Listography - best decisions I've made

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This week's Listography challenge by Kate Takes 5 is five of the best decisions you've made. I can't think of too many bad decisions I've made. I am a strong believer that decisions and choices you make can determine the type of life you have. Your decisions can make you happy. I am really happy for the decisions I've made.

Moving to Melbourne in 2003
When I was almost finished my undergraduate degree I applied for 26 jobs in Melbourne, Sydney and Canberra. I never wanted to stay in the country. I saw no future there for me. I wanted to escape the small town and often small minds. And I've never looked back. I have a great, secure job, doing a postgraduate course I actually want to do, seen countless bands, met lots of friends and done so many exciting things. Moving to Melbourne has given me independence. I am always in awe of the prospects Melbourne has to offer. I love this city.

Taking control over my illness
From an early age I've made my own decisions about my illness. I've chosen a positive outlook. It's less tiring than a negative one. I've made my own decisions about medications, and often stood firm on my own beliefs and choices over doctors' advice. I spent a lot of time being a guineapig for educating doctors and for different treatments (herbal potions and prescription drugs). I made a decision to choose my wellbeing over severe treatments resulting in severe side effects, and the loss of dignity. I know my body better than any specialist, and I appreciate that my medical team respects this.


Being confident about my illness
It took me some time - perhaps due to necessity to educate - but I am so glad I've been confident about my illness and shared my experiences. I acknowledged I have a chronic illness for the first time. It was the start of my work in the disability community. I wrote an article at work, received some great responses from so many staff I knew and didn't know, and then I realised I may be able to help people by sharing my story. I then applied to be a mentor at the Chronic Illness Peer Support (ChIPS) program, one of the best experiences in my life, gave some speeches, started this blog, auditioned for No Limits and won the part, and the rest is history. Since the start of my confidence journey, I've won three major awards and been a finalist for another. I am really glad to be able to help people, but more importantly, gain a new awareness about chronic illness and disabilities.


Writing and blogging
I am so glad I've started blogging and believed in my writing. You know how much it all means to me and the opportunities that have come my way. It makes for a great escape and also great skill and network development.


Being a food lover
I eat to live - I need to nourish my skin with great food - but I also live to eat. I love food and I am so glad my parents encouraged me to try all foods I am offered. Cooking and eating excites me no end. I remember great meals. I wish they'd last forever. I also believe that being willing to try a variety of foods makes you easier to cook for and to take to dinner.


What are the best decisions you've made?

Listography - time travel

Kate's Listography challenge this week is 'Places I'd Like to Time Travel To'

I was an avid history student at school. I loved learning about the First Fleet, the Pyjama Girl mystery, JFK, music through the decades, the Vietnam war, Indigenous Australia and of course, civilisations throughout ancient history. I also enjoyed art history, topping my art class in art theory and being offered a place at university in an art history course. So I thought I'd have lots to write about here. Lots of places I'd like to visit in history.

But I only want to go back to one place - my childhood between the ages of around four to 18.

I want to tell my younger self that my life is going to be ok. That I am going to be someone. Someone more than the bullies told me I'd be and the doubters expected of me. That I will be more than they ever could.

I want to tell my younger self that looks aren't everything. That I will influence people through just being myself. That I don't have to change. That people will love me for me.

I want to tell my younger self that this illness isn't doomsday. That a suicidal thought shouldn't be an option. That I will use my experiences to help people. And that I'll lead a pretty good life. I'll have fun and see bands and write and cook and have lots of friends and shop a lot.

I want to tell my younger self that I will find someone who loves me - maybe more than one someone, and even if he is a douchebag, even if I'm still single aged 29, someone will look past my illness and see beauty.

I want to tell my younger self that I will be a success. Even though I've never been chosen to lead anything by my school peers, I will be a leader. I will have a good job, live independently, be tertiary qualified, receive awards and I will be a published and respected writer.

That's the time I'd travel back to. 1985 to 1999. Not to experience those things again, but to tell my younger self that I'm worthy.