Sydney

Last weekend I had the opportunity to go to Sydney to attend an event by the Wake Up project. The event was a speaker by the name of Brene Brown. I first discovered Brene when I was surfing YouTube for TED talks and stumbled across her lecture on 'The Power of Vulnerability'. I was in a pretty vulnerable place that night and, as I lay there in the dark, listening to her speak it was as though this message had been posted just for me. It was a turning point in my life and led me down a path of self discovery. I have been obsessed with the amazing Brene Brown ever since. Not in a "I want to wear your skin as a coat' kind of way but rather a "I'm going to spend $500 to get to Sydney and see her speak in person' kind of way.
I arrived in Sydney on Thursday and spent that night with my cousin Ellen and her hubby Reagan. I adore this couple. I adore how close I am with my extended family and felt our bond of love and friendship grow stronger as I spent time sharing food and laughter. They are a wonderful example of resilience and it was the perfect start to my short getaway.
The following evening I caught a train into the city to catch up with my childhood BFF Brooke. I had the added treat of a quick cuddle and love from my Aunty Chris and her daughters as we passed one another at the station and i swiftly met Noah (Ellen's son). He is adorable! When i arrived at the Central station i stood watching the human traffic pass me by and felt excited with the anticipation of seeing Brookey. We enjoyed a meal at Hard Rock Cafe in Darling Harbour and spent a good part laughing as we reminisced of days gone by. Our circumstances have both changed so much in the time that has passed. We are married now. We are mothers. But despite the time and differences we are still very much the same 10 year old girls at heart. It was such a nice reminder of true friendship. I was really happy that we caught up with Bethany and Leah after dinner at the Lindt cafe. We had fun and I felt connected to a part of myself that has been buried for such a special occasion as this. Reuniting with long time friends brings a special element to an evening.
After a night out on the town (haha) we went back to Brooke's (in her shagin' wagon over the Harbour Bridge) to crash for a few hours before I had to be up for another train ride to the Brene Brown event. The late night was worth the fatigue of the morning and my excitement at the lecture to come was fueling me as i woke at 5am. Brooke dropped me at the station a little while after that and I was fortunate to be able to see Laurel beforehand and briefly catch up with her over breakfast. I have always loved Laurel and was happy to see her again after so long.

The train ride to Chatswood took me a good hour but i enjoyed the peacefulness of that time. I had music playing through my head phones and nice views from the window (including the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge), plus anytime spent traveling without children in the back seems to be a treat these days. I made my way to the Theater and waited for the magic to happen. Before Brene came out we heard beautiful music from a local musician. His rendition of 'The lion sleeps Tonight' was blessed. Following this Jono came to the stage and led the audience in a meditation. I took the opportunity to really connect with where I was and I laid all external noise at my feet to pick up when I left. Brene was then introduced and took her home on the stage. She is a dynamic motivator. I wholehearted believe i was in the right place, at the right time, and witnessed a real life miracle happen in my life. the lecture was a gift. One that I am keeping close to my chest for fear I may lose it, drop it, break it. When the time came for Brene to finish the room stood an ushered her out with applause. Jono then led the good minute (time spent in silence to listen within for the message we wanted to take home) and then it was over. I came to the talk believing that I would learn something, but i never imagined the flow of knowledge would be so steady and so grand. I entered that theater with a heart so broken I was frightened it might never be patched up or able to hold all there was on offer. I left that theater grateful for the cracks that had allowed so much light to enter in. It silenced the noise at my feet and allowed me a graceful exit.

I cried throughout the presentation and spent the next hour walking around a Westfield shopping center (waiting for Claire) crying as waves of gratitude and understanding overwhelmed me.
Eventually Claire and I headed back to Bronte around midday. I spent that evening (which was my last in Sydney) with Claire and Jono and cannot think of anywhere else I would have wanted be. Claire & Jono are two of the most loving, inspired people I have ever met. They founded the Wake Up project. I am so grateful for their example of kindness and wholeheartedness.We spent the afternoon strolling around Bronte and the surrounding coastline to Bondi. Walking in the sunshine, my lungs filled with sea air, was the gentle hug I needed after such an emotional morning. The conversation and scenery was equally beautiful. That night we hired a movie, ate delicious homemade pumpkin soup with crackers and finished off with the most sensational Vegan Cheesecakes i have ever tasted in my life; Chocolate and Raspberry, Mojito, and Raw Vanilla Slice from "Earth to Table". I drifted to sleep that night with a belly and heart so full I was ready to meet my Maker. I will forever be grateful for the peace and contentment I left the East Coast with. Heading home to Perth the following morning was exciting. I missed Kent and my children so desperately, but i was so glad that i had taken the time to do this on my own. Coming home to them after some much needed healing was empowering and wonderful. I cannot thank Kent enough for this gift but i will spend the rest of my life showing him what i have learnt.