It's been a while...It's been a lot...

Here we are in front of The Conscious Closet—such a fab name for our shop, don’t you think? I really hope the link below works… I’ve spent ages trying to master this widget! 😝 If not, just head over to our Instagram and check it out there.

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Hello there, lovely people!

It’s been ages since we last connected, and I apologise for that. The past few months have been a bit choppy, but I’m happy to say I’m now on much calmer waters.

Well, here’s a turn-up for the books—I’m now a paid employee at my volunteer job with Fitted for Work! This incredible not-for-profit organisation in Melbourne helps women, gender-diverse, and non-binary job seekers find employment. We provide job readiness services, practical skills, knowledge, confidence, and connections—and to top it all off, we kit people out with a fabulous work outfit, accessories, makeup, toiletries, and shoes. And the best part? It’s all completely free! Everything we have has been generously donated, either by wonderful companies in Melbourne or by individuals dropping off their pre-loved treasures.

I now work in The Conscious Closet, our fashion store just up from the main office. So far this month, our team has received and processed over 3000 kilos of clothing and accessory donations ready for sale—an incredible effort! If you’re ever in the area, pop in and have a look. I guarantee you’ll find something perfect at the best price in Melbourne. Even better, come by on a Tuesday and say hi!

Book of the month

The Let Them Theory. Mel Robbins   

If you need help in your relationships—both with yourself and others—can I recommend a book that’s truly life-changing? The Let Them Theory is an easy read and a step-by-step guide on how to stop letting other people’s opinions, drama, and judgment impact your life. It has helped me so much. Like many of us, I’ve spent far too much time worrying about what others think of me. But now, I feel liberated and free. Of course, these thoughts will come up again, but I now have a powerful tool to handle them—saving me so much time, pain, and energy. Why wouldn't you want to read it?

My new website is almost finished! It’s been a creative journey that I’ve truly loved, and if you ever need to build a website yourself, I’d highly recommend it—it’s a great confidence booster (especially when it comes to all that tech stuff!).

On my site, you’ll find my guided meditations, daily affirmations, and thought-provoking articles on creating a positive, rewarding life. With the cost of living rising and Life Coaching/Self-Help Therapy becoming increasingly out of reach for many, I thought—why not offer 40-minute sessions for $99? Short, focused, and affordable, these sessions will help us get straight to the point, create a plan for positive change, and achieve fantastic outcomes.

You’ll soon be able to book and pay for your sessions directly on the website—easy peasy! I’ll share the details in my next blog.

Looking forward with love and excitement to this new chapter.

It’s with a very heavy heart that I share this…

The reason I’ve been away from blogging for a while is that my beautiful Dad has left the planet.

It’s so true—we have no real idea what an ‘experience’ is like until we go through it ourselves. I was incredibly lucky to have my Dad for 62 years, and I think of him and talk to him every day. My Mum takes it a step further—she keeps his ashes on the pillow of his bed, saying good morning and goodnight to him everyday. She even reads him the news about Hawthorn Football Club and gives him the match scores. 

Funny thing is, she was never interested in football when he was alive… go figure! She keeps him updated on everything—who’s doing what, how her day is going—and I have no doubt he loves it. After 63 years together, they certainly drove each other crazy at times, but their love and loyalty were unshakable.

Over the past 12 months, I’ve been travelling back and forth to Adelaide to be with my parents, my brother, and my nephews. It’s been intense. It’s been beautiful. The whole experience from Doctors/Nurses hospitals and nursing homes to the final moments of life itself, it’s been an experience I will never forget. Being there as a loved one takes their last breath is both a privilege and an honour. What makes it so powerful is the overwhelming love—the kind that has no barriers, no distractions. Just pure love, filling the space, undeniable and all-encompassing.

And now, though life moves forward, I know one thing for sure—Dad is always with me. Whenever I think of him, he’s there in an instant, loving me and reassuring me, just like he always did. Isn't that right, Dad?

On another note, my ‘elder’ brother in Adelaide was an unexpected gift. In my early 30s, out of the blue, he contacted our mother, and we’ve been growing as a family ever since. What a blessing.

And as for Adelaide—I have to say, I’m developing a real appreciation for Adelaide of the Eighties (dare I say that?). Maybe it’s the slower pace, but I can tell you this—I think Adelaide has the friendliest, most helpful people in all of Australia.

Okay, that’s enough for now—too many tears. I’ll drop you a line in a couple of weeks.

Much love, as always.

J