NEW BEGINNINGS

There is always something invigorating about the beginning of a new year, it ignites a special surge of motivation to start fresh and work towards setting and achieving new aspirations.

I’ve always been good at setting and achieving goals, as well as recognising when it’s time to transition into a new phase.

I suppose the reason is because I’ve been good at following my instincts and acting on what feels right.

Over the years my life and my ‘role’ in it has changed quite a lot, from Paralympian to Speaker & Mentor and from Sufferer to Survivor. And even at my lowest and darkest moments, deep down I’ve known which was the right path to take (although sometimes I took the other).

I’ve experienced so many wonderful moments, and so many awful moments. But with every experience, even the good, I knew they were short lived. I enjoyed or endured the moment, but I always had to keep moving forward and stay determined.

I’ve also tried to always live by the notion that ‘whining is unbecoming’ – a quote from Maya Angelou.

No matter happens in life, you just have to get on with it.

I feel that after all these years the hard work is paying off.

2015 was an incredible year for me professionally;

I was A finalist for Young Australian of the Year.

An Australia Day Ambassador.

An Ambassador for Layne Beachley Aim for the Stars Foundation.

I won a Pride of Australia Medal.

I wrote and published my first Children's Book - Little Miss Jessica Goes to School

I also had my portrait painted for the prestigious Archibald Prize.

And I travelled the country speaking to thousands of people.

But personally, 2015 was the best year yet.

I married the most incredible man and together we welcomed our precious daughter into the world.  The joy and love I feel is immense. It simply cannot be measured.

But with this joy, comes huge responsibility.

I start 2016 as a wife and a mother - The two most important ‘roles’ I’ve ever had the privilege of fulfilling.

There have already been so many challenges I’ve faced, emotionally and physically.

But I am determined to continue learning and moving forward.

My goals for 2016 are to be the very best mother and wife I possibly can.

I’ve been given so much in life, so it is time for me to give back – and I’ve learnt so much along the way, it’s time for me to share that knowledge.

I’m excited to share my new adventures with you all.

xx