending in “Y”.

I am also aiming to send 1 encouraging text message to someone I know each week.

Happy Christmas everyone. It’s Boxing Day here in Australia. Yesterday was a great day. Catching up with family and friends, some we see once a year.

I know these days can have a range of conflicting emotions for many. Yesterday before my Mother in law arrived we all planned a way to manage her toxic behaviour. This largely worked.

I did choose to withdraw at times for some solitude. That was a blessing. My Wife knew not to panic, that me withdrawing at times was a necessary step.

I hope you find laughter and joy in your day. I am quietly confident 2025 is going to be a great year!!!