‘Fundamental to the way I am wired, is that I desire, deeply, to know people deeply. Likewise, I desire, deeply, to be known deeply…’

‘The unstoppable force being a deep passion and desire to be great, to be recognized for something, to achieve, to bring financial freedom and pride to my family. And the immovable object being an innate lack of initiative, having a persistent lethargic nature, and a very real lack of belief in myself.’

Though challenges persist, I diligently nurture my mental health by channelling my creativity each day. In this journey I’ve come to embrace not only who I truly am but also the excitement of what I can become in the future.

‘My identity was rooted in the unstable and fragile foundation of being ‘thin’ and therefore being attractive. I finally fit in, or so I thought. I needed constant validation, affirmation and praise to supplement the lack of self confidence and identity. I knew something needed to drastically change.’